Cardiovascular problems do not develop in every elderly patient. Although genetic structure is of great importance, it is seen that the cardiovascular structures of elderly people who eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly are quite healthy. In tests performed on many elderly people, it is seen that their heart performance is at the level of young people.
What is the prevalence of hypertension in older ages?
Although it varies depending on many factors, on average, 65% of people over the age of 65 have it. Hypertension develops in 75% of people aged 75 and over.
What causes lead to hypertension?
In general, 95% of the causes of hypertension are essential hypertension, that is, hypertension of unknown cause. These are thought to be due to genetic reasons. However, hypertension that develops due to aging is caused by a sedentary lifestyle, deterioration in kidney functions, and hardening of the aorta and artery walls.
Why should hypertension be kept under control?
Hypertension must be kept under control. Because hypertension is the trigger of the most vital problems such as heart attack, aortic rupture, brain hemorrhage and heart failure.
What should hypertension patients pay attention to?
Hypertension patients should first pay attention to their nutrition. With weight gain, blood pressure control deteriorates and it is necessary to increase the dose or number of medications. Additionally, excessive use of salt and fat should be avoided. Blood pressure patients with very high fat levels experience deterioration in their vascular and kidney functions. This makes blood pressure treatment difficult. Hypertension patients should exercise regularly, especially brisk walking. This reduces both the bad cholesterol level and vascular resistance.
Why is it important to reduce high cholesterol?
Thickening and hardness of the vascular wall increases due to high cholesterol. The fat load of the plaques on the vascular wall increases and they become ruptured very easily, which invites heart attack and stroke in patients with hypertension. It also brings deterioration in kidney functions to the agenda.
Which blood lipids should be checked regularly?
Total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, VLDL should be checked regularly in the blood.
Why is it important to try to keep cholesterol at a certain level?
Clinical studies have shown that reductions in LDL levels, which are known to be malignant fats, lead to significant reductions in the risk of heart attack or similar vascular problems. In addition to medication, regular exercise and eating habits are of great importance in this reduction. While these lower LDL, they also increase HDL, which is the benign cholesterol that removes fat from the vascular wall.
Is just eating healthy in old age enough to control cholesterol and hypertension?
Hypertension and high blood pressure. Although nutrition is very important in controlling fat, it is not sufficient. At these ages, medication is required to regulate blood pressure and lipid levels.
From what age, which tests and how often do you find it beneficial?
When deciding on the tests to be performed to evaluate cardiovascular diseases and their frequency, the patient's The decision is made according to age and risk factors. For people over the age of 40 who do not have blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, annual blood tests, heart x-ray (ECG) and chest x-ray will be sufficient. However, if a person has a family history, diabetes, blood pressure, high fat levels or obesity that increases the person's risk factors, it would be useful to evaluate annual stress tests, 6-month blood lipids and other blood tests after the age of 35. In elderly patients who cannot have a stress test, if there are complaints suggestive of heart disease, tomography coronary angiography can be performed in addition to routine examinations. If the risk of coronary artery disease is high, direct angiography can also be performed.
What do you recommend for the elderly to protect their cardiovascular health?
Stay away from smoking
Healthy diet
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Regular exercise, especially walking
Regulating mental health: with social and psychological support
Regular cardiovascular tests
Be sure to monitor your blood pressure closely. If your blood pressure is high, be sure to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Women are at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases. Why?
Coronary vascular disease is much more common in women under the age of 60 than in men. While it is less common, it becomes equal over the age of 60. The death rate after heart attack is much higher in women than in men. In addition, the death rate in women who had a stent placed after a heart attack was found to be higher than in men. It has been suggested that the most important reason for this is that female coronary arteries are thinner and their structure is more fragile.
Is it harmful for the elderly to have a sexual life in terms of cardiovascular health?
Continuing sexual life in elderly people It has a positive effect on cardiovascular health.
Bypass etc. Does sexual intercourse pose a risk for those who have had open heart surgery?
Bypass surgery itself does not pose a risk factor. It can be started approximately 1.5-2 months after the surgery. However, the most important problem here is whether the patient had a heart attack and lost a significant part of his heart performance before bypass surgery. There can be no restrictions on sexual activity in a patient who has undergone technically successful bypass surgery and whose heart functions are good.
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