What are the Early Signs of Heart Disease?

Even though the heart is one of the most important organs in the body, it most often does its job unnoticed. Year after year, our hearts pump blood through our bodies, providing every single one of our cells with the nutrients required to keep all our systems in order.  When the heart is healthy, we don’t think much about it. And despite the important role the heart plays in our overall health, most people don’t recognize the signs of heart problems when they develop.

In addition to making daily heart-healthy choices, it’s important to learn the types of heart conditions that can develop and become familiar their signs and symptoms.

Heart disease signs and symptoms

Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, includes a range of conditions that impede the heart’s ability to do its job. Some of the signs and symptoms of heart disease are easy to mistake or dismiss as run-of-the-mill discomforts or annoyances. For example, heartburn isn’t always a sign of heart disease, but when combined with neck pain, shortness of breath, and nausea, it could point to a serious heart problem. Take a look below at some of the types of heart conditions and their symptoms, and be sure to alert your doctor if you have any concerns.

Heart attack – A clot clogs blood flow to the heart.

Signs include:

• Neck pain

• Shortness of breath

• Heartburn

• Nausea

• Upper body discomfort

• Dizziness and lightheadedness

Congestive heart failure – The heart muscle is weakened.

Signs include:

• Shortness of breath

• Fluid build up in the lungs

• Fatigue

• Swelling in feet, legs, ankles, abdomen, and neck veins

Cardiac arrhythmia – Heart rhythms are abnormally slow, fast, or irregular.

Signs include:

• Heart palpitations

• Loss of consciousness

Valve problems – Valves are narrow, stiff, leaky, or otherwise faulty.

Signs include:

• Chest pain or palpitations

• Shortness of breath

• Lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

• Swollen ankles, feet, or abdomen

As noted, the individual signs and symptoms listed above won’t always point to heart disease, but if you experience extreme symptoms or combinations of symptoms, talk to your doctor.  The better care you take of your heart, the longer it can keep taking care of you.

Skilled nursing facility for heart disease treatment

If you have been hospitalized for a heart condition and require additional care after you’ve been discharged, Bella Vista Health Center can provide you with extended care in our 5-star skilled nursing facility. Our short-term rehabilitation program allows for individuals recovering from surgery, illness, or injury to recuperate in a comfortable, therapeutic environment. Every guest at Bella Vista is cared for by a team of medical specialists dedicated to helping facilitate a quick return to optimal health and independent living.  If you or someone you know is in need of cardiovascular rehabilitation, please give us a call at 619-644-1000 or stop by and see us in Lemon Grove.

What is Involved in a Cardiac Rehab Program?

For aging adults, surviving a life-threatening heart condition takes a tremendous toll – both physically and emotionally. When a person is discharged from the hospital following a heart attack or heart surgery, he or she may be referred to a cardiac rehab center for continued care. A cardiac rehab center bridges the gap between hospital and home, offering patients a therapeutic place to recover and learn about lifestyle changes that can improve their cardiovascular health. 

What is cardiac rehab?

Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program focused on helping cardiac patients recover from the physical trauma of a heart attack, heart surgery, or congestive heart failure. It also provides emotional and mental support during this difficult time, empowering patients to regain control over their own health. Cardiac rehab is a group effort, with a patient receiving encouragement from a full team of doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, plus family and friends. 

The goals of cardiac rehab are to increase a patient’s ability to carry out daily activities, implement lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors, and improve his or her quality of life. 

What is involved in a cardiac rehab program?

The first phase of cardiac rehabilitation occurs when you are still in the hospital. Soon after you stabilize, your medical team will assess your mobility and begin planning for discharge. You may be prescribed an assistive device to help you get around safely, and a social worker will speak with your family about your condition and the benefits of transitioning to a cardiac rehab center

After a patient is discharged and enters a cardiac rehab center, he or she will enter the second phase of rehabilitation. Phase two typically occurs in a skilled nursing facility and involves cardiac rehab exercises designed to improve your cardiac fitness. During this time, your cardiac rehabilitation team will keep a close watch on how exercise affects your heart. You will learn about how to monitor your heart rate during exercise and prepare for more independent activities.

In phase three, you will perform more independent and group cardiac rehab exercises designed to increase your exercise tolerance. Don’t worry; your physical therapist will be there to monitor any changes that come up. In addition to cardiac physical therapy, your healthcare team will provide education on lifestyle changes that can help prevent a future heart attack. Depending on the program, you may receive nutritional counseling, stress management strategies, tips for quitting smoking, and other advice for managing your risk factors. Individual and group psychotherapy offer immense support throughout this emotional time.

Phase four is called the maintenance phase. This phase typically occurs after you have returned home, and you become responsible for you own conditioning. While this phase is independent, your physical therapist will be available to prescribe new cardiac rehab exercises that will help you achieve optimal health and fitness.

Looking for a cardiac rehab center in San Diego?

At Bella Vista Health Center, our 5-star skilled nursing facility provides a safe, therapeutic space for patients to rehabilitate after a traumatic cardiac event. Our team of dedicated healthcare professionals includes doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and nutritionists, who will work together to develop a customized program of care to help you return to wellness. Give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or stop by our facility in Lemon Grove for a tour.    

How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Much like arthritis and loss of hearing, many seniors assume heart disease is just another risk that comes along with getting older. While the threat of heart disease does increase as a person matures, it doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of old age. In fact, there are quite a few lifestyle changes aging adults can make that will help keep their hearts healthy for years to come. 

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a term given to a group of different medical conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart. With time, the heart naturally loses some ability to keep up with demand, and plaque can build up along the artery walls. This condition, which is the most common form of heart disease among seniors, is called coronary artery disease. And once you get it, you’ll always have it.

Am I at risk for heart disease?

Certain traits and habits can affect your risk for developing heart disease. These are called “risk factors,” and the likelihood that you’ll develop coronary artery disease increases with the number of risk factors you have. If you are a smoker or have high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure, you are at a greater risk for heart disease. Seniors who are overweight or obese, have an unhealthy diet, and suffer from stress are also at risk. 

If you have any of these risk factors, don’t panic. These are all traits and habits you can change to keep your heart healthy and reduce your chances of developing heart disease.

How to reduce the risk of heart disease

1. Quit smoking. This is easier said than done, but if you smoke it’s important to try to quit. Smoking puts you at greater risk for heart disease than other risk factors. If you’re having trouble, ask your doctor for information on products and therapies that can help.
2. Improve your cholesterol levels. You are more likely to get heart disease if your total cholesterol level is over 200 and your triglyceride levels are over 150. To help lower your cholesterol, eat a healthy diet high in nutritious fruits and vegetables and low in salt, saturated fat, and refined sugar.
3. Stay active. As we age, exercise can become more of a challenge. But that’s all the more reason to get up and move! Seniors with a Body Mass Index over 25 are considered overweight and have a greater risk for heart disease. Achieve a healthy weight by working your way up to 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.
4. Minimize stress. A small amount of stress is inevitable, but too much stress can greatly contribute to your risk for heart disease. Lower your chances by finding healthy outlets to relieve stress such as yoga, knitting, listening to music, quiet mediation, or cuddling with your pet.

We can help

At Bella Vista Health Center, our extensive menu of services will help you succeed on your heart-healthy journey. All residents are provided nutritious meals, have access to on-site doctors and dieticians, can stay active with yoga classes, and relieve stress in our meditation center. We even host companion pet visits from the San Diego Humane Society and Love on a Leash to give residents the added health benefits of interacting with animals.

We have everything you need to be your healthiest and happiest at our five-star facility in Lemon Grove. Give us a call today to schedule your visit.