However heart failure It affects people of all ages and is considered a leading cause of hospitalization and death. senior citizen. Experts point out the following: Penetration Heart failure tends to increase with age, and other age-related diseases and problems make it difficult to treat. cardiovascular diseaseFunctional abilities such as , kidney function, and gastrointestinal function tend to decline. Studies show that the incidence of heart failure increases nearly 10 to 12 times in people aged 80 to 90 years.

heart failure in the elderly

Heart failure can be defined as a medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, resulting in an insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues in the body. This is one of the many heart-related issues that affect individuals. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease has increased significantly, with a reported prevalence of diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD) of 29.4% in people aged 45 years and older. This proportion increased with age, starting at 22% in the 45-54 age group and reaching 38% in those 70 and older.
Heart failure is a condition that tends to affect an individual’s overall health because it also affects other functions of the body. For example, heart failure can damage the liver and kidneys. People who suffer from this condition not only suffer physically but also mentally. This is especially true for older people. Factors that cause heart failure include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high blood pressure, drug and tobacco intake, kidney disease, and diabetes.
To establish the diagnosis and subsequent treatment, it is important to recognize the following symptoms of heart failure:
Malaise: Fatigue is a common complaint among older people. But it’s not just related to aging. It is often associated with decreased cardiac output and is therefore the primary symptom.
difficulty breathing: Dyspnea is a situation in which you feel like you are running out of air. This is an important symptom of heart failure, especially in older people.
Persistent cough and wheezing: A persistent cough is often accompanied by pink phlegm.
Decrease in physical activity: For some people, reduced exercise intolerance, even with regular physical activity, is a common symptom of heart failure.
Other symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and irritability are some of the common symptoms of heart failure in older people.

Factors contributing to worsening heart failure

Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This increases the risk of heart failure.
Non-adherence to prescribed medications: If you forget to take your medications or do not take them as prescribed by your doctor, your symptoms may worsen.
Excessive intake of sodium: A Diets high in sodium tend to worsen heart failure symptoms because they can cause fluid retention.
Lifestyle choices: Significant lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive consumption of alcohol are certain factors that contribute to the development of this condition.
Side effects of other medications: Medications that an individual may be taking for other health-related issues can have the following effects: heart function. Therefore, the risk of heart failure may increase.

Treatment of heart failure in the elderly

Heart failure is treated with a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication. However, some patients, especially older people, may need additional treatment options, especially if they have had a previous heart attack. These options include:

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD): Heart transplantation is not considered an appropriate option for older people, especially after age 70. LVADs, on the other hand, are mechanical pumps implanted to increase blood circulation. LVADs may serve as a long-term solution when transplantation is not feasible. These devices are especially suitable for people in their 80s.
Monitoring fluid/sodium intake: Maintaining a healthy diet with a balanced intake of fluids and sodium has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of heart failure.
Psychological support: Extend psychological and emotional support elderly patients Helps improve overall quality of life.
Regular check-up: Regular examinations help adjust the treatment plan based on the individual’s response to the treatment process.
As cases of heart-related diseases increase, it has become extremely important to understand their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available to treat the condition. This is especially true for elderly heart failure patients, as diagnosis and treatment become relatively difficult as age increases. This is because many other age-related problems tend to overlap with heart failure, resulting in the main symptoms and factors that cause heart failure being ignored.