Would you be able to tell if your older family member needed care for a heart condition? You might think the signs would be obvious, but that’s not always the case. While chest pain is one of the major indicators of a heart condition, there are many other signs that can point to a problem. Knowing what some of them are could help you to determine that your aging relative needs to see a doctor. Below are some of the signs to watch for. 

Digestive Symptoms

A heart condition can cause digestive symptoms like nausea, heart burn, and stomach pain. Women are more likely than men to report these symptoms, which can occur during a heart attack. Now, that doesn’t mean that any time your older family member has a case of heart burn you should worry about their heart. It could simply be something they ate. However, don’t ignore these kinds of symptoms. Instead, pay attention to what else is going on with the older adult to determine if care is needed. 

Fatigue 

Is your aging relative more easily tired out these days? If so, it could be a sign of a heart problem. For example, if they didn’t have trouble climbing a flight of stairs before but now they do, they should report it to a doctor. Also, if they seem to be extremely tired for days at a time or experience unusual weakness, it’s important to see a doctor. 

Sudden Sweating 

If your older family member suddenly breaks out in a cold sweat, they could be having a heart attack. If a cold sweat is present along with other symptoms, call 911. 

Swollen Feet or Ankles 

When legs, feet, or ankles swell to the point where pressing them with a finger leaves an indent, your older family member may be experiencing heart failure. This means the heart isn’t able to pump as well as it should and blood pools in the lower extremities. Heart failure can also affect the kidneys, making it harder for them to efficiently remove fluid from tissues, which causes swelling. 

If your older family member is diagnosed with a heart condition, elderly care can assist them with managing the problem. Elderly care providers can remind the senior to take medications at the proper times. An elderly care provider can also prepare heart healthy meals and snacks. In addition, an elderly care provider can offer transportation to medical appointments to ensure the condition is monitored by a doctor. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elderly care services near Simpsonville, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.  Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas. 

Sources 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118 

https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/never-ignore-symptoms 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/5-overlooked-symptoms-that-may-signal-heart-trouble 

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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