When you or a loved one is diagnosed with coronary heart disease, it can feel frightening or overwhelming. Knowing the facts about this disease may help calm your stress. Getting home health care for this condition, whether recently diagnosed or having lived with this condition for years, can help you effectively manage symptoms and get the support you need. Let’s explore some common facts about coronary heart disease and how home health care can help.
Active Home Health Care Offers at Home Care for Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease involves lifestyle changes, possible medications, and possible surgery depending on the severity of the disease to manage symptoms and live an active lifestyle. Active Home Health Care’s knowledgeable team can create a personal plan to help you manage your disease and mitigate associated risks. Read on for specific examples and care.
What is coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD) or ischemic heart disease, occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become partially or fully blocked by cholesterol and plaque buildup. The heart does not receive enough oxygen-enriched blood and works harder to get what it needs. It is the most common type of heart disease in the U.S. and can develop slowly over time.
What are the symptoms of coronary heart disease?
Symptoms differ for each patient, but the most common is chest pain or discomfort, known as angina. Some experience angina only when the heart is beating hard, like when they are exercising or feeling strong emotions. Women often feel a brief, sharp neck, back, or arm pain. Chest pain is usually in the center or left of the chest and is sometimes likened to a person standing on your chest. Other patients experience shortness of breath or fatigue.
Many patients have no symptoms and do not know they have CAD until they experience a heart attack or heart failure. In the case of either, you must obtain medical help immediately. The signs of a heart attack can include:
- Crushing chest pain or pressure
- Weakness or fatigue
- Light-headedness
- Nausea
- Cold sweat
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, shoulder, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath
How do you treat coronary heart disease?
Lifestyle changes that increase your physical health and activity will significantly reduce the effects of coronary heart disease. You can also treat CAD by effectively controlling diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat, which can require medication prescribed by your doctor. Some cases require surgery to help restore blood flow to the heart.
What are the risk factors for coronary heart disease?
There are risk factors for coronary artery disease, including:
- Age: Older people are generally more at risk for CAD.
- Gender: Men are at greater risk for CAD. Women have a higher risk for CAD after menopause.
- Health Conditions: certain conditions have a greater risk for CAD, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Weight: Being overweight increases your chance of CAD.
- Lifestyle: An unhealthy diet, long periods of unresolved stress, lack of physical activity, and smoking all increase the risk of CAD.
- Family History: If you have close relatives who were diagnosed with CAD at an earlier age, you are also at greater risk for CAD.
What lifestyle changes may help with coronary artery disease?
Fortunately, you can often effectively treat coronary heart disease with lifestyle changes such as:
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and sodium.
- Increasing your physical activity by moving more, walking, and exercising.
- Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Quitting smoking.
- Managing stress well and getting enough sleep each night.
Can a home health company help treat coronary heart disease?
A home healthcare company is an excellent way to help treat coronary heart disease. Registered nurses can check on blood pressure and cholesterol and help manage medications. Your home healthcare team can follow up on your lifestyle changes and help encourage and design healthy food plans, exercise plans, and more.
Choose a Home Health Care Company you Trust for Coronary Heart Disease Treatment
Active Home Health, Hospice, & Personal Care is an experienced, Utah-based home health care team that creates custom plans and support for your coronary heart disease. At Active Home Health Utah, we communicate, observe, assess, teach, and train to help you manage CAD from the comfort of your home and encourage an active, healthier lifestyle. Contact us today for more information on how we can help serve you!
