Most people are aware of certain signs of heart disease, like chest pain, but there are many signs that are more subtle. In fact, some signs may even surprise you. Below are 6 lesser-known signs that your parent could have heart disease.

#1: Sleep Apnea

People who have sleep apnea usually snore loudly and periodically stop breathing during sleep, then start again a moment later. This reduces the amount of oxygen to the brain, which then tells the heart to work harder. Sleep apnea is a known risk factor for arrhythmia, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure.

#2: Swollen Feet

When the heart doesn’t work well, it can cause fluid to build up in the lower legs and feet. Excess fluid causes swelling.

#3: Dark Spots in Fingernails

If you notice dark spots on your aging relative’s fingernails and they haven’t hurt their finger recently, it may be a sign of an infection in the heart. Diabetes can also cause blood spots under the nails. Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease.

#4: Feeling Dizzy

Being dizzy can be a sign that the brain isn’t getting enough blood, which could mean that the heart isn’t pumping efficiently. It could be a sign of arrhythmia, heart failure, or even a heart attack.

#5: Netlike Pattern on the Skin

You may sometimes see a pattern of veins on the senior’s arms that looks something like a net. This can be caused by feeling cold. If that’s the case, it should go away when the person warms up. There are also some medications that can cause it. If the pattern is caused by either of those things, it’s nothing to worry about. However, if it isn’t, it can be a sign that there is a blockage in a small artery. If left untreated, it can lead to tissue damage and harm organs.

#6: Fatigue

If your older family member complains of feeling tired all the time, it could be because of heart failure. If the heart doesn’t pump well, the body doesn’t get all the oxygen and nutrients it needs to feel energized.

If your parent is diagnosed with heart disease, elder care can help them to better manage the condition. Elder care providers can prepare healthy meals that improve health and protect the heart. They can even prepare foods that could help overweight seniors to lose excess weight. Elder care providers can also encourage older adults to be more physically active. They could go for walks with them, drive them to exercise classes, or just help them to be more active at home.

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ss/slideshow-heart-diesase-clues
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/other-conditions/heart-disease-warning-signs

If you are considering elder care in Bedford, VA for an aging loved one, please talk to the caring staff at Acti-Kare of Blue Ridge. Call 888-451-5273. Our office provides senior care and home care services in the following locations including Blue Ridge, Lynchburg, Salem, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, and Bedford in Virginia.