Dallas seniors who want to learn how to check heart health should familiarize themselves with three crucial numbers: pulse rate, blood pressure levels, and waist size. If they know these metrics' "healthy" targets, they can compare them with their own numbers and stay on top of their heart wellness.
Senior heart screening is especially crucial as older adults are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Indeed, data from Statista shows that in 2024, an estimated 15.3% of people 65+ have received a coronary heart disease (CHD) diagnosis.
The caring team at The Bentley Senior Living, our retirement community in Dallas, TX, a city famed for its "affordable-for-a-big-city" living and diverse senior activities, will share healthy aging tips and insights into the key figures related to heart wellness.
Seniors can tell if they have optimal heart health and are experiencing overall healthy aging by having the right "numbers" (which we'll explain in more detail later). Another is not getting tired too quickly or experiencing pain while performing physical wellness activities.
Seniors with a healthy heart are also more likely to lead a healthy lifestyle (e.g., eating well, moving without problems, and not smoking). They feel socially connected and fulfilled, too. They're less likely to feel isolated, lonely, or have severe mental health concerns.
Heart disease comes in many forms, including coronary artery disease (CAD), arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy. They share similar symptoms, but they also have distinct signs. Awareness of these indications can help seniors in Dallas gauge if they have an unhealthy heart.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease (CAD), affects one in 20 adults aged 20 and older.
If you or a senior loved one experiences the following, it may be a sign of CAD:
Arrhythmias are problems with the heart's rate, rhythm, or beat. It can present as:
In some cases, chest pain and shortness of breath may also occur.
Arrhythmias could be due to stress and caffeine, but if they're persistent, they may signal problems with the heart's electrical system.
Cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting the heart muscle, causes the heart to struggle to pump blood to the rest of the body. It can cause symptoms like:
While cardiomyopathy may not be as prevalent as CAD, it still affects an estimated 1 in 500 adults, according to the U.S. CDC.
Seniors in Dallas can check their heart health by monitoring their resting pulse/heart rate. They should also note their blood pressure and waist circumference.
According to the American Heart Association, the typical (normal) resting heart rate for most adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Dallas seniors can check their pulse rate by using dedicated pulse monitors or wearables like smartwatches. Alternatively, they can perform the simple manual method of palpating the carotid (neck) or radial (wrist) artery with the fingers:
It's also best to conduct the test after about 5 minutes of being at rest, unstressed.
Seniors' blood pressure goals should be to keep levels below 120/80. According to Harvard Health, the latest guidelines categorize this as the "normal" blood pressure range.
Monitoring blood pressure levels is easy with inexpensive, validated blood pressure monitors for home use.
Waist circumference indicates heart health since the larger it is, the more visceral fat a person has. Visceral fat is dangerous and can increase one's risk for:
Seniors can quickly measure their (bare) waist with a tape measure. Ideally, it should be under 35" for women and less than 40" for men, as reported by Today.com.
Visceral fat is a type of fat that forms deep within the belly. It wraps around organs and releases harmful substances into the bloodstream. It also interferes with insulin, a critical hormone whose role is to regulate blood glucose (sugar), leading to or exacerbating diabetes.
Yes, there are simple, FDA-approved finger-prick kits that seniors can use for cholesterol checks at home. However, professionals should still be the ones to interpret the results.
Professional lab tests are also typically better, as they provide more accurate and comprehensive results and insights.
As much as possible, seniors should engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Examples include brisk walking, dancing, and gardening.
Just as vital is to build meals around heart-healthy food options, such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats (e.g., olive oil, avocado oil, and omega-3s). Minimizing intake of alcohol, caffeine, added sugars, and salt can also do the heart wonders.
For seniors wanting to know how to check heart health at home, remember that you can monitor resting heart rates with wearable tech or manual testing, check blood pressure levels with home monitors, and keep an eye on waist sizes with tape measures.
At The Bentley Senior Living, we promote optimal heart and overall health in our residents by giving them access to hearty and heart-healthy meals prepared by our culinary team. We also encourage them to exercise and socialize regularly through our dynamic calendar of stimulating activities and events.
Give us a call today to learn more about and book a tour of our senior living community in Dallas, TX!