Early treatment gives heart attack survivors the best possible prognosis. Being aware of the silent signs of a heart attack helps you ensure your aging loved one receives prompt medical attention during this serious health emergency. Here are a few tips for identifying the silent signs of a heart attack.
Be Wary of Unusual Fatigue
People with heart conditions frequently report feeling unusually lethargic. Persistent lethargy occurs because restricted blood flow to the heart generates stress on the body that manifests as exhaustion. Many people dismiss this fatigue as simply having an off day or coming down with a cold. Although there can be many reasons for unusual fatigue, this symptom should always be treated seriously.
Older adults living with serious health issues can benefit from professional in-home care. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Watch Out for Pain in the Arm, Back, or Shoulders
Heart attacks tend to be portrayed in the media as someone clutching his or her chest or arm in agony. While a crushing pain in the chest is a common symptom of a heart attack, your loved one may experience more subtle pain signals. Due to the proximity of the nerves in the upper part of the body, pain from a heart attack can be felt in the arms, upper back, and shoulders. The pain can also be in the form of general soreness that won’t go away.
Be Concerned about Shortness of Breath
A senior who is fit and active will notice when he or she is suddenly out of breath. Naturally, your loved one may feel a little breathless when exerting him or herself more than normal. However, heart attacks reduce the amount of oxygen that gets to the rest of the body. When this happens, your parent may seem breathless for no reason.
Don’t Assume Nausea Is Normal
Heart attack symptoms sometimes appear as gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain are especially common in women who are experiencing heart attacks. While it might seem silly to reach out to a physician over a bout of nausea, it’s better to err on the side of caution, especially if your loved one doesn’t have other symptoms of a stomach virus or gastrointestinal illness.
By making a few healthy lifestyle choices, seniors can keep heart attacks at bay. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care. Barrie Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Listen to Your Inner Voice
Many survivors report having a sense of impending doom prior to their heart attacks. When something is wrong with the body, a person’s mind often picks up on the fact long before being fully conscious of what is happening. If your loved one describes feeling as though something isn’t right or you’re unable to let go of a feeling that he or she is acting strange, listen to what your inner voice is telling you. Heart attacks can be diagnosed with a few simple tests that can either allay your fears or ensure your loved one gets prompt treatment that saves his or her life.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Barrie, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 647-970-3803 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.