Older adults suffering from heart disease could become healthier and more independent if they increase the amount of time they spend being active.
The research, conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), was published in the journal Circulation. It found that physical activity can help reduce symptoms associated with heart failure, heart attacks and stroke. It can also improve their strength and balance, reducing the onset of frailty.
"Many healthcare providers are focused only on the medical management of diseases, such as heart failure, heart attacks, valvular heart disease and strokes, without directly focusing on helping patients maximize their physical function," said Daniel E. Forman, MD, a geriatric cardiologist and a member of the AHA, in a statement. “Yet, after a heart attack or other cardiac event, most patients also want to regain physical capacity and confidence to maintain their independence and quality of life, such as the ability to lift a grocery bag and to carry it to their car.”
The study comes out at a time when the number of Americans who are 65 and older is expected to double between now and 2050.
Other side effects associated with older adults with heart disease include weight loss, exhaustion and slowness. But combating these symptoms with regular activity could come in handy in the event of heart attack. Seniors would be better equipped to help themselves and call for medical attention.
"Emphasizing physical function as a fundamental part of therapy can improve older patients' quality of life and their ability to carry out activities of daily living,” Forman said. “Patients in their 70s, 80s and older can benefit.”
Forman suggests older patients practice tai chi and yoga, aerobic exercises that can help build strength and balance. Engaging in heart healthy habits could also reduce a patient's number of medications.
"By the time they're 75, about half of cardiac patients are taking more than 10 medications, and they can have cumulative effects that are uncertain and which can be debilitating," Forman said. "We really have to talk to patients and weigh the benefits versus the risk of each medication, especially if they seem to be contributing to a lower level of physical function."
Senior Writer
As a Senior Writer for TriMed Media Group, Katherine primarily focuses on producing news stories, Q&As and features for Cardiovascular Business. She reports on several facets of the cardiology industry, including emerging technology, new clinical trials and findings, and quality initiatives among providers. She is based out of TriMed's Chicago office and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago. Her work has appeared in Modern Healthcare, Crain's Chicago Business and The Detroit News. She joined TriMed in 2016.