The importance of heart health in senior patients

February is American Heart Month, but it’s important for people – especially older adults – to focus on good heart health all year long.

American Heart Month has been recognized annually since 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation. It calls attention to a disease that continues to be the No. 1 killer of Americans. Heart disease is the greatest health threat in our country and the leading cause of death worldwide.

The Good Samaritan Society – as an affiliate of Sanford Health – is here to partner with you in making sure your patients get the care they need for good heart health.

Heart and vascular screenings

When it comes to identifying problems early, there is no better resource for older adults than heart and vascular screenings.

“While the screenings are similar, they’re also very different,” says Alexa Reynolds, lead exercise physiologist at Sanford Health’s Center for Screening in Fargo, North Dakota.

A heart screening looks at the risk for coronary heart disease and a vascular screening is essentially an ultrasound of a patient’s arteries in their neck, abdominal aorta and legs.

“We have vascular techs looking for any risk of stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, varicose veins and reflux,” she states.

Although the screenings are different, they’re equally important.

“Your risk of heart attack and stroke kind of go hand in hand. In some cases, if you have calcium buildup in the heart, you most likely have plaque somewhere else in your body as well,” Alexa says.

She mentions that as people grow older, calcium naturally builds in their arteries. This makes yearly screenings even more important.

Maintaining heart health

Along with screenings, the Society emphasizes the importance of exercise and a healthy diet for residents.

“As people age, their risk of heart and vascular disease continues to increase,” says Rochelle Rindels , MSN, vice president of nursing and clinical services for the Good Samaritan Society.

Each Society location focuses on heart health with its dietary programs, activities and rehab therapy services .

“We have registered dietitians and certified dietary managers that ensure that each resident’s diet follows their needs and preferences,” says Rochelle. “Our activities department offers many different kinds of exercises that are engaging for residents, both physically and socially.”

Rehab therapy teams can also work with cardiac rehab patients who come for short stays after a heart event to make sure they’re maintaining their health.

For more information on our services and to learn how to refer a patient, visit the Referral Partners page on our website.