Let’s Start Talking 2020: 

Hidden Signs We Need to Know When it Comes to Heart Health

We all know the typical signs of heart health such as shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, light-headedness, tiredness, pain in the left arm or jaw, and so on. However, are you aware of some signs that you don’t always hear about in the media? There are signs that you have issues with your heart that are not mainstream media discussion. 

5 Signs of Heart Health Issues You May Not Know:

• Snoring— When you fall into a deep sleep, do you snore like a train? Well, as relaxed as you may think you are, it could be dangerous to your heart health. Oftentimes when you sleep so hard, you could have a brief moment of not breathing. This is better known as Sleep Apnea.  Sleep Apnea is very common among men who are overweight and 65 years of age. However ladies, don’t be fooled. You too can have this and need to be aware how dangerous it is to your heart health. Time to figure out how to keep your heart healthy while sleeping. 

• Depression— If you have suffered a major trauma in life or struggle with depression, you need to talk to your doctor about how it affects your heart. Sometimes after a heart attack or stroke, we need a few months to get healthy mentally too. If this period of time continues too long, it can interfere with family relationships, medication compliance, and staying active and healthy. Hence, it all affects heart health. Keep social with friends to help you deal with depression and keep your heart healthy! 

• Poor Sleep Habits–Sleep–The essential element to rejuvenate the body and mind. However, if you have terrible sleeping habits it could be contributed to anxiety, diabetes, obesity, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure and stroke to name a few. What is the solution? Get rest. Plain and simple if you have poor sleeping habits talk to your doctor as it could be a big red flag your heart health is not the best. 

• Poor Dental Hygiene— Yes, you heard me right. By not flossing and brushing your teeth, it can not only lead to cavities and bad breath, but also lead to gum disease. If you gums are inflamed due to bacteria that causes periodontal disease, it is an issue. That same bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause hardening of the arteries and lead to major heart issues. So keep your smile and heart healthy and brush and floss daily!

• Leg Pain— Are your legs aching when you walk? This could be a sign that you are having trouble with circulation. Poor circulation could lead to heart disease. So what can you do to make your legs feel good and your heart stay healthy? Drink water, exercise, practice yoga, stretch, and brush your skin not just your hair are good starters for helping your circulation. Not to mention a healthy diet is always a plus.  If you are having leg pain and cramping often, talk with your doctor to get you moving and without pain. 

The above are some of the triggers of heart disease that you do not often hear about. Want to learn more about aging with grace and a healthy heart? Contact Ann at Senior Living Options. She will help guide you or your senior loved one to age with dignity.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.