Managing Heart Health: Checkups, Advancements, and Medication Safety for Seniors
As we age, keeping our hearts healthy requires more than just routine checkups—it’s about staying informed on the latest advancements in cardiology and managing medications safely. In this blog, we explore how often seniors should have their hearts checked, the latest diagnostic tools that can detect issues early, and the importance of medication oversight to prevent harmful interactions. Whether you're a senior or a caregiver, these insights will help you navigate heart health with confidence and peace of mind.
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Is there a baseline for heart health checkups?
In other words, how often should people, especially those over 65, get their heart checked? Is that annually or biannually?
I think at a minimum, it should be annual, particularly when you reach age 65. There is some controversy over how often someone should have a checkup, but by the time you reach 65, you should be seeing your doctor at least once a year.
If any issues are found—such as high blood pressure or cholesterol—more frequent visits may be necessary. Even if you feel fine, an annual checkup is essential to catch potential concerns early.
What advances in cardiology have improved heart health outcomes for seniors?
One of the greatest advances is the availability of promotional coronary CT scans, which can be done at a reasonable cost without a doctor’s referral. These scans check for calcium buildup in the arteries and can indicate the need for further evaluation by a cardiologist. If necessary, additional tests like a treadmill stress test can help detect potential blockages that may be threatening the heart muscle.
These scans are also beneficial because they can reassure both the patient and doctor that there are no acute obstructing lesions, or that any calcium buildup present is not a cause for concern.
Another major advancement is the echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart similar to the type used during pregnancy. This allows doctors to assess valve structure, heart wall motion, and any signs of weakening in the heart muscle.
Getting a regular EKG is helpful, but it may not always be enough. That’s why additional tests, like blood work, stress tests, and CT scans, are sometimes necessary to get a full picture of heart health.
How can seniors safely manage multiple prescriptions, especially when receiving home health care?
Many seniors take multiple medications for heart health and other conditions, which can be challenging to manage. This issue, known as polypharmacy, is a growing concern for doctors, caregivers, and patients alike.
Often, multiple doctors prescribe different medications with good intentions, but there needs to be oversight to ensure that all prescriptions are safe to take together. Some medications may interact negatively, and certain prescriptions might not be necessary if a patient is already taking something similar.
For example, I had a patient with chronic kidney disease who was under the care of both a kidney specialist and myself. When he was admitted to a nursing home after a fall, a physician there prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug that was harmful to his kidneys. His family wasn’t aware of the risk, and neither was he. When he returned to me, I had to remind him that this medication was dangerous for him to take.
This highlights the importance of communication between all caregivers, including doctors, nurses, and family members. There needs to be one primary physician overseeing a patient’s medications to prevent harmful interactions or unnecessary prescriptions.
Another example is a patient who was taking over-the-counter Advil for knee pain. He didn’t realize that Advil, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), could cause stomach ulcers. Unfortunately, he developed an ulcer that led to emergency surgery. Thankfully, he received treatment in time, but it could have been fatal.
This is a concern for all healthcare providers—just because a medication is available over the counter does not mean it is safe for every patient. That’s why it’s crucial for caregivers, nurses, and family members to regularly review medications with the patient’s doctor.
Every time a patient visits their doctor, nurse, or nurse practitioner, their medications—both prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs—should be reviewed. Patients should not only share the medications prescribed by their doctor but also any vitamins, supplements, or OTC medications they are taking. Regular medication reviews can prevent harmful drug interactions and ensure the safest possible care.