Coronary Artery Disease Treatment Options for Seniors: What to Know
.jpg)
Treatment for seniors with coronary artery disease (CAD) involves lifestyle changes, medications, and procedures influenced by frailty and comorbidities.
The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly increases with age, with nearly a quarter of US seniors, aged 75 and older, reporting having it, compared to much lower rates in younger adults, according to JMIR Publications.
CAD is the narrowing and hardening of the coronary arteries, primarily caused by the buildup of plaque. The condition restricts oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to chest pain, heart attacks, or heart failure.
Coronary artery disease treatment differs for seniors due to age-related bodily changes, chronic conditions, and the medications they may be taking, which can affect the drugs used to treat the condition and increase the risks of side effects. This necessitates personalized care that focuses on risks versus benefits, functional status, and quality of life. Basic treatment protocols typically involve lifestyle changes such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and stress reduction.
The exclusive senior lifestyle programs available at Parkview in Frisco facilitate the behavioral shift necessary to live healthier by providing nutritious meals daily and activities that promote holistic wellness in senior living. Seniors can also take advantage of the fitness classes and outdoor activities offered by the city's vibrant adult center.
What is CAD in Seniors?
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) states that most seniors have chronic conditions; around 93% of those aged 65 and older have at least one, and nearly 79% have two or more. Two of the most common chronic conditions for adults in this age group are high blood pressure and cholesterol.
These, along with smoking, can damage the inner walls of the heart's arteries, triggering inflammation and fatty streak formation, leading to plaque buildup. This restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, causing plaque to rupture and clotting to occur at the rupture site. If the clot completely blocks the artery, it could lead to a heart attack.
Symptoms of coronary artery disease can include:
- Atypical angina (chest pain)
- Feeling pressure or squeezing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, or back
The condition is usually diagnosed by assessing symptoms and doing various tests, including a stress test or angiography. Treatment for older adults is typically personalized based on the patient's medical history and lifestyle factors.
How Do You Treat CAD in the Elderly?
Prompt intervention helps manage the progression of CAD before complications become severe or fatal. They may include the following:
Lifestyle Modifications
Coronary artery disease treatment typically begins with lifestyle modifications that include:
- A heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables
- Regular exercise tailored to mobility, such as walking programs
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation
Although underutilized in seniors, cardiac rehabilitation, a medically supervised program of exercise, education, and support for people recovering from heart conditions or heart surgery, has numerous benefits. It can help boost physical function and mental health, while reducing hospitalizations.
Medication Options
Aging and heart disease are closely linked, with age-related changes in the heart and vessels increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular health issues. In addition to lifestyle management, physicians may prescribe medications to treat CAD, improve blood flow, reduce the risk of clotting, and ease the heart's workload. These may include:
- Statins: to lower cholesterol
- Antiplatelets: to prevent clotting
- Beta-blockers: to reduce the heart's workload
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs: for blood pressure control
- Nitrates: for symptom relief
They may also consider prescribing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for atrial fibrillation patients, which are standard for preventing strokes.
Invasive Treatments
Invasive treatments may become necessary when lifestyle changes and medications fail or when blockages occur. Common invasive options include percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which involves placing a balloon and then a stent to open the artery. This method is less invasive than the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure.
CABG is reserved for severe or complex CAD; it creates new pathways for blood flow to the heart muscle. Guidelines support CABG in all ages if the benefits outweigh risks, though it is less frequently utilized in seniors due to higher overall risks.
Endarterectomy, a surgery that removes fatty plaque buildup from the inner lining of an artery, or transplants are last resorts.
Risks, Monitoring, and Outlook
The senior-specific risks involved in CAD medications may include side effects or drug interactions. More invasive procedures may have complications.
Critical considerations include multidisciplinary care and proper follow-up. Prognosis improves with optimal therapy, including rehab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angioplasty Safe for an 80-Year-Old?
Angioplasty is generally safe and beneficial for an 80-year-old, though risks increase based on the individual's overall health, frailty, and other conditions. Modern techniques, experienced centers, and careful patient selection have significantly improved outcomes, making it a viable treatment option, especially for managing blockages. Some older adults without severe frailty benefit greatly from angioplasty, sometimes more than from medication alone.
How to Prevent Arteries From Getting Blocked?
To prevent arteries from getting blocked, adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle: eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein, while limiting saturated/trans fats, sugar, and salt. Get at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly, quit smoking, manage stress, stay hydrated, and control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Doctor-prescribed medications may be necessary if results through diet and exercise are limited, but continue them as they reduce plaque buildup and improve circulation.
What Removes Plaque From Arteries?
To remove or reduce arterial plaque, you can use lifestyle changes, medications, or medical procedures for severe blockages. A combination of statins and lifestyle adjustments often helps to stabilize and/or reverse the progression of plaque.
Supporting Heart Health with Effective Coronary Artery Disease Treatment for Seniors
Coronary artery disease treatment for seniors focuses on personalized strategies that consider age-related factors. It first requires optimal senior heart care, which revolves around lifestyle modifications, including a healthier diet, physical exercise, and weight management.
All three are possible at Frisco's premier senior living location, Parkview in Frisco. We not only offer residents a vibrant retirement community, but our Sensations Dining ensures they have healthy meals daily, while our Dimension Health & Wellness takes care of their physical, medical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We also cover their social and intellectual needs with our fun Celebrations Activities & Events.
Schedule a tour today to experience our exclusive lifestyle programs!