Seniors in Columbus, GA, should know that several types of coronary artery disease (CAD) exist, two of the most common being obstructive (OCAD) and non-obstructive (NOCAD). There’s also a rare form, known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).
Older adults should familiarize themselves with CAD, a form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), as the risk of developing heart disease in aging increases. As explained by a study published in Oxford Academic, CVD becomes more prevalent with age.
Considering this disease is widespread and can be life-threatening if left unmanaged, understanding it better should be a top priority for older adults, as awareness is critical to treating, preventing, and managing CAD.
TerraBella Riverplace, our independent living community nestled in Columbus, GA, a vibrant city known for its affordability and retiree-focused amenities, will share insights into CAD and coronary care tips for seniors.
Is Coronary Artery Disease Curable?
No. Experts have yet to find a cure for coronary artery disease.
Fortunately, CAD is highly manageable and treatable, allowing seniors diagnosed with this heart condition to lead long, healthy, and happy lives.
How Do People Get CAD?
People develop coronary artery disease primarily due to atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis happens when plaque accumulates in and on the walls of the coronary (heart) arteries. Plaque consists of fats, cholesterol, and other harmful substances.
Plaque causes the coronary arteries to narrow (stenosis). Narrowed arteries block blood flow, limiting nutrients and oxygen that reach the heart and the other parts of the body.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, despite being unaware they have the condition, atherosclerosis impacts about half of people between 45 and 84 years old in America.
What Are the Types of Coronary Artery Disease?
Among the most common types of coronary artery disease are obstructive CAD and non-obstructive CAD. Spontaneous CAD is another form, but unlike OCAD and NOCAD, it’s due to a torn artery wall, not plaque build-up.
Obstructive Coronary Disease
Obstructive coronary artery disease refers to CAD in which plaque formation significantly narrows and blocks the heart’s arteries.
Medical News Today says that in people with OCAD, the build-up is often greater than 70%. It’s this percentage that sets it apart from NOCAD. With NOCAD, the plaque formation only blocks under 50% of the affected artery.
Individuals with OCAD may or may not experience symptoms. In those who do, signs may include:
- Angina (chest pain that feels like heaviness, pressure, or tightness)
- Pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, arms, or back
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained anxiety or nervousness
Columbus seniors should be aware that CAD, particularly OCAD, can cause heart attacks, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Therefore, they should never ignore the above symptoms and call 911 instead.
Non-Obstructive Coronary Disease
In people with non-obstructive coronary artery disease, the plaque formation doesn’t cause a drastic blockage in the blood flow. Still, it can lead to issues like:
- Spasms
- Microvascular disease (dysfunction of the tiny vessels)
- Myocardial bridging (squeezing of the arteries)
As with OCAD, individuals with NOCAD may or may not experience symptoms.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Disease
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection refers to a rare condition in which a sudden tear in the coronary artery wall occurs.
The tear creates a “false” channel, allowing blood to pool and block the blood flow. It can cause heart attacks, particularly in younger women without the same risk factors typical of OCAD and NOCAD.
SCAD shares similar symptoms with the other types of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain, arm and jaw pain, and shortness of breath. Anyone who experiences these indications should call 911 ASAP.
How Can Seniors Manage Coronary Artery Disease?
Managing CAD involves a combination of healthy lifestyle modifications and medications. Here are some strategies for better heart health for seniors living in Columbus, GA.
Eating for the Heart
Adopting a nutritious and delicious heart-healthy diet should be a top priority for Columbus seniors, whether they have CAD or not. By eating with the heart in mind, older adults can manage existing heart woes or reduce their risk of developing or progressing.
A heart-healthy diet is:
- Low in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats (e.g., saturated and trans fats)
- Packed with fresh fruits and vegetables
- Focuses on whole grains
- Builds around lean proteins
Managing Weight by Moving More
Managing weight is just as crucial, which Columbus seniors can achieve with a proper diet combined with regular physical wellness activities.
Here at TerraBella Riverplace, we’re proud to offer our residents a dynamic calendar of daily activities and events designed to move the body and engage the mind. Seniors can also enjoy outdoor exercise by visiting nature areas like Chattahoochee RiverWalk and Columbus Botanical Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Stress Cause CAD?
Stress alone doesn’t cause coronary artery disease, but it’s a significant contributor.
Chronic (long-term) stress can trigger inflammation and raise cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Over time, these issues can damage the linings of the artery.
Stress can also “prompt” individuals to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and poor diet are some examples, all of which can increase a person’s likelihood of developing CAD and other chronic diseases.
What Are Specific Treatments for CAD?
Seniors with CAD will likely have to take medicines designed to treat the risk factors associated with their condition. Examples include medication for hypertension (high blood pressure), irregular heartbeats, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
For more severe cases (e.g., there’s a significant blockage and medications and lifestyle changes are not enough), older adults may have to undergo medical procedures. Depending on the severity, they may have to get angioplasty and stenting or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Live Satisfactorily Even With CAD
Although all types of coronary artery disease, whether OCAD, NOCAD, or SCAD, can be dangerous and life-threatening, they’re highly treatable and manageable. With lifestyle changes, prescription medications, and in some cases, specialized procedures, seniors can lead happy, fulfilling lives, even with CAD.
At TerraBella Riverplace, our residents’ heart health and overall well-being are always top priorities, which is why our Columbus, GA, community offers independent living with access to supportive services. We combine this with exclusive senior living programs, including nutritious meal plans and daily activities that engage the body and mind.
Speak with us today to learn more and book a tour of our warm and welcoming retirement village!
