What Are The Common Chronic Diseases In Older Ages?

No matter how well we watch our lifestyles, illnesses and diseases are inevitable. The risks of developing specific chronic conditions increase as we age, and so do complications. Without proper management, these chronic conditions could be disastrous and could really affect the quality of life. Book yourself or your loved one an adult and geriatric nurse practitioner in Boynton Beach who understands all these conditions and their management for personalized care.

Below are the most common chronic diseases:

Diabetes

Diabetes results when the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to insulin. It thus fails to regulate blood sugar to normal levels. If your body has high blood sugar, it can be harmful to the kidneys, heart or could cause blindness. According to statistics, approximately 27 percent of adults are living with diabetes. Chances increase after 45 years meaning older people are at a higher risk.

Coronary heart disease

Coronary disease is a condition that affects the circulatory system. Accumulation of plaque builds up inside the arteries that take blood to the heart. As a result, the heart does not get sufficient oxygen and nutrients, which could cause a heart attack. Also, clogged arteries could lead to clots or angina. About 29 percent of adults test positive for coronary heart disease. The condition can be prevented by sleeping for the required amount of time, regular exercising, and refraining from saturated fats or smoking.

Arthritis

Arthritis attacks body joints by causing inflammation. As a result, a person living with arthritis experiences pain and stiffness in the joints, which is usually very uncomfortable to live with. Arthritis affects more women than men. In recent studies, about 31 percent of older adults are diagnosed with this condition. To reduce the risks, one should keep within the standard weight, avoid joint injuries, and exercise regularly.

High cholesterol

High cholesterol results when your body has accumulated many bad fats and has less of the good fats. The LDL builds and up clogs the arteries, which is likely to cause heart disease and circulation complications. Approximately 47% of older adults have developed high cholesterol condition. To reduce the chances of accumulating bad fat in the body, one should avoid smoking, watch weight, and exercise regularly. Additionally, they should limit the intake of trans fats and saturated fats in the diet.

High blood pressure

This condition is also known as hypertension. It is determined by blood vessels’ resistance, particularly the arteries, to the flow of blood pumped by the heart. When the heart pumps too much blood, and arteries are narrow, a person experiences high blood pressure. This condition is chronic and could affect you for years or cause other related conditions. According to statistics, about 58 percent of older adults are diagnosed with hypertension.

Most chronic conditions are difficult to treat but can be managed to improve the quality of life. Specialists at Nguyen Medical Group will monitor your condition and advise on the best lifestyle to adopt. For consultation or help to manage related conditions, book an online appointment today.