Hypertension:
High blood pressure (above 140/90). Top number, systolic, means
the greatest pressure of the blood (intermittent) against the wall
of the blood vessel. Bottom numbers, diastolic, means the least
pressure of the blood (constant) against the wall of the artery.
Incidence: 5-15% Of the population.
Onset: Early 30's but because there are no symptoms, it
is usually untreated for at least 20 years. Another form (milder)
may appear in middle-aged and older persons. Untreated hypertension
is related to development of arteriosclerosis. This leads to stroke,
heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney failure.
Diet: Low sodium.
Congestive Heart Failure:
Failure of heart to pump adequate amount of blood to the
body.
Symptoms: Congestion of fluid in lower extremities. Swelling
of feet and lower legs. Congestion of fluid in lungs. Shortness
of breath.
Medication: (Consult a medical professional)
(1) Digitalis slows and strengthens heart beat. Check pulse before
giving and if below 60 beats per minute,
(2) Diuretics - "water pills". Decrease the amount of
blood volume. Give early in the day. If not taking potassium, give
good potassium source daily such as orange juice, bananas, or pears.
Diet: Low sodium.
Angina:
Short-periods
of chest pain due to insufficient blood flow to heart muscle.
Cause: Usually due to hardening of the arteries of the heart
with some obstruction in a major blood vessel of the heart (arteriosclerosis).
Symptoms: Mild to severe chest pain which may radiate to
the neck or shoulders, usually lasting less than three minutes.
(If more than one-half hour, suspect heart attack.) Brought on by
exertion, cold, eating a heavy meal, or excitement.
Treatment: (Consult a medical professional).
(1) Nitroglycerin - tiny tablet placed under the tongue to dissolve
or a timed release adhesive patch. Should be used as a prevention
with known stress.
(2) Other drugs to lessen frequency of attacks - Cardilate, Peritrate,
Isodil, and lnderal.
(3) Reduce weight. Stop Smoking. Minimize stress situations.
Arthritis: (Osteo):
Ninety-seven percent (97%) of all people over age 60 have some degree
of osteoarthritis.
Cause:
(1) Wear and tear. Elastic tissue (cartilage) becomes soft and
wears away, sometimes exposing underlying bone.
(2) Heredity.
Symptoms: Localized pain and stiffness (especially in the
morning) of joints. Enlargement Of joints. Most commonly affected
joints are hips, knees, spine, fingers and big toe.
Treatment: (Consult a medical professional.)
(1) Aspirin. Large doses can cause ringing in the ear and nausea.
If this occurs, it could indicate too much aspirin has been taken.
(2) Exercise and rest balanced to keep joints flexible.
(3) Apply heat to relieve pain. Attacks often occur during times
of stress.
Aids:Velcro fasteners or large zippers or buttons, elevated
toilet seat, tub stool and rails. Physical disease in the elderly
may be more difficult to detect. Signs and symptoms may be diminished
or absent, delayed in onset or not characteristic of the same disease
in a younger person.
Diabetes:
Disease in which the body cannot make use of sugars and starches
in a normal way. The result is that glucose accumulates in the blood
and may appear in the urine.
Types:
(1) Juvenile
(2) Adult onset - over 40, with a slow, inconspicuous onset. There
is usually some insulin production.
(3) Hereditary.
Symptoms: Itching, poor healing of wounds, blurring vision,
loss of weight or none in mild cases. Increased thirst. Stress such
as infection or surgery may cause exacerbation.
Treatment: (Consult a medical professional.)
(1) Controlled amounts of sugar and starch with diet.
(2) Weight control. (3) Insulin, oral hypoglycernics (Orinase,
Diabinese, DBT, Tolinase).
(4) Good skin care (especially feet).
(5) Continued lifelong medical care.
Complications: Diabetic neuropathy. Arteriosclerosis, vision
problems, circulatory problems, heart disease, numbness of hands
and feet. (These occur even if well controlled, but may occur more
often if poorly controlled.)
Tests:
(1) Blood test for fasting, blood sugar levels; glucose tolerance;
two hours after meal.
(2) Urine - Testape, Clinitest. Infections: Diabetics are more
susceptible to infection. Their infections are more severe and difficult
to treat. The control of diabetes is also more difficult during
infection. Infections must be treated immediately.
For good control:
(1) See doctor regularly.
(2) Follow diet.
(3) Test urine daily.
(4) Good foot care.
(5) Take medication regularly.
(6) Carry diabetic identification.
(7) Get adequate rest and exercise.
Stroke:
Occurs when blood supply to part of the brain tissue is cut
off or reduced.
Cause: Clot, hemorrhage, compression, vascular insufficiency.
Rehabilitation: Good positioning to prevent deformities.
Range of motion exercises to prevent stiffening of joints. Encourage
use of affected extremity to increase muscle strength. Avoid doing
things that person can do for themselves. Be supportive and sympathetic
but firm and direct. Expect some emotional mood swings and some
degree of brain damage if stroke was more severe. May need to install
hand rails for safety by toilet, bed, etc.
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