Discuss the impact of the major cardiovascular diseases seen in older adults on the health of the U.S.

population.

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in the United States population especially in
older adults. In 2020, a number of 697,000 people died in 1 in every 5 deaths because of heart disease,
(Center for Disease Control and Prevent, 2022). In the age group of elderly according to American Heart
Association (2019), there are 77.2% in males and 78.2% in females, from ages 60–79 years old. On the
other hand, about 89.3% in males and 91.8% in females, in adults above 80 years old. The common CVD
in US population are Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Attack, Myocardial infarction and Stroke.

Aging plays a vital role as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults because of functional
changes in their body especially in their heart. Changes in the heart and blood vessels caused by aging
may increase a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Also, multiple diseases such as
hypertension, diabetes, and obesity seen in elderly influences heart’s function. In younger age group,
heart continues to pump enough blood to supply all parts of the body but in elderly, heart may not
pump well resulting to Emotional stress, Physical exertion, Illness, Infections, and Injuries which
contributes in their health to deteriorate. It can also be associated with damage to arteries in organs
such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. It may also cause them to do health visit, longer hospital stay
and also may lead to death.

U. S. is known to be a develop country so as urbanization takes place people are prone to exhibit poor
lifestyle behaviors in different age groups. In another related study according to Yazdanayar and
Newman (2009), Older Americans imposes a significant burden in terms of mortality, morbidity,
disability, functional decline, and healthcare costs.

Utilize resources and research to promote heart-healthy lifestyles in older adults.

There are a lot of ways to promote heart-healthy lifestyle in older adults. Most elderly smoke which is
contributive factor for CVD, so by stopping smoking it will lower the risk for heart diseases. Next, is to
eat health foods and drinks such as high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol can
help prevent high cholesterol. Also limiting salt intake as well as sugar to control blood pressure and
sugar level. Adequate intake of water and avoid too much alcohol consumption. Lastly, maintain healthy
weight and do regular physical activity to strengthen the heart, (Center for Disease Control and Prevent
2022). Physical activity for 150 minutes a week will boost immune system for older adults. Second is to
take supplements with doctor’s approval like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12. Third is to
promote healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Fourth is to get plenty of rest to reduce
stress level. Also consulting yearly can also keep an individual healthy. Lastly, is to promote hygiene and
avoid people who are sick because elderly immune system weakens with age so infections and other
complications are easy to be acquired.

What is the Mauk model for post stroke recovery to the care of stroke survivors.
Discuss how to minimize risk factors for common gastrointestinal problems in the elderly. Describe
nursing interventions for patients dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The digestive system is a vital collection of organs that breaks down food into its constituents for use by
the body. As we get older, the risk of something going wrong in our digestive system increases due to
the accumulation of years of effects from things like diet, lifestyle, diseases, and medications.

Along with the changes from elderly gastrointestinal tract are the common risk factor than can affect
their quality of life. Some of the common problems are Heartburn, Peptic ulcers, Diarrhea, Constipation,
Hemorrhoids, Gas, Stomach pain, Irritable bowel syndrome, Diverticulitis, Fecal incontinence and
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which is most common for older adults, (Rodriguez & Bass,
2012). These problems can be prevented by exhibiting healthy lifestyle like eating healthy foods with
fiber, vitamin D, calcium and other nutritional content that can maintain the body’s balance. An
example, Women over the age of 50 should aim for 21 g of fiber per day, while men of the same age
should aim for 30 g. Getting enough vitamin D is also important, especially of those between the ages of
51 and 70 should take 400 IU of vitamin D per day, while those 71 and older should take 600 IU per day.
Another one is doing exercise at least 2 ½ hour in a week to remain activeness. In addition, older adults
are also prone to stress which can take part in GI problems so adequate sleep from 7-8 hours is must for
the digestive to function well, (Aging Digestive Tract, 2022). Adequate water intake for adult is also
important and should at least drink 6-8 glasses a day. This will help to have a healthy digestion because
it will help the body breaks down and processes food (digestion).

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube
connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of
your esophagus, (Mayo Clinic, 2022). In this type of disease, there are a lot of nursing interventions
depending on the nursing diagnosis upon health assessment. Most common are to teach or make the
client to eat a low-fat and high-fiber diet. Second is to Avoid irritants, such as spicy or acidic foods,
alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, because it will increase gastric acid production. Third, avoid food or drink
2 hours before bedtime or lying down after eating. Fourth is to elevate the head of the bed on 6” to 8”
bocks. Lastly, Lose weight if necessary. Administering medications include antacids, histamine-receptor
antagonists, and proton-pump inhibitors upon Doctor’s order. For some cases, if the client is not getting
any better result maybe the physician will prepare client for surgical repairs.

References:

Rodriguez, D., & Bass, P. F., III MD. (2012, November 8). How Aging Affects Your Digestive Health.
EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-
health/dealing-with-a-sensitive-gut.aspx
Aging Digestive Tract. (2022, August 9). Gastrointestinal Society. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from
https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/aging-digestive-tract/

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Nursing Care Plan & Management. (2017, July 3). RNpedia.
Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-notes/medical-surgical-nursing-
notes/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-nursing-management/

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - Symptoms and causes. (2022, July 26). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved
October 4, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-
20361940

Heart Disease Facts | cdc.gov. (2022, July 15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved
October 5, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm

Rodgers, J. L., Jones, J., Bolleddu, S. I., Vanthenapalli, S., Rodgers, L. E., Shah, K., Karia, K., & Panguluri, S.
K. (2019). Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Gender and Aging. Journal of cardiovascular
development and disease, 6(2), 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd6020019

Heart Health and Aging. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/heart-health-and-aging#:%7E:text=Adults%20age%2065%20and
%20older,risk%20of%20developing%20cardiovascular%20disease.

Higuera, V. (2019, January 11). The Senior’s Guide to Staying Healthy Year-Round. Healthline. Retrieved
October 5, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/flu/seniors-guide-to-staying-healthy#1.-Get-
active