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How to Maintain Safe Cholesterol Levels in Seniors

While high cholesterol may not cause instant damage, it increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Working with a certified home care expert can help maintain healthy levels, minimizing the risk of further deterioration.
Home Care in Leesburg VA

Adults over the age of 60 are susceptible to high cholesterol. Some of the factors to look out for include slow metabolism and chronic illnesses. While elevated levels of cholesterol may not cause damage, it increases susceptibility to strokes and heart attacks. Working with a certified home care expert can help maintain healthy levels, minimizing the risk of further deterioration.

The best way to protect an older loved one from cardiovascular disease is to keep up with appointments and ensure your older loved one gets the care they deserve. Here are things you can do to maintain healthy cholesterol levels in older adults.

Limit Tobacco and Alcohol Intake

Alcohol consumption and smoking are the leading causes of high cholesterol among older adults. If a senior in your care indulges in these vices, it may be time to consult a professional physician. These harmful substances lower lipoproteins levels which prevents cardiovascular disorders and other health complications.

While it is hard to convince an older adult to give up vices, doctors can recommend treatment options to help with alcohol avoidance and minimize smoking cessation. Your loved one may require home care to help focus on a healthier lifestyle by breaking unhealthy addictions. Professional caregivers customize a care plan that addresses the needs of your loved one without compromising cholesterol levels.

Consume Garlic

Garlic is a favored ingredient in most meals. It contains antilipemic properties, which means it lowers cholesterol levels. Allicin is also found in garlic and helps to improve cholesterol levels. In addition, increasing garlic intake may increase serum cholesterol. The doctor can determine if garlic is safe for your older loved one, preventing health complications. If the senior is under medication, professional home care can help assess for symptoms after consumption. Garlic reduces platelet aggregation, making it a problem for people taking prescribed medication like blood thinners and aspirin.

Eat Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are great for seniors with high cholesterol. They contain potassium and vitamin C. These nutrients improve heart properties, such as regulating the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. If citrus fruits are unavailable, consult a healthcare provider for advice on viable supplements. Seniors with multiple health conditions may have nutritional deficiencies that affect their quality of life.

If you need help with an elderly loved one, home care can help manage the condition and guarantee optimal health. It also allows family members to help with older adults and focus on healthier lifestyle choices. Walk Often Seniors try to avoid physical activities as much as possible, which increases blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Exercises like walking can lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure, preventing risk factors such as anxiety. Walking also reduces the risk of developing high serum cholesterol, ensuring your loved one maintains a healthy cardiovascular system. Lifestyle changes can help your older loved one maintain safe cholesterol levels.

Home care can help manage the condition and restore optimal health if you are the caregiver for a senior with cholesterol issues. Contact a reputable facility to learn more about the benefits of hiring a professional caregiver.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Leesburg, VA, please contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc. today! Call (703) 765-9350

Access Home Care provider in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Lorton, Springfield, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding communities.

Anna Mensah-Nti, MSN-Ed, BSN, RN Founder

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