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Elderly Depression
The difficult changes that many elderly or older
adults face—such as the death of a spouse or medical problems—can lead to
depression, especially in those without a strong support system. But depression
is not a normal or necessary part of aging. In fact, most seniors are satisfied
with their lives despite the challenges of growing old.
Left alone, depression not only prevents older
adults from enjoying life like they could be, it also takes a heavy toll on
health. But if you learn how to spot the signs of depression and find effective
ways to help, you or your loved ones can remain happy and vibrant throughout
the golden years.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF or A-fib) is the most common cardiac
arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)[1] and involves the two upper
chambers (atria) of the heart. Its name comes from the fibrillating (i.e.,
quivering) of the heart muscles of the atria, instead of a coordinated
contraction. It can often be identified by taking a pulse and
observing that the heartbeats don't occur at regular intervals. However, a
stronger indicator of AF is the absence of P waves on an electrocardiogram(ECG
or EKG), which are normally present when there is a coordinated atrial
contraction at the beginning of each heart beat.[ Risk increases with age, with 8%
of people over 80 having AF.
In AF, the normal
electrical impulses that are generated by the sinoatrial node are
overwhelmed by disorganized electrical impulses that originate in the atria and pulmonary
veins, leading to conduction of irregular impulses to the ventricles that
generate the heartbeat. The result is an irregular heartbeat, which may occur
in episodes lasting from minutes to weeks, or it could occur all the time for
years. The natural tendency of AF is to become a chronic condition. Chronic AF
leads to a small increase in the risk of death. |
