For seniors at risk for strokes and other cardiovascular events, boosting their cardiovascular health should be their first objective. Adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen may reduce the risk of strokes, but they can also try alternative prevention methods. Fish oil supplementation is one of the most popular ways to reduce the risk of stroke.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is why it’s long been recommended for people at risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats, and the body can’t produce them on its own. The body needs to get these fatty acids from food or supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats, which perform several key functions in the body. They are involved in the production of hormones, the function of cell membranes, and the regulation of genetic function. Without an adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids, these essential processes may be negatively impacted.
Family caregivers can encourage their aging parents to eat nutritious meals, which may reduce the risk of stroke or other age-related diseases. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care Anchorage, Alaska, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
The Fatty Acids in Fish Oil
There are several types of omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The first two types of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, can be found in seafood. To receive the benefits of these fatty acids, seniors can consume seafood regularly or take fish oil supplements. Fish high in DHA and EPA content include anchovies, halibut, salmon, and tuna.
How Omega-3 Fatty Acids Boost Heart Health
Studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids offer many cardiovascular benefits. These fatty acids normalize the heart rate and prevent it from adopting a dangerous or erratic rhythm. Arrhythmias are a common cause of cardiovascular events, but omega-3 fatty acids can play a crucial role in reducing cardiac-related deaths. However, this isn’t the only way omega-3 fatty acids boost heart health. They can also enhance the function of blood vessels, reduce blood pressure levels, and prevent inflammation throughout the body. Because inflammation is a crucial component in many health conditions, ranging from arthritis to strokes, fish oil is among the most-prescribed supplements for seniors.
Leading a healthy lifestyle can help aging adults prevent many issues in the golden years. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Anchorage at-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
The Research
Many studies have explained the effects of fish oil on heart health and cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil can have an impact on cardiovascular health. In one trial, researchers tested a prescription-grade EPA supplement on people with a history of heart disease. This study found that when these people took the drug, the risk for cardiovascular events decreased.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may be especially effective for people with high levels of triglycerides in their bloodstream. Triglyceride levels don’t always respond to traditional cholesterol treatments, like statins, but studies suggest they do respond to fish oil. In fact, adequate doses of omega-3 fatty acids can lower a senior’s risk of cardiac events by as much as 25 percent. Findings like these suggest that seniors who are at risk for strokes, like those who have diabetes or a history of cardiac events, should add fish oil to their supplement regimen.
When it comes to senior care, family caregivers might need extra help to look after a loved one who has experienced a stroke. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Anchorage seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Call Home Care Assistance today at (907) 770-0907 to talk to one of our Care Managers.