February Is American Heart Month: How Older Adults In Clearwater Can Reduce Their Risks

February is American Heart Month. Sponsored by the American Heart Association, it raises awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.

Older adults in Clearwater need to be aware of the risks and plan for the future, particularly if diagnosed with a heart condition. Our Clearwater elder law attorney explains how combining good heart health management with estate planning can provide peace of mind.

Florida Heart Disease Risks

According to the state Department of Health, heart disease is responsible for an estimated one out of every five deaths in Florida. Nearly one million residents previously had a heart attack and live with the often devastating consequences.

During American Heart Month, the American Heart Association works with state and federal officials to raise awareness of potential risks and the need for regular medical care. Common heart-related conditions include:

• Heart arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, which may require regular monitoring or the use of a pacemaker;
• Heart valve disease, which involves damage or malfunction in one or more of the heart’s valves;
• Coronary artery disease (CAD), in which a build-up of plaque in your arteries reduces blood flow to the heart;
• Heart failure, or when your heart is unable to pump adequate blood to other parts of the body;
• High blood pressure, or hypertension, which is a significant risk factor for stroke and heart attacks.

A healthy lifestyle and regular medical care play an important role in preventing heart disease in Clearwater, particularly for older adults with a family history or other risk factors.

Managing Your Health and Estate Planning Heart Disease In Clearwater

Proper management of heart disease goes beyond medical care. It requires refocusing on your health while ensuring your financial affairs are in order as well. During this difficult time, follow these tips to protect yourself and your heart:

• Work closely with your doctors and follow treatment plans, attend regular checkups, and adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.
• Consider creating a Medicaid trust, which protects your assets and can help in qualifying for Medicaid benefits, which help cover long-term care and other costs.
• Create or update your advance directives, which convey your wishes regarding medical care and authorize someone you trust to make medical decisions if incapacitated.
• Review your estate plan and create or update your will, power of attorney, and other essential documents.

For Trusted Legal Help, Contact Our Clearwater Elder Law Attorney

Heart disease poses significant risks to older adults. American Heart Month helps raise awareness of the steps you can take to protect yourself. If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed or is currently navigating heart disease, Clearwater elder law attorney William Rambaum provides the caring, comprehensive legal service you need.

Board-certified by the Florida Bar and the National Elder Law Foundation, he has over 40 years of experience helping people in our community deal with common issues associated with aging while putting the appropriate estate documents in place. For trusted legal help, contact our office today and request a consultation.

Sources:

heart.org/en/around-the-aha/february-is-american-heart-month

floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/heart-disease/index.html