Arrhythmias are abnormalities in the rate or rhythm, or both, of the heartbeat. These abnormalities occur with increasing frequency as one ages. Under normal circumstances, the heartbeat is regular in its timing, and the heart rate falls into somewhat narrow limits of numbers of heartbeats per minute. The heart rate increases with exercise.
Heart failure occurs when, for whatever reason, the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs. Heart failure has many possible causes, and it may occur at any age from infancy on, but the prevalence of heart failure clearly increases after age 60.
A cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which the physician passes a long, thin tube through a blood vessel into your heart. This tube, called a catheter, may be introduced through a vein or through an artery. Sometimes vessels in the leg are used, and sometimes those in the arm are used. The kind and location of the vessel used vary with the information that is needed.
Wear and tear takes a toll on all of our joints; the joints used most are the most susceptible. Osteoarthritis is common in the hip. Other kinds of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, also can affect the hip. The hip is subject to injury. Hip fracture is a threat to elderly patients because of the thinning of the bone, owing to osteoporosis that occurs with aging. This thinning often involves the main supporting bone of the hip. Hence, fracture, with even minor trauma, tends to occur in the senior years.
Nitroglycerin has long been used in the treatment of heart pain. It causes the arterial blood vessels to widen (dilate), increasing the blood flow through them to the organ that they supply. This permits increased blood flow to the heart muscle, which in turn eases the pain from the heart.
When blood is present in the urine, it is called hematuria. If the blood is present in quantities large enough to permit it to be seen, it is called gross hematuria. If the blood is only discovered by testing, it is called microscopic hematuria. Blood is not normally present in the urine. If blood is found, your doctor will try to determine the cause.