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.
Sexual desire does not necessarily change with aging. Just as there are some younger people with low interest in sex and some with high, there are elders with variable interest. Desire may change with age but not necessarily because of the aging process. Some diseases of aging do interfere with potency or desire, but this is a secondary effect. Sexual desires, sexual capability, and sexual satisfaction remain important factors for many older people.
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.
It comes as a surprise to many that every human comes equipped with hemorrhoids. They are a natural component of the lower intestinal tract and evolved as part of the normal mechanism for maintaining continence. People who suffer hemorrhoidal disease have prolapsed hemorrhoids, bleeding, itching, or a combination of these problems.
A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach protrudes through the opening in the diaphragm. It is a very common finding and occurs in approximately half the adult population of the United States. There are two types of hiatal hernia. The most common form is a sliding hiatal hernia. Far less common is a variety called a paraesophageal hiatal hernia. The paraesophageal variety may be associated with complications such as bleeding. This type of hiatal hernia is not particularly a problem of elderly patients.
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.
Hypertension is sustained elevation of blood pressure above normal levels. It is a common occurrence in the elderly, but it is not a consequence of the aging process. It has many possible causes. Not all are known. On occasion, for brief intervals, there may be elevations in blood pressure that are not part of hypertension.
The thyroid is a small gland found in the lower front of the neck. The hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are important for normal metabolism. Disease of the thyroid gland occurs with increased frequency in elderly patients. This increased frequency is largely due to hypothyroidism, or underfunctioning of the thyroid gland. The other major thyroid problem in elderly patients is the development of nodules or lumps in the thyroid gland.
General Information Constipation is the slowing of bowel function. Bowel movements become less frequent. With constipation, people also strain at the time of the bowel movement, pass hard dry stools, and have the sensation of an incomplete bowel movement. Some people also experience an urge to have a bowel movement but are unable to carry it through. Many people will have only one or two of these symptoms.