At-Home Health Screenings

The Vital Role of At-Home Health Screenings for Stroke Prevention and Overall Wellness in the Elderly

My name is Scott Falconer, a serving paramedic with 15 years of experience in the pre-hospital emergency setting and the Managing Director of 1st Focus Homecare. As a paramedic, I am called on often to visit elderly people with both acute and chronic health conditions.

For years I have been an advocate of preventative health screening to mitigate the risks of ill health in the elderly, rather than the reactive treatment to such things as strokes, hypertension and diabetes that unfortunately is the norm for most elderly people living in the community.

My view is that if illnesses can be prevented or caught earlier, then people can remain at home and live a more fulfilling and independent life.

1st Focus Homecare to Provide In-Home Health Checks as Part of its Care Service

As we age, we are sometimes forced to visit a hospital. Nobody likes going to the hospital, but how can we prevent this from happening regularly?

Getting an appointment from a GP can take days or weeks now in the UK, and hospitals’ A&E departments are at breaking point with admissions at an all-time high.

This is no environment for an elderly person to be placed in, but what can you and I do about this?

The answer is regular in-home health checks.

This is why we have brought on board a mobile diagnostic health testing specialist who will come to your home and run various tests. These include;

ECG – A test that can detect issues with the heart
Blood Pressure Testing – This is a key test to detect any issues with hypertension.
Diabetes Testing – Important for diagnosing pre-diabetes
Uric Acid Testing – to check for potential cardiovascular issues

What next?

If you feel that 1st Focus Homecare is a company you can trust, please feel free to contact our office on 0131 510 7878 where we can discuss your care needs. If we think we can help you or your loved one, we can arrange to meet you in your home in person to assess your care needs. Once an agreement is in place either with you privately or via the local council, we will build you a care and support plan and agree on a start date.

Detecting Irregular Heart Rhythms with ECGs

An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart. ECG screening helps identify cardiac arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation (AFib). People with AFib have a 3 to 5 times higher risk of stroke because irregular heartbeats can cause blood clots to form, increasing the chances of blockages in the brain.

A 2020 study published in the American Heart Journal followed 1,000 adults over age 75 through an at-home ECG program. Around 5% were newly diagnosed with AFib through the screening. These patients could then start anticoagulant therapy to reduce stroke risk by an estimated 66%.

Beyond stroke prevention, identifying other arrhythmias via ECG allows early treatment to improve heart function. Addressing issues early on also lowers the chances of later complications like heart failure or reduced exercise tolerance.

All of this leads to a longer lifespan and less of those unwanted hospital visits.

Detecting Irregular Heart Rhythms with ECGs

Tracking Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

High blood pressure is one of the top stroke risk factors. At-home blood pressure monitoring facilitates better hypertension control through lifestyle changes and medication. One recent study found home monitoring reduced stroke risk by over 20%.

Checking heart rate also provides vital health insights. Fluctuations in heart rate can reflect underlying issues like arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, infections, anaemia or thyroid disorders. Elderly adults often have coexisting conditions, so evaluating heart rate aids overall disease management and provides peace of mind.

Stroke Prevention

Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation are two of most significant risk factors for the cause of strokes. Monitoring BP and having an ECG carried out allows for early intervention.

General Health Benefits

Kidney Health: Proper BP control protects the kidneys from damage caused by hypertension, reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the cause of 40-45,000 premature deaths in the UK every year.
Cognitive Function: Managing BP effectively lowers the risk of vascular dementia Alzheimer’s disease, and deaths due to dementia
Improved Energy Levels: A stable heart rate ensures sufficient blood flow to vital organs, enhancing overall energy and reducing fatigue and the risk of falls.

Home Monitoring for Diabetes Management

If a person is diagnosed as being pre-diabetic then lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risks of them developing diabetes in the first place.

Diabetes heightens stroke risk due to atherosclerosis from damaged blood vessels. At-home blood sugar testing is vital for optimal diabetes control, reducing the likelihood of complications like nerve damage, vision loss, kidney disease and stroke.

Studies show that frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose, coupled with education on adjusting insulin or medications, can improve HbA1C levels, a key marker of long-term blood sugar management. Keeping glucose within target ranges also boosts energy, mental clarity and immunity in elderly diabetic patients while aiding weight control and metabolism.

Diabetes Blood Sugar Monitoring: Preventing Strokes and Promoting General Health Stroke Prevention

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for strokes. High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time, leading to atherosclerosis, which can cause blockages in the brain or heart.

Health Benefits of Reduced Blood Sugar

Preventing Diabetes Complications: Regular blood sugar testing helps manage diabetes effectively, reducing the risk of neuropathy, retinopathy, and kidney disease.

Weight Management: Stable glucose levels contribute to better metabolism, aiding in weight control and reducing the risk of obesity.
Immune System Support: Managing blood sugar levels strengthens immunity, helping the body fight infections more effectively.
Uric Acid Testing: Uric Acid Testing: A build-up of uric acid can cause problems such as gout, kidney stones, and diabetes.

Evaluating Uric Acid Levels

Though underappreciated, high uric acid (hyperuricemia) predicts heightened cardiovascular risks. One study linked high uric acid to an over 2 times greater stroke risk in the elderly. Other research connects it to hypertension, kidney stones, gout and inflammatory conditions.

Checking uric acid levels as part of routine elderly care provides an early warning sign to prompt intervention. Addressing elevated uric acid reduces inflammation, spinal pain, joint damage and organ dysfunction while cutting vascular disease and associated stroke risks.

Uric Acid Testing: A Lesser-Known but Vital Health Indicator Stroke Prevention

High uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) have been linked to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and an increased risk of stroke. A study in conjunction with the University of Glasgow showed that the risk of cardiovascular disease was 88% in women and 49% in men. Just this alarming statistic shows the importance of checking for uric acid levels regularly.

Health Benefits of Reducing Risk of Gout and Stroke

Joint Health: Monitoring uric acid helps prevent gout, a painful condition caused by uric acid crystal deposits in joints.
Kidney Health: High uric acid levels can lead to kidney stones, kidney damage and ultimately kidney failure if left untreated.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: By addressing elevated uric acid, inflammation is alleviated

Holistic Health Benefits of Comprehensive Screenings

Regular health checks, including ECGs, BP, HR, blood sugar, and uric acid monitoring, provide a complete view of an individual’s health. These tests allow healthcare providers to identify and address multiple risk factors early, leading to:

Better Quality of Life: By preventing chronic conditions, individuals experience improved mobility, energy, and mental clarity.
Reduced Hospital admissions: Early detection of health concerns can reduce the need for hospital admissions.
Increased Longevity: Effective management of cardiovascular and metabolic risks promotes a longer, healthier life.

Conclusion

Regular screenings that include ECGs, BP, HR, blood sugar, and uric acid checks are indispensable for stroke prevention and overall health maintenance in the elderly. These tests not only identify risks but also allow for early interventions that improve heart health, protect organs, and enhance quality of life. Taking a proactive approach to health ensures that ageing adults can enjoy an active, independent, and fulfilling life.

For more useful information, you can read information at these links below:

1st Focus Homecare is one of many care providers in Edinburgh that you can research for care in Edinburgh, but the first to provide in-home health checks as part of its standard service.

When looking for a care provider, always use Google to check independent reviews from service users, and make it a priority to meet with the carer and management team from that company.

What next?