Self-Management of Heart Disease in Older Adults

Abstract

The American Heart Association estimates that 81% of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 years old or older. The leading risk health behaviors include physical inactivity, poor diet, smoking and binge drinking. Using the 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), this study looked at how self-management, which includes a plan developed by a medical professional and the confidence to manage one's disease, may decrease negative risk behaviors in older adults. The presence of a plan and increased self-efficacy decreased engagement in negative dietary behaviors and low physical activity. Implications for strategies that address heart disease and self-management are discussed.

A Qualitative Study of the Development of Health Literacy Capacities of Participants Attending a Community-Based Cardiovascular Health Programme

“…These findings indicate that participants are becoming more empowered and support the conceptualisation of health literacy as an instrument in the empowerment process [ 45 ]. Other studies [ 46 ] have examined specifically the role of self-efficacy and health literacy in improving health outcomes and also advocate the need for self-management programmes to promote the development of self-efficacy. Numerous studies have postulated the links between self-efficacy, health literacy and self-care behaviours [ 8 , 47 , 48 ].…”

Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Gender and Aging

“…While age is shown to be independently associated with inflammation and a risk for CVD, health behaviors may also complicate these factors. Health behaviors that are commonly linked with poor outcomes in CVD patients include inactivity, poor nutrition, and smoking [65,66]. The AHA reported that these health behaviors, in addition to poor sleep behavior, are all associated with higher risk for development of CVD [6] Self-management of these health behaviors, under the direction of medical care specialists, have shown promise in CVD patients.…”

Influence of chronic illness resources on self‐management and the mediating effect of patient activation among patients with coronary heart disease

“…In order to reduce the burden of medical prevention and disease management, it is of great practical significance for patients to play a full role in the long‐term management. Patients adjust to the changes of physical and psychological, and they also need to improve behaviours related to secondary prevention, such as monitoring signs and symptoms, incorporation of key medications, adhering to treatment and keep healthy lifestyle (Dorje et al., 2018 ; Huynh‐Hohnbaum et al, 2015 ). These behaviours are referred to self‐management.…”