How to avoid more medical emergencies in old age?

Emergency risk in old age can be minimized

Old people are subject to a significantly increased risk of medical emergencies. By raising awareness of the risks many of these emergencies could be avoided, reports the German Society for Internal Medicine (DGIM) in a recent communication on the occasion of this year's Patient Day in Wiesbaden. Also, help to know how to react quickly and correctly in case of case.

According to the DGIM, the risk of a medical emergency increases with age: On average, 21 percent of the patients admitted to the emergency room are elderly people who are suffering from heart problems or have fallen behind. Although it is only possible to protect against medical emergencies to a limited extent, comprehensive expert information helps to minimize the risk of an emergency, explain the experts of the DGIM in the run-up to their patient day in Wiesbaden.

With age, the risk of medical emergencies increases. (Image: pressmaster / fotolia.com)

How to handle the increased emergency risk?

At this year's DGIM Patient Day special attention will be paid to the advocates of gerontology and the question of adequately dealing with medical emergencies in old age. Essential aspects are, for example, the recognition of the symptoms of a heart attack or the avoidance of falls. The aim is to minimize the risk of an emergency in elderly patients and to mediate the correct course of action in such an emergency.

Many seniors suffer from an old age heart

In particular, the heart causes many older people difficulties. "In Germany, two to three million people suffer from a so-called old-age heart, which means that the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood into the circulation," reports the DGIM. A distinction is made between chronic and acute heart failure. While the chronic form develops over several years, an acute heart failure develops within a short time, for example as a result of a heart attack.

Hypertension is a common risk factor

According to the DGIM, the most common cause of chronic heart failure is "persistent high blood pressure, which affects over 63 percent of the elderly population in Germany." Here the right treatment or medication is essential to avoid emergencies in an old age. It is imperative to regularly check the dose and intake of the prescribed medication by the doctor and if necessary to have it adjusted.

Recognize signs of heart attack

"It is also important that patients with heart failure know signs of a heart attack and can interpret correctly," said the DGIM. These symptoms include pain, tightness and burning in the chest and arms, as well as nausea and vomiting, unusual sweating and a pale skin tone. According to Dr. med. Philipp Bahrmann, Senior Consultant Medical Clinic II - General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Early Rehabilitation of Asklepios Paulinen Clinic Wiesbaden, "the signs of a heart attack can be varied" and not always occur a sharp pain in the chest. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of possible further symptoms and to respond immediately to them and to notify the emergency call, said the specialist in internal medicine, cardiology, geriatrics, emergency and intensive care, who speak at the press conference of the DGIM on the subject becomes.

Falls are a special risk for the elderly. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com)

Rising danger of falling in old age

The avoidance of falls also gets more and more important with age. "According to recent studies, every third person falls from the age of 65 at least once a year," said the DGIM. For over 80-year-olds, it would be even every second. Each of these falls is a warning signal and often frightens those affected deeply, as the risk of injury is very high. With increasing anxiety also increase the uncertainty. In particular, in his own home many patients are plagued by the worry that after a fall is not fast enough help on the ground.

Grab handles reduce the risk of falling

To get help as quickly as possible after a fall, there are special emergency call systems, which are worn and operated by the patients directly on the body, reports the DGIM. Their operation is also possible if it is no longer possible to get up. In addition, handles and railings that are attached to stairs and in the bathroom, for example, can provide support and prevent heavy falls, explain the experts.

Training for strength and balance

By early training of strength and balance can also counteract the falls. "Effective training programs help reduce the number of falls by up to 20 percent"; reports the DGIM. In addition, it is a fact that inactivity is a major factor influencing the development of chronic diseases and the loss of function or mobility in old age. The gerontologist and sports scientist from the Institute for Biomedicine of Aging in Nuremberg, Dr. med. Ellen Freiberger, will report on the topic of "Fall Prevention in Old Age" at the Patient Day and present effective training programs and their implementation in practice. In addition, Dr. Freiberger also present the congress-accompanying PROACTIVO program, which will show how movement in old age can be effortlessly integrated into everyday life, according to the DGIM communication. (Fp)