What a hoarse throat could be trying to tell you about your heart health
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As we get older, our bodies change in many ways. We don't hear or see as well as we used to. We might start to feel a little more creaky when we move around. And sometimes, things just don't work quite the way they used to.
But did you know that one of the earliest warning signs of heart disease could be something as seemingly innocuous as a hoarse voice?
That's right - if you've been sounding worse and worse each time you try to speak, it might be worth getting checked out by a doctor.
In a recent case study published in SAGE Open Medical Case Reports, doctors described how they treated a 68-year-old man who had come into their care complaining of persistent hoarseness and scratchiness in his throat over several months.
Before consulting doctors, the man already had a history of conditions such as heart failure, bladder cancer, and end-stage renal disease.
After many tests and scans, one specialist discovered that his left vocal cord was completely paralysed!
Another later scan revealed that the poor man’s aorta had swollen to an abnormal size and was pressing on the nerve that controlled his voice box, which had caused his prolonged hoarseness.
In medical literature, the man was suffering from what is known as cardiovocal syndrome, also known as Ortner’s Syndrome.
The man was promptly operated on, and despite some complications, he made a full recovery.
Despite the man’s condition being rare, this story goes to show how important it is for seniors (or anyone else experiencing these symptoms) not to ignore them or write them off as nothing serious.
On the topic of heart disease, how can we keep our hearts healthy?
To start, there are a whole host of risk factors that predispose us to cardiovascular ailments, including a poor diet, a lack of physical activity, and smoking.
That said, it’s never too late to eat a diet rich in vegetables and proteins to get your good ol’ heart pumping.
While we do understand that moving around can get quite tricky with age, there are things that don’t require too much physical strain like taking short walks or stretching when able.
You can also opt to make lifestyle changes where applicable — like quitting smoking and getting good quality sleep — to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Of course, nothing will replace the word of a professional in this case, so we do highly encourage you to talk to your doctor if you want more solid (and qualified) advice that’s tailored to you to keep your heart healthy.
So, what can you say about this story, members? Do you have any tips to keep our hearts in tip top shape?
Share your comments, opinions, and suggestions below!
Source: YouTube/Noble Heart Hospital
But did you know that one of the earliest warning signs of heart disease could be something as seemingly innocuous as a hoarse voice?
That's right - if you've been sounding worse and worse each time you try to speak, it might be worth getting checked out by a doctor.
In a recent case study published in SAGE Open Medical Case Reports, doctors described how they treated a 68-year-old man who had come into their care complaining of persistent hoarseness and scratchiness in his throat over several months.
Before consulting doctors, the man already had a history of conditions such as heart failure, bladder cancer, and end-stage renal disease.
The 68-year-old man had a hoarse voice and scratchy throat for three months. Credit: Pexels/Gustavo Fring
After many tests and scans, one specialist discovered that his left vocal cord was completely paralysed!
Another later scan revealed that the poor man’s aorta had swollen to an abnormal size and was pressing on the nerve that controlled his voice box, which had caused his prolonged hoarseness.
In medical literature, the man was suffering from what is known as cardiovocal syndrome, also known as Ortner’s Syndrome.
The man was promptly operated on, and despite some complications, he made a full recovery.
Despite the man’s condition being rare, this story goes to show how important it is for seniors (or anyone else experiencing these symptoms) not to ignore them or write them off as nothing serious.
On the topic of heart disease, how can we keep our hearts healthy?
To start, there are a whole host of risk factors that predispose us to cardiovascular ailments, including a poor diet, a lack of physical activity, and smoking.
That said, it’s never too late to eat a diet rich in vegetables and proteins to get your good ol’ heart pumping.
You can also opt to make lifestyle changes where applicable — like quitting smoking and getting good quality sleep — to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Of course, nothing will replace the word of a professional in this case, so we do highly encourage you to talk to your doctor if you want more solid (and qualified) advice that’s tailored to you to keep your heart healthy.
So, what can you say about this story, members? Do you have any tips to keep our hearts in tip top shape?
Share your comments, opinions, and suggestions below!
Source: YouTube/Noble Heart Hospital
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