Your likelihood of developing heart disease increases with age. The phrase “heart disease” covers a broad group of conditions related to the cardiovascular system, many of which become more serious in older patients. Common heart health problems among seniors include:

• Coronary artery disease: Over time, fatty deposits accumulate on the walls of your blood vessels. This plaque builds up gradually and narrows blood flow to the heart, resulting in coronary artery disease (CAD). An inadequate supply of oxygen-rich blood can result in severe damage, such as a heart attack. Older adults are more susceptible to CAD as plaque builds up in their blood vessels throughout their lives.
• Arteriosclerosis: As you age, your blood vessels become increasingly stiff, affecting their ability to move blood around your body. Arteriosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries around your heart. This condition causes high blood pressure, or hypertension, which increases the strain on your heart and puts you at risk of a stroke, heart attack or aneurysm.
• Arrhythmia: An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat, whether too fast, too slow or otherwise abnormal. Many arrhythmias are harmless, while others are possibly dangerous or life-threatening. Problems related to an irregular heartbeat are more likely in elderly patients. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia and increases your risk of stroke.