Love, Your Heart

Even though heart conditions aren’t always the main reason someone comes to LifeCare for therapy, the truth is that most of our patients do have some form of heart‑related condition or risk factor — whether it’s high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, or simply age‑related cardiovascular changes. You are not alone. Nationally, nearly half of adults have high blood pressure, with only one in four keeping it under control, and heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States (and worldwide).

The encouraging news? Heart disease is largely preventable, and simple changes can make a meaningful difference. This is where your LifeCare Team comes in and why we chose February (for Valentine's Day and American Heart Month) to talk to you about simple steps you can do to love your heart.

Orthostatic Hypotension (OH)

What is it

A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. OH is something many of our patients experience and a concern because orthostatic hypotension is one of the leading contributors to falls in older adults — especially when getting out of bed, standing after meals, or rising from a low chair.

Why it happens

• Blood pools in the legs when rising too quickly

• Dehydration

• Certain medications

• Prolonged sitting or lying down

• Reduced circulation or autonomic changes with age

  
  

Common symptoms

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Feeling “woozy” or unsteady

• Blurred vision

• Nausea

• Fainting or near‑fainting

Strategies to Manage:

There are many things you can do to show your heart some love this month, and you can also speak to your PT/OT Team at LifeCare for additional strategies and specific exercises. Here are just a few suggestions from your LifeCare Team:

“Pause and pump” routine: ankle pumps, marching in place, or leg squeezes before standing.

Go slowly from lying or sitting to standing: Practice rolling to your side, sitting at the edge of the bed, and then standing.

Set reminders to drink water:Hydration is important for your health and heart health. Set a schedule for yourself to remind yourself to drink water.

Go for short walks: Indoors or out, walking and movement are wonderful exercises for your heart.

Stay Strong: Exercises that help strengthen your legs and core will help to improve your circulation.

Compression stockings: Talk to your doctor if these are something that can help you.

Talk to your therapists about any issues or concerns that you have so we can help you with personalized recommendations.

And finally, a quick "love letter" from your heart.

A Love Letter

Hey there, it’s me—your heart down below,

The one keeping rhythm, steady and slow.

I’m writing today with a simple request:

A little more movement would help me feel best.

I’m not asking for marathons, races, or sprints—

Just walks, gentle stretches, the easy kind of hints.

A wiggle, a shuffle, a stand nice and tall—

Trust me, I notice each effort, big or small.

Sip water, breathe deeply, don’t rush when you rise—

I prefer calm moments, not dizzy surprise.

Sit up like royalty, shoulders back, chest proud—

I beat a bit brighter when you stand tall and loud.

So this Valentine’s Day, let’s keep up the spark—

You care for me daily, I light up your dark.

We’re quite the good team, we’ve been from the start—

I'll love you forever,

Forever, Your Heart

Don't forget your exercises (your heart will love you for it)

... until next month