Mr. Gao, who lives in Lanting Street, Keqiao District, is 80 years old this year. A week ago, she suddenly felt chest tightness and shortness of breath, and was immediately sent to the emergency room of Shaoxing Second Hospital by her children. Mrs. Gao is a frequent visitor to Shaoxing No. 2 Hospital, and this scene has happened many times.
5 years ago, she underwent cardiac stent treatment in the Department of Cardiology of the hospital, and then because of repeated heart failure, she was hospitalized in the Cardiology Department of the hospital for many times. This is the second time since the Spring Festival this year. “For a patient with heart failure like Mrs. Gao, daily self-care is particularly important. In addition to taking medicine on time, you should also keep warm and prevent colds,” said Zhou Haoliang, chief physician of the Department of Cardiology, Shaoxing Second Hospital.
Heart failure, referred to as heart failure, refers to a syndrome in which the pumping function of the heart is impaired due to various reasons, and the cardiac output cannot meet the basic metabolic needs of the whole body. It is not an independent disease, but the terminal stage of the development of heart disease, almost all cardiovascular diseases will eventually lead to the occurrence of heart failure.
The vast majority of heart failures start from left heart failure, that is, the first manifestation of pulmonary circulation congestion. Some patients will experience shortness of breath and chest tightness during activities, some will suffocate their breath and chest tightness after falling asleep, and need to elevate their upper body to sleep. In addition, the symptoms of heart failure can change as the condition worsens.
There are many factors that induce heart failure. In addition to underlying heart disease, there are also some factors that can induce heart failure, such as infection, including respiratory infection and rheumatism; severe arrhythmia, especially tachyarrhythmia Such as atrial fibrillation; increased cardiac load, such as pregnancy, childbirth, excessive and fast infusion and excessive intake of sodium salts, etc. lead to increased cardiac load; drug effects, digitalis poisoning or inappropriate withdrawal of digitalis; excessive Physical activity and emotional agitation; and diseases including pulmonary embolism, anemia, and papillary muscle insufficiency.
Autumn and winter are the seasons of high incidence of cardiovascular disease. Now it is the end of winter and the beginning of spring. People at high risk of cardiovascular disease should pay special attention to maintaining their own bodies, and should not stop and adjust their medication at will. In daily life, bad living habits (smoking, drinking, staying up late, etc.), unreasonable diet, lack of exercise, and respiratory infections caused by not paying attention to keeping warm are all predisposing factors for cardiovascular disease, so special attention should be paid.
“Once you have chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath and other symptoms, you must pay attention. If the symptoms persist or worsen, you need to seek medical attention immediately.” Zhou Haoliang suggested.