In patients with chronic diseases, solving the problem of constipation can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction

The incidence of constipation is getting higher and higher. Relevant surveys show that the incidence of constipation in the adults of our compatriots is about 7% to 20%, while the incidence of constipation in the elderly, 15% to 20%. Constipation seems to be common, but for the elderly, especially those with chronic diseases, constipation often plays a role in the fuse of life-threatening events. Because constipation is a risk factor for myocardial infarction. Why does poor bowel movement kill people? Let’s analyze the relevant points now.

For ordinary adults, lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and increased psychological stress are related factors that lead to constipation. Some chronic diseases, such as functional diseases, intestinal diseases, endocrine and metabolic diseases, nervous system diseases, muscle diseases, and less physical activity, taking drugs, low-fiber diet, insufficient water intake, irrational use of laxatives, etc. increase the risk of constipation. In addition, patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes are more likely to be affected by constipation, and may induce critical situations such as myocardial infarction.

Patients with cardiovascular disease, especially those who have already developed heart failure, are often asked to limit water intake and, in such patients, may be prescribed diuretics, which are more prone to Induce or aggravate constipation. In patients with right heart failure, edema of the digestive tract occurs, impairing intestinal peristalsis. Sympathetic activation occurs in patients with acute coronary syndrome. In addition, smooth muscle motility is inhibited in patients treated with calcium channel inhibitors. These factors will promote the occurrence and severity of constipation.

In people with diabetes, high blood sugar in the body slows down bowel movement, leading to constipation. Long-term hyperglycemia can lead to neurological weakness in the body, and some patients will experience constipation due to weakened gastrointestinal motility or gastroparesis, as well as autonomic dysfunction. In addition, diabetic patients will be combined with periodontal disease, and the disease is difficult to control, and poor teeth will affect chewing and prevent patients from eating foods with high fiber content, which will lead to aggravation of constipation.

Long-term constipation can lead to disturbances in the gut microbiota, resulting in increased levels of pro-inflammatory factors, increased inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. This pathological change will accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis. Constipation can also cause increased psychological stress and mood swings, increase blood pressure, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that blood pressure increases can persist for more than an hour after a bowel movement in the elderly. Forced defecation can increase systolic blood pressure by 40mmHg or even 70mmHg, which can lead to acute heart failure and even serious cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and heart rupture.

In constipation, excessive straining to defecate can stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate, followed by a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. Finally, there is a transient drop in blood pressure and a rise in blood pressure responsiveness. This wave-like blood pressure change can induce arrhythmia and myocardial infarction. Patients will experience chest pain, syncope, and falls during defecation. If they are not detected or treated in time, it will be life-threatening. Therefore, constipation will aggravate the condition of cardiovascular disease, and patients with cardiovascular disease and diabetes are more likely to have or aggravate constipation. It is necessary to pay enough attention to solve the problem of constipation, in order to reduce the hidden dangers of serious cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction.

Chronic disease patients can take 6 steps to solve the problem of constipation. The first is to develop a good defecation habit. It is best to defecate at a relatively fixed time, concentrate on defecation, and do not force defecation by holding your breath. 2. Do abdominal massage every day to speed up intestinal peristalsis. Third, increase the intake of dietary fiber. Fourth, do not blindly use laxatives. Fifth, increase physical activity appropriately. Sixth, stay in a good mood and reduce anxiety and psychological stress.

To whomever you love, pass on your health.

Your health is my concern. Professionals observe health from a scientific and humanistic perspective, including series of bulletins, details, reminders, doubts, observations, viewpoints, historical stories, etc. The content is the original work of author Wei Hongling and his team. All forms of misappropriation and reprinting without permission are refused, otherwise they will be investigated in accordance with relevant laws.