"Did you hear that Lao Zhang died suddenly yesterday? The doctor said it was coronary heart disease. This sentence was like a bombshell that shocked everyone in the community. Coronary heart disease, a name that does not sound unfamiliar, has frequently claimed the lives of countless people. So, why is coronary heart disease so deadly? And how can we prevent and give first aid? In this article, we'll answer these questions in detail to help you and your family better protect your heart health.
Fatal cause of coronary heart disease
Blockage of coronary arteries
Coronary heart disease is mainly caused by coronary atherosclerosis leading to narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. Blockage of coronary arteries can cause hypoxia and necrosis of the heart muscle, which can lead to serious problems such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, etc. In particular, when there is complete blockage, it can quickly cause acute myocardial infarction, causing the heart to be unable to pump blood normally, which is extremely fatal.
Myocardial damage and heart failure
Long-term coronary heart disease can lead to persistent damage to the heart muscle, a gradual decline in heart function, and eventually heart failure. Heart failure is when the heart is unable to pump enough blood efficiently to meet the body's metabolic needs. Patients with heart failure often present with symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and edema, which can be fatal in severe cases.
arrhythmia
Patients with coronary heart disease are prone to arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation and atrial fibrillation. Arrhythmias can lead to heart pumping disorders, disruption of blood supply, and in severe cases, sudden death. Especially in the acute phase of myocardial infarction, the incidence and fatality of arrhythmias increase significantly.
Acute coronary syndrome
Acute coronary syndromes include unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, etc., which are manifested as sudden and severe chest pain, often accompanied by sweating, nausea, dyspnea and other symptoms. Acute coronary syndrome is an acute stage of coronary heart disease, which can be fatal if not treated in time.
Prevention of coronary heart disease
Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet is the foundation for preventing coronary heart disease. Eat less saturated and trans fats and eat more foods rich in unsaturated fats, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Exercise regularly
Regular aerobic exercise can help strengthen heart function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, etc. In addition, strength training and flexibility exercises are also important components of heart health.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Smoking is one of the main risk factors for coronary heart disease, and quitting smoking can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality of coronary heart disease. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, no more than two drinks a day for men and no more than one drink for women, to avoid damage to the heart and blood vessels caused by alcohol.
Control your weight
Overweight and obesity are important risk factors for coronary heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help lower blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar levels, reducing the burden on the heart.
Manage chronic conditions
Chronic diseases such as hypertension, glucose metabolism, and hyperlipidemia are important risk factors for coronary heart disease. Regular check-ups, regular medication, and disease progression are essential to prevent coronary heart disease.
Regular medical check-ups
Regular cardiovascular examinations, such as blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose, etc., can help to detect and intervene in the risk factors of coronary heart disease early. High-risk groups with a family history of coronary heart disease and older people should pay more attention to regular physical examinations.
First aid knowledge for coronary heart disease
Identify symptoms of an acute attack of coronary heart disease
Acute attacks of coronary heart disease often present with severe chest pain that radiates to the left shoulder, arm, jaw, or back. Patients often have symptoms such as sweating, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Timely recognition of these symptoms allows for quick first aid and life-saving measures.
Call emergency services immediately
In the case of an acute attack of coronary heart disease, you should immediately call the emergency number, inform the situation and address, and wait for the arrival of professional medical personnel. While waiting, the patient should be kept quiet and avoid activity to reduce the burden on the heart.
Proper use of rescue medication
If the patient has nitroglycerin with them, they should be placed under the tongue immediately. Nitroglycerin dilates the coronary arteries and relieves chest pain. If the patient has aspirin, it should be chewed to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce thrombosis.
Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
If the patient is in cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed immediately. Apply compressions to the lower half of the sternum at least 100 times per minute to a depth of at least 5 cm until a professional first aid provider arrives. Mastering CPR skills is essential for coronary heart disease first aid.
Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable first-aid device that can identify and treat cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias. In public places, such as airports, shopping malls, etc., AEDs are usually equipped. Learning to use AEDs correctly can save lives when it matters most.
Long-term management of coronary heart disease
drug therapy
Drug therapy is an important part of the management of coronary artery disease. Commonly used drugs include lipid-lowering drugs, antiplatelet drugs, β-blockers, ACE inhibitors, etc. These drugs can lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, reduce the burden on the heart, and reduce the frequency and severity of coronary heart disease.
Lifestyle interventions
Patients with coronary heart disease should adhere to lifestyle interventions such as healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation and alcohol restriction, and weight control. These measures not only help to control the condition, but also improve quality of life and prolong life.
Psychological support
Patients with coronary heart disease are often accompanied by psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Psychological support is essential to improve the patient's mental state and quality of life. Support from family members and friends, psychological counseling, and participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs are all effective forms of psychological support.
Review regularly
Patients with coronary heart disease should have regular cardiovascular examinations, such as electrocardiogram, echocardiography, blood tests, etc., to monitor changes in their condition and adjust the treatment plan in time. Regular check-ups can help detect and treat signs of exacerbations early and prevent emergencies from occurring.
Coronary heart disease poses a serious threat to middle-aged and elderly people due to its high fatality. By understanding the fatal causes of coronary heart disease, prevention methods and first aid knowledge, morbidity and mortality can be effectively reduced. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and timely medical treatment can better protect heart health. Let's start today and focus on our hearts to protect our health and the happiness of our families.