On a sunny weekend morning, Li Dawei leisurely went for a morning jog in the community. He is a retired civil servant in his fifties with a steady personality and a regular life. Suddenly, he felt tightness in his chest and shortness of breath, his heart beat faster, and he stopped. This feeling is not unfamiliar, as he was diagnosed with coronary heart disease a few months ago, and his doctor told him to avoid strenuous exercise as much as possible. He knew in his heart that this was a precursor to a coronary heart attack.
Coronary heart disease, a disease that seems distant but may affect life at any time, as Li Dawei has experienced, details determine health and cannot be ignored. Today, we will delve into the key measures in the daily care of patients with coronary heart disease, which can not only help patients relieve symptoms, but more importantly, effectively prevent further deterioration of the disease, and make life healthier and more quality.
Key care measures in daily life
The day-to-day care of a person with coronary heart disease involves many aspects, from mental health to dietary habits to medication and emergency response, and every detail can affect the patient's quality of life and well-being.
First of all, the importance of mental health cannot be overlooked. People with coronary heart disease are often accompanied by anxiety and depression, which not only affects their quality of life, but can also exacerbate the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, learning to deal effectively with stress and mood swings is an essential part of daily care. In practice, regular counseling or participation in psychological support groups can help patients learn to relax and regulate their emotions, thereby reducing the burden on the heart.
Secondly, dietary control is the top priority in the daily care of patients with coronary heart disease. Experts recommend that patients with coronary heart disease should adopt a low-salt and low-fat diet and avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods, especially processed foods and fast foods. High-quality protein, vegetables and fruits should be the main components of a daily diet, which not only helps to control weight and blood lipids, but also reduces the burden on the heart and improves overall health.
In terms of exercise, patients with coronary heart disease need to choose appropriate physical activities according to their own conditions. In general, moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can help strengthen the heart and lungs and improve blood circulation. However, patients should avoid strenuous exercise and sudden strenuous activity that may cause heart discomfort or trigger an angina attack.
Drug therapy also plays an important role in the management of coronary artery disease. Commonly used medications include antihypertensive drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, and anticoagulants, which not only control blood pressure and blood lipids, but also reduce inflammation in blood vessels and prevent thrombosis. However, patients need to take their medications strictly according to their doctor's recommendations and regularly monitor relevant indicators to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their medications.
Finally, emergency treatment and prevention of emergencies are also an essential part of daily care. Patients with coronary heart disease should pay attention to the body's signals at all times, and once symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath or palpitations appear, they should immediately rest and take measures to stabilize their emotions. In the family, family members and patients themselves need to learn basic first aid skills, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of emergency medications, to respond to possible acute attacks.
Through the implementation of these key care measures, patients with coronary heart disease can effectively manage the disease, reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms, and improve the quality of life and health. In the following articles, we will further explore the specifics of each of these aspects to help readers better understand and apply these practical care methods.
Medication and monitoring
The critical role of drugs in the treatment of coronary heart disease
Medication plays a vital role in the management of coronary heart disease, not only to effectively control symptoms, but also to reduce the risk of complications. Commonly used drugs include antiplatelet drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs, etc., each of which has a specific mechanism of action and method of use.
Use of antiplatelet drugs
Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, are the cornerstone of treatment for coronary heart disease. It prevents thrombosis by inhibiting platelet aggregation and reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. However, long-term use requires caution for side effects of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in older patients. In recent years, bispecific antiplatelet therapy (such as aspirin combined with clopidogrel) has gradually become the first-line option for the treatment of coronary heart disease, which can effectively reduce the incidence of unstable angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
Types of lipid-lowering drugs and their effects
Lipid-lowering drugs mainly include statins and fibrates. Statins are effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels by inhibiting cholesterol synthase, thereby reducing the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Fibrates such as esagliptin have a similar effect by promoting the excretion of cholesterol. In the selection and use of lipid-lowering drugs, individualized treatment strategies are particularly important, and a reasonable treatment plan needs to be formulated according to the specific situation of the patient and the blood lipid level.
Use of antiarrhythmic drugs
Patients with coronary heart disease often have arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or premature ventricular contractions, which not only affect the function of the heart, but may also induce cardiac events. Anti-arrhythmic drugs, such as β-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and anti-arrhythmic drugs, can effectively control heart rate and rhythm, reduce the risk of arrhythmias, and maintain the steady state of the heart.
Regular health monitoring is key
In addition to medication, patients with coronary heart disease also need regular health monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of treatment and prevent complications. This includes regular monitoring of physiological indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids, and timely adjustment of treatment regimens. At the same time, examinations such as electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound are also routine monitoring methods, which can help doctors understand heart function and disease progression, so as to adjust treatment strategies in time.
Emergency treatment and prevention in daily life
The key to preventing cardiac events
The number one way to prevent cardiac events is to cultivate a healthy lifestyle. Maintain a good diet and eat a low-salt and low-fat diet to help control blood lipid and blood pressure levels; Moderate aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, etc., can help enhance cardiopulmonary function and promote blood circulation; Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol can effectively reduce the risk of heart load and arteriosclerosis.
Emergency response strategy
When patients with coronary heart disease encounter acute events such as angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, emergency measures should be taken immediately. The first is to seek immediate medical attention and seek help and guidance from a professional doctor; At the same time, nitroglycerin tablets can be taken orally in the form of sublingual to relieve the symptoms of angina; If symptoms persist or worsen, urgent medical attention and necessary interventions, such as vasodilation or stenting, are required.
Emergency preparedness in the home
At home, patients with coronary heart disease and their families should have emergency contact information and first-aid medicines, such as nitroglycerin, first aid kits, etc., ready to respond quickly in case of an emergency. At the same time, family members need to understand the common symptoms and treatment methods of cardiac emergencies, and enhance their coping ability and emergency awareness, so as to ensure that patients receive timely and effective help during emergency treatment.