Protect your heart health and stay away from coronary heart disease

Author: Dong Xiaohua, Xi'an Red Cross Hospital

Reviewer: Yang Liping, deputy chief physician of Xi'an Red Cross Hospital

Coronary heart disease, as a common disease among middle-aged and elderly people, has quietly become an "invisible killer" that threatens their health and even their lives. This article will analyze the hazards, causes, diagnosis methods, and prevention and treatment measures of coronary heart disease.

1. Understanding Coronary Heart Disease: An Invisible Threat to Heart Health

Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, is a heart disease caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries (the main channel for blood supply to the heart), which leads to thickening of the blood vessel walls and narrowing of the lumen, and then causes myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. It is not only a common disease among the middle-aged and elderly population, but also because of its hidden onset and slow progression, it often has caused more serious consequences when it is detected, so it is vividly called the "invisible killer."

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2. Causes of coronary heart disease: the result of multiple factors

The formation of coronary heart disease is not a matter of one day or one night, but the result of the long-term action of multiple factors. It mainly includes the following aspects:

Age and gender: As we age, the blood vessel walls gradually age and become less elastic, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis. In addition, men have a higher incidence of coronary heart disease than women, but the incidence of women also increases significantly after menopause.

Genetic factors: People with a family history of coronary heart disease have an increased risk of developing the disease.

Bad living habits: long-term smoking, excessive drinking, lack of exercise, high-fat and high-sugar diet and other bad living habits are important factors leading to coronary heart disease.

Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes: These chronic diseases can accelerate the process of atherosclerosis, thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart disease.

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III. Diagnosis of coronary heart disease: accurate identification and early intervention

The diagnosis of coronary heart disease depends on the comprehensive evaluation of multiple examination methods, the most important of which are electrocardiogram and coronary angiography.

Electrocardiogram: As a basic examination for diagnosing coronary heart disease, electrocardiogram can reflect the electrophysiological activity of the heart and help doctors determine whether the myocardium is ischemic. Although electrocardiogram may not be able to directly diagnose coronary heart disease in some cases, it is of great significance for evaluating the condition and monitoring changes in the condition.

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Coronary angiography: Known as the "gold standard" for diagnosing coronary heart disease, by injecting contrast agents into the coronary arteries and using X-ray development technology, doctors can clearly see the location, extent and range of coronary artery lesions, providing a direct basis for formulating treatment plans.

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In addition, the doctor will make a comprehensive judgment based on the patient's clinical symptoms (such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, etc.), physical examination and blood biochemical test results.

IV. Treatment of coronary heart disease: multi-pronged approach, comprehensive treatment

The treatment of coronary heart disease should follow the principle of individualization, and a comprehensive treatment plan should be formulated according to the patient's specific condition, which mainly includes three aspects: drug treatment, surgical treatment and cardiac rehabilitation training.

Drug therapy: As the basic treatment for coronary heart disease, drug therapy aims to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and improve heart function. Commonly used drugs include antiplatelet drugs (such as aspirin), anticoagulants (such as heparin), lipid-lowering drugs (such as statins), etc. Patients need to strictly follow the doctor's instructions and have regular checkups to evaluate the treatment effect and adjust the medication plan.

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Surgical treatment: For patients with severe coronary artery stenosis and poor response to drug treatment, surgical treatment can be considered. Common surgical methods include percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The former uses catheter technology to dredge the narrowed coronary artery; the latter uses open-chest surgery to establish a new blood flow channel between the proximal and distal ends of the coronary artery.

Cardiac rehabilitation training: For patients with stable conditions, cardiac rehabilitation training is an important means to improve cardiac function and quality of life. Patients should perform appropriate aerobic exercise (such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc.) under the guidance of professional doctors, while paying attention to dietary adjustment and psychological counseling to promote comprehensive recovery.

5. Prevention of coronary heart disease: Start with lifestyle and build a healthy defense line

The key to preventing coronary heart disease is to start with lifestyle and build a healthy lifestyle. Specific measures include:

Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake: Smoking and excessive drinking are both risk factors for coronary heart disease, so you should quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.

Reasonable diet: Maintain a balanced diet structure, reduce the intake of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods, and increase the proportion of fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Moderate exercise: Choose appropriate exercise methods according to your own situation, such as walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, etc., and maintain moderate physical activity.

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Control weight: Avoid obesity and keep your weight within a reasonable range through a proper diet and moderate exercise.

Regular physical examinations: Have regular physical examinations, especially monitoring of blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar and other indicators to detect and control chronic diseases in a timely manner.

Emotional management: Maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, learn to manage your emotions, and avoid being in negative emotions such as tension and anxiety for a long time.

In short, coronary heart disease is a common disease among the middle-aged and elderly, and its harm cannot be ignored. By understanding the causes, diagnosis methods, treatment and prevention measures of coronary heart disease, we can better protect the heart health of ourselves and our families. Let us start from now, start with improving our lifestyle, and jointly build a healthy line of defense against coronary heart disease.