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Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease belongs to the department of cardiology.
Coronary heart disease is the abbreviation for coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. It occurs when coronary arteries undergo atherosclerosis, causing narrowing or blockage of the lumen, leading to myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, or necrosis. After the diagnosis of heart disease, if conservative treatment or coronary intervention is administered, then it falls under the category of cardiology. However, if coronary heart disease is diagnosed and further treatment necessitating bypass surgery is needed, then a cardiac surgeon should perform the surgery.
How to prevent coronary heart disease in its early stages
Coronary heart disease is caused by a variety of reasons leading to arteriosclerosis of cardiac vessels or narrowing, resulting in insufficient cardiac blood supply. Common risk factors for coronary heart disease include older age, smoking, high blood lipid levels, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, among others. Generally, aging is unavoidable, but we can prevent the progression of coronary heart disease by quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels. It is also important to control weight, reduce the intake of fatty foods, improve lifestyle, exercise regularly, keep a regular schedule, and avoid excessive fatigue. These are the methods for the early prevention of coronary heart disease, and medication may be necessary when needed.
How does one get coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease, officially called coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, is mainly caused by long-term elevated blood lipids, leading to arteriosclerosis, reduced elasticity in arterial walls, and thickening of the inner layer of blood vessels. This results in the narrowing of the coronary arteries and insufficient blood supply, which are the primary causes of coronary heart disease. Prolonged insufficient blood supply in the coronary arteries and severe narrowing can lead to angina and even myocardial infarction, posing significant risks to the body.
What are the symptoms of coronary heart disease?
The symptoms of coronary heart disease primarily include typical symptoms such as pain in the precordial area triggered by physical activity or emotional excitement. The pain is often spasmodic or compressive, or it may feel like suffocation. The pain begins behind the sternum or in the precordial area and can radiate upwards to the left shoulder and arm, even reaching the little finger and ring finger. Rest or taking nitroglycerin can alleviate the pain. The radiation of the chest pain may also involve the neck, lower jaw, teeth, and abdomen. Chest pain can also occur during rest or at night, caused by coronary spasm, also known as variant angina. If the nature of the chest pain changes, such as newly occurring progressive chest pain, wherein the pain threshold gradually declines to the point that slight physical activity or emotional excitement, or even rest or deep sleep can trigger it. The pain gradually intensifies, becomes more frequent, and lasts longer. If removing the trigger or taking nitroglycerin does not relieve it, unstable angina is often suspected. Symptoms of coronary heart disease with angina can also be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, sweating, panic, nausea, and vomiting.
Can people with coronary heart disease eat eggs?
Eggs contain rich proteins that are easily digested, absorbed, and utilized by the human body. Eggs also contain a variety of amino acids, including some essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own and must be ingested through diet. Eggs are beneficial for human growth and development, and patients with coronary heart disease can consume eggs, but they should be mindful of the quantity. Patients with coronary heart disease should adhere to a low-salt, low-fat diet, avoid fatty meats or animal organs, and generally consume fewer foods that are high in cholesterol and fat. Additionally, patients should adjust their lifestyle, follow medical advice, take medications on time, and undergo regular check-ups.
Coronary heart disease clinical manifestations
Coronary heart disease is fully known as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. From its name, we can see that the basis of its onset is due to the formation of plaques and narrowing of the lumen in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, leading to insufficient blood supply to the myocardium and a series of symptoms. So what are these symptoms? The common manifestations include chest tightness and chest pain in the precordial area after physical activity, emotional excitement, or even after a full meal. Some patients may also experience radiating pain in other areas, such as the back, shoulders, abdomen, and even the throat. Additionally, some patients may experience atypical symptoms such as palpitations and abdominal pain.
What to do when coronary heart disease occurs suddenly?
Coronary heart disease is the abbreviation for coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. It refers to the narrowing or blockage of the coronary artery vessels due to arteriosclerotic lesions, causing myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, or necrosis, leading to heart disease. Its attacks are often related to seasonal changes, emotional excitement, increased physical activity, overeating, heavy smoking, and drinking. When sudden coronary heart disease occurs, the first step is to eliminate these triggering factors, such as immediately calming down when emotionally agitated, or immediately resting in bed if active. Rest should be the priority. If resting and removing triggers do not relieve symptoms, sublingual administration of nitrate and rapid-action heart-saving pills can be used; generally, these medications can relieve symptoms. If relief is still not obtained, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly nearby. In cases of sudden unbearable pain, a sense of impending death, and intense pain despite taking rapid-action heart-saving pills, it is advised to call emergency services (dial 120) immediately to compete for time to prevent acute myocardial infarction, where emergency surgery might be available.
Can coronary heart disease be cured?
Coronary heart disease, when treated with effective medications, can achieve clinical symptom relief or disappearance, generally without the chance of a cure. This is because the onset mechanism of coronary heart disease is due to coronary artery atherosclerosis causing insufficient blood supply to the myocardium, leading to myocardial damage, and arteriosclerosis worsens with age. Patients with coronary heart disease should pay attention to adjusting their dietary structure, adopting a low-fat, low-salt diet. Under the guidance of a doctor, the regular and correct use of some medications that invigorate blood circulation, nourish the myocardium, and dilate coronary arteries can improve myocardial ischemia and achieve clinical symptom relief or disappearance.
What foods are suitable for coronary heart disease?
Patients with coronary heart disease should eat light, easily digestible foods, opt for low-salt and low-fat options, and consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Foods rich in dietary fiber, such as wheat, oats, and buckwheat, can also be eaten in moderation. Avoid foods high in animal fats and cholesterol, as well as salt-rich preserved items. In addition to dietary adjustments, patients with coronary heart disease should engage in reasonable exercise, effectively control their weight, maintain a good psychological state, and avoid overwork and staying up late, ensuring ample sleep at night. It is important to actively control risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol, provide long-term standardized medication treatment for coronary heart disease, and maintain stability of the condition.
Is angina pectoris coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease refers to the occurrence of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries, leading to narrowing or blockage of the lumen, causing myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, and necrosis resulting in heart disease. Through different pathological anatomy and pathophysiology, there are five major types, including asymptomatic coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and sudden death. Angina pectoris is one type of coronary heart disease.