What to do if coronary heart disease causes constipation?

Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
Updated on February 16, 2025
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Patients with coronary heart disease should pay attention to bowel movements, as difficulty in defecation can lead to intestinal obstruction. This is especially true for elderly patients with diabetes. Additionally, straining during bowel movements can easily induce angina or even lead to myocardial infarction or sudden death. Patients with constipation should consider the following issues. Firstly, their diet should include high-fiber foods; secondly, appropriate exercise should be undertaken; thirdly, some patients may take laxatives, and currently, there are many laxatives suitable for the elderly available clinically with relatively minor side effects and good efficacy; fourthly, some patients may use enemas for prolonged constipation, but long-term use is not recommended. Besides preventing constipation, patients with coronary heart disease should also maintain a calm demeanor, avoid emotional fluctuations, and prevent overeating or vigorous activity, as these can cause insufficient blood supply to the heart, triggering angina or myocardial infarction. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
1min 22sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
54sec home-news-image

Can people with coronary heart disease eat mutton?

In the case of coronary heart disease and consuming mutton, it is generally acceptable to eat it, but we should decide based on our own health condition. For instance, if someone with coronary heart disease exhibits symptoms of qi deficiency or yang deficiency, such as fear of cold, or having cold hands and feet, they are more suited to eat mutton. Sometimes, doctors even recommend eating some mutton in winter. However, those with yin deficiency and internal heat, who are irritable and prone to anger, are advised to eat less. It's not that they absolutely cannot eat it, but it is best to avoid or minimize consumption. Generally speaking, a light diet is recommended for those with coronary heart disease.

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Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
1min 25sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Which department should I go to for coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease, formally known as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, is a type of ischemic heart disease caused by the atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, and one should register with the department of cardiology. Coronary heart disease can cause significant harm to the body and requires treatment under the guidance of a cardiologist in the department of cardiology. Effective medications are used to relieve symptoms, improve myocardial blood supply, and treatments commonly include methods such as dilating the coronary arteries, invigorating the blood, nourishing the myocardium, and regulating blood lipids, to prevent the progression of coronary heart disease.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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How is coronary heart disease treated?

Coronary heart disease generally refers to a condition caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, leading to severe narrowing or complete blockage of the coronary arteries. The treatment of coronary heart disease mainly includes the following aspects: First, non-pharmacological treatment. For example, maintaining good lifestyle habits, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, controlling weight, and continuing exercise when the condition is stable. Second, pharmacological treatment. For instance, under the guidance of a doctor, standardized use of aspirin, statins, clopidogrel, and nitrate vasodilators. Third, surgical treatment. Treatment options for coronary heart disease include interventional cardiology as well as surgical coronary artery bypass grafting. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)