The basic etiology of chronic heart failure

Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Chronic heart failure is one of the most common complications of various organic heart diseases, and there are many causes of chronic heart failure. The main reason is due to primary diseases that have not been effectively treated. Long-term myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, excessive fatigue, emotional excitement, overeating, too full, constipation, and other reasons increase the cardiac burden, leading to chronic heart failure. People with organic heart disease must treat the primary disease under the guidance of a doctor. At the same time, pay attention to rest, avoid emotional excitement, eat easily digestible food, maintain a low-salt, low-fat diet, and ensure smooth bowel movements to prevent increasing the cardiac burden and causing heart failure.

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Written by Liu Ying
Cardiology
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Causes of chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure is the terminal manifestation and leading cause of death in cardiovascular diseases. Although there has been significant progress in the treatment of heart failure in China, the number of deaths from heart failure continues to rise. Coronary artery disease and hypertension have become the main causes of chronic heart failure. Rheumatic heart disease and valvular heart disease are also causes of chronic heart failure. Valvular heart diseases, such as mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, pulmonary valve diseases, and tricuspid valve diseases, can all lead to heart failure. Additionally, chronic pulmonary heart disease and high-altitude heart disease also have certain regional prevalences in China.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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Treatment methods for chronic heart failure

The treatment of heart failure mainly includes the following points. The first major category is etiological treatment, where we should actively manage all common diseases that may impair cardiac function, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, etc. The second category is to eliminate the factors that lead to heart failure, such as infections, especially respiratory infections. The third major category is for patients to pay attention to rest, control physical activity, avoid emotional excitement, and control sodium intake to reduce blood volume. The fourth category is drug therapy, which commonly includes the use of diuretics, ACE inhibitors, positive inotropic drugs, and β-blockers in clinical practice. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Ying
Cardiology
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Can people with chronic heart failure smoke?

Patients with chronic heart failure should not smoke, as smoking can enhance the excitability of the sympathetic nervous system. Increased excitability of the sympathetic nervous system releases norepinephrine, elevating norepinephrine levels. This can cause peripheral vasoconstriction, increase the afterload on the heart, and accelerate heart rate. Both of these effects can increase myocardial oxygen consumption. Furthermore, norepinephrine has a direct toxic effect on myocardial cells, promoting myocardial cell apoptosis and participating in the pathological process of ventricular remodeling. Moreover, excitement of the sympathetic nervous system can also enhance myocardial stress, potentially promoting the occurrence of arrhythmias. Therefore, patients with chronic heart failure should not smoke.

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Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
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Causes of acute heart failure

Acute heart failure refers to the acute onset of heart failure or an exacerbated clinical syndrome, which can present as either newly developed acute or acute decompensation of chronic heart failure. Clinically, it is commonly divided into two main categories. One category is acute left heart failure, often caused by acute decompensation of chronic heart failure, or by acute coronary syndrome, hypertensive emergencies, acute cardiac valvular dysfunction, severe myocarditis, serious arrhythmias, and peripartum cardiomyopathy. The other category is acute right heart failure, which can be caused by right ventricular infarction, acute large pulmonary embolism, and right-sided valvular heart disease.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Where to massage for heart failure?

Patients with heart failure cannot be effectively treated by massage alone; it merely serves to alleviate symptoms. It is recommended to take medication for treatment purposes. However, massaging certain acupoints can be beneficial. Massaging the Neiguan point can significantly reduce symptoms of chest tightness and pain, and also alleviate fainting. Regularly massaging the Jiuwei point, also known as the Jianjing point, can effectively relieve angina caused by heart disease.