Is pulmonary heart disease serious?

Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Cor pulmonale refers to the disease characterized by changes in the structure and function of the right ventricle due to increased pressure resistance in the pulmonary vessels, caused by abnormalities in the bronchopulmonary tissue, thoracic cage, pulmonary vessels, etc., ultimately leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension. Common symptoms of cor pulmonale observed clinically include coughing, production of phlegm, shortness of breath, chest tightness after activity, and difficulty breathing. Some individuals may experience respiratory failure and symptoms of heart failure. The severity of cor pulmonale depends firstly on the underlying causes of the disease. For instance, conditions like pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension generally have a poorer and more serious prognosis. Secondly, extensive lung infections leading to a loss of cardiopulmonary compensation, resulting in respiratory failure and heart failure, typically indicate a more severe condition.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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How do you get heart disease?

There are many causes of heart disease, the most common being coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, which is due to long-term hyperlipidemia leading to arteriosclerosis. After the coronary arteries harden, the lumen narrows, resulting in insufficient myocardial blood supply and the onset of coronary heart disease. Rheumatic heart disease occurs when the body is infected with streptococcus and does not receive adequate treatment, leading to an abnormal immune response that attacks the heart valves, causing valve damage. Pulmonary heart disease is caused by long-term insufficient ventilation leading to emphysema, and pulmonary hypertension increases the resistance on the heart, causing right ventricular hypertrophy.

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Written by Xiao Chang Jiang
Cardiology
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Early symptoms of heart disease

How is heart disease diagnosed? What are its early symptoms? Actually, the concept of heart disease is very broad as it includes many diseases related to the heart. Generally, it refers to problems with the structure or function of the heart, or its inability to perform its pumping function. Its early symptoms can include chest tightness, chest pain, or a crushing feeling after activity, and some may even radiate to the back or the inside of the arms, even involving the shoulders, presenting symptoms like increased heart rate, palpitations, tinnitus, and breathing difficulties. All these are related to heart disease. But how can we determine what kind of heart disease it is? We believe that the first step is to visit a hospital for tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG), ambulatory ECGs, exercise stress tests, and other imaging tests including coronary CT and even coronary angiography. Of course, some biochemical tests are also necessary, such as myocardial enzymes, troponins, myoglobins, brain natriuretic peptides, immunological and biological tests, which all help to determine the nature of the heart disease. In summary, we must pay special attention to heart disease, and once these symptoms appear, we should seek medical attention promptly and early.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Can people with heart disease drink alcohol?

Patients with heart disease should not drink alcohol, especially those with severe heart conditions, including heart failure and arrhythmias. Drinking alcohol can excite the sympathetic nervous system, increase heart rate, enhance myocardial oxygen consumption, increase cardiac burden, and worsen arrhythmias and heart failure. Additionally, patients with organic heart disease who regularly require medication should avoid alcohol. Alcohol can chemically interact with certain medications or reduce their effectiveness, potentially harming the body.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can heart disease cause numbness in the hands?

Heart disease, such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, can potentially cause numbness in the hands. When angina or myocardial infarction of coronary heart disease occurs, there is often severe chest pain. This chest pain may be accompanied by pain and numbness in the left shoulder or left hand. During episodes of pain, an electrocardiogram often shows significant ST depression or ST elevation. This condition is commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly patients. In addition, cervical spondylosis can also cause numbness in the hands, often seen in young people who spend long periods looking down at their mobile phones or using computers, usually showing symptoms of neck pain. A cervical spine MRI can often determine whether cervical spondylosis is causing these symptoms.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
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What does heart disease feel like?

Heart disease is a very common category of diseases in our daily lives, with a wide range of heart conditions. What are the general symptoms or feelings associated with heart disease? They often manifest in the following ways: First, palpitations or arrhythmias. Patients with arrhythmias often experience symptoms of palpitations, which are quite common. Second, chest tightness and chest pain, such as in coronary heart disease or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This type of heart disease often presents with symptoms of chest tightness and chest pain. Third, symptoms of heart failure, such as exertional dyspnea or nocturnal paroxysmal dyspnea. These symptoms are often indicative of heart failure. These three major categories are the most common symptoms of heart disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to visit the cardiology department of a hospital for a formal examination.