Complications of heart disease

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on October 29, 2024
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Heart disease is a very common illness in our daily lives. What are the complications of heart disease? The category of heart diseases is broad; here we will discuss some common ones, such as coronary heart disease. Patients with coronary heart disease are prone to develop heart failure, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, or atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation often leads to complications like thrombosis. For instance, a dislodged thrombus can cause a cerebral infarction, resulting in symptoms like hemiplegia, weakness in one side of the body, and speech disturbances. Additionally, certain severe myocardial diseases can lead to malignant arrhythmias, causing sudden death in patients, which is often very serious.

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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 Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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How to prevent heart disease

In clinical settings, heart diseases include congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, pneumonic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, etc. Some diseases are preventable, such as the most common coronary heart disease. The occurrence of coronary heart disease is due to long-term lipid metabolism disorders and increased blood lipids, which cause arteriosclerosis and subsequent coronary atherosclerosis, leading to insufficient myocardial blood supply and myocardial damage. Preventing and treating hyperlipidemia and reducing arteriosclerosis can decrease the incidence of coronary heart disease.

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Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
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Manifestations of Cor Pulmonale

Cor pulmonale refers to a disease characterized by changes in heart structure and function due to increased pulmonary vascular resistance caused by pathological conditions of the bronchi, lungs, thoracic cage, or pulmonary vessels, leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension. This condition is collectively known as cor pulmonale. The clinical manifestations of cor pulmonale generally develop slowly. Clinically, in addition to pulmonary and pleural symptoms, there gradually appear signs of pulmonary cardiac failure and damage to other organs. Common symptoms include coughing, expectoration, palpitations, dyspnea, fatigue, decreased endurance to physical activity. In the decompensated stage, symptoms such as worsening dyspnea, headaches, insomnia, decreased appetite, and even some signs of right heart failure like palpitations, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, nausea, and swelling of the lower limbs may occur.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can a cardiac ultrasound detect thyrotoxic heart disease?

Cardiac ultrasound examinations cannot directly diagnose hyperthyroid heart disease, which often leads to an enlargement of the heart and a reduction in cardiac pumping function. Cardiac ultrasound can detect these structural changes in the heart caused by hyperthyroidism and can assess heart function, but it cannot determine if these are caused by an overactive thyroid. A combination of blood tests for thyroid function or a thyroid ultrasound is needed for a comprehensive diagnosis. If the thyroid ultrasound shows a rich blood flow in the thyroid region, appearing flame-like, or if the blood tests show a significant decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone, in conjunction with cardiac ultrasound, it can confirm the presence of hyperthyroid heart disease.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Which place is the best for a heart disease massage?

Premature cardiac contractions can occur in normal individuals. For younger people, fewer than 3 contractions per minute generally poses no issue, whereas for older individuals, fewer than 5 per minute is considered normal. However, it is recommended to conduct a 24-hour Holter monitor test. If this test shows more than 10,000 occurrences in 24 hours, it is advisable to consult a specialist to determine if medication or hospital treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation, is needed. Additionally, it is crucial to investigate the causes of premature cardiac contractions. If serious diseases are ruled out, it may be helpful to massage corresponding acupoints. Generally, massaging acupoints like the Neiguan and Hegu, which are associated with the kidney and heart meridians, is suggested. Massage of the Fuxi acupoint is also recommended; located at the front of the thigh, it is easier to massage when seated with the knee bent at a 90-degree angle.