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Chen Ya
Geriatrics
About me
Hunan University of Chinese Medicine Hospital, Department of Geriatrics, attending physician.
Proficient in diseases
Specializes in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Voices
How to provide emergency aid for a heart attack
Emergency treatment for a heart attack includes promptly transporting the patient to the emergency room. During this process, sublingual administration of quick-acting heart-saving pills or compound Danshen dripping pills, as well as nitroglycerin, can be used. Additionally, if conditions allow, blood pressure should be measured. If the blood pressure is very high, antihypertensive medication should be taken to control it. This serves as an initial emergency response until the patient can be assessed in the emergency room to determine the specific cause and type of heart attack, followed by targeted emergency treatment.
Can a secondary hemorrhage from cerebral hemorrhage be saved?
Although the mortality rate for secondary hemorrhage of cerebral hemorrhage is relatively high, there is still hope for recovery if medical attention is sought in time and aggressive treatment is administered. For instance, those with large amounts of hemorrhage can undergo surgical treatment in neurosurgery, while those with smaller amounts of bleeding can receive conservative treatment. Generally, the smaller the amount of bleeding, the greater the likelihood of survival.
Arrhythmia is caused by what?
Arrhythmia is caused by abnormal excitation of the sinoatrial node or excitation originating outside the sinoatrial node, with slow conduction, blockage, or conduction through abnormal pathways. This results in the frequency and (or) rhythm abnormalities of heartbeats, which are collectively referred to as arrhythmias. Most of the causes include the following: one is genetic arrhythmias, often due to gene channel mutations, such as the commonly seen long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, etc. There are also acquired arrhythmias, seen in various organic heart diseases, including coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, commonly referred to as coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and rheumatic heart disease, particularly prevalent during heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. Arrhythmias are also not uncommon in basically healthy individuals or patients with autonomic dysfunction. Other causes include electrolyte imbalance or endocrine disorders, and sometimes anesthesia, hypothermia, or surgery, such as thoracic or cardiac surgery, or medications, central nervous system diseases may also cause arrhythmias, but the specific reasons are not very clear.
What is good for patients with coronary heart disease to eat?
For patients with coronary heart disease, a predominantly vegetarian diet is recommended. The diet should be low in calories, fats, cholesterol, and salt; high in protein, vitamins, and fiber; non-irritating; divided into more frequent, smaller meals; and consist of easily digestible foods. Regular consumption of nutrient-rich, easily digestible foods is advisable, especially those containing high-quality proteins with essential amino acids, B vitamins, and vitamin C. It is important to avoid overeating, restrict salt intake, and remember to include potassium-rich foods. Examples of beneficial foods include beans and their products, potatoes, seaweed, kelp, shiitake mushrooms, other mushrooms, Chinese yam, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, buckwheat, and bananas. Limit the intake of fats and sugar-rich foods, and opt for foods that can reduce blood lipids, such as milk, sheep's milk, soybeans, green beans, peas, lentils, carrots, cauliflower, hawthorn, kelp, fish, onions, and shiitake mushrooms.
Can arrhythmia cause sudden death?
The clinical manifestations of hemodynamic changes caused by arrhythmias mainly depend on the nature, type, cardiac function, and the extent of impact on hemodynamics. Mild conditions such as slight sinus bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, occasional atrial premature contractions, and first-degree atrioventricular block have minimal impact on hemodynamics and therefore do not exhibit significant clinical manifestations, and sudden death is generally not expected. However, more severe arrhythmias, such as sick sinus syndrome, rapid atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and sustained ventricular tachycardia, can lead to palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, hypotension, and sweating. In severe cases, syncope, Adams-Stokes syndrome, or even sudden death may occur.
Coronary heart disease is caused by what?
Coronary heart disease is caused by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, leading to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. The exact cause of coronary atherosclerosis is not yet clear. Extensive research indicates that the formation of atherosclerosis involves various factors including arterial wall cells, extracellular matrix blood components, local hemodynamic environment, and genetics. Key risk factors include abnormalities in lipoproteins, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, elevated homocysteine, reduced physical activity, and old age. The condition primarily starts with damage to the endothelium and gradually progresses from there.
How long can one live with arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis has a certain impact on survival and longevity, but it is not an absolute determinant. People with mild arteriosclerosis have fewer sudden incidents of cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction, thus they may have a longer survival period. However, if arteriosclerosis leads to myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction, it will also affect their lifespan, but there is no absolute conclusion.
Complications of Cerebral Hemorrhage
The main complications of cerebral hemorrhage are infections or fever, especially aspiration pneumonia, which is quite common. The second complication is hyperglycemia. The third is stress ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. The fourth complication involves cardiac issues, as patients with cerebral hemorrhage are prone to neurogenic cardiac damage. Another complication is epilepsy; patients with lobar hemorrhage are likely to experience recurrent seizures. Additionally, there is also central fever.
Does arrhythmia require hospitalization?
Arrhythmia treatment should be determined based on the patient's symptoms, type of arrhythmia, and its impact on hemodynamics. For instance, minor conditions like slight sinus bradycardia, irregular sinus rhythm, occasional atrial premature contractions, and first-degree atrioventricular block, which have minimal impact on hemodynamics and no significant clinical manifestation or structural heart disease, do not necessitate hospitalization. However, more severe arrhythmias such as sick sinus syndrome, rapid atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and sustained ventricular tachycardia, which can cause symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, low blood pressure, sweating, and in severe cases, fainting, Adam-Stokes syndrome, and even sudden cardiac death, require prompt medical attention and hospitalization for treatment.
What should be noted for cerebral infarction?
People with old myocardial infarctions need to pay attention to their diet. A low-salt, low-fat diet is recommended. Additionally, individuals like Student Shi who have difficulty swallowing must be careful not to choke, as this can lead to aspiration pneumonia. If they really cannot eat, they may need to have a gastric tube inserted for feeding. Emotionally, it is crucial to control emotional fluctuations as they can cause blood pressure spikes, potentially leading to further progression of a cerebral infarction. Regarding medications, they must be taken on time and regularly to prevent risk factors including hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Blood pressure should also be controlled within the normal range. Furthermore, functional exercise is essential, particularly for those suffering from sequelae post-infarction, to prevent local muscle atrophy and stiffness.