How does one get coronary heart disease?

Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

Updated on December 26, 2024

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Coronary heart disease, officially called coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, is mainly caused by long-term elevated blood lipids, leading to arteriosclerosis, reduced elasticity in arterial walls, and thickening of the inner layer of blood vessels. This results in the narrowing of the coronary arteries and insufficient blood supply, which are the primary causes of coronary heart disease. Prolonged insufficient blood supply in the coronary arteries and severe narrowing can lead to angina and even myocardial infarction, posing significant risks to the body.

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Written by Chen Ya

Geriatrics

1min 30sec

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What should not be eaten with coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease is a cardiovascular disease, essentially characterized by atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. Therefore, foods that should be avoided are those that could further negatively affect vascular function and blood circulation. Specifically, foods high in cholesterol should be limited, particularly animal organs such as liver and offal from pigs and chickens, as these are the primary culprits in causing coronary artery atherosclerosis due to high blood lipids. Furthermore, foods rich in cholesterol like preserved eggs, crab roe, fish roe, and cream should also be consumed less frequently to prevent increased blood lipid levels and higher chances of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. Additionally, strong tea should be avoided as it may cause excitement, insomnia, and trigger heart disease. Also, it's advisable to avoid spicy foods and condiments such as chili peppers and mustard, as these can cause vasoconstriction and spasms, leading to angina or even myocardial infarction. Finally, smoking should be quit and alcohol intake should be limited, with individuals frequently experiencing episodes of coronary heart disease advised to abstain from alcohol completely.

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Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

58sec

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How is coronary heart disease diagnosed?

Coronary heart disease is a common disease among the elderly. So how should coronary heart disease be diagnosed? The diagnosis of coronary heart disease mainly involves the following aspects: First, based on clinical symptoms, patients with coronary heart disease often experience episodes of angina pectoris, which are likely to occur during brisk walking or emotional excitement. Second, electrocardiogram diagnosis; during episodes of angina pectoris, the electrocardiogram often shows changes indicative of myocardial ischemia. Third, coronary angiography, which is a gold standard measure for the definitive diagnosis of coronary heart disease, allows for a clear diagnosis of whether coronary heart disease is present or not. Fourth, the exercise stress test, which can induce episodes of coronary heart disease and also serve as a diagnostic tool for the disease.

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Written by Liu Yong

Cardiology

1min 4sec

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Is chest pain always coronary heart disease?

Firstly, the most common symptoms when coronary heart disease occurs include chest pain, especially in cases of severe myocardial infarction, which manifests as intense precordial pain. However, chest pain is not always indicative of coronary heart disease. For example, the development of chest pain centers currently underway in our country is intended to differentiate the nature of these chest pains. Therefore, the significance of establishing these chest pain centers lies in the fact that there are various causes of chest pain, many of which pose serious threats to life. For instance, common conditions such as aortic dissection may also present with chest pain. Similarly, pulmonary embolism, particularly acute pulmonary embolism, can cause symptoms like chest oppression and chest pain, which are not related to coronary heart disease. The establishment of chest pain centers is to distinguish these cases, hence it's important to note that not all chest pains are indicative of coronary heart disease.

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Written by Chen Ya

Geriatrics

45sec

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Can coronary heart disease patients soak their feet?

People with coronary heart disease can soak their feet, but it is recommended not to do so during an angina attack. When soaking feet, the high water temperature causes the capillaries in the lower limbs to dilate, increasing blood supply to the lower limbs, which can correspondingly reduce the blood supply to the heart, easily leading to myocardial ischemia and angina attacks. Additionally, the soaking should not be too long, and the water temperature should not be too high. It is suggested that a 10-minute soak is appropriate, and a water temperature of around 37 to 38 degrees Celsius is advisable. Too high a temperature is not beneficial for patients with coronary heart disease.

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Written by Chen Ya

Geriatrics

1min 21sec

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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.