Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure

Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Chronic heart failure is a common and frequent disease in clinical practice, often caused by severe myocardial damage, which leads to insufficient myocardial contraction and results in inadequate peripheral blood supply. The primary principles of treatment are to reduce the heart's burden, enhance its contractile strength, decrease the heart's workload, and reduce the returning blood volume to alleviate the heart's burden. Treatment involves using vasodilators to decrease cardiac resistance, positive inotropic drugs to strengthen cardiac contraction, and diuretics and a low-salt diet to reduce cardiac volume and returning blood volume. By employing these methods, the symptoms of chronic heart failure can be improved.

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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 Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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How to check for heart failure?

Heart failure is a relatively common cardiac disease in our daily lives, and patients often exhibit symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. So, how should heart failure be diagnosed? Generally, the following are common tests: First, an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is a very practical and non-invasive test that can determine the presence of heart valve diseases, cardiomyopathy, and other conditions, as well as assess the heart's pumping function; Second, blood tests. For example, blood tests for electrolytes and BNP, or brain natriuretic peptide, can determine the presence of heart failure; Third, chest CT or X-rays. These can identify manifestations of pulmonary congestion caused by heart failure.

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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 Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Is there a cure for chronic heart failure?

Chronic heart failure is often a later stage of many diseases, and patients in this category typically exhibit symptoms of recurrent exertional dyspnea. These symptoms are often related to physical activity, overeating, or excessive and rapid infusion of fluids. Many patients often ask their doctors if there is hope for their chronic heart failure, and the answer is definitely yes. Currently, the pharmacological and device treatments for heart failure are highly effective. Under the guidance of a doctor, standardized pharmacological treatment can often effectively improve the symptoms of chronic heart failure.

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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.