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 Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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Treatment methods for chronic heart failure

The treatment of heart failure mainly includes the following points. The first major category is etiological treatment, where we should actively manage all common diseases that may impair cardiac function, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, etc. The second category is to eliminate the factors that lead to heart failure, such as infections, especially respiratory infections. The third major category is for patients to pay attention to rest, control physical activity, avoid emotional excitement, and control sodium intake to reduce blood volume. The fourth category is drug therapy, which commonly includes the use of diuretics, ACE inhibitors, positive inotropic drugs, and β-blockers in clinical practice. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Liu Ying
Cardiology
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Late-stage symptoms of heart failure

The most common symptom of late-stage heart failure is dyspnea, which is often persistent. Even in a resting state, there can be shortness of breath. Mild activities, such as eating and urination, can exacerbate the breathing difficulties. Patients in the late stages of heart failure often experience persistent edema, and conventional diuretics are not effective. Patients may also exhibit restlessness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, reduced urine output, and other symptoms. Additionally, low blood pressure can be observed on cardiac monitoring, among other findings.

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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 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.