Mrs. Wang, for the marriage of her son Xiaojie, is busy with the decoration of her new house. Although Mrs. Wang suffers from cardiovascular disease, she is full of anticipation and enthusiasm for her son's wedding. Every day, regardless of the cold and her own physical condition, she travels between the city and the countryside, planning every detail of the new house.
Doctors have repeatedly reminded Mrs. Wang that winter is a period of high incidence of cardiovascular diseases, and special attention needs to be paid to avoid cold stimuli, excessive fatigue and mood swings. But Mrs. Wang, out of deep love for her son, ignored these warnings.
One day, Mrs. Wang was busy with the final decoration work in her new house. The cold wind was howling outside, but the room was well heated and warm like spring. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her chest and made it difficult to breathe. On this cold winter day, Mrs. Wang collapsed alone in the new house, and no one knew her situation.
That night, Xiaojie rushed to the new house and found his mother lying on the ground. Although he was rushed to the hospital, it was too late. Doctors confirmed that Mrs. Wang died suddenly due to complications from cardiovascular disease.
Xiaojie's heart was full of remorse and pain. However, out of superstition about "bad luck", he decided to build a new house, believing that this home had brought misfortune. He brought his mother's body back to the countryside and buried it hastily.
1. The special needs of patients with cardiovascular diseases
Patients with cardiovascular disease need to regularly monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and lipid levels to ensure that these physiological indicators are within the normal range. Doctors usually develop an individualized plan, including medications and lifestyle changes, to control the progression of the disease.
Diet plays a key role in the management of patients with cardiovascular disease. They need to limit their intake of high-cholesterol, high-salt, and high-fat foods and increase their consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Moderate exercise is also essential to help maintain a healthy weight and cardiovascular function.
Mental health is also an important consideration, as cardiovascular disease can lead to anxiety and depression. People with cardiovascular disease need family and social support to cope with emotional stress.
2. The harm of cold wave to patients with cardiovascular disease
Cold spells often cause blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to increased blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. Cold air narrows blood vessels and increases the burden on the heart to pump blood, which is especially dangerous for people with coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction**. Vasospasm can also lead to the onset of angina.
Cold temperatures trigger a stress response that can lead to an increased heart rate and increased viscosity in the blood, all of which can worsen symptoms in people with cardiovascular disease. Cold climates may also make people more susceptible to thrombosis, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Psychologically, cold weather may lead to emotional instability, increased probability of anxiety and depression in patients with cardiovascular disease. Prolonged periods of cold weather outdoors can make them more isolated and lack opportunities for exercise and social activities, which can also have a negative impact on mental health.
3. Lifestyle management in cold weather
1. Eat a sensible diet: They should follow a low-salt, low-fat, high-fiber diet, increase their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, while limiting the consumption of sugar and processed foods. This helps to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the burden on the heart.
2. Moderate exercise: Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling or swimming, can help improve heart health, strengthen the heart muscle, and improve circulatory system function. In cold weather, opt for indoor workouts or a warm environment to prevent overexposure to the cold.
3. Adequate sleep: Lack of sleep may lead to high blood pressure and weight gain, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Ensuring a good night's sleep of 7-9 hours per night can help repair the body and reduce stress levels.
Fourth, patients with cardiovascular disease need to be vigilant in the cold wave weather
Keep warm
Cold weather can cause a sharp drop in body temperature, which can increase the burden on the cardiovascular system. Warm clothing, including layered clothing, hats, and gloves, is recommended to prevent hypothermia. At the same time, use the heating equipment correctly to ensure that the indoor temperature is appropriate.
Keep your emotions in check
Mood swings can have a negative impact on people with cardiovascular disease. The importance of emotional stability for cardiovascular health should be emphasized, and advice on managing emotions, such as learning relaxation techniques, seeking support, and avoiding excessive stress, should be provided.
Avoid strenuous exercise
Extreme physical activity can increase the burden on the heart, so it is advisable to choose light exercise such as walking or yoga and make sure to rest at the right time.
Eat right
Eat a diet low in salt, fat, and fiber, including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, and healthy fats, while limiting sugar and processed foods. This helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Monitor blood pressure
Learn how to measure your blood pressure properly and take steps to cope with it. Measuring blood pressure regularly can help detect problems early so that they can be timely**.
Follow your doctor's advice
This includes taking your medications on time, having regular medical check-ups, and following your doctor's advice to ensure that cardiovascular disease is managed effectively. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and close medical supervision will help reduce the risk of cold weather while improving the quality of life of patients.
5. First aid and medical treatment
Angina pectoris (angina):If people experience chest pain, pressure, dullness, or discomfort, it may be a symptom of angina. They should stop their activities immediately, sit down to rest, and chew aspirin-containing medications before seeking emergency medical help.
Heart spasms:Sudden, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, or cold sweats may indicate heart cramps. Call emergency services immediately and without delay.
Stroke:Sudden onset of weakness or numbness in the face, arms or legs, especially on one side, as well as difficulty speaking, vision problems or headaches, may be symptoms of a stroke. Call emergency services immediately.
Cardiac arrest:If the person suddenly loses consciousness and has no pulse or breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately and ask someone else to call for emergency services**.
Other symptoms:Patients with cardiovascular disease should be alert to other unusual symptoms, such as sudden, severe headache, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, or syncope. These may also require emergency medical treatment.
Let's work together to make this cold season warm and safe, and protect the lives and well-being of people with cardiovascular disease. Because only our common care and efforts can enable every cardiovascular patient to usher in a healthier and happier tomorrow.
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