Self-care principles for patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

Middle age is a time of career success and heavy responsibilities, so people should pay special attention to their health and have regular health checkups at the hospital.

People with a family history of hypertension or hyperlipidemia, obesity or diabetes, a habit of smoking or drinking, mental stress, or obvious physical discomfort should get checked early for early diagnosis and timely prevention and treatment.

If hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hyperviscosity have been diagnosed, an electrocardiogram shows ischemic changes, a cerebral blood flow test or transcranial Doppler ultrasound shows increased cerebral vascular tension, and clinical manifestations are similar to angina pectoris or neurasthenia syndrome, then the patient can be considered to have cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

In the early stages of a disease, it is important to actively seek medical attention and receive treatment, while also learning self-care techniques to control the progression of the disease and prevent complications.

If not treated promptly and self-care is neglected, an acute myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident can not only endanger life, but even if the person survives, it can affect their work, career, and quality of life.

While examinations and treatments mainly rely on doctors, self-care mainly depends on oneself. Here, we will specifically discuss the issue of self-care.

For patients with early-stage cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the knowledge about prevention and conditioning has been systematically introduced earlier. Here, we will give some general explanations from the perspective of self-care.

First, one must have a correct understanding and positive attitude towards one's condition, and gradually free oneself from the stress of work and life, and from the anxiety and fear of the disease.

Learn to relax, ensure sufficient sleep time and quality, control negative emotions, and maintain an optimistic spirit.

Eat a light diet, and consume plenty of vitamin-rich foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits; eat plenty of phytosterol-rich foods such as beans and their products; and use vegetable oils such as soybean oil, sesame oil, melon seed oil, and corn oil as much as possible.

Eat less animal fat and cholesterol-rich foods such as animal organs, cream, and egg yolks; eat less sugar and foods with high sugar content to prevent obesity and control your weight.

Overeating is strictly prohibited to avoid triggering angina or myocardial infarction; if you have high blood pressure or heart failure, you should also limit your salt intake.

One should participate in a certain amount of physical labor and sports activities, and should not seek comfort because of illness.

Of course, the amount and intensity of physical activity should be determined according to the patient's condition, with the principle of not increasing the burden on the heart and not causing discomfort.

You should not engage in strenuous activities or overexert yourself.

Activities such as walking, jogging, doing health exercises, and practicing Tai Chi can not only improve physical fitness and blood circulation, but also relax the mind.

Maintain a regular daily routine, arrange your work and life in a structured manner, ensure sufficient time for sleep, rest, and recreational activities, quit smoking and abstain from alcohol, interact with others with an optimistic attitude, and be indifferent to fame and fortune.

Whether it's studying, working, or pursuing hobbies, one should maintain a balance between work and rest, cultivate a calm mind, and benefit one's health.

Antihypertensive drugs are used for hypertension, hypoglycemic drugs are used for diabetes, lipid-lowering drugs are used for those with high blood lipids, and vasodilators are used for angina pectoris... These have become common knowledge. However, each type of drug has several varieties, and new products are constantly emerging. Each drug has its indications, contraindications, and side effects, as well as its usage, dosage, and treatment duration, including bolus doses, therapeutic doses, and maintenance doses.

When multiple drugs are used simultaneously, there are also issues of drug incompatibilities. Specific analysis and clinical observation are needed to determine which drug is effective and which is ineffective for a particular condition.

All these issues tell us that we cannot use medication casually; we must use medication rationally under the guidance of a doctor. We must prevent excessive use of medication in an attempt to achieve quick results and the blind abuse of drugs, as well as the problem of intermittent use that fails to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Extensive clinical data shows that early-stage cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases can be controlled by paying attention to self-care, regular check-ups, and appropriate treatment. Not only can the disease be controlled, but the lesions of atherosclerosis can also be reduced or eliminated, allowing patients to maintain a certain quality of life and work capacity for a longer period of time.

For patients in the remission, recovery, and sequelae stages of acute myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident, the principles of self-care are the same as those mentioned above, but they should pay more attention to regular check-ups, rational medication, and active conditioning.

Stroke and myocardial infarction patients should pay special attention to triggering factors such as emotions, colds, diet, and fatigue to prevent recurrence of the disease. Those with sequelae of stroke, limb and speech dysfunction should persist in functional exercises; during the remission period of myocardial infarction, they should also engage in light activities.

During this period, special attention should be paid to overcoming the two emotions of impatience, anxiety, depression, and pessimism.

Patients should understand the severity of the disease and the possibility of recurrence. They should not be careless or willful. They should cooperate with doctors, follow medical advice, and actively seek treatment. They should also understand that the recovery process is slow. As the saying goes, "illness comes like a landslide, but recovery is like pulling silk." They should not be impatient for quick results. More importantly, they should build up their confidence and determination to overcome the disease, master scientific methods of rehabilitation and recuperation, and persevere.

While it's difficult to say that these diseases can be completely cured, it is entirely possible to control relapses, alleviate symptoms, improve function, enhance quality of life, and maintain a certain level of work capacity.