Heart failure in a 70-year-old can be effectively controlled and its progression slowed through standardized treatment, which includes medication, lifestyle modifications, and surgical intervention. Heart failure is a series of symptoms caused by a decline in the heart's pumping function; common causes include hypertension, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathy.
1. Drug therapy is the foundation of heart failure management. Commonly used medications include diuretics such as furosemide to reduce fluid retention, ACE inhibitors such as enalapril or ARBs such as valsartan to reduce cardiac workload, and beta-blockers such as metoprolol to slow heart rate and improve cardiac function. Doctors will develop personalized medication plans based on the patient's specific condition.
2. Lifestyle modifications are crucial for heart failure patients. Limiting daily salt intake to no more than 2 grams helps reduce fluid retention, controlling weight reduces the burden on the heart, and moderate low-intensity exercise such as walking can enhance cardiopulmonary function, but overexertion should be avoided.
3. Surgical treatment is suitable for some heart failure patients. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can improve myocardial blood supply, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is suitable for patients with asynchronous cardiac electrical activity, and heart transplantation is the last resort for end-stage heart failure.
4. Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial aspects of heart failure management. Patients need regular checkups including electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and blood tests to allow for timely adjustments to the treatment plan. Family members should pay attention to the patient's mental state and prevent anxiety and depression from worsening the condition.
While heart failure in a 70-year-old cannot be completely cured, with standardized treatment and scientific management, quality of life can be significantly improved and survival extended. Patients and their families should actively cooperate with doctors, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, and have regular check-ups to ensure the condition remains stable.