On
November 26th, the "National Heart Failure Day", Zheng Yin, Vice
President and Chief Physician of Cardiovascular Medicine at Hainan Chengmei
Hospital, said in an exclusive interview with China News Service that the
prevention and treatment of heart failure should be based on the principle of
"early intervention" and run through the entire cycle of
"prevention-treatment-rehabilitation", building a "heart"
health defense line for all people.
Professor Zheng Yin is currently seeing patients
Heart failure is a severe manifestation or advanced stage of various heart diseases, indicating a decline in the heart's blood-pumping function, making it unable to effectively deliver blood to various organs throughout the body.
With the accelerated aging of the population and changes in lifestyle, the incidence rate of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity is on the rise. The prevalence of heart failure is also increasing year by year, making the prevention and treatment of heart failure increasingly urgent.
"Early intervention is crucial in treating heart failure," Zheng Yin pointed out. Heart failure is divided into four stages: A, B, C, and D. Stage A involves high-risk factors (such as hypertension) without cardiac abnormalities; Stage B has structural changes in the heart but no clinical symptoms; Stage C presents with obvious symptoms; and Stage D is the refractory end stage. "Stages A and B are the golden windows for intervention. Once symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, awakening at night due to breathlessness, lower limb edema, and coughing with white foam phlegm appear, it often indicates a significant decline in cardiac function." She urged the public to seek medical attention promptly if experiencing related symptoms to avoid delaying treatment.
Zheng Yin stated that hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise are all common risk factors for heart failure. In terms of lifestyle, it is recommended to follow the dietary principles of "low salt, low fat, and low sugar", with daily salt intake controlled below 5 grams; adhere to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week; maintain a body mass index (BMI) within the ideal range of 18.5-23.9; and quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain regular sleep and waking schedules.
For the elderly and patients with underlying diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, tumors, etc., Zheng Yin specifically reminds them to pay attention to preventing infections, "Colds and lung infections can significantly increase the heart's burden and trigger acute heart failure.".
In terms of diagnosis, Zheng Yin said that heart failure requires a comprehensive judgment based on symptoms and examination results. In addition to routine methods such as electrocardiogram and echocardiography, Hainan has routinely carried out combined detection of NT-proBNP and ST2. "NT-proBNP is suitable for early screening, while ST2 reflects the degree of myocardial fibrosis. The combination of the two can improve diagnostic accuracy and also allow for dynamic monitoring of treatment effects."
In addition, Zheng Yin emphasized that advanced technologies such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and stress echocardiography also provide more precise evidence for the diagnosis of early heart failure.
"The treatment of heart failure is by no means solely dependent on drugs or devices, but encompasses a comprehensive, multi-dimensional management approach that includes medication, rehabilitation, nutrition, and psychology," said Zheng Yin. "Drug therapy serves as the foundation, and currently, innovative treatments such as the 'new quadruple therapy' regimen and drugs like vericiguat offer patients more choices. Advanced heart failure device therapy technologies, including cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and left ventricular assist device (LVAD), have been implemented in Hainan, providing new options for patients who have experienced poor outcomes with drug therapy. On this basis, exercise rehabilitation, nutritional guidance, sleep management, and psychological intervention are equally crucial.".
As a leading figure in the field of cardiac rehabilitation in Hainan Province, Zheng Yin has taken the lead in promoting early rehabilitation for heart failure in the region. She pointed out that Hainan faces challenges in the prevention and treatment of heart failure, including insufficient public awareness, uneven distribution of medical resources, and the high mobility of "migratory bird" populations.
To this end, she led her team to strengthen the training of grassroots physicians, promote the construction of a three-tier cardiac rehabilitation system at the local provincial, municipal, and county levels, and actively explore home-based rehabilitation models. "By combining wearable devices, remote monitoring, and home visits, patients can receive professional guidance in their home environment, thereby enhancing their adherence to rehabilitation."
Zheng Yin stated that foreign countries emphasize "full-cycle care" in the management of heart failure, and the home-based rehabilitation model in particular is worth learning from. "We are actively learning and hope to integrate digital management to achieve seamless connection between hospitals, communities, and families."
Zheng Yin advises the public to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, undergo regular physical examinations, and closely monitor indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids. For individuals with existing cardiovascular diseases, it is essential to adhere to prescribed medication, avoid discontinuing treatment without authorization, pay attention to preventing infections, and receive influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. "Maintaining heart health requires long-term commitment. Only through widespread awareness, early prevention and treatment, and scientific rehabilitation can we fortify our 'heart' defense line."
Expert Introduction
Zheng Yin, Chief Physician
Vice President, Professor
Master's supervisor, scholar studying in the United States
Outstanding experts with outstanding contributions in Hainan Province
Medical expertise:
I specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and health management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases as well as geriatric diseases. I provide cardiac rehabilitation for patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, metabolic syndrome, post-stent implantation, and post-bypass surgery, including guidance on medication, exercise, nutrition, and sleep disorders.
Source: China News Service