"I
have hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. I take more than ten
kinds of medications every day, and I'm really worried about developing
problems from taking them." This is a common concern among many elderly
patients. Data shows that among Chinese people aged 60 and above, over 70%
suffer from two or more chronic diseases simultaneously.
Dai Wenxin, director of the Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Geriatrics at Hainan Chengmei Hospital, reminds that it is not impossible to deal with the "coexistence of multiple diseases" in the elderly. Through scientific medication management, standardized follow-up examinations, and a healthy lifestyle, the quality of life can be improved.
Medication management: Don't let "medicine for healing" turn into "medicine causing illness"
"The elderly have compromised liver and kidney functions, and their drug metabolism ability decreases. The combination of multiple drugs is prone to causing adverse reactions," said Director Dai Wenxin. There was a patient who took five antihypertensive drugs and three hypoglycemic drugs simultaneously, resulting in severe hypotension coma. The patient's condition stabilized only after adjusting the medication regimen.
He emphasized that the core of medication management lies in "precision" rather than "quantity". Firstly, a "medication list" should be established, detailing the drug name, manufacturer, dosage, administration time, and precautions, which should be proactively disclosed during medical visits. Secondly, regular "medication streamlining" is necessary, with doctors from the geriatric multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment center assessing the necessity of medications, discontinuing ineffective drugs, and replacing risky drugs.
Lastly, it is important to remember the "three no's principle": do not increase or decrease the dosage on your own, do not follow the trend in taking health supplements, and do not arbitrarily substitute prescription drugs with folk remedies. A friendly reminder: before taking medication, carefully read the drug instructions, pay attention to adverse reactions, side effects, incompatibilities, and whether they are affected by food.
Kind Reminder
Before taking medication, carefully read the drug instructions, paying attention to the drug's adverse reactions, side effects, incompatibilities, and whether it is affected by food.
Follow-up review: providing "regular physical examinations" for health
"Many elderly people believe that 'if there are no symptoms, there's no need to get checked,' which is a huge misconception," said Director Dai Wenxin. Chronic diseases progress insidiously, and by the time discomfort appears, the best opportunity for intervention has often been missed. He suggested that elderly people with multiple comorbidities establish personalized follow-up plans. For patients with hypertension and diabetes, blood sugar and blood lipids should be checked every three months. For patients with coronary heart disease, an electrocardiogram should be performed every six months. For those with renal insufficiency, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen need to be monitored regularly.
Holistic approach: Lifestyle is the "fundamental therapy"
In addition to medication and follow-up examinations, lifestyle intervention is equally crucial. Director Dai Wenxin provided specific recommendations: adhere to the "low-salt, low-fat, low-sugar" principle in diet, with daily salt intake not exceeding 5 grams, and consume more high-quality proteins such as deep-sea fish and soy products; choose gentle forms of exercise such as Tai Chi and walking, for 30 minutes each time, 3-5 times per week, avoiding strenuous activities; ensure 7-8 hours of sleep per day, and before going to bed, soak your feet and listen to light music to aid sleep.
He emphasized that emotional fluctuations in the elderly can exacerbate their conditions, so family members should spend more time with them, communicate regularly, and encourage them to develop hobbies and interests. If symptoms such as dizziness and chest tightness occur, they should seek medical attention immediately and not delay.
"Managing 'co-morbidities' is a long-term battle that requires the joint efforts of doctors, patients, and family members," Director Dai Wenxin reminded. As long as scientific medication, standardized follow-ups, and healthy living are adhered to, elderly people can also enjoy a high-quality life in their later years.
Expert Introduction
Dai Wenxin, Chief Physician
Executive Director of the Multidisciplinary Geriatric Diagnosis and Treatment Center
Professor, PhD candidate
Postdoctoral researcher, master's supervisor
Medical expertise:
I. Diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other geriatric diseases
II. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases across multiple disciplines, including respiratory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and geriatric diseases
III. Genetic diagnosis, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, microenvironment analysis, and integrated precision treatment of tumors
IV. Genetic diagnosis and precision treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, and hyperglycemia
V. New biomedical technologies such as stem cells and gene programming, as well as new technologies like insulin pumps and diabetes reversal
VI. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for treating benign and malignant tumors
VII. Microbial therapy of intestinal flora for chronic diseases and mental and psychological disorders
VIII. Diagnostic and therapeutic techniques under medical endoscopes such as bronchoscope, mediastinoscope, and thoracoscope
IX. Sleep medicine
X. Chronic disease management
Article | Huang Fei