In the outpatient clinics of cardiology, it is increasingly common for patients to be diagnosed with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia simultaneously.
Director Lin Xiaoming of the Cardiology Department at Hainan Chengmei Hospital stated that these three seemingly independent chronic diseases often form a "three highs alliance", jointly damaging heart health and subsequently inducing severe cardiovascular events such as coronary heart disease and heart failure.
How do the "three highs" work together to damage the heart?
According to Director Lin Xiaoming, the normal functioning of the heart relies on a healthy vascular system, while the "killer weapons" of the "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids) can damage vascular health from different dimensions, ultimately causing cumulative harm.
Hypertension is like a "high-pressure pump" for blood vessels. Prolonged high blood pressure continuously impacts the arterial wall, causing the vascular intima to become rough and fragile, with small cracks appearing on the originally smooth inner wall. This provides an opportunity for "bad cholesterol" (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) in high blood lipids to deposit within the vascular wall through these cracks, gradually forming atherosclerotic plaques.
At this point, high blood sugar will further "add fuel to the fire". Director Lin Xiaoming said that long-term high blood sugar will lead to increased blood viscosity, affecting blood flow velocity, and also damage the repair function of vascular endothelial cells, making it easier for atherosclerotic plaques to form and grow faster. "As the vascular wall thickens and the lumen narrows, the resistance to blood supply from the heart to the whole body increases, and the heart must work twice as hard to meet the demand. Over time, it will inevitably become overwhelmed."
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When vascular lesions continue to progress, the heart faces the dual dilemma of "insufficient blood supply" and "excessive load". Director Lin Xiaoming explained that the coronary artery is the key vessel for supplying blood to the heart. Once atherosclerotic plaques form on its inner wall, it will lead to luminal stenosis, and the myocardium will not receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, causing angina pectoris. If the plaque suddenly ruptures, it can form a thrombus to block the blood vessel, leading to acute myocardial infarction, which is an important cause of sudden cardiac arrest in patients with "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids).
On the other hand, long-term hypertension forces the left ventricular muscle of the heart to thicken, just like over-exercised muscles become stiff. The diastolic and systolic functions of the left ventricle will gradually decline. Hyperglycemia affects the energy metabolism of myocardial cells, leading to weakened myocardial contractility; hyperlipidemia can trigger myocardial inflammatory reactions, further impairing myocardial function. "This is like an engine that is both short of fuel and has worn parts. Its operational efficiency will inevitably become lower and lower, and it may eventually develop into heart failure," Director Lin Xiaoming emphasized.
Heart care guide for patients with "three highs"
Facing the combined threat of "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids) to the heart, Director Lin Xiaoming reminded that the key to prevention and control lies in "early intervention and coordinated management". Firstly, it is essential to establish a healthy lifestyle, which serves as the basic line of defense. Dietarily, it is important to reduce the intake of high-salt, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, and increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and high-quality protein. Regular exercise should be adhered to, with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc. Additionally, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided, and maintaining a good attitude and avoiding excessive emotional fluctuations is important.
Secondly, patients with "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood sugar) must follow the doctor's advice for standardized treatment and should not stop taking medication or adjust their medication on their own. Director Lin Xiaoming stated that many patients feel free to stop taking medication without any discomfort, which is very dangerous. High blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood sugar are often "asymptomatic killers". Even if there is no feeling, the damage to blood vessels and the heart continues. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipid levels, and adjusting the treatment plan under the guidance of a doctor based on the results, are necessary to effectively control the condition.
Lin Xiaoming stated that managing the "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids) is a long-term battle that requires the joint efforts of patients, families, and doctors. As long as they are managed scientifically, it is possible to break their "alliance", minimize the damage to the heart, and lead a healthy life.
Expert Introduction
Lin Xiaoming, Chief Physician
Director of Cardiovascular Medicine
Medical expertise
Proficient in the diagnosis and management of common and complex cardiovascular diseases, emergency treatment of critical illnesses, conventional coronary artery intervention techniques, emergency coronary angiography and stent implantation for acute myocardial infarction, and implantation of cardiac pacemakers.
Clinic Hours
Tuesday morning Friday afternoon