Chronic Heart Failure Patient Finds Relief Through Medication Treatment
In the medical field, chronic heart failure remains a significant concern, especially among middle-aged and older adults. A recent case involving a 56-year-old female patient, referred to as Aunt He for privacy, highlights how timely diagnosis and proper medication management can lead to significant symptom relief and improved quality of life.
Case Overview
Aunt He, a 56-year-old woman, sought medical attention after experiencing persistent shortness of breath and chest tightness for four years, with symptoms worsening over the past week. She was diagnosed with chronic heart failure following a comprehensive evaluation at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in June 2022. Her treatment plan included intravenous and oral medications tailored to manage heart failure, control heart rate, and protect vital organs. After nine days of hospitalization, her symptoms improved significantly, and she was discharged with instructions for follow-up care.
Key Patient Information
- Age & Gender: 56-year-old female
- Diagnosis: Chronic heart failure
- Hospital: Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University
- Treatment Period: June 2022 (9-day hospitalization)
- Treatment: Intravenous medications (Torasemide, Nitroglycerin, Digoxin) and oral medications (Clopidogrel, Atorvastatin, Spironolactone, Ilaprazole)
- Outcome: Symptom relief, stable condition, successful discharge
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
Aunt He had a history of recurring chest tightness and shortness of breath for four years, typically triggered by physical exertion. Recently, her symptoms intensified after a cold, prompting her to seek medical help. Upon examination, she presented with elevated blood pressure, coarse lung sounds, bilateral pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, and severe lower limb edema.
Further diagnostic testing, including echocardiography, revealed left ventricular enlargement, diffuse hypokinesis of the left ventricular wall, mild tricuspid and mitral valve regurgitation, suspected mild pulmonary hypertension, and reduced left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. These findings confirmed a diagnosis of chronic heart failure, necessitating hospitalization for intensive management.
Treatment Plan and Progress
A comprehensive pharmacological approach was initiated to address Aunt He's condition. Intravenous medications were administered to reduce fluid overload, improve cardiac function, and stabilize heart rate. Oral medications were also prescribed to prevent platelet aggregation, lower cholesterol, and protect the gastric lining during treatment.
From the first day of treatment, her symptoms began to improve. By the ninth day, her breathing difficulties had subsided, and physical examination revealed normal blood pressure, clear lung sounds, and resolution of leg swelling. With her condition stabilized, she was discharged with clear follow-up instructions.
Post-Treatment Care and Recommendations
Although Aunt He's immediate condition improved, managing chronic heart failure requires ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments. To prevent recurrence or worsening of symptoms, she was advised to:
- Rest adequately: Avoid strenuous activities that could strain the heart.
- Maintain a low-sodium diet: Reduce salt intake to minimize fluid retention and cardiac workload.
- Stay warm and avoid infections: Respiratory infections can exacerbate heart failure symptoms.
Clinical Insights on Chronic Heart Failure
Chronic heart failure often develops as a consequence of long-standing conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or valvular heart disease. These conditions place excessive strain on the heart, leading to progressive weakening of the myocardium and reduced cardiac output.
Patients typically experience fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, and breathlessness—symptoms that align with Aunt He's clinical presentation. While medication remains the cornerstone of treatment, more advanced cases may require surgical interventions or device therapy.
Importantly, chronic heart failure is a lifelong condition that demands consistent medication adherence and healthy lifestyle choices. With proper management, patients like Aunt He can enjoy improved symptoms, better functional capacity, and a more stable prognosis.