Information from Quang Nam General Hospital ( Da Nang ) indicates that recently, many elderly patients with dangerous cardiovascular diseases have been successfully treated thanks to modern techniques and multidisciplinary collaboration, offering hope for survival to many who were thought to be "past the age for treatment".
Dr. Nguyen Luong Quang, Head of the Cardiology Department (Quang Nam General Hospital), examines a patient before discharge.
PHOTO: LQ
For example, the hospital admitted Mrs. Tran Thi Ng. (99 years old, from Tam Xuan commune, Da Nang city) due to fainting and a fall. The electrocardiogram recorded a high-grade atrioventricular block, with a heart rate of only 25-30 beats per minute, a dangerous condition that could lead to cardiac arrest at any moment. Without a pacemaker, the risk of death was almost certain.
After obtaining family consent, the cardiology team proceeded with the implantation of a permanent pacemaker using a minimally invasive technique.
As a result, hemodynamics stabilized, the patient was alert and eating well. He was discharged after two weeks of treatment, clearly demonstrating that age is no longer a barrier to modern cardiovascular techniques.
Another case involved Mr. Phan Ph. (88 years old, residing in Thang Phu commune, Da Nang city) who was admitted to the hospital with severe chest pain and, within minutes, suffered cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.
The patient received defibrillation and endotracheal intubation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After the heart resumed beating, the electrocardiogram revealed acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a condition with an extremely high mortality rate, especially in elderly individuals.
The intervention team quickly recanalized the coronary artery by placing an emergency stent, restoring coronary blood flow. After several days of resuscitation, the patient was fully conscious. This case demonstrates that even after cardiac arrest, timely coronary intervention can save the lives of elderly patients, provided there is a team of experienced specialists.
Older adults should absolutely not ignore any unusual signs.
According to Dr. Nguyen Luong Quang, Head of the Cardiology Department (Quang Nam General Hospital), age is the biggest risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In the elderly, hardening of blood vessel walls, degeneration of the cardiac conduction system, thickening and calcification of heart valves, and less flexible blood pressure regulation mechanisms increase the risk of circulatory disorders, arrhythmias, and blood vessel blockage.
Notably, symptoms in the elderly are often subtle, such as vague chest pain during a heart attack, mild arrhythmias, and only brief dizziness. This often leads patients to seek medical attention late. This is partly due to the psychological fear of intervention and surgery, despite the fact that modern medicine offers many minimally invasive, safe, and highly effective techniques that are very suitable for older adults.
If detected and treated promptly, elderly patients can still recover well and maintain a good quality of life for a long time.
Dr. Quang believes that many patients come to the hospital too late because they think, "I'm too old!", or are afraid of surgery. However, in reality, most current techniques are minimally invasive, safe, and highly effective. Therefore, elderly patients, if diagnosed early, still have the potential for intervention and a very good response.
Doctor Quang advises that a healthy diet and exercise regimen are necessary, along with regular health checkups to detect diseases early and receive timely treatment.
Furthermore, do not ignore even vague symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty walking, cold feet, etc. Patients should be taken to a specialist immediately if any unusual signs appear. Treat and stabilize underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dieu-tri-thanh-cong-nhieu-ca-benh-tim-o-nguoi-lon-tuoi-185251206153718226.htm
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