Combined Chinese and Western medicine approach for the treatment of coronary artery disease refractory angina and heart failure

  Coronary angina and heart failure are progressive diseases, and their progression and exacerbation are due to risk factors, so we should implement the principle of “prevention is the first step, and prevention is the main focus”. Therefore, we must consider the long-term prevention and treatment strategy from risk factors to end-stage refractory heart failure. When myocardial ischemia, injury, necrosis, or increased load occurs, left ventricular dysfunction occurs first, followed by changes in the geometry of the left ventricle, such as dilatation, hypertrophy, and a change from an oval to a spherical shape. This change in geometry is called ventricular remodeling. It not only increases ventricular wall stress, but also increases myocardial oxygen consumption, decreases myocardial mechanical properties, and makes heart failure progressively worse and worse. The common risk factors for coronary heart disease are hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and too little exercise. By eliminating or avoiding the effects of these risk factors, the onset and progressive exacerbation of coronary heart disease, especially heart failure, can be prevented. Even for refractory angina pectoris and end-stage refractory heart failure, he also described the treatment principles and experience of “tonifying qi and nourishing yin, benefiting qi and raising yang, activating blood circulation and resolving stagnation”. He also described the treatment principles and experience of “tonifying qi and nourishing yin, benefiting qi and raising yang, invigorating blood and resolving stagnation”, which can save patients in critical conditions and bring them back to life.