(Disclaimer: This article is for scientific use only, and the relevant information in the following content has been processed to protect patient privacy)
Abstract: 70-year-old Master Zhang visited our hospital, complaining of the presence of a history of cerebral infarction, no smoking or drinking habits, but in the last 10 days, he had persistent chest tightness and palpitations, but no other discomfort, and was diagnosed with atherosclerotic heart disease as well as aortic atherosclerosis by coronary angiography and chest X-ray, and by using clopidogrel sulfate tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, metoprolol tartrate extended-release tablets The somatic discomfort disappeared.
Basic information】Male, 70 years old
Disease Type】Aortic atherosclerosis
Hospital】The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University
Date of Consultation】March 2022
Treatment Plan】Medication (Clopidogrel Hydrogen Sulfate Tablets, Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets, Metoprolol Tartrate Extended Release Tablets)
Treatment Period】Long-term medication, monthly review
Effectiveness of treatment] Disappearance of somatic discomfort, examination found no further progress of disease
I. Initial consultation
He complained that he had a history of cerebral infarction but no history of other chronic diseases, and he did not smoke or drink alcohol in general. The aortic calcification can be found in the aorta through chest X-ray, which is a reflection of atherosclerotic plaque becoming solid, and aortic atherosclerosis can be diagnosed.
II. Treatment history
After the diagnosis was confirmed, he was admitted to our hospital as “aortic sclerosis and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease”. Since atherosclerosis is mostly caused by platelet accumulation and elevated blood lipids, we communicated with Master Zhang that he could use anticoagulant drugs, clopidogrel sulfate tablets to inhibit platelet aggregation, and atorvastatin calcium tablets to lower blood lipids. At the same time, due to coronary stenosis and aortic stenosis, the blood supply to the heart can be reduced, resulting in the heart being prone to hypoxia. Therefore, metoprolol tartrate extended-release tablets were taken to lower the heart rate and reduce myocardial oxygen consumption. At the same time, the drug also dilates the arterial vessels to increase the blood supply to the heart, thus relieving the symptoms of chest tightness and palpitations caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart, after which Master Zhang was instructed to come to the hospital for monthly review.
III. Treatment effect
After 1 month of medication, Master Zhang told me that the symptoms of persistent chest tightness and palpitations disappeared. In addition, since it is difficult to reduce the degree of coronary artery stenosis or reverse aortic calcification with medication, it can only have the effect of improving the symptoms, so the purpose of treatment is achieved by ensuring that the condition does not continue to worsen when using medication. In contrast, by performing coronary angiography, it can be found that the degree of coronary artery stenosis does not continue to worsen, and then it is clear that the aortic calcification is not further aggravated by chest X-ray examination, indicating that the treatment is effective and the condition has been controlled.
IV. Precautions
It is a comfort to know that after a period of treatment with metoprolol tartrate extended-release tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets and clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, Zhang’s somatic symptoms no longer flared up. After discharge from the hospital, you also need to control your diet and avoid high oil, high fat and indigestible food, such as fried skewers and fried chicken, to avoid elevating blood lipids. Attention should be paid to proper exercise, such as tai chi, slow walking, etc., to consume excess body fat and avoid elevated blood lipid levels leading to aggravation of aortic atherosclerosis. In general, attention should be paid to regular medication to maintain the efficacy and reduce the occurrence of symptoms so as to improve the quality of life. If you experience dizziness, chest pain or other discomfort during the medication period, it is recommended that you seek medical advice and adjust the medication regimen according to your condition.
V. Personal insight
The deposition of lipids and platelets on the wall of blood vessels can lead to the formation of atheromatous plaques, which can eventually calcify and block the blood vessels, leading to stenosis. However, since there is no serious physical discomfort and the degree of blockage is not particularly serious, medication can make the physical discomfort disappear. If Zhang’s blood vessels are severely blocked due to delayed treatment, surgery may need to be considered.