COPD, Valvular Disease, and CHF: Risk of Heart Disease Essay

Introduction

An improved understanding of congestive heart failure can be acquired by using the relevant case. The patient, a 58-year-old male, admits shortness of breath, swelling of feet, and overall weakness. His condition is complicated by the fact that he used to smoke and was diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Under these conditions, it is possible to analyze the case regarding the high risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, valvular disease, and congestive heart failure. These three conditions are interrelated as they cause additional pressure on the heart and might create the basis for the development of additional health issues.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) General Anatomy

COPD is a chronic condition that might cause breathing difficulties. Smoking is one of the major factors leading to its emergence and development (Karnati et al., 2021). Thus, emphysema developed in patients with COPD damages the air sucks, and destroys the alveoli at the end of respiratory bronchioles (Karnati et al., 2021). As a result, the lungs demonstrate their reduced function, and the gas exchange becomes affected (Anderson et al., 2013). In its turn, the heart might also suffer from COPD because of the additional pressure on it. In such a way, COPD becomes a serious condition that might result in the development of numerous adverse effects.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Clinical Application

COPD can be analyzed regarding possible clinical applications. First of all, it is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to obstructed airflow from the lungs (Karnati et al., 2021). Moreover, it can promote heart failure development because of the lack of oxygen (Karnati et al., 2021). Under these conditions, COPD is associated with numerous heart diseases and their development. From the case, it is possible to see that the patient, a former smoker, suffers from weakness and shortness of breath, as one of COPD’s symptoms. It also means that his heart issues might be linked to this factor. For this reason, it should be considered a systemic problem and addressed appropriately.

Valvular Disease General Anatomy

Valvular disease is another heart disease that might be associated with CHF. It implies the incorrect work of the heart valves because of the changes in their anatomy (Anderson et al., 2013). Valvular insufficiency occurs when the valve cannot close correctly, while stenosis is observed when the valve’s leaflets are rigid (Bermejo et al., 2021). These problems precondition the heart’s inability to pump blood appropriately and ensure a demanded supply of oxygen (Bermejo et al., 2021). Under these conditions, the person’s state worsens, and he suffers from weakness, murmurs, and reduced activity.

Valvular Disease General Anatomy Clinical Application

From the clinical perspective, addressing valvular disease is critical as it might result in heart failure or increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (Bermejo et al., 2021). The patients might suffer from the gradual deterioration of their states and numerous symptoms, such as high pulse, weakness, edema, and inability to remain active for long periods (Bermejo et al., 2021). As in this case, the client might also report problems with sleep and positioning. For this reason, to avoid further deterioration, the valvular disease should be addressed by using diagnostic methods and relevant treatments. Otherwise, a higher risk of undesired outcomes will emerge.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) General Anatomy

Finally, congestive heart failure is another common health issue. It is a chronic and progressive condition influencing the heart muscle (Xu et al., 2021). As a result, the heart’s pumping power significantly reduces, and it cannot perform its major functions appropriately. The condition might emerge as a result of the previous damage done to the myocardium or alterations in the work of the circulation system caused by COPD or valve disease (Xu et al., 2021). Moreover, chronic hypertension might also promote the emergence of the condition. Systolic heart failure is characterized by the inappropriate contraction of the ventricular myocardium (Xu et al., 2021). Thus, diastolic heart failure means that the myocardium does not relax correctly (Xu et al., 2021). These problems might precondition a critical deterioration in the quality of the patient’s life.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) General Anatomy Clinical Application

In such a way, CHF becomes the most probable condition of the patient regarding the case. COPD and valvular disease might serve as the triggers causing much pressure on the heart and promoting changes in its work (Xu et al., 2021). The patient’s weakness, edema, swelling, and problems with sleep can be considered the factors proving the disease and the necessity to address the problem. The chronic disease can be diagnosed by using imaging methods and treated with ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers aimed at improving the work of the heart and minimizing negative outcomes.

Conclusion

Altogether, COPD, valvular disease, and CHF are common conditions among patients with a high risk of heart disease. They might be interrelated as these health issues might damage the heart and precondition the problems with the work of valves and the muscles responsible for relaxing and contracting. The case shows that the previous experience of smoking combined with coronary disease resulted in the development of symptoms that might indicate CHF. For this reason, further diagnosing and intervention are needed.

References

Anderson, R., Spicer, D., Hlavacek, A., Cook, A., & Backer, C. (2013). Wilcox’s surgical anatomy of the heart (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Bermejo, J., Postigo, A., & Baumgartner, H. (2021). The year in cardiovascular medicine 2020: valvular heart disease. European Heart Journal, 42(6), 647–656.

Karnati, S., Seimetz, M., Kleefeldt, F., Sonawane, A., Madhusudhan, T., Bachhuka, A., Kosanovic, D., Weissmann, N., Krüger, K., & Ergün, S. (2021). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the cardiovascular system: Vascular repair and regeneration as a therapeutic target. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 8, 649512.

Xu, T., Zhou, H., Ma, Z., Zhang, H., Zeng, Q., Xu, D., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, J. (2021). Congestive heart failure exhibited higher BMI with lower energy intake and lower physical activity level: Data from the National Health and Examination Nutrition survey. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 8, 680371.