What does reduced cardiac systolic function mean?
Sep 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xin
Introduction
In general, reduced cardiac contractile function indicates the presence of conditions such as hypertension, myocarditis, mitral valve insufficiency, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, or heart failure. In cases of short-term hypertension, the body can compensate to maintain stable cardiac function, and decreased cardiac contractility typically does not occur. However, long-term hypertension may lead to cardiac hypertrophy.
In general, reduced cardiac systolic function indicates the presence of conditions such as hypertension, myocarditis, mitral valve insufficiency, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, or heart failure. The details are as follows:
1. Hypertension
Short-term hypertension can often be compensated by the body to maintain stable cardiac function, and usually does not lead to decreased cardiac systolic function. However, long-term hypertension may cause cardiac hypertrophy and enlargement of the heart, eventually resulting in impaired systolic function.
2. Myocarditis
This refers to localized or diffuse acute or chronic inflammatory lesions of the myocardium, commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections. During the acute phase of the disease, reduced cardiac systolic function may occur, accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
3. Mitral Valve Insufficiency
The mitral valve structure includes components such as valve leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles. Any structural abnormality or functional impairment in these parts can lead to mitral valve insufficiency. During left ventricular contraction, blood flows backward into the left atrium. If left untreated over time, this condition can result in reduced cardiac systolic function and overall decline in cardiac performance.
4. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease
Reduced cardiac systolic function indicates atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries, leading to vessel narrowing or blockage, which causes myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, or necrosis, ultimately resulting in heart disease.
5. Heart Failure
Generally, when elderly individuals experience weakened cardiac systolic function, their brains may become hypoxic. Neurologically, cerebral hypoxia in older adults often manifests as excessive drowsiness or difficulty staying awake. Reduced cardiac systolic function can also lead to inadequate blood supply to various organs throughout the body, potentially causing organ failure in the liver, kidneys, cerebral vessels, and others.
Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and to undergo standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician, which helps promote recovery.
