Question 1

I'm a bit concerned because my heart rate is around 60 to 55 when I'm lying down. Is this something I should worry about? I've been having mild pain on both sides of my chest, which feels like muscle pain, and it comes and goes. I had an ECG in May, and it was normal, and I just had a Chest CT scan, which also came back normal. Do you have any advice on what might be causing this, or should I look into it further?

Accepted Answer

It's good that your ECG and Chest CT scan results are normal. Your heart rate of 55-60 while lying down is within the normal range for adults. The mild chest pain you are experiencing could be musculoskeletal in nature. You can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen 500mg as needed for the chest pain. Additionally, you can apply a topical pain relief gel like Volini gel on the affected areas. Make sure to practice good posture and avoid activities that worsen the pain. If the pain persists or worsens, it's advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Question 2

I'm really worried about my dad's health. He's been diabetic since 2003 and had a CABG in 2008. He's got moderate LVF dysfunction and was in and out of the hospital in 2015 and early 2016 because of pulmonary edema. He's also dealing with hypothyroidism and recently his serum creatine levels increased, so he's on a renal diet and taking a bunch of meds for diabetes, insulin, heart, and thyroid. Lately, since January 2016, he's losing weight and gets short of breath really easily, like after walking just 10-15 meters. His latest blood tests showed low potassium, so the doc gave him a tonic for that. But now he's feeling weak and says he can't taste his food right sometimes. I'm at a loss herehow can we improve his health condition?

Accepted Answer

Your father's health condition is complex, but based on the symptoms described, it seems like he may be experiencing symptoms of electrolyte imbalance, which could be contributing to his weakness and altered taste sensation. In addition to the tonic for increasing potassium, I would recommend adding a potassium supplement such as Slow-K (Potassium Chloride) to help normalize his serum potassium levels. The usual dosage is 20 mEq to 40 mEq daily, but this should be adjusted based on his specific needs and blood test results. To address his shortness of breath and symptoms of heart failure, his doctor may consider adding or adjusting medications such as Lasix (Furosemide) to help reduce fluid buildup in the lungs and improve breathing. The dosage will depend on his current medication regimen and kidney function. For his thyroid condition, ensuring that he is taking his thyroid medication regularly and having regular follow-ups with his endocrinologist is important to optimize his thyroid hormone levels. Given his history of diabetes, heart issues, and kidney problems, it's crucial for his healthcare team to closely monitor his kidney function and adjust his medications as needed to prevent further complications. Overall, it's important for your father to continue following his renal diet, taking his medications as prescribed, and attending regular follow-up appointments with his healthcare providers to manage his multiple health conditions effectively.

Question 3

Is it okay to use hot water steam for a cough if I've just had an angioplasty? I'm worried about whether the steam could affect the stent, especially since it's only been a week since the procedure. Would it be safe to try this, or should I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

Taking hot water steam for cough after Angioplasty is generally safe, as it can help to soothe the throat and loosen mucus. However, it is important to avoid inhaling steam directly through the nose, as this can potentially irritate the nasal passages and sinuses. As for the stent, steam inhalation is unlikely to have any direct effect on the stent itself. Just make sure to keep a safe distance from the hot water to prevent any burns.

Can I take Inderal 20 and Augmentin together? I'm on Inderal 20 twice a day. Is it safe to combine these meds? What do you suggest?

It is generally safe to take Inderal (Propranolol) 20mg twice a day with Augmentin (AmoxicillinClavulanic acid). However, it is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medications.

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Is it okay to use hot water steam for a cough if I've just had an angioplasty? I'm worried about whether the steam could affect the stent, especially since it's only been a week since the procedure. Would it be safe to try this, or should I avoid it?

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