- male
- 60 Years
- 20/02/2025
I'm a bit concerned about my sodium levels. I've been on medication for high blood pressure for the last 14 years and have cut down on salt as my doctor suggested. But my latest blood test showed sodium at 135 mmolL, which is just below the normal range. How can I keep my sodium levels up without eating more salt? And what are the early signs if my sodium levels are too low?
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
To maintain your sodium level without consuming excess salt, you can focus on incorporating foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, sweet potatoes, and spinach, as potassium can help balance sodium levels in the body. Additionally, staying hydrated is important for maintaining electrolyte balance, so make sure to drink an adequate amount of water daily. Symptoms of low sodium levels in the blood, also known as hyponatremia, may include nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.
Dr. Kareemulla Suggests...
Consult a Cardiologist
Answered 04/07/2025
0
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View allI'm having this weird throbbing pain in my chest that feels like getting punched, but it only lasts a few seconds and then disappears. It pops up unexpectedly and can be on the left, right, or center of my chestnot in one specific spot. It doesn't happen when I'm exercising, but when it hits, it's in this tiny area that I could touch with a finger. I've had an ECG and three 2D echo tests, and all the results look fine according to the doctors. I'm really confused about what's causing this. Any idea on what might be going on?
It sounds like you may be experiencing episodes of chest pain known as angina. Angina is often described as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or pain in your chest. It can be caused by reduced blood flow to your heart muscle, which is usually due to coronary artery disease. Since your ECG and 2D echoes have come back normal, it is good news that there is no immediate concern for heart-related issues. However, it is still important to investigate further to determine the cause of your chest pain. I recommend discussing with your doctor about the possibility of undergoing a stress test to evaluate your heart's function under stress. Additionally, you may benefit from a CT coronary angiography to assess the blood flow in your coronary arteries. In the meantime, to help manage your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications such as nitroglycerin to relieve chest pain. It is important to take the medication as prescribed by your doctor. Remember to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management of your chest pain.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
I've recently had a stress echo and it came back negative. Ten years ago, in 2011, I had an angiogram and it looked fine then too. In 2015, I went through a nuclear test, treadmill test, and some other checks, and they all turned out normal. Lately, Ive been having this dull pain in my neck that sometimes reaches up to my ear and jaw, and it also bothers my shoulder. My neck and upper back always feel stiff. My physiotherapist says my posture is pretty poor, mentions scoliosis, and thinks that might be causing this pain. I don't have issues when I'm walking and I can climb up to 12 floors without a problem but the neck and back pain, especially on the left side, really gets to me. Occasionally, I feel a sharp pain on the left side of my chest, but it fades away quickly. My chest is tender, and some spots are really sore to touch. Do you think it's safe to rule out any cardiac causes? Is there any other test I should consider doing?
Based on your history of negative stress echo, normal angio in 2011, and normal nuclear test and TMT in 2015, it is less likely that your current symptoms are related to cardiac issues. However, it is important to consider other potential causes for your neck, ear, jaw, shoulder, and chest pain. Given your description of neck stiffness and pain, along with the presence of scoliosis affecting your posture, it is possible that your symptoms are musculoskeletal in nature. To address your current symptoms, you may benefit from a muscle relaxant such as **Cyclobenzaprine** 10mg to help with the neck and back stiffness. Additionally, you can consider taking **Ibuprofen** 400mg for pain relief. Since you mentioned tenderness in your chest and certain points, it may be helpful to rule out any musculoskeletal chest wall pain. However, considering your history and current symptoms, further cardiac testing may not be necessary at this point. To improve your posture and alleviate the neck and back pain, regular physiotherapy sessions focusing on postural correction and strengthening exercises may be beneficial. It is important to continue working with your physiotherapist to address the underlying cause of your symptoms. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
I'm experiencing some pain right in the middle of my chest, and I was initially thinking it was because of a cough, but now I'm not so sure. Should I be worried? It's really concerning, and I'd like to understand what might be causing this if it's not related to coughing. Could it be something more serious? Any advice would be really helpful.
gastritis rule out chest pain do ECG
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.