Question 1

Hey there doc, I'm a 38-year-old guy working in software, and I've noticed something strange lately. My resting heart rate used to be between 60-65 bpm when I'd check it after waking up, and that's when I was working out regularly. I was doing weight training five days a week focusing on different muscle groups each day. But ever since the lockdown and not being able to hit the gym for about two months, I've seen my resting heart rate drop to 50-55 bpm. It's weird because I thought it'd go the other way around without my workouts. Do you think this is something I should be concerned about or is it normal? What's happening here?

Accepted Answer

it's great that you are monitoring your resting heart rate regularly. A decrease in resting heart rate can be a normal response to regular exercise and improved cardiovascular fitness. Since you have stopped your weight training routine for the past 2 months due to the lockdown, it is expected to see a decrease in your resting heart rate. However, if you are not experiencing any other symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath, a resting heart rate of 50-55 bpm is generally considered normal for physically active individuals. I recommend staying physically active with alternative home workouts or activities to maintain your cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, ensure you are getting adequate rest and managing stress levels. If you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and evaluation

Question 2

I've been experiencing some chest pain lately and it's really worrying me. I'm not sure why it's happening and it seems to trouble me quite a bit. Could you help me understand what might be causing this?

Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing chest pain. Chest pain can have many causes, ranging from muscle strain to heart-related issues. It's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the exact cause and ensure your health and safety. Please consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

Question 3

I'm feeling some chest and back pain that seems to move around my upper body, and it's been going on for about 4-5 months now. I've done a bunch of tests like an endoscopy, throat scope, and both ECG and a 2D echo, and they all came back normal. I'm just curious, could this be related to something like variant angina? And do painkillers even help with angina pain?

Accepted Answer

based on your symptoms and normal test results, it is possible that you may be experiencing variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina. Variant angina is a type of chest pain caused by coronary artery spasm, which can lead to temporary narrowing or constriction of the coronary arteries. For variant angina, painkillers like nitroglycerin can help relieve the chest pain by relaxing and dilating the coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is commonly prescribed for angina and is available in various forms such as sublingual tablets or spray. The usual dosage is 0.3 to 0.6 mg sublingually as needed for chest pain. It is important to follow up with a cardiologist for further evaluation and management of your symptoms.

More Cardiology Health Queries

I've been experiencing some chest pain lately and it's really worrying me. I'm not sure why it's happening and it seems to trouble me quite a bit. Could you help me understand what might be causing this?

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