Question 1

I'm wondering if it's okay to take my blood pressure while I'm lying down or if I should always be in a sitting position. Does the blood pressure reading change when I'm lying down compared to when I'm sitting?

Accepted Answer

It is generally recommended to measure blood pressure while sitting, as this is the standard position for accurate readings. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to measure blood pressure while lying down, especially for patients who have difficulty sitting or standing. Blood pressure readings can vary depending on body position, with readings typically lower when lying down compared to sitting or standing.

Question 2

I'm really worried because I started with heart pain, and then the next day, I got this really bad pain in my left upper abdomen. I had an ECG done, and they didn't find anything unusual, and my stomach scan was clear too. But I keep getting these chest pains, mostly at night, and sometimes there's this pain in my shoulder blade that only lasts a few minutes. I'm too scared to tell my parents about all this. Can you tell me what's going on?

Accepted Answer

based on your symptoms of chest pain, left upper abdominal pain, and shoulder blade pain, along with normal ECG and abdominal scan results, it is important to consider the possibility of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as a potential cause of your symptoms. I recommend taking a proton pump inhibitor such as Esomeprazole (brand name Nexium) 40mg once daily before breakfast for at least 2 weeks to see if it helps alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, you can take antacids like Tums as needed for immediate relief of chest pain. It is also important to avoid spicy, fatty, and acidic foods, as well as eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to help reduce acid reflux symptoms. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please follow up with a doctor for further evaluation and management.

Question 3

I'm concerned about the increase in my cholesterol levels over the past few months. Back in October 2021, my total cholesterol was 190 mgdL and LDL was 115 mgdL. But in January 2022, my total cholesterol went up to 210 mgdL and LDL to 128 mgdL. I'm worried about this change and wondering what might have caused it. Could you suggest some ways to manage or reduce these levels?

Accepted Answer

In Oct 2021, your total cholesterol was 190 mgdl and LDL was 115 mgdl. In Jan 2022, your total cholesterol increased to 210 mgdl and LDL increased to 128 mgdl. The reason for the increase in cholesterol levels could be due to dietary changes, lack of physical activity, or genetic factors. To help lower your cholesterol levels, you can try incorporating lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, and possibly medication if recommended by your healthcare provider. For example, you can consider taking Atorvastatin 20mg once daily to help lower your LDL cholesterol levels.

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More Cardiology Health Queries

I'm wondering if it's okay to take my blood pressure while I'm lying down or if I should always be in a sitting position. Does the blood pressure reading change when I'm lying down compared to when I'm sitting?

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