Question 1

Need some advice on cholesterol. I just got a master health checkup done and my results are a bit worrying. My total cholesterol is 200, HDL is 44, LDL is 150, and triglycerides are at 202. Is this considered too high? What steps can I take to reduce it, and how long might it take before I can check my cholesterol levels again?

Accepted Answer

Your total cholesterol level is slightly elevated, with high LDL and triglyceride levels. To help lower your cholesterol, you can start by making lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition to lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol levels. For example, you can take Atorvastatin 20mg once daily to lower your LDL cholesterol. Fish oil supplements can also help reduce triglyceride levels; you can take Lovaza 1 gram twice daily. It typically takes a few weeks to a few months to see significant changes in cholesterol levels after starting treatment. However, it is important to follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. You can retest your cholesterol levels after about 3 months of starting treatment to see the effects of the interventions.

Question 2

I'm 27 and have had no bad habits. For the last eight months, I've been experiencing these quick chest pains on the left side; they just last about 5 to 15 seconds, and they come and go. I've been to the cardiologist and had around 20 ECGs, an echo, and a lipid profile done, and everything came back normal. The thing is, I don't feel any pain during heavy work, just at random times. I'm worried and wondering if this is a heart issue or maybe something physiological? Also, at home, my heart rate is slow, but as soon as I enter the hospital and the tension hits, my heart rate spikes. What could be going on?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you may be experiencing episodes of non-cardiac chest pain, especially since your cardiology checkups including ECG, echo, and lipid profile have come back normal. Non-cardiac chest pain can be caused by issues such as muscle strain, anxiety, or gastrointestinal problems. Since your symptoms have been ongoing for eight months and are not related to heavy work, it is less likely to be a heart-related issue. To help with the chest pain, you can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques or deep breathing exercises may help with episodes of high heart rate related to tension. If the chest pain persists or worsens, it would be advisable to consult with a doctor for further evaluation and management.

Question 3

I'm really concerned about this pain I've been having in the center of my chest since last night. It gets worse when I'm climbing stairs and now I even feel it while walking. I did an ECG this morning. What could be causing this, and should I be worried?

Accepted Answer

if no pathological  changes observed in the ecg cardiac markers and ecg is advised...

An echo and ecg is advised.

More Cardiology Health Queries

I'm really concerned about this pain I've been having in the center of my chest since last night. It gets worse when I'm climbing stairs and now I even feel it while walking. I did an ECG this morning. What could be causing this, and should I be worried?

Health Articles for you

Understanding Cholesterol And Stroke: How High Cholesterol Levels Impact Your Risk Of Stroke

All You Need to Know About Heart Disease

CABG Surgery: Everything You Need to Know!

Common Tests For Heart Disease Diagnosis and Monitoring

Understanding Valvular Heart Disease: Types, Symptoms, & Treatment