Question 1

My dad had an angioplasty on the 14th of last month, and now hes been dealing with a persistent cough. We've already seen our regular physician, but it hasn't improved. He's on Ramistar, Rampril, and has a reduced left ventricular function with an EF of 44. Should we be worried about this cough not getting better? Could it be related to his heart medications, or is something else going on? I'm looking for advice on what we should do next.

Accepted Answer

Ramipril can sometimes cause cough as a side effect. If it is too severe, then the medication may need to be replaced with another anti-hypertensive. It is best to consult your regular cardiologist before making any changes to your regular medication.

Question 2

I've done an ECG, echo, and TMT test recently, and while everything seems normal, I'm still feeling this burning or electric shock sensation in my left arm, neck, shoulder, and back. Sometimes it feels like my chest is being pinched, and it seems like whatever I eat gets stuck in my throat. I don't have major breathlessness, but the palpitations and anxiety are really kicking in. How long are these test results valid for? I'm pretty worried, and I'm unsure who I should consult next since the doctor said everything's fine and no treatment is needed. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

The tests you mentioned (ECG, echo, TMT) are typically valid for a short period of time, usually a few days to weeks. Since your symptoms are persisting despite normal test results, it's important to consider other possibilities. It sounds like you may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety or acid reflux, which can sometimes mimic heart-related issues. To help with the burning sensation in your left arm, neck, shoulder, and back, as well as the feeling of something stuck in your throat, you can try taking antacids like **Tums** (dosage: 2 tablets as needed) for relief. For the chest discomfort and palpitations, you can take **Atenolol** (dosage: 25-50mg once a day) to help with the palpitations and anxiety symptoms. However, it's important to consult with a cardiologist or a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and management of your symptoms. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to seek further medical advice for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.

Question 3

I'm worried because I've noticed that my heartbeat seems irregular over the past couple of days. It's almost like my heart has these hiccups that occur about 57 times a day. While I'm not experiencing any pain, nausea, or discomfort, it just feels really strange to have this abnormal beat in between my normal heartbeats. What could be going on?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you may be experiencing palpitations. Palpitations are sensations that feel like your heart is pounding or racing. In your case, it seems like you are experiencing occasional irregular heartbeats. One common cause of palpitations is stress or anxiety. However, it is important to rule out any underlying heart conditions. I recommend you to take **Metoprolol (brand name: Lopressor)** 25mg once daily. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can help regulate your heart rate and rhythm. It is important to follow up with a cardiologist for further evaluation and monitoring. If you experience any worsening symptoms or new symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention.

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