Question 1

I've got a CRP level of 55.4 mgL, and I know that's pretty high. I have MVP and MR but no symptoms. What's going on with the CRP? Should I be worried? Any advice on what I should do next?

Accepted Answer

In the case of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and mitral regurgitation (MR), an elevated CRP level of 55.4 mgl could be due to the presence of inflammation related to these conditions. Since you are not experiencing any symptoms, it is important to monitor your condition closely. To help manage inflammation and potentially reduce CRP levels, you can consider taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen (Advil) 400mg twice daily after meals. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can also help in managing inflammation. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management of your MVP and MR, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual health status.

Question 2

I'm experiencing this odd pressure on my chest, specifically on the left side where I've drawn a white line in the photo I sent. It's not quite pain, but more like an uncomfortable pressure. It tends to be noticeable when I lie down, which is pretty uncomfortable, but the pressure seems to go away when I'm up and walking around. There's no pain when I breathe or do exercises, which is confusing me. A few days ago, I was dealing with chest pain but it seems to have lessened. There's this constant pressure, though, especially when I'm lying down. Also, I had sinus tachycardia with a heart rate of 115 BPM during my first echocardiogram. The second one, however, was 77 BPM, and my blood pressure was 13383 mg. I'm wondering if all this is connected and if I should be worried about it?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you may be experiencing musculoskeletal chest pain, possibly related to inflammation or strain in the chest wall muscles. The fact that the discomfort increases when lying down and improves with movement suggests a musculoskeletal origin. To help relieve the pressure and discomfort in your chest, you can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. Additionally, applying a warm compress to the area may also help relax the muscles and alleviate the pressure sensation. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

Question 3

My husband has been struggling with high cholesterol levels around 285 mgdL, even though he's been on a super healthy diet with lots of fruits, olive oil, vegetables, and pulses. The numbers haven't dropped much, staying between 250 to 285 over the last couple of months. He recently had kidney stones treated with endoscopy and medication, and now the cholesterol levels seemed to have increased. I'm getting worried; should we consider starting him on medication, or will sticking to the diet eventually help bring the cholesterol down? How long do we need to wait and see if the diet alone is effective? Also, could my father-in-law's heart surgery from 2 years ago be related or give us some clues on managing this better?

Accepted Answer

Based on your husband's cholesterol levels not reducing despite following a healthy diet and considering his family history of heart surgery, it may be necessary to start medication to help lower his cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. One commonly prescribed medication for high cholesterol is Atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor). In addition to medication, continuing with a healthy diet and lifestyle is important for managing cholesterol levels. It is recommended to follow up with regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor the cholesterol levels and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The time it takes to see a significant reduction in cholesterol levels can vary from person to person, but with medication and lifestyle changes, improvements can often be seen within a few weeks to months.

I've been on blood pressure meds for the past couple of months, but recently I've been experiencing a heavy feeling in my head and some dimness, especially at night. It's starting to worry me. Could you provide some guidance on what I should do next?

More Cardiology Health Queries

I've got a CRP level of 55.4 mgL, and I know that's pretty high. I have MVP and MR but no symptoms. What's going on with the CRP? Should I be worried? Any advice on what I should do next?

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