Question 1

I've been having an abnormal heart rate for the past month, consistently between 90 and 110. I was on high blood pressure medication but stopped taking it two months ago based on my doctor's advice. They told me to keep an eye on my blood pressure, but I'm worried about whether my heart rate is something to be concerned about. Should I be seeing any changes, or is this normal after stopping the medication?

Accepted Answer

It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure. Since you are experiencing an abnormal heart rate, it is crucial to manage your blood pressure effectively. You can monitor your blood pressure at home using a digital blood pressure monitor. If your blood pressure remains consistently high, your doctor may recommend restarting your high blood pressure medication. In the meantime, it is important to stay hydrated, maintain a healthy diet low in sodium, and engage in regular physical activity to help manage your blood pressure.

Question 2

My INR levels have been all over the place latelyone month it's at 2.5, and then the next it's down to 1.5. My doctor keeps changing my medication dose, and honestly, I'm getting worried. If this continues, could it cause problems with my mechanical valve in the aortic position? I do an echo each year, but I'm still concerned. Can you explain how this might affect me?

Accepted Answer

Fluctuating INR levels can indeed be concerning, especially for patients with a mechanical heart valve. It is important to maintain a stable INR to prevent complications such as blood clots or bleeding. To help stabilize your INR levels, your doctor may consider prescribing a medication like Warfarin. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage adjustments based on your INR levels. If your INR continues to fluctuate, it can increase the risk of blood clots forming on your mechanical heart valve. This can potentially lead to serious complications such as valve malfunction or stroke. Regular echocardiograms are essential for monitoring the function of your mechanical valve and detecting any issues early. To help stabilize your INR and protect your mechanical heart valve, it is important to adhere to your prescribed medication regimen and attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

Question 3

I'm 33 and just got my cholesterol levels checked. My total cholesterol is 246 mgdl with HDL at 40 mgdl, LDL at 179 mgdl, triglycerides at 186 mgdl, VLDL at 37.2 mgdl, and non-HDL at 206.5 mgdl. I'm kinda worried about these numbers. Do you think I should start taking medication to manage my cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

Based on your cholesterol levels, it appears that your LDL cholesterol is high at 179mgdl. Considering this, it would be advisable to start medication to help control your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. I recommend starting a statin medication such as Atorvastatin at a dosage of 20mg daily. Additionally, incorporating lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can also help in managing cholesterol levels.

Yes you can stop the drug and check your BP daily for 2 weeks if its maintained normal,you can pause the drug an dcontinue healthy life style

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