Question 1

I'm really worried about my brother Jiten, who was in the cardiac care unit recently. He's just 28 and now that he's home, his blood pressure keeps dropping in the evening, and he starts vomiting. After that, his skin turns pale and he experiences pain in his right calf. I'm also noticing that he's coughing a bit. The hospital stay was stable after his procedure with the AICD implant, but I'm worried about these symptoms popping up. His meds include things like concor, aldactone, and levoflox among others. Could you advise on what might help him recover better and keep these symptoms in check?

Accepted Answer

To address the symptoms of low blood pressure, vomiting, pale skin, calf pain, and cough, the following adjustments can be made to the medication regimen: 1. **Low Blood Pressure and Vomiting**: Given the symptoms of low blood pressure and vomiting, it is important to review the medications that may be contributing to these side effects. In this case, Dytor 10mg (Torsemide) is a diuretic that can lower blood pressure and cause electrolyte imbalances leading to vomiting. It may be advisable to reduce the dosage of Dytor or consider an alternative diuretic. 2. **Pale Skin and Calf Pain**: The symptoms of pale skin and calf pain could be indicative of poor blood circulation. To address this, it is important to ensure adequate hydration and blood flow. Aldactone 25mg (Spironolactone) can sometimes cause electrolyte imbalances leading to symptoms like calf pain. Monitoring electrolyte levels and adjusting the dosage of Aldactone may be beneficial. 3. **Cough**: If the cough persists, it may be related to heart failure or respiratory issues. Dapaone 10mg (Dapagliflozin) is a medication used to treat heart failure. However, if the cough is persistent and bothersome, a review of the medication regimen and potential respiratory evaluation may be necessary. 4. **Overall Recommendation**: Considering the symptoms described, it may be beneficial to consult with the healthcare provider who prescribed the medications. Adjustments in medication dosages or alternative medications may be necessary to address the symptoms of low blood pressure, vomiting, pale skin, calf pain, and cough effectively. Please note that any changes to the medication regimen should be done under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare professional. Regular monitoring and follow-up with the healthcare provider are essential for optimal management of these symptoms.

Question 2

I'm wondering how often I should be getting an ECG and an ECHO done. I had them both last year and everything was normal at that time. Now that I've been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which is under control, and Im also taking a 25mg beta blocker to keep my blood pressure in check, do you think I should be repeating these tests anytime soon?

Accepted Answer

For a patient with well-managed type 2 diabetes and controlled blood pressure on a Betablocker, it is generally recommended to repeat an ECG and ECHO every 1-2 years to monitor cardiac function and assess for any changes. Since your last reports were normal and your conditions are well managed, you can discuss with your healthcare provider about scheduling these tests every 1-2 years to ensure everything remains stable.

Question 3

Can you have a look at this EKG for me? I've been having a really tough time with chest discomfort that spreads to my left arm, back, and abdomen. Went to the ER and they did an EKG; the heart doctor said it was normal. They sent me home with meds for acidity and anxiety, but Im feeling even worse now, like it might be a heart attack. So I went to another hospital where they did another ECG, but no cardiologist checked it. Im having body shivers and tremors but no chills. My stomach's also upset, with loose motions a lot because of IBS and GERD, and I ate chocolates today which are the worst for GERD. Should I get a troponin test done? Its really expensivecan I skip it? Any advice would be helpful.

Accepted Answer

Based on your symptoms and medical history, it is important to rule out a heart attack as a cause of your chest discomfort. Given the persistent symptoms and the radiating pain to your left arm, back, and abdomen, along with the shivering and tremors, it would be advisable to go ahead with the Troponin test to assess for any cardiac damage. This test can help determine if there has been any injury to the heart muscles. It is a crucial test in cases of suspected heart attack. In the meantime, continue taking the acidity and anxiety medications prescribed to you. Additionally, avoid trigger foods like chocolates that can exacerbate your GERD symptoms. If the symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly

What is a heart cough?

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