Question 1

I'm really worried about my dad's health. Last Friday, he had a major heart failure and after carrying out an angiogram, the doctor found out that there are three blockages in his heart. They also mentioned that his ejection fraction or EF is at 20 which is quite low, and because of that, they can't perform angioplasty or bypass surgery. I'm really unsure about what steps we can take to improve his condition. Could you guide me on how to help him get better or what options we might have?

Accepted Answer

With a low ejection fraction (EF) of 20% and multiple blockages in the heart, the main goal of treatment would be to improve his heart function and manage his symptoms. Medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and diuretics can help improve heart function and reduce the workload on the heart. In addition, medications like statins can help manage cholesterol levels and prevent further blockages. It's important for your father to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Regular monitoring by his healthcare team is crucial to adjust his treatment as needed.

Question 2

I have a VSD in my heart around 25.6 cm with a left-to-right shunt. I'm 36 years old and don't have any major symptoms, but sometimes when something stressful happens or I'm speaking in a gathering, I feel my heart rate increases. Could this be due to nervousness or because of the VSD? I can still run and play, and my height is 5'10 with a weight of 67 kg. Do I need surgery, or can I continue living like this without any issues?

Accepted Answer

NO NEED OF SX IS NO SYMPTOMS.

Question 3

I'm really worried about my health lately. I've been dealing with diabetes and high blood pressure for a year now. Last October, I went through some tests like an echo, and everything seemed normal except for some grade 1 diastolic dysfunction. The TMT was negative, and my ECG looked okay. But I'm still having chest pain and pain in my left hand every week, and my heart sometimes races to 150160 bpm, with blood pressure at 180110. I even feel like passing out once a month. I've got pain in my chest, left hand, and jaw too. The doctor said last year that it wasn't a cardiac issue, but I can't shake off these symptoms. Without my blood pressure meds, my blood pressure spikes to 170110 and my heartbeat to 130. I'm currently on metoprolol, talmisartan, and vildapride. Its been seven months since those tests; should I go for another echo or TMT? Ive attached my last years reports and recent ECG too. What do you think?

Accepted Answer

Based on your history and symptoms, it would be advisable to undergo a repeat echocardiogram and stress test (TMT) to assess your heart function and rule out any cardiac issues. Considering your persistent symptoms and the changes in your blood pressure and heart rate, it is crucial to ensure that your current medications are effectively controlling your conditions. In addition to your current medications (metoprolol 50mg twice a day, telmisartan 40mg twice a day, and vildagliptin-metformin 50500mg twice a day), your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosages or consider adding other medications to better manage your blood pressure and heart rate. Please follow up with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation, including a repeat echocardiogram and stress test, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and to optimize your treatment plan. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential in managing your diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac symptoms.

What should be avoided in high BP?

Excessive salt intake, processed foods, refined sugars and high fatty foods

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