Question 1

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.

Question 2

My dad is 62 and he's been pretty active, walking around 4 to 5 kilometers every day and maintaining a positive attitude overall. He has high blood pressure, something that runs in our family. I've started keeping an eye on his heart rate, and I noticed it's usually around 57 beats per minute and sometimes even drops to 50. Should I be worried about this, and do you think he needs to see a doc for a check-up?

Accepted Answer

A resting heart rate of 50-57 beats per minute is generally considered to be within the normal range for adults, especially for individuals who are physically active like your father. However, since your father has a history of high blood pressure and his heart rate occasionally drops to 50, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying heart conditions or medication side effects that may be contributing to the lower heart rate. It's important to have a comprehensive evaluation to ensure his heart health is optimal.

Question 3

I've noticed my heart rate has been pretty low for the past couple of days, like around 55 beats per minute when I'm just resting or sleeping. Should I be worried about this, or is it normal?

Accepted Answer

Slow heart rate can be concerning, especially if it persists for a few days. A heart rate of 55 beats per minute or above at rest or during sleeping time may indicate bradycardia. It is important to identify the underlying cause of this slow heart rate. Some common causes of bradycardia include medication side effects, electrolyte imbalances, heart disease, or an underactive thyroid gland. If you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath along with the slow heart rate, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Your doctor may recommend further evaluation, which may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) or other tests to determine the cause of the bradycardia. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help regulate the heart rate. However, the specific treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the slow heart rate. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and management plan.

Ecg and chest x-ray pa view is advised to the patient.

More Cardiology Health Queries

I've noticed my heart rate has been pretty low for the past couple of days, like around 55 beats per minute when I'm just resting or sleeping. Should I be worried about this, or is it normal?

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