Question 1

I'm kind of worried about stopping Aspirin because I've been dealing with some stomach issues, and the doctor told me it might be gastritis. They said I should stop taking Aspirin and just stick with clopidogrel. I'm also a bit concerned because my platelet count came back at 110,000. Should I be thinking about a lower dose of Aspirin, like 50 or 25 mg, instead of stopping it altogether? Does that sound safer for someone with my heart condition?

Accepted Answer

Given your medical history and current condition, it is important to follow your doctor's advice to discontinue Aspirin and continue with Clopidogrel only. Aspirin is known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues, such as gastritis, which you experienced recently. Clopidogrel is a suitable alternative antiplatelet medication that can be used in place of Aspirin to prevent blood clots after procedures like PTCA. It is effective in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Therefore, it is safe to discontinue Aspirin and rely on Clopidogrel for your cardiac health. It is not recommended to switch to a lower dose of Aspirin in your case.

Question 2

I'm having this ongoing pain in my chest, left arm, and shoulder blade, and it's been going on for over six months now. I've had my ECG done a couple of times and it came back normal, but I'm still worried because I have a history of depression and was on medication for about a year and a half. My doctors mentioned it might be related to that. I've also had a few panic attacks in the last six months, and randomly I get chills all over. Just recently, I was doing some physical work when I felt a sharp chest pain radiating to my left arm. The weather was really hot that day, like 42 degrees. The doctors said not to worry, but I'm still concerned about this chest pain that seems to come out of nowhere. I'm also feeling some dull pain in my spine and disc area, and there are signs of cervical issues. Sometimes I feel suffocated or have this heaviness in the back of my head and shoulders. My physical shape isn't great either, and after eating, my left arm feels heavy with chest pain. Could this all be linked somehow or should I get a second opinion?

Accepted Answer

Based on your symptoms and history, it is important to consider the possibility of musculoskeletal issues, anxiety-related chest pain, and gastrointestinal concerns. To address the chest pain and discomfort in your left arm and shoulder blade, you can try taking a muscle relaxant like **Cyclobenzaprine** 10mg to help with any muscle tension or spasms. For the dull pain in your spine and disc area, you can take **Ibuprofen** 400mg as needed for pain relief. Additionally, for symptoms of cervical issues, you can use a topical pain relief gel like **Diclofenac** gel applied to the affected area. To manage anxiety and panic attacks, you can consider taking an anti-anxiety medication like **Lorazepam** 0.5mg as needed for acute episodes. It is also important to practice relaxation techniques and seek therapy to address the underlying causes of your anxiety. For gastrointestinal symptoms such as chest pain after eating, you can try an antacid like **Omeprazole** 20mg before meals to help with acid reflux and indigestion. It is also advisable to maintain a healthy diet and avoid trigger foods that worsen your symptoms. Please note that these recommendations are based on the information provided, and it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and management plan.

Question 3

I've been dealing with anxiety for about a month now. My cardiologist mentioned that during the echo test, there was palpitations and a skipped beat. Is this something I should be worried about? He prescribed me sleeping pills along with anxiety medication. Everything else seems normal, with the LVEF at 60. Does that sound okay?

Accepted Answer

Palpitations and skipped beats during an echo test can be concerning, but it is important to follow up with your cardiologist for further evaluation and management. For anxiety, medications like Xanax (alprazolam) can be prescribed. For sleep, medications like Ambien (zolpidem) can be helpful. It's good to know that all other parameters are normal and your LVEF is 60%. Make sure to take the medications as prescribed and follow up with your cardiologist for any concerns.

Avoid alcohol

More Cardiology Health Queries

Health Articles for you

Causes of High Blood Pressure Explained

Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms & Treatment

Understanding Coronary Artery Disease

The Impact of Poor Diet on Heart Health: A Guide to Prevention

Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment