Question 1

I'm really worried about my dad. He's been dealing with heart issues and has stents. But he also has this tobacco chewing habit that I'm trying to help him kick. I've been thinking about getting him to try nicotine gum, but I'm not sure if it's safe for someone with his condition. Could it cause things like palpitations or any serious heart problems? I'm really hoping it won't have any bad effects. Would love to get your thoughts on this.

Accepted Answer

Nicotine chewing gums can be suitable for your father to help him quit his tobacco chewing habit. Nicotine gums are generally safe for heart patients with stents, but it is important to use them under medical supervision. The most common side effects of nicotine gums include mild irritation of the mouth and throat, hiccups, and jaw ache. However, if used as directed, the risk of serious side effects such as palpitations is low. It is recommended to start with a lower dosage of nicotine gum and gradually reduce the amount over time. I recommend consulting with your father's cardiologist or a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate dosage and usage plan for him.

Question 2

I'm really worried about my dad, he's 53 and just had a CABG bypass surgery. I noticed his platelet count shot up quite a bit, like it was 3.9 lakhs before surgery and now it's 9.3 lakhs, and Im concerned about whether thats normal after surgery. There wasn't any blood transfusion done. Can someone shed some light on what might be happening here?

Accepted Answer

It is not uncommon for platelet counts to be elevated after surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This condition, known as postoperative thrombocytosis, typically occurs as a response to surgery and the body's healing process. However, a significant increase such as from 3.9 lakhs to 9.3 lakhs should be monitored closely by his healthcare team to rule out any complications.

I recommend discussing this with your father's cardiologist or primary care physician to ensure proper follow-up and management.

Question 3

I've been having some anxiety and left arm pain for a few days now. My hand just suddenly becomes weak, and theres also this annoying pain in my left shoulder and neck area. The weird thing is, I'm not sure if it's something muscular or maybe related to my glands. It kinda all started after I got my COVID vaccine on May 13th. The arm pain from the shot lasted for about 23 days, and this whole issue kicked off right after. I went ahead and got an ECG done just in case, but it came back normal. Now I'm worried if this could be heart-related since I know my HDL level is low. Have you heard of this happening to anyone else after the vaccine, or do you think it might be something else?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as anxiety, left arm pain, weakness in the hand, and pain in the left shoulder and neck area, could be related to musculoskeletal issues rather than a heart problem, especially since your ECG was normal. The arm pain you experienced after the Covid vaccine could also be a contributing factor. To address the anxiety, you can try relaxation techniques and stress management strategies. For the musculoskeletal pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen. Additionally, a muscle relaxant like Cyclobenzaprine can help with muscle spasms and pain. If the symptoms persist, you may need to consult a doctor for further evaluation and management.

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