Question 1

I'm not diabetic, but I've noticed my cholesterol levels seem a bit off. My LDL is at 119, HDL is 36, VLDL is 58, triglycerides are 288, and my total cholesterol is 212. The total cholesterol to HDL ratio is 6.06, and the LDL to HDL ratio is 3.41. Could you suggest some ways to boost my HDL and bring down my VLDL and triglyceride levels? I'm a bit concerned and would appreciate any advice you have.

Accepted Answer

To increase HDL and lower VLDL and triglycerides, consider the following lifestyle changes and dietary modifications: exercise regularly (aim for 150 minutesweek of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise); lose weight if overweight; quit smoking; reduce saturated and trans fats intake; increase omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts); consume more soluble fiber (found in oats, barley, fruits, and vegetables); and limit dietary cholesterol and added sugars;

Question 2

I'm really worried because my mom recently had a heart attack and her LVEF is at 25. We have her on Zoryl twice a day to help with her diabetes, and we're planning on getting her blood sugar tested soon to see if it's working. But I'm really concerned about her NTproBNP levels being so high. Is this something that needs another medication to manage? Should I be really worried about the high NTproBNP levels, and does it pose a serious threat to her health right now? Any advice you could give would really help.

Accepted Answer

For acidity, consider:

Lifestyle changes: Avoid spicy fatty foods, eat smaller meals, and manage stress.
Over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers like ranitidine or omeprazole.
Probiotics to maintain gut health.

A body temperature of 98.5F (36.9C) is within the normal range.

Normal body temperature ranges from 97.7F to 99.5F (36.5C to 37.5C).

Consult your doctor if you experience persistent acidity or other concerning symptoms.

Question 3

For how long can we rely on the CT coronary angio results? My mom is 65, diabetic, and had one done in February 2020it all looked pretty normal back then, no plaque in the main artery and a calcium score of zero. Her recent ECG also came back normal and she's not having any symptoms, but we've found that she has mild pulmonary hypertension with a systolic pressure of 34 mmHg on a 2D echo. She's not taking any blood thinners right now. Do you think we should consider repeating the CT angio?

Accepted Answer

CT coronary angiography is a non-invasive imaging test that can provide detailed information about the coronary arteries. In your mother's case, since her CT angio done in Feb 2020 showed a fairly normal result with no plaque in the main artery and a calcium score of zero, it indicates a low risk of significant coronary artery disease at that time. Given that the recent ECG is normal and your mother has no complaints, the decision to repeat the CT angio should be based on her current symptoms, risk factors, and overall clinical condition. Mild pulmonary hypertension as seen in the 2D echo with a systolic pressure of 34 mmHg may not necessarily warrant a repeat CT angio unless there are new symptoms or concerns regarding her cardiac health. It is important to continue monitoring her condition regularly with follow-up visits to her healthcare provider, who can assess the need for any further investigations or adjustments to her treatment plan.

I'm really concerned about my 6-month-old daughter who has a 4 mm perimembranous VSD. Is there a chance that this VSD will close on its own, or should I be worried about any complications?

cardiologist opinion

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