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

I'm concerned after seeing something on my dad's ECG report that mentioned diastolic dysfunction. He had a heart attack back in 2006 but hasn't had any problems for 11 years. Should we be worried about this diastolic dysfunction showing up now? What does it really mean for his heart health moving forward, especially given his heart history?

Accepted Answer

The ECG report indicating diastolic dysfunction in a patient with a history of a heart attack in 2006 is concerning, despite the absence of recent issues. Diastolic dysfunction refers to abnormalities in the heart's relaxation phase, which can lead to impaired filling of the heart chambers. To address this, it is important to manage the underlying heart condition effectively. In this case, prescribing medications such as ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril or ARBs like Losartan can help improve diastolic function and reduce the risk of further complications. Additionally, beta-blockers such as Metoprolol can be beneficial in managing heart conditions and improving overall heart function. Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist are essential to monitor the heart's health and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Question 3

I've been taking cardace 2.5 mg after consulting with Dr. Anand Chopda on August 17th. I've been monitoring my readings every morning before taking the tablet, and they are as follows: Aug 19 - 11277, Aug 20 - 11888, Aug 21 - 11883, Aug 22 - 13385, Aug 23 - 13195, Aug 24 - 12693, Aug 25 - 11773. Should I keep taking the cardace at this dosage, or is there a need for adjustment? I'm a bit concerned about these numbers. Any advice on this?

Accepted Answer

Based on the readings you have provided, it seems like your blood pressure has been fluctuating. However, it is important to note that a single reading may not provide a complete picture. Since you have been advised to take Cardace 2.5 mg by Dr. Anand Chopda, it is important to continue the medication as prescribed. The dosage of Cardace 2.5 mg is usually once daily. It is important to take the medication at the same time each day for best results. Additionally, it is recommended to monitor your blood pressure regularly and keep a record of the readings to share with your doctor during follow-up consultations. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your blood pressure readings, please consult

I'm really worried about my mom who's 68. She's been diagnosed with mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and has an overall LVEF of 50-50. They also mentioned grade diastolic dysfunction. I'm just trying to understand, is this something serious that we need to be concerned about?

An angiogram is advised to the patient and a cardiac opinion..

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