Question 1

My dad's 76 and a few years back he was diagnosed with triple vessel coronary artery disease and lmca disease. Three years ago, he had an angioplasty and got a stent put in for one of his major artery blocks. The cardiologist suggested we manage the two other 100% blocks with medical management instead of more procedures because of some complications. Small hitch though, post-angioplasty, his kidneys were affected and his creatine level hit 1.6. He's been maintaining it between 1.6 to 1.8 with a strict diet for almost three years now. Recently, his cardiologist changed up his meds to boost his heart function and put him on Isolazine. Now, his blood pressures gone up and one of his legs is swelling. I'm stuck wondering if its fluid retention  but is it from his heart or his kidneys acting up? Should we be worried about Isolazine for his kidney health? Hes been on it for around four months. Could it be related? What's your take on this?

Accepted Answer

Isolazine is not recommended for patients with kidney issues, as it can potentially worsen kidney function and cause fluid retention, which may present as leg swelling. It is advisable to stop Isolazine and consult with the cardiologist for an alternative medication that is safer for kidney function. In the meantime, it is important to monitor his blood pressure closely and manage any fluid retention symptoms.

Question 2

I've been feeling really anxious about my blood pressure lately since I know it can lead to a stroke or other issues. I've gotten into the habit of checking it a lot, sometimes twice a day. Whenever I feel weird sensations in my head, like a pulling feeling or lightheadedness, I immediately worry it's because my blood pressure has spiked. Most of the time, it reads around 12065 or 12570, but occasionally it'll jump up to 14580 before dropping back down after a few minutes. Is this fluctuation normal, and could anxiety be causing these spikes? Should I be concerned about my blood pressure at my age?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fluctuations in blood pressure throughout the day can be normal, and anxiety can indeed contribute to temporary spikes in blood pressure. It is not uncommon for blood pressure to rise in response to stress or anxiety and then return to normal levels once the stressor is removed. In your case, the readings of 14580 that come down within a few minutes could be a result of anxiety-induced temporary elevation. Given your age and the readings you have provided, it seems like your blood pressure is generally within a healthy range. However, it is essential to continue monitoring your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have concerns about it. If you experience persistent symptoms or consistently high readings, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance. In the meantime, you can consider incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, to help manage anxiety and potentially lower your blood pressure.

Question 3

I've been feeling a really strong pulse in my head for the past couple of days, and yesterday I noticed it in my rib area too. It feels like there's an extra heartbeat or something. I've tried to ignore it, but it's so uncomfortable and it's been messing up my sleep. I even woke up with a really fast heart rate today, and it's making me quite anxious. It's like I can't escape this feeling, whether I'm awake or trying to sleep. What should I do to make this go away? Any advice would really help.

Accepted Answer

Based on your symptoms, it sounds like you may be experiencing palpitations. Palpitations can be caused by various factors such as stress, caffeine intake, dehydration, or underlying medical conditions. To help alleviate your symptoms, you can try taking a beta-blocker medication such as Metoprolol at a dose of 25-50mg once daily. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional.

do chest xray and check her hemoglobin levels

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