Question 1

I'm really worried about my dad. We live in Hyderabad, and he said he had a mild heart attack last night. He felt numbness on the left side of his body, chest pain, and had a tough time breathing until he took a pill, all of which lasted for about 30 seconds. He's diabetic, and just yesterday, his blood sugar was 160 before lunch and 255 after. Plus, he recently had gangrene, which led to his left leg's middle finger being amputated. Now, he's got a throat infection, and he's finding it hard to speak clearly. With all this going on, should we see a cardiologist and possibly get him admitted to the hospital, or is it okay to stick with the meds his previous cardiologist gave him?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like your father may have experienced a mild heart attack based on the symptoms you described. Given his medical history of diabetes, recent amputation due to gangrene, and current throat infection, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. I recommend consulting a cardiologist and getting him admitted to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. In the meantime, continue the medications prescribed by his previous cardiologist. It is crucial to address his heart health in light of these recent symptoms and medical conditions.

Question 2

I'm really concerned because my HDL is pretty low at only 29. My cholesterol is 100, triglycerides are 101, LDL is 55, and VLDL is 29. I'm wondering if there's any medication I can take to boost my HDL levels, or if it's okay to be at this level. I've attached my lipid profile reports and I'm hoping to get your opinion on whether everything looks alright or if there's anything I should be worried about. How can I improve my lipid levels further? Just for context, I'm 34 years old, weigh 83 kg, and am 5'7". There's no history of heart disease in my family, although my father does have diabetes. Could you please give me detailed advice on this?

Accepted Answer

Based on your lipid profile results, your HDL level is indeed low at 29. To improve your HDL level, you can consider taking Niacin (Vitamin B3) at a dosage of 500-2000 mg per day. Additionally, incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can also help improve your HDL level. Your total cholesterol level of 100 is within the normal range, which is good. However, your triglyceride level of 101 is slightly elevated. To lower your triglyceride level, you can take Omega-3 fatty acids at a dosage of 1-4 grams per day. It is also important to limit your intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol to help lower triglycerides. Your LDL level of 55 is optimal, and your VLDL level of 29 is within the normal range. Overall, your lipid profile is generally good, but there is room for improvement in your HDL and triglyceride levels. In addition to medication and supplements, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a heart-healthy diet can further improve your lipid profile. It is also important to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption for overall heart health. If you have any further concerns or questions, feel free to ask.

Question 3

I'm a bit worried about my heart because I was told I have left bundle branch block and that I had a silent heart attack, even though I'm not diabetic. I had an angiography done before my knee surgery, and it showed no major blockages, just a 20% one in my right coronary artery. I've also been dealing with hypertension. Can you help me understand what might be causing the LBBB?

Accepted Answer

Possible causes for left bundle branch block (LBBB) include underlying heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and heart valve disease. Since you mentioned that you are suffering from hypertension, it could be a contributing factor to your LBBB. It is important to manage your hypertension effectively to reduce the risk of further heart complications. In terms of medication, you may benefit from taking an ACE inhibitor like Lisinopril to help control your blood pressure and protect your heart. The typical dosage for Lisinopril is 10-40mg once daily. Additionally, a beta-blocker such as Metoprolol can also be prescribed to help regulate your heart rate and blood pressure. The usual dosage for Metoprolol is 25-100mg once or twice daily. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your heart health and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

ECHO report is normal

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