Question 1

I'm really confused about this whole ventricular tachycardia situation. At first, they thought I needed an ICD implant, but after more tests like echo, angiography, and X-ray at SGPGI Lucknow, they said my heart looks fine and don't recommend the implant anymore. I'm worried because they still haven't figured out what's causing my irregular heartbeat. What could be going on, and what should I do next?

Accepted Answer

The cause of ventricular tachycardia can be multifactorial, and sometimes it may not be easily identified. Some possible causes include coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, electrolyte imbalances, structural heart defects, or certain medications. In some cases, it may be idiopathic, meaning no specific cause can be found. To further investigate the cause of your irregular heartbeat, additional tests may be needed such as a Holter monitor to record your heart's electrical activity over a period of time, an electrophysiology study to evaluate the heart's electrical system, or genetic testing if there is a suspicion of an inherited condition. In terms of treatment, if the cause of the ventricular tachycardia is not identified, management may involve medications such as beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs to help control the heart rhythm. Lifestyle modifications such as avoiding triggers like caffeine or alcohol, managing stress, and regular exercise may also be beneficial. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed based on your symptoms and test results.

Question 2

I'm a bit confused about my blood pressure readings. When I'm lying down, my BP usually stays under 12080. But when I sit up, it changes to somewhere between 13095 and 140100. I'm currently taking Telma, and I'm just wondering if these lying-down readings are reliable or if I should focus on the sitting-up ones. Do you think I need to change my dose, or does it seem like my blood pressure is under control based on the lying-down numbers?

Accepted Answer

It is important to monitor your blood pressure in different positions to get a comprehensive view of your overall blood pressure control. In your case, it seems like your blood pressure is well controlled when lying down but slightly elevated when sitting up. This could indicate that your current dose of Telma may not be fully controlling your blood pressure in all positions. I would recommend discussing this with your healthcare provider to consider adjusting your Telma dosage or exploring other treatment options to ensure that your blood pressure remains within a healthy range in all positions.

Question 3

I'm a bit concerned about my heart rate. I had MVR surgery back in October 2019 and I've been on Cordarone, 100 mg, ever since. Recently, around the last month and a half, my heart rate has been hovering between 60 and 65 bpm. Is this a healthy heart rate for someone in my situation, or do I need to see a cardiologist for this?

Accepted Answer

From the information provided, your heart rate of 60-65 bpm is within the normal range for adults. However, since you are a heart failure patient with a history of MVR surgery and taking Cordarone 100 mg, it is important to monitor any changes in your heart rate closely. If you experience any symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue along with the lower heart rate, it would be advisable to consult your cardiologist for further evaluation.

I'm trying to understand the seriousness of some heart blockages that were reported. Can you explain what level of concern is typical for this kind of issue? Is there any immediate action I should be thinking about?

Patient is advised for angioplasty depending on the blockade of the coronary arteries. Cardiologist opinion is advised to the patient.

More Cardiology Health Queries

Health Articles for you

Managing And Treating Heart Disease In Pregnancy

LVAD Heart Pump Life Expectancy Explained

Aortic Stenosis Treatment Overview

Your Guide to Surgery (CTVS): Procedures, Recovery, and Modern Care

Causes of Heart Attacks in Young Adults