Question 1

I'm 36, and my blood pressure is pretty high at 142 over 94. I'm worried that if I start taking blood pressure meds, it might lead to erectile dysfunction or affect my sex life somehow. I'm getting married in four months, so this is really on my mind, especially since I haven't had morning erections for the past five months. I already walk about 2 km every day, but can I manage this with lifestyle changes alone? What's the best way forward?

Accepted Answer

Starting blood pressure medication is important to manage your blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications. Some blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers and diuretics, may have side effects like erectile dysfunction. However, there are other options like calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors that are less likely to cause this issue. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress can also help control blood pressure and improve erectile function. I recommend discussing with your doctor about starting a blood pressure medication that is less likely to cause erectile dysfunction, such as a calcium channel blocker like Amlodipine 5mg once daily. Additionally, continue with your daily walks and consider incorporating other healthy habits to improve your overall health and sexual function.

Question 2

I'm a bit worried about my mom's condition after her angioplasty. It's been about three weeks now and her hand was pretty swollen. The swelling is getting better, but there are still blue and red patches on her skin. They seem to be fading, and the pain isn't as bad as before, but I'm just really curious about what's causing these color changes. Does this indicate something serious, or is it a normal part of the healing process? Her current medications include Brilinta, Ecosprin, and insulin. I've attached a photo to show you what it looks like. Could you help me understand what's happening?

Accepted Answer

The blue and red color patches on your mother's hand after angioplasty are likely due to bruising and inflammation, which can be a common side effect of the procedure. As the swelling has reduced and the patches are vanishing slowly, along with a reduction in pain, it indicates that her body is healing properly. This is a normal part of the recovery process after angioplasty. To help with the healing process, you can continue with the current medications. Additionally, you can apply a cold compress to the affected area and elevate the hand to reduce swelling. If there is persistent pain or if you notice any signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge from the area, then it would be advisable to consult with the treating physician for further evaluation.

Question 3

I've been experiencing some concerning symptoms and I could really use some advice. My heart rate is around 50-60 when I'm lying down and my SPO2 is 98 with an RR of 16. Lately, I've been having chest pains that feel like needles. They last for just a few seconds or sometimes up to a couple of minutes. I had these issues about two months ago and got an ECG and a stress test done back then, both of which were normal. But now the pains on my left side have started coming back. Should I be doing any additional tests, or does it sound like everythings okay?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you may be experiencing episodes of angina, which are chest pains caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Since your ECG and Stress Test results were normal 2 months ago, it is possible that the symptoms you are currently experiencing could be related to a different issue. However, it is important to rule out any cardiac concerns. I recommend that you undergo a Holter monitor test to continuously record your heart's activity over a period of 24-48 hours. This will help to capture any abnormal heart rhythms that may not be detected during a standard ECG. Additionally, an echocardiogram may be beneficial to assess the structure and function of your heart. In the meantime, to manage your symptoms, you can take Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets as needed for chest pain. The usual dosage is 0.3 to 0.6 mg every 5 minutes as necessary, up to 3 doses. If the chest pain persists or worsens, seek immediate medical attention. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

I've been checking my heart rate with my phone, and it usually reads between 90-100. I don't smoke, drink, or experience any stress, but sometimes my heart feels a bit heavy, even when I'm just resting. Is this normal? I'm 5.9 tall and weigh 75 kg.

An echo and ecg is advised.

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