Question 1

I'm really worried about my dad. He's got an artery blockage and has already had an angiography done. I'm stuck trying to figure out whether we should go for angioplasty or bypass surgery. He mentioned something about stents being used in angioplasty. Could you guide me on what's the best option here? Ive attached the report with all the details.

Accepted Answer

Both angioplasty with stenting and bypass surgery are effective treatments for artery blockages, but the best option depends on the specifics of your father's condition, including the location and severity of the blockages, his overall health, and any other medical issues. Angioplasty with stenting is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time, making it suitable for single or fewer blockages. Bypass surgery, though more invasive with a longer recovery period, might be recommended for multiple or complex blockages and can provide more durable results in certain cases. Consulting with your father's cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon will provide a comprehensive understanding of the best treatment approach tailored to his condition.

Question 2

I recently bought an oximeter and noticed something that puzzled me. When I checked my levels while resting, it showed 95 bpm, 99 SpO2, and 7 PI. But after a little exercise, it went up to 130 bpm, 99 SpO2, and the PI dropped to 2. Ive experienced palpitations and panic attacks before, so my heart rate sometimes spikes to 180 during exercise. I had medical tests done a few months ago, which were all normal. What I'm confused about is why my PI drops so low with higher bpm? Can you shed some light on this?

Accepted Answer

The Perfusion Index (PI) is a measure of the strength of your pulse and the blood flow to your finger. A low PI% can indicate poor circulation or weak pulse strength. In your case, the decrease in PI% after exercising may be due to increased heart rate and blood flow redistribution to other parts of the body, leading to a weaker pulse signal at the oximeter sensor. This is common during physical activity when the body prioritizes blood flow to muscles and organs. To address this concern, you can try to ensure a good sensor placement on your finger, stay well-hydrated, and avoid excessive movement during oximetry readings. If you continue to have concerns about your PI% readings, it would be advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance

Question 3

I'm just about to hit 30 and have a 2-year-old at home. I recently got a blood test done, and I'm a bit concerned about my cholesterol levels. My total cholesterol is at 208, HDL is 46, non-HDL is 161, and LDL is 138. Do these levels mean I need to start any medication? For context, I weigh 75 kg, I'm 5'6", not diabetic, and my blood pressure usually tends to be on the lower side of normal. Are there specific lifestyle changes I should consider, or is medication the way to go here?

Accepted Answer

Based on your cholesterol levels, it seems like you are at average risk. However, your LDL cholesterol level is slightly elevated at 138 mgdL. To help lower your LDL cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease, you may consider taking a statin medication. I recommend discussing with your healthcare provider about starting a statin such as Atorvastatin at a low dose of 10 mg daily. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management can also help improve your cholesterol levels.

U can try exercise and diet control with low dose artorvastatin

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