Question 1

I'm really worried about my dad. He's 70 and went through a pretty tough time with his aorta bursting back in January. The doctors did Bentall Surgery, and it seemed like things were getting better, but then he got a mild case of COVID on February 4th. They've been treating him for that and a bit of fluid in his left lung with antibiotics, and there have been improvements according to his chest X-rays. The problem is, he's been having a low-grade fever in the evenings, around 99-100 degrees, since the surgery. It's been more than a month now with this persistent fever. Do you think this is just a post-op thing or maybe related to COVID? I just really need to understand what's going on. It's pretty concerning for us.

Accepted Answer

In this case, the persistent low-grade fever in the evening could be due to various factors, including post-operative recovery, underlying infection, or inflammatory response. Since your father recently underwent Bentall Surgery and is also recovering from mild COVID-19 infection, it is essential to monitor his symptoms closely. To address the fever, the doctors may consider prescribing antipyretic medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) at a dose of 650mg to 1000mg every 4-6 hours as needed to help reduce the fever and provide comfort. Additionally, if there are signs of ongoing infection, antibiotics such as Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) at an appropriate dose may be considered based on the specific infection and sensitivity. It is crucial to continue following up with the medical team to assess the underlying cause of the fever, monitor his overall condition, and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Regular communication with the healthcare providers will help in managing his recovery effectively.

Question 2

Every time I get an ECG, it shows sinus tachycardia. I dont have any known heart issues, but my heart always beats faster than normal. Should I be worried about this?

Accepted Answer

Sinus tachycardia is a condition where your heart beats faster than normal due to various reasons such as stress, anxiety, caffeine intake, or physical activity. In most cases, it is not a cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing persistent symptoms or have underlying heart conditions, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. In the meantime, you can try to manage your symptoms by reducing stress, avoiding stimulants like caffeine, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Question 3

I'm really worried about my dad. He's been having some discomfort in his left hand, and sometimes right hand, that goes up to his wrist and neck. He's 55 and has been experiencing this for the past few months. His cholesterol levels are at 225, and his blood pressure is around 13075. Do you think these could be signs of a pre-heart attack? I would really appreciate any advice.

Accepted Answer

These symptoms could indeed be concerning for potential heart issues. It is important to act promptly. I recommend that your father take Aspirin 81mg immediately to help prevent blood clot formation. Additionally, he should take Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets for immediate relief of chest pain or discomfort. It is crucial to seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible.

I've been noticing that my heart starts beating really fast sometimes, especially when I'm going up the stairs, and it makes me feel pretty anxious. Could you suggest some tests to figure out what's going on?

More Cardiology Health Queries

Every time I get an ECG, it shows sinus tachycardia. I dont have any known heart issues, but my heart always beats faster than normal. Should I be worried about this?

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