Question 1

I recently went through a treadmill test (TMT) around mid-April, and just a few days after, I found out I had COVID. I got better by the end of April, but ever since, I've noticed that my heart races, especially when I'm doing things like climbing stairs. I went to a cardiologist, and both my ECG and echo tests looked fine, and he mentioned it might be anxiety. But, while my heartbeat is mostly normal now when I'm resting, I do notice a slight chest pain when I walk for more than 20-25 minutes. I'm curious, should I consider doing another TMT? And I'm really wondering, could having COVID possibly lead to plaque build-up in my arteries, even if the first TMT showed everything was fine? Any advice would be great.

Accepted Answer

It is unlikely that COVID infection would cause plaque in the arteries directly. However, COVID-19 can lead to inflammation in the body which may indirectly affect the heart and blood vessels. Since your previous TMT was fine, it may not be necessary to repeat it unless your symptoms worsen or persist. The chest pain you are experiencing while walking could be due to various reasons, including muscular pain or anxiety-related issues. To alleviate your symptoms, you can try medications like Ranitidine for acid reflux and Paracetamol for chest pain. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult with your doctor for further evaluation and management.

Question 2

I'm really worried about my dad. He had a sudden paralysis attack because his blood pressure shot up unexpectedly. He's getting treatment, but now his right hand and face are affected. The ECO test shows RWMA; should I be concerned about that? Everything else looks okay, but I'm anxious. How serious is RWMA, and what should we be prepared for next?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like your father experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) due to high blood pressure. The presence of RWMA+ on an ECG test indicates regional wall motion abnormality, which can be a sign of reduced blood flow to a specific area of the heart. To prevent further episodes, it is important to manage his blood pressure effectively. He can be prescribed medications like Amlodipine (5mg) and Lisinopril (10mg) to control his blood pressure and reduce the risk of future TIAs. Additionally, Aspirin (81mg) can be recommended to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor his condition and adjust treatment as needed.

Question 3

I recently started feeling some pain on the left side of my chest and it made me really anxious, so I went to the hospital. The doctor had me do an ECG and a 2D Echo. According to the reports, the doctor said my heart is normal. Can you please take a look at my reports and provide your thoughts on them? I'm still a bit worried and could use some advice.

Accepted Answer

"Sir, based on the ECG and 2D Echo reports that you have provided, which indicate that your heart is normal, it is good news that there are no abnormalities detected in your heart. The pain in the left side of your chest could be due to various reasons such as muscle strain, acid reflux, or anxiety. To alleviate the pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen 500mg as needed for pain relief. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises may help with the panic and anxiety symptoms. If the pain persists or worsens, it is advisable to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation. Take care."

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