Question 1

I'm feeling worried because I've been experiencing chest discomfort and shortness of breath for the past three months. I recently got my blood report back, and it shows my lymphocytes level is at 55. Should I be concerned about that? Also, my ECG, echocardiogram, PFT, and chest X-rays came back normal. Can you help me understand what's going on?

Accepted Answer

Based on your symptoms and normal test results, a high percentage of lymphocytes in the blood may indicate an underlying infection or inflammation. However, since your other tests are normal, it is less likely to be related to a serious heart or lung condition. To address the chest discomfort and shortness of breath, you can try taking over-the-counter antacids for possible acid reflux or GERD symptoms. Additionally, you can take a short course of antibiotics like Azithromycin 500mg once daily for 3 days to cover any potential infection. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

Question 2

My husband has been struggling with high cholesterol levels around 285 mgdL, even though he's been on a super healthy diet with lots of fruits, olive oil, vegetables, and pulses. The numbers haven't dropped much, staying between 250 to 285 over the last couple of months. He recently had kidney stones treated with endoscopy and medication, and now the cholesterol levels seemed to have increased. I'm getting worried; should we consider starting him on medication, or will sticking to the diet eventually help bring the cholesterol down? How long do we need to wait and see if the diet alone is effective? Also, could my father-in-law's heart surgery from 2 years ago be related or give us some clues on managing this better?

Accepted Answer

Based on your husband's cholesterol levels not reducing despite following a healthy diet and considering his family history of heart surgery, it may be necessary to start medication to help lower his cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. One commonly prescribed medication for high cholesterol is Atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor). In addition to medication, continuing with a healthy diet and lifestyle is important for managing cholesterol levels. It is recommended to follow up with regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor the cholesterol levels and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The time it takes to see a significant reduction in cholesterol levels can vary from person to person, but with medication and lifestyle changes, improvements can often be seen within a few weeks to months.

Question 3

Sometimes my heart rate goes above 115 bpm, which is making me concerned since I know the normal range is between 60 to 100 bpm. I've been using an oximeter to check my heart rate. My baby recently passed away due to a cardiac problem and was born with a heart defect. Could this be related to my heart rate issues? Should I consider getting any tests done to check for potential issues?

Accepted Answer

A heart rate of 115bpm or higher is considered elevated. It can be caused by various factors such as stress, anxiety, caffeine intake, dehydration, or physical activity. It is important to monitor your heart rate regularly and consult a doctor if you have persistent high heart rates. Given your family history of a baby with a heart defect, it may be a good idea to consult a cardiologist for further evaluation. Tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, or stress test may be recommended to assess your heart health and rule out any underlying conditions. It's important to address any concerns about your heart health, especially given your family history.

More Cardiology Health Queries

Health Articles for you

Signs Of Do You Know The Warning Signs And Signs And Of Congestive Heart Failure

HDL vs. LDL Cholesterol: What You Need To Know For Better Heart Health

Target Heart Rate Calculation Method

Common Medicines for Heart Disease Treatment and Management

Understanding Congenital Heart Disease and Its Aspects