Question 1

I've been experiencing this tightness in my chest whenever I do surya namaskaram and, for the past two days, I've been having frequent burping and indigestion. Sometimes when I breathe, there's this pain on the left side of my chest. A few months back, I had an ECG done, and the doctor said it was normal. I've been doing yoga for a month now, and I'm just wondering if this is something serious? How do you think it can be treated?

Accepted Answer

You may be experiencing symptoms of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause chest tightness, frequent burping, indigestion, and chest pain. It is good that your ECG was normal, but it is still important to address your symptoms. You can try over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids to help with the indigestion and chest pain. Additionally, you can take medications like omeprazole (Prilosec) or ranitidine (Zantac) to reduce stomach acid production. It is also helpful to avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, eat smaller meals, and avoid lying down right after eating. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation and management.

Question 2

I've got some concerns about my cholesterol levels and was wondering if I should start taking statins. My total cholesterol is 196, LDL is 130, HDL is 35, and triglycerides are 101. I weigh 60 kg, my height is 169 cm, and I exercise regularly while sticking to an oil-free diet. I'm on Thyronorm 50 for hypothyroidism. I don't usually feel bad, but I get breathless climbing 2 or 3 floors. All my tests like ECG, 2D echo, and TMT have come back normal. Should I be worried about starting medication?

Accepted Answer

Based on your total cholesterol of 196, LDL of 130, HDL of 35, and triglycerides of 101, along with your symptoms of feeling breathless when climbing 2 to 3 floors, you may benefit from taking a statin drug to help lower your LDL cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of cardiovascular events. Since you are already taking Thyronorm 50 for hypothyroidism, it is important to consider any potential drug interactions with statins. I recommend discussing with your doctor about starting a statin medication such as Atorvastatin 20mg once daily to help improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. Remember to continue your regular exercise and oil-free diet for overall heart health.

Question 3

I'm a bit concerned about my heart rate. I had MVR surgery back in October 2019 and I've been on Cordarone, 100 mg, ever since. Recently, around the last month and a half, my heart rate has been hovering between 60 and 65 bpm. Is this a healthy heart rate for someone in my situation, or do I need to see a cardiologist for this?

Accepted Answer

From the information provided, your heart rate of 60-65 bpm is within the normal range for adults. However, since you are a heart failure patient with a history of MVR surgery and taking Cordarone 100 mg, it is important to monitor any changes in your heart rate closely. If you experience any symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue along with the lower heart rate, it would be advisable to consult your cardiologist for further evaluation.

My dad's been having this ongoing chest and left-hand pain for about a month now. He saw a doctor who said it was some kind of gastro issue, and the meds worked while he was on them. But ever since he finished the course, the pain's come back. What could be going on and what should we do next?

do ECG to rule out

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