Q. My mom suffers with high BP and headache. Is there any heart related issue?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I want to assure you do not worry as everything is going to be fine if proper care and treatment is opted in for. I have thoroughly gone through your case and reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and can well understand your genuine health concerns. Her serum amylase levels are a bit high than the normal limit (according to the specific lab range for normal from where she got tested). In such a case some tests are extended to see what may be the reason behind this. Is she a known hypertensive/diabetic/thyroid disease and taking any medicine for that? Her apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) levels are a bit high. Does she have any heart disease and taking any medicines for that? It is necessary to see if she has a serious risk factor associated due to heart disease or diabetes that may lead to some risk for her. Hs-CRP levels (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) are increased in patients having coronary artery disease. It may be high in other issues too but we have to rule out the cardiac disease first. Homocysteine is not a significant marker as to show coronary artery disease of the heart but definitely her cardiac evaluation is needed. It also increases with age.

The probable cause is coronary artery atherosclerosis, but clinical correlation is needed through physical examination and the following testing.

Investigations to be done include fasting blood sugar levels, HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), LFTs (liver function tests), RFTs (renal function tests), fasting lipid profile, ECG (electrocardiogram), exercise tolerance test, angiography, and echocardiography.

The treatment plan may be advised by the cardiologist after careful monitoring and diagnostic tests. Make an appointment with her cardiologist as soon as possible.

Preventive measures include asking her to consume nutritious foods like green leafy vegetables and fruits such as kiwi, avocado, banana, and orange. Almonds and nuts are also beneficial. Provide her with Citrucel (Methylcellulose) dietary fiber supplement for good digestion and to control cholesterol. Encourage her to take two to three liters of water daily.

Revert with the investigation reports to a cardiologist.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for providing the details. I have once again worked through your mother's case.

Her laboratory report suggests a high risk of heart disease. Every marker and test used for heart health evaluation is somewhat indicative of a higher cardiac risk. However, this issue may have developed earlier; it has developed over the years. Her cardiac evaluation is necessary, but it is not an emergency. You may go for that after four to five days.

I have already seen the test reports. She might need additional tests for further evaluation.

Her cardiologist may advise after careful monitoring and diagnostic tests. I suggest you make an appointment as soon as possible with her cardiologist.

For further information, I suggest you consult a cardiologist online.

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Experience: 12 + Yrs

Cardiology

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