Weakness, Stomach Problem, Coelic Disease, Thyroid, High BP. Had Stents. Awaited Blood Tests. Advise?

Posted on Thu, 4 Oct 2012

Question: My mother has heart problems and 3 years ago she had 2 stents put in she has been pretty well since. Before her heart problem was detected she had extreme tiredness accompanied with weakness and stomach sickness and wind. She has been feeling unwell over the past number of weeks with the same sort of symptons she has been to her doctor who took a blood test and we are awaiting results. She has coelic disease, thyroid problems, high blood pressure and is on medication for these she also takes liptor. The doctor seems to think it may be a thyroid problem but I think it is a heart problem. What do you think we should do. She is 67.

Thanks
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ravindra L Kulkarni (48 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in.
Since your mother is receiving multiple drugs, having gastrointestinal upset ( with symptoms like bloating, nausea and indigestion) is a common complaint seen in many patients. However, the other symptoms that you have described are suggestive of heart failure.
In order to be able to comment further, please supply the following details:
a.     Her cardiac echocardiogram report
b.     The list of drugs ( and the dose of these drugs) she is currently taking
Her current plan should include:
a.     A consult with a cardiologist with an echocardiography to assess ejection fraction or the pumping ability of heart.
b.     Her medical treatment, particularly doses of diuretics and anti hypertensive drugs needs to be revised. Newer drugs may help better.
c.     Antacids and proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole need to be added to control her gastrointestinal upset.
d.     Her thyroid status needs to be assessed and treatment needs to be revised accordingly
e.     Diet consultation is essential. Every day, her weight needs to be monitored to assess fluid overload like stages which are common in heart failure cases
Thus, in my opinion, complete revision of present drugs and good dietary control will help her . As she has already undergone angioplasty, medicines and lifestyle modification play important role in improving quality of life.
Please feel free to ask any further query and also share old reports, prescription so that we can discuss it better to your satisfaction.
Wish her good health
Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli