Nami Fukunaga writes:

        Patient Takahashi (T) has "hypertension" and early atherosclerosis. But he is a heavy smoker. He smokes two packs a day. Smoking is said to prevent the flowing of blood. He has to decrease his smoking to one pack a day or less. And patient T does not think his condition is very serious, because his parents lived well into their sixties. But his mother died of heart disease. His family may have a risk of heart disease. So he should take more care of his health. In addition, he is very busy. But he must have a break so his mind will become relaxed. And he has to exercise. Exercise is very good for your health. If he will do this, he will not become overweight and he even may lose weight. So his body may become better.

        Patient T thinks that he is one of the lucky ones. Lucky ones are people who don't have risk of heart disease. And he thinks he is "just too young". But all adults have some risk of heart disease. Don't judge at one's own discretion. He has to be careful of his health.

        If he wants to start feeling better in the short term, I advise him to go into hospital. And I will give him medicine. The medicine is to lower his blood pressure.

        If he wants to develop ways to prevent heart disease in the long term, I advise him to change his life style. First of all, he has to decrease his cigarettes, and change his foods. He should decrease meat and eggs. These contain much cholesterol. So, he had better eat fish, milk and vegetables. Also, he had better exercise for a short time each day. If he continues this, his problems are nearly solved.

         

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