Chizu Furuhira writes:

        I am worried that he doesn't think his symptoms are serious, especially, the mild pain in the neck and upper chest areas. In addition to that, he is very optimistic against his disease. The internal carotid artery carries blood, oxygen and other nourishment to the brain. If narrowed by atherosclerosis, it will cause significant reduction. This is terrible! Thus, the most important issue for T is that he accepts his disease more seriously. I will talk to him with a smile and show him his diagnosis and data which is related to CHD (Coronary Heart Disease) in the United States, then I will explain T's condition to him and persuade him to take treatment. Anyway, I will take every means for him.

        Lack of exercise and heavy smoking may cause heart disease directly. I also have to think of indirect causes, for example, his and his family's clinical history, his life style, his character, his diet, his job and so on. His mother died after heart by-pass surgery complicated by hardening of the arteries. And He is a Type A personality so he doesn't accept my advice too easily. In addition to this, he is high-achieving and overworks. I have to think about these things when I will talk to him about his disease. And, I will consult about his Type A personality with a psychiatrist .

        In the short term, I think the best way to cure him is to remove his neck and chest pain. His pain is caused by early atherosclerosis. I will give him medicine to remove his pain. In the case of men, chest pain is associated with heart attack, hardening arteries and may cause myocardial infarction. I have to take means as early as I can.

        In the long term, I advise him to change his life basically and take effort on his own to improve his disease. At first, I suggest that he stop smoking, because smokers, especially heavy smokers, are increasing their risk of stroke and heart attack. Second, I suggest he begin exercise, especially long-distance running, because long-distance runners have a greater capacity to dilate their coronary arteries and thus markedly increase blood flow to their heart muscle.

        Third, I suggest he eat foods which reduce cholesterol level. Fourth, I suggest he decrease his work. It may be very difficult, but I will try. I think that his disease can't be cured perfectly without changing his opinion of his disease. I will persuade him. Trust me!

         

        | Click the BACK button to return to the student index.|

        | Or Click HERE to return to the case study.|