Doctor Vo Thi Anh Nhat, an internal medicine specialist at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, reported Ms. Nam's admission blood pressure was 180/70 mmHg, with an increased respiratory rate and dull pain in her left chest. Her systolic blood pressure was previously nearly 200 mmHg. Ms. Nam had a long history of asthma, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.

Ms. Nam received treatment including antihypertensive medication, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and nebulized bronchodilators. A chest X-ray showed scattered fibrotic lesions in both lung bases and abnormalities in the right pleura. Doctors diagnosed superinfected bronchial asthma, an acute asthma attack triggered by a respiratory infection in a patient with pre-existing asthma. Her blood pressure and dyslipidemia were also managed.

To further assess lung damage and cardiovascular risk, the patient underwent a low-dose lung CT scan and arterial ultrasound. Doctor Anh Nhat noted that low-dose lung CT is a non-invasive technique, reducing X-ray exposure while effectively surveying lung lesions.

Results revealed the patient had myocardial ischemia, with calcified plaques along the thoracic aorta and coronary arteries. Doctor Nhat explained, "These signs indicate a long-term process of atherosclerosis that did not manifest clear symptoms."

After three days of treatment, the patient's respiratory condition improved. Chest tightness and shortness of breath decreased, blood pressure stabilized, and she was discharged.

Doctor Nhat explains the health condition to the patient during a follow-up visit. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Nhat noted this case highlights that acute respiratory illnesses in the elderly are often linked to underlying cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and metabolic disorders. Uncontrolled chronic conditions can increase the risk of severe acute exacerbations.

Conditions like carotid atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, and arterial calcification often progress silently for years. Most patients discover these issues during routine health check-ups. Beyond adhering to daily medication, middle-aged and elderly individuals should undergo regular health check-ups, including blood pressure and lipid level checks.

Nhat Thanh

*Patient's name has been changed