Empress Michiko has myocardial ischemia, an ailment in which blood has trouble reaching the heart due to a blockage in the coronary arteries, the Imperial Household Agency said Sunday night.
The agency made the announcement after the empress, 80, underwent a CT scan at the University of Tokyo Hospital on Sunday, Fuji TV reported.
The empress reported chest pains with increasing frequency in late June. She was given an electrocardiogram on July 24.
Sunday's CT scan showed narrowing in two of her three coronary arteries due to arterial sclerosis, doctors said, adding that surgery will not be necessary at this stage.
The emperor visited the empress after the tests were completed and the couple returned home to the palace at around 6 p.m.
The Imperial Household Agency said the empress will still carry out her official duties for the rest of August, but her health will be monitored daily, Fuji reported.
© Japan Today
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Kurobune
I sincerely hope the Empress will be fine. Odaijini !
kcjapan
"The empress reported chest pains with increasing frequency in late June. She was given an electrocardiogram on July 24." - article
It is very difficult to understand the delay. Prompt evaluation and proper treatment is the standard of care internationally. It is troubling and saddening to imagine any reason for the timeline relayed here. These are delicate and fragile people at eighty but there is no reason expeditious action will not allow healthful and long life as a common outcome with little risk.
JohnBecker
I wonder why they don't go ahead and just do bypass surgery? Or, at the very least, insert stents?
sensei258
I think it's her age, and her being petite that are giving them cause to wait. Cracking open somebody's chest is risky and traumatic. Stents (and blood thinners) don't always work. My father-in-law had stents put in, and bypass surgery within months anyway. He eventually died from a massive stroke caused by a blood clot.
toshiko
The Imperial Household Agency said the empress will still carry out her official duties for the rest of August, but her health will be monitored daily, Fuji reported
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Hope there is not much official duties from now on.
Elizabeth Heath
Why the delay for the scan? Why the delay for surgery - the sooner the better. If they are worried she is not physically fit to withstand the op then let her rest and build herself up for it, the official duties can be done by someone else in the Imperial Family.
toshiko
Sunday’s CT scan showed narrowing in two of her three coronary arteries due to arterial sclerosis, doctors said, adding that surgery will not be necessary at this stagw
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The Todai Hospital is not rushing. Amatuer can not push her to go on sergery as if she does not have her mind.