Japan’s former emperor Akihito diagnosed with another heart condition
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Emperor Emeritus Akihito was admitted to hospital on July 14, and discharged on July 18.
PHOTO: AFP
TOKYO - Japan’s former emperor Akihito has been diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, a heart rhythm disorder that causes a rapid heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart, the Imperial Household Agency said on July 18.
The agency said the diagnosis was made at the University of Tokyo Hospital, where the 91-year-old had been hospitalised until July 18 for tests ahead of a new medication regimen to treat existing heart conditions.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito’s newly prescribed medication is also effective in treating symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia, according to his aides. The agency said it will continue to monitor his condition.
He was admitted to hospital on July 14, where doctors aimed to carefully adjust the dosage of his new medication while monitoring his heart with an electrocardiogram.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito was discharged on July 18 and left the hospital by car, accompanied by his wife, former empress Michiko, who had been visiting him daily.
He was diagnosed in May with myocardial ischaemia – reduced blood flow to the heart muscle – after undergoing tests at the same hospital. He has since been under medication and observation for the condition.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito has also been taking medication and following fluid intake restrictions since being diagnosed with heart failure in 2022. KYODO NEWS
