Japan's Emperor Emeritus hospitalized for heart disease medication
The 91-year-old Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita Michiko left their residence at the Akasaka Estate by car on Monday afternoon. They arrived at the University of Tokyo Hospital in Bunkyo Ward around 3:30 p.m.
The former Emperor underwent a coronary bypass operation in 2012 when he was 78 years old, after being diagnosed with angina. He was diagnosed with right heart failure in 2022.
At a heart examination in May, he did not feel chest pain or other symptoms, but was diagnosed with asymptomatic myocardial ischemia. The condition occurs when blood flow from the coronary arteries to the heart muscle is insufficient. This is caused when exercise stress exceeds certain levels.
The Imperial Household Agency said the Emperor Emeritus had restricted fluid intake and avoided excessive exercise stress. It said he began taking new medicine to improve coronary blood flow after the recent examination, taking into consideration that hardening of his arteries is advancing due to aging.
The agency said that as his condition has not improved, he will now take another medicine designed to ease strain on the heart.
The Emperor Emeritus was admitted to hospital so that doctors can adjust the amount of the new medicine. They say they will keep checking electrocardiographic and other data to be able to quickly respond to any side effects of the medicine, such as irregular heartbeat.
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