Japan's Former Emperor Akihito Hospitalized to Get New Treatment for Heart Condition
After two months on the medication, doctors found little improvement in Akihito's condition and decided to give him an additional treatment to alleviate the burden on his heart, the Imperial Household Agency said. Monday's hospitalization was to carefully determine the right dose of the new medication to avoid side effects while monitoring his heart by electrocardiogram and other examinations, the IHA said.
In 2012, Akihito underwent a coronary artery bypass surgery. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with right heart failure caused by tricuspid valve insufficiency. Akihito was seen in the back seat of a palace car wearing a white surgical mask and accompanied by his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko, as he was taken to the hospital. Palace officials said they couldn't say how long Akihito would have to be hospitalized.
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