05-05-2025
Japanese emperor emeritus to be hospitalised for hearts tests
Japanese Emperor Emeritus Akihito. -- Photo: Reuters
TOKYO (Bernama-Jiji Press): Japanese Emperor Emeritus Akihito will be admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital from Tuesday for heart tests, Jiji Press reported, citing the Imperial Household Agency on Monday.
The 91-year-old former Emperor has been diagnosed with a high probability of myocardial ischaemia, which occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is insufficient, during regular health checks, according to the agency.
Loal media also reported that It will be the first time for the emperor emeritus to be hospitalised since February to March in 2012, when he underwent coronary bypass surgery at the age of 78.
According to his aides, the emperor emeritus had regular health checks in mid-April, during which signs of possible myocardial ischemia were observed on an electrocardiogram. After a reexamination at his residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward, it was learned on Sunday that he likely has myocardial ischemia.
With no symptoms, the emperor emeritus had continued his routine morning and evening walks until Sunday, but skipped the morning walk on Monday.
He also decided to postpone a plan to stay at the Hayama Imperial Villa with Empress Emerita Michiko from Thursday.
In July 2022, the emperor emeritus was diagnosed with right heart failure due to a problem with the tricuspid valve between the right atrium and ventricle. Since then, he has been receiving medical therapy, including drug administration and water restriction.
