Emperor Emeritus Akihito Hospitalized for New Heart Treatment
Tokyo University Hospital admitted Emperor Emeritus Akihito on the afternoon of July 14 for a new oral treatment targeting his heart condition. The 91-year-old former emperor was diagnosed in July 2022 with a right-sided heart deficiency stemming from tricuspid valve insufficiency, a condition were blood flows back into the right atrium during ventricular contraction instead of being directed to the lungs.
Further examinations in May revealed asymptomatic myocardial ischemia, a common manifestation of coronary artery disease. This condition involves reduced oxygen supply to heart muscle cells due to blocked arteries, which can lead to painful angina in its advanced stages. The dosage for Akihito’s new treatment will be resolute by an electrocardiogram. He is the father of the current Emperor Naruhito.
As his previous hospitalization, Emperor Emeritus Akihito has been undergoing treatment to improve blood circulation in his coronary arteries. His spokespersons have also noted his adherence to low-tension exercises and short walks to maintain his health. These measures, though, were deemed insufficient, prompting doctors to adjust his treatment plan. The duration of his hospital stay remains undisclosed, though it is anticipated to be a routine procedure.
