Hospital Procedures and Family Concerns in Cardiology Care - Cardiology

Examination Process and Important Considerations for Family Members

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Hello Doctor: Recently, my father experienced two sudden episodes of severe chest pain and went to the hospital for examination.
He was normal when not experiencing pain, but when it occurred, it was very intense.
After visiting the outpatient department, the doctor recommended immediate hospitalization for observation.
The tests scheduled include: 1.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) - he is connected to a black box for 24 hours.
2.
Echocardiogram - although he still has ECG electrodes attached, the doctor said the examination could proceed.
The examining physician preliminarily indicated that the heart tissue appears different from normal, somewhat complex, with two larger (likely referring to the coronary arteries) that may be causing the pain.
The doctor mentioned that this could be due to congenital or acquired factors, and it might also be a result of long-term use of over-the-counter medications.
3.
X-ray 4.
Basic blood tests and urinalysis.
He is currently hospitalized for observation.

However, after several days of accompanying him in the hospital, we found that after the examinations, the doctor stated that he needs to be treated in the hospital, which involves daily medication, IV fluids, blood pressure monitoring, and temperature checks.
The doctor asked about the IV, and the insertion site has become a wound, with the left hand being used for the IV and then switching to the right hand.
The doctor said that they are currently administering IV fluids to open the coronary arteries; if they can be opened, he can be discharged; if not, surgery will be necessary.
When I inquired about the cause of the illness, the doctor said to wait for the report, but it has been six days now.
I asked other colleagues, and they mentioned that their reports did not take this long, as their father's examinations were quite similar to my father's.
Here are my questions:
1.
Is it true that we have to wait around seven days to see the report? Typically, outpatient reports do not take this long, and since he is hospitalized, which indicates a more serious condition, should the report come out sooner?
2.
My father has had two fevers during these six days of hospitalization, and his appetite is poor; he mostly vomited during the first two days.
It might be due to the hospital food, so we started bringing in outside food, which he did not vomit but still has a poor appetite.

3.
Given that it has been six days and my father's condition has not improved, is there a need to consider transferring him to another hospital?
4.
At this time, aside from accompanying him in the hospital, what else can concerned family members do? Currently, we only know to wait for the report based on what we have asked the doctors.
Can treatment begin before the report is available?
My father's situation is as follows:
1.
He has been taking prescription medications for nerve pain (in the shoulder area) for many years.

2.
He occasionally takes cold medications, such as those containing pseudoephedrine.

3.
He has smoked for many years and previously drank alcohol but has been sober for over a decade.

4.
He has gastrointestinal issues, often experiencing diarrhea after meals.

I have listed these details because I am concerned that you may need to assess his usual medications.
I am worried because my father's condition seems to have worsened since being hospitalized, and I am at a loss for what to do.
I apologize for intruding on your time, and I hope you can help clarify these concerns.
Thank you.

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Bao Ya, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/07/10