Former Emperor Akihito Hospitalised for Heart Medication Adjustment

Former Emperor Akihito, aged 91, has been hospitalised in Tokyo on July 14, 2023, to adjust his heart medication, according to palace officials. This hospitalisation follows his diagnosis in May with myocardial ischemia, a condition characterised by reduced blood flow from the coronary arteries to the heart muscle.

Since his diagnosis, Akihito has been on medication aimed at improving blood flow to his heart while following a regimen that limits excessive exercise and liquid intake. Despite these efforts, doctors observed minimal improvement in his condition after two months of treatment. Consequently, they have opted to introduce an additional medication designed to lessen the burden on his heart.

Monitoring and Treatment Plan

The Imperial Household Agency (IHA) reported that Akihito’s hospitalisation is primarily for determining the appropriate dosage of the new medication. Medical staff will closely monitor his heart activity using electrocardiograms and other examination methods to mitigate potential side effects. The agency has not disclosed the anticipated length of his stay in the hospital.

Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, now holds the title of Emperor Emeritus after passing the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son, current Emperor Naruhito. His health has been a concern in recent years; he underwent coronary artery bypass surgery in 2012 and was diagnosed with right heart failure in 2020 due to tricuspid valve insufficiency.

On the day of his hospital admission, Akihito was seen in the back seat of a palace car, wearing a white surgical mask and accompanied by his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko. This latest development underscores the ongoing health challenges faced by the former emperor, highlighting the delicate nature of his condition.

As the situation develops, updates from the IHA are expected to provide further insight into Akihito’s health and treatment outcomes.