Overview

• Emperor Emeritus Akihito, 91, was admitted on July 14 to the University of Tokyo Hospital for intensified treatment of asymptomatic myocardial ischemia.
• The Imperial Household Agency confirmed that existing therapies failed to sufficiently improve his coronary blood flow, prompting the addition of a new oral drug to ease cardiac load.
• The newly introduced medication carries potential side effects such as bradycardia and arrhythmia, requiring inpatient ECG checks and careful dosage titration.
• Akihito has managed right heart failure from tricuspid regurgitation since 2022 and was diagnosed with asymptomatic myocardial ischemia during a May evaluation.
• Empress Emerita Michiko accompanied him to the hospital in line with the imperial family’s formal health management protocols.