Ask Dr T

Posted by Dr T on February 5, 2012 - 6:46pm

Hi Sarah,
In patients with a thymoma, low calcium levels are occasionally associated with long QT. Treatment involves correcting abnormal calcium and resection of the thymoma. Otherwise, I cannot possibly make a diagnosis, thus can only provide you with information. That said, it is highly unlikely that long QT syndrome (a congenital illness) is an issue.
Hope this helps,
Dr T

Posted by Dr T on February 5, 2012 - 8:06am

Hi Dave,
It is a reasonable test:
http://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-disease-diagnosis/calcium-scoring
You might want to calculate your cardiac risk here:
http://www.cardiachealth.org/app/risk-assessment.php
Hope this helps,
Dr T

Posted by Dr T on February 4, 2012 - 12:42pm

Hi Teresa,
Your symptoms and the CT scan results are suggestive of a blockage in your aorta called Leriche Syndrome, which often occurs in patients with abnormal cholesterol, atherosclerosis, hypertension and heavy smoking.

Posted by Dr T on February 4, 2012 - 11:59am

Hi Lise,
It seems you are not accepting all these test results: all negative. This means you don't have to worry!
Read this about palpitations & risk of heart disease.
Hope this helps,
Dr T

Posted by Dr T on February 2, 2012 - 2:23pm

Hi Tonia,
Read about heart rate here. If you live an otherwise healthy life style, you're fine and shouldn't worry.
Hope this helps,
Dr T
 

Posted by Dr T on February 1, 2012 - 11:16am

Hi Cecily,

Posted by Dr T on January 31, 2012 - 10:44am

Hi Howard,
You are correct to be concerned. Recent reports have indicated indeed that patients in your category (80 years and over with impaired renal function)  are at a much higher risk for complications (bleeding, cardiac events) in the treatment of Afib with pradaxa than with coumadin:

Posted by Dr T on January 21, 2012 - 8:29pm

Hi Lisa,
With his history, he should be re-evaluated again. His coronary artery disease was not cured with the stents!
Read more here:
http://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/how-long-does-heart-stent-last-do-they-need
http://www.cardiachealth.org/app/
Hope this helps,
Dr T

Posted by Dr T on January 21, 2012 - 8:24pm

Hi Lisa,
At 3.8 cm your husband's aorta is a little large but not enough to do more than follow it regularly at this point, unless he develops chest pain symptoms.
Read more here:
http://www.cardiachealth.org/aneurysms
http://www.cardiachealth.org/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
Hope this helps,
Dr T

Posted by Dr T on January 18, 2012 - 10:17am

Both Multaq and Pradaxa have been in the news promising easy treatments for Afib and its potential complication of stroke. Both have been involved with  reports of bad outcomes.