Other

Collapsed lung and fluid around the lung after heart surgery

Question: 

hello sir, this is a 55 year old female who underwent CABG 2 months ago who is also a known asthmatic, who got complications like mild left lung collapse and effusion which was treated with physiotherapy, where the patient was feeling better and x-rays showed resolving symptoms. she later had fever with cough and sputum for one week, fever subsided but cough was continuing with shortness of breath for 30 minutes after hot water bath, feeling breathless during nights and efficacy of breathing has been reduced, so kindly tell me what could be the problem behind these symptoms?

Hi Anitha,
This condition is a complication of the operation. It is called atelectasis and is frequently associated with a pleural effusion (collection of fluid around the lung). One may cause the other.
Hope this helps,

Dr. T

 

My Legs feel heavy and tired after walking and exercise

Question: 

I RECENTLY HAD A CT SCAN AND IT READ THAT THERE IS SOME CALIFICATION IN THE AORTAILIAC BIFURCATION.  IS THAT SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED FURTHER OR IS IT NORMAL FOR SOMEONE AGE 51? MY LEGS DO FEEL HEAVY AND TIRED AFTER WALKING OR DOING ANY EXERCISE.  THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ANY HELP.

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.

Is my husband's aorta too large?

Question: 

My husband has been having his aorta watched. Two years ago, his ascending aorta measured 3.8 cm. Two years later it is still 3.8 cm- has remained the same. One doc is calling it an aneurysm, another thinks it might just be normal for my husband's size- 6'2'' tall 210 pounds, no high blood pressure--this was an incidental finding. In any event, it still worries me a great deal. Which scenario is more likely? Can this measurement fall within the normal range? Does my husband need to be monitored for life and should our children be screened for this problem as well.
Thank you.

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

Concerns about the use of Pradaxa for stroke prevention

New reports are raising concerns about Pradaxa, because of serious and sometimes fatal bleeding associated with the drug.  

Circulation problems in my arm

Question: 

HI. I dont know you are the right person but here it is in Winter season my hands got cold specialy right hand.I dont know whats the matter . i live in pakistan and i know if go to doctor he,ll just give me some medicine without proPer MEDICAL test so please tell me is there any problem with ME  or should i have some medical test ?
        

Ask your doctor to examine the circulation in your arm and hands/finger tips. If abnormal, it can be detected with a proper examination and if needed, some tests. W/o that information I cannot answer you.
Hope this helps,
Dr T

Can you get lung cancer after only 4 years of smoking?

Question: 

I have been smoking for the past 7 years. What are my chances that I will get lung cancer?

Your chance of getting lung cancer after only 4 years are low. Lung cancer is caused by many factors that include what you smoke, how much and how long you have smoked, family history for cancer and many environmental factors. It is also the cause of many other diseases that include emphysema and heart disease and stroke, as well as many other illnesses.

Benefits and risks associated with Statin usage

Doctors often prescribe statins for patients with high cholesterol to  reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke. Most people taking statins will take them for the rest of their lives, which can make statin side effects difficult to manage.

In a patient with normal cholesterol levels and no risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, it is difficult to justify the potential side effects and costs.

Side effects of cholesterol pills

Question: 

What are the side/adverse effects of the pills to reduce cholesterol levels?

While a major tool in the treatment of abnormal cholesterol levels in your blood, there are side effects that can be very bothersome.

Doctors often prescribe statins for patients with high cholesterol to  reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke. Most people taking statins will take them for the rest of their lives, which can make statin side effects difficult to manage.

In a patient with normal cholesterol levels and no risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, it is hard to justify the potential side effects and costs.

Severe mitral valve leakage

Question: 

Sir, i am so much worried about my sister, me and my family is worried, sir please see the report which is attached, Sir my sister is 35 years old , she is married with two little sons , we live in Pakistan, She has heart disease, her heart size is increased too due to leakage of wall, Pakistani doctors says that she should be operated in this month as case is severe, sir there is not repairment of wall system in Pakistan . Doctors says that a new valve will be inserted, but sir some doctors in Pakistan says, that we should inserted tissue valve and some says we should inserted metallic wall, sir please guide us
Need your help as soon as possible please sir

Hi Maira,
Your sister has severe Mitral regurgitation. When severe, such as in your sister's case, mitral regurgitation can lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms and arrhythmias and can only be fixed with an operation. However, nowadays, the best results are achieved with a repair, NOT with a replacement. Not every surgeon has the training to perform a repair, so your sister may have to go elsewhere for treatment!

Diet and Exercise

Question: 

Hello,
I'm  going to be 60 soon.  I'm not overweight and I exercise a little.  I don't have heart attack issues in my family.  My cholesterol was tested and the triglycerides were 78, the hdl was 76, but the ldl was 158!  Two years ago my ldl was 130.  I am a vegetarian, and I guess I have to give up all ice cream and candy since I already eat pretty lowfat.  The dr. said I don't have to be on meds since my hdl is high.  Do you agree?  Any advice?

I agree with your doctor. My advice: a healthy diet, maybe exercise a little more:
http://www.cardiachealth.org/patients/diet
http://www.cardiachealth.org/patients/exercise

Hope this helps,
Dr T
http://www.cardiachealth.org

Syndicate content