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Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) can cause chest pain or palpitations and may contribute to panic sensations, especially in someone with a fear of flying. However, other than that there is no reason not to fly.

HDL/LDL Ratio When comparing “good cholesterol” (HDL) to “bad cholesterol” (LDL), there is a ratio that may be used. When using it, the goal is to keep the ratio of HDL/LDL above 0.3, with the ideal being above 0.4. HDL picks up extra cholesterol in the blood and returns it to the liver. LDL is the main transporter of cholesterol …

Beta Blockers are drugs that slow the heart rate, decrease cardiac output, lessen the force with which the heart muscle contracts and reduce blood vessel contraction. This lessens the work load for your heart, which means there is less energy demand. If your heart has blocked coronary arteries, the regional blood (and thus the energy) supply is limited. Beta blockers …

Foods such as nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables and oils contain beneficial compounds that include plant sterols, soluble fiber and monounsaturated fats. When these foods are used in a low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet, they can lower your cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, no diet will do the trick if portions are too big or without …

Q: I have a question about my father — a 74 year old man in relatively good health. He’s fairly active – but has asthma and is about 20 pounds overweight. His breathing has been declining rapidly and the PA at his asthma doctor’s office put him on Prednisone and antibiotics for one week — and wants him to see …

Q: My dad just had 5 stents put in his left main artery and left anterior descending coronary artery.  He is 58.  He had his first heart attack at 44 years of age.  He is now 58.  He has had several mild heart attacks over the years and stent procedures 2 other times so he has approximately 15 stents and …

Yes. Some of the carbs you eat are use immediately to produce energy now, some will be stored in your liver as an energy source for later and some of it will be converted to fat. The reason we focus in this website on heart healthy eating (among other things) is because it so important for our health.

The short answer is yes. Here is the explanation: “Bad” Cholesterol Cholesterol can’t dissolve in the blood. It has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as “good” cholesterol. These two types of lipids, along with triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol, …

A: Patients with mild Aortic stenosis should be examined every 2-3 years (including a cardiac ECHO). Unless there is a change in exercise tolerance and/or increased shortness of breath, palpitations or angina, there is no reason for you to restrict any activities.

Many people take vitamins and supplements to boost their heart health. Here are some of the supplements that may benefit your heart include: Fish oil Plant sterols Niacin Fiber (psyllium) Red yeast rice Green tea extract B-Complex vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid) Coenzyme Q10 Policosanol