With the passage of this new Health Care Reform Bill, do you think that the pros outnumber the cons? Obama explained in its signing ceremony at the White House that “this legislation is not going to repair every thing that ails our health care system, but it moves us decisively in the proper course. Will this $940 billion new Health …
Ivabradine
Ivabradine, a “sinus node inhibitor”, is now marketed in 27 European countries for the symptomatic treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris in patients with normal sinus rhythm who have a contraindication or intolerance to beta-blockers.Ivabradine is at pure heart rate-lowering agent. Ivabradine works selectivily on the sinus node and has no effect on intracardiac conduction, myocardial contractility or ventricular repolarization. …
Heart disease in Firefighters
An inquiry about Coronary Artery Disease in Firefighters prompted me to dig up this lecture from 1999 and update it with some recent information, only to find not much has changed! Other comments have since resulted in another Blog. With exception of Firefighters who died on 9/11 at the World Trade Center in New York City, about 100 die in …
Cardiac MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Figure A shows the heart’s position in the body and the location and angle of the MRI images shown in figure C. Figure B is a MRI angiogram, which is sometimes used instead of a standard angiogram. Figure C shows MRI pictures of …
Prinzmetal’s angina
Prinzmetal’s angina is a form of chest pain, pressure, or tightness (angina) caused by spasms in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It is a form of unstable angina, meaning that it occurs at rest, often without a predictable pattern. This is in contrast to stable angina, in which chest pain occurs in a predictable pattern during exertion …
Stroke
A Stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of your brain is disrupted. A stroke is usually defined as two types: Ischemic (caused by a blockage in an artery) Hemorrhagic (caused by a tear in the artery’s wall that produces bleeding into or around the brain) The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to …
Arrhythmias
Your Heart’s Electrical System Take a look at this animation for a better understanding : (From: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hhw/hhw_electrical.html): Problems with the heart’s electrical system, called arrhythmias, can make it hard for the heart to pump blood efficiently. Ask Doctor T. Blog Ask A Question Three vessel coronary artery disease Question Three vessels disease with 100 % RCA AND CX 90%,LCA95% WHAT …
What you can do
What can you do to reduce the risk of heart disease? There are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of heart disease: You’ll also need to take prescribed medications appropriately, such as blood pressure medications, blood thinners and aspirin. And you’ll need to better manage other conditions that are risk factors for heart disease, such as …
Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)
Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) This drug works in the liver by affecting the production of blood fats. Niacin is prescribed to lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Niacin side effects may include flushing, itching and stomach upset. Your liver functions may be closely monitored, as niacin can cause toxicity. Nonprescription immediate release forms of niacin usually have …
Fibrates
Fibrates are best at lowering triglycerides and in some cases increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels. These drugs are not very effective in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. That’s why fibrates are generally used in people whose triglycerides are high or whose HDL is low, after reaching LDL goal. Fibrates are most effective at lowering triglycerides (blood fats). Additionally, they act to …