In itch and cough in my chest

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Q: “I am 18, 5’11”, Korean American, and have a normal heart except when I expel air forcibly. (longer tones and higher pitches) The cough feels like an itch in my chest, rather than my throat, and cough drops do not help. The chest movements are the biggest source of concern, as a doctor has told me that the heart …

Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy and heart disease

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Q; I have a 19 year old son with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. He also has Supraventricular tachycardia.  He has under gone an atrial flutter ablation and still has arrhythmias.  He is not on any heart medication. His latest EKG showed RSR rime in V1, non specific T wave changes and sinus rhythm. His heart rate is 100bpm. When he has …

I am so worried there is something wrong with my heart

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Q: Would a CTA of the chest (not a Coronary CTA-3D Heart Scan), be able to pick up a Coronary Artery Aneurysm (CAA)?  I had one recently. I wonder if a CAA could be causing my symptoms of mid to left chest pain, left arm/underarm pain and extreme dizziness-lightheadedness. All three of these symptoms happen right after light exertion, and …

What is a Myoview stress test

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Q: What is a test that is called Non Congenital and stress Exercise Myoview is this one test or 2 different ones. This is what I need to get but I want to know is it painful? or does it hurt any at all and how is it done? thank you

Obesity and Economics

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While I recognize that Mr. Gingrich’s recent speech about chocolate, beer and tough choices, was meant to just raise a few chuckles (which it did, even if it was besides the point), he might want to take a look at a recent speech by First Lady Michelle Obama on the Economic Consequences of Obesity, as well other economic data on …

Why is my Blood Pressure suddenly low?

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Q: I have been treated for high blood pressure for several years.  Currently I am taking Diovan HCT Tabs 160/12.5 and only taking 1/2 tablet which has been controlling my blood pressure.  My husband died from lymphoma 1 1/2 years ago and during his illness my stress level was high and my blood pressure dropped dramatically. Currently my brother-in-law is …

Why do I need a right heart catherization?

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Q: I am a 43yr. female.  I have a pacemaker, due to an AV ablation, so I am dependant on my pacer. I recently had an echocardiogram, and will soon have a right heart cath. and venogram.  I was wondering if you could help me to understand the results of my echocardiogram:

Inferior Q-wave on my pre-op EKG

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Question: After having a pre-surgery EKG, the surgeon told me I have an inferior Q-wave and wants to refer me to a cardiologist.  I am working on making an appt so I hopefully won’t delay surgery but was very curious and a little concerned in the meanwhile.  I am a non-smoker (quit 14 yrs ago when I became pregnant), non …

Heart murmur

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Q: I am a female, 38, ~5 ft, ~120 lbs. In 94 my echocardiogram said: Mild MR (+2)with eccentric posteriorly directed jet; Mild MVP – anterior leaflet bows beyond annulus plane LA. Mild anterior leaflet MVP with mild MR.  Otherwise normal study. What do they mean?  Should I be worried?  Will they deteriorate with time? Thanks a lot for your …

Husband with heart skipping beats

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Q: Hello…my husband is 36 year old white male that is 6’4″ tall and weighs about 350 which I know is a heart attack waiting to happen right there.He just starting working out & has lost about 7 lbs so far so hopefully it will help all this.So about 2 years ago he went in for a stress test & …