Q: My husband is 62 and has Congestive Heart Failure. He recently had an echocardiogram which showed his heart at 25%. We were told that this was serious and that he should see his cardiologist ASAP. We have an appointment tomorrow, but I would like to know what is normal procedure as far as tests etc. for a person who …
I have a hard thumping heartbeat and become lightheaded
Q: I have a hard thumping heartbeat several times per day. I have to take a deep breath immediately after. I feel a little lightheaded especially if I am lying down. Should I worry for dismiss it?
Complications after open heart surgery
Q: ON FEB 3, 2011 I HAD OPEN HEART SURGERY FOR A SINUS VENOUS ASD REPAIR, I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT HOSPITAL STAY AND RECOVERY WHERE I’M STILL OUT ON DISABLITY.
I am worried about my mitral valve prolapse and palpitations
Q: I am 31 years old , I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse when I was 17 and for many years I have had a heart sensation as an arrhythmia, extrasystole, when I feel that my heart kind of pause, like a punch inside and then it compensates and goes faster a little after. Before I was having this …
Is trivial valve leakage dangerous?
QUESTION: A recent echo showed that I have a trivial mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. I was wondering if this is something that can be temporary. Also I have. Read that the echo’s are so sensitive that the leaks may not even be there. I was hoping you could provide me with you expert opinion on the issue. Thanks. ANSWER: …
Third lead for ICD
Q; My husband is 70 and in great shape. He has and EF of 25% and had a two lead ICD 3years ago at Cleveland Clinic. Last year they tried to add a lead but were not able to because of scar tissue. The other option was surgery through the chest. His doctor has said that the risks would not …
I have an enlarged aorta and an abnormal heart rhythm
Q: I am 77 year old man with an enlarged aorta and irregular heartbeat for which I am being treated with coumadin. My daughter is being married at a high altitude ranch in New Mexico at 8200 ft high. Is this a concern for my heart issues?
A Tale of Two Valves
Two percutaneous heart valve procedures have been introduced recently, the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and the mitral clip, both still investigational devices. One promises a solution to a very difficult problem, the other doesn’t. TAVI is presently researched for select patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening) who are not candidates for surgery and …
Will laughing too hard cause heart health problems?
Q: My mother had a minor heart attack over ten years ago. She has been on medication since then but overall she is quite healthy. Whenever we talk on the phone, we laugh so hard together. I came across an article saying that laughing hard will do harm to people who have heart disease. Is that true? Will laughing hard …
How often do I need a heart cath test
Q: my doctor says i should have a heart cath test every 5 years. i only had one done 5 years ago and my blockage was 60 per cent,my blood pressure runs low iam diabetic should i get a second opinion