Heart Problems Questions

1. Is sporadic stabbing pain after an angiogram normal?

   It's certainly not normal to have stabbing pains four weeks after a procedure, but there are lots of things that could be causing it. It depends on where the stabbing pains are, in his leg or in his chest. Without knowing that, I can't even speculate as to what it might be. Your partner should definitely see his cardiologist as soon as possible...
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2. Is sweating and anxiety common after an angioplasty?

   We are glad everything went well with your fathers angioplasty procedure. Anxiety after any type of heart procedure can be common but sweating after angioplasty is not typical. You state that your dad is also diabetic sweating can sometimes be a sign of blood sugar problems or even some other problem like a thyroid or hormone imbalance...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

3. What is the progression of a vagus nerve problem?

   The problem with the vagus nerve your are describing sounds like Vasovagal Syncope which is diagnosed with a Tilt Table procedure. It is a relatively common problem which can be treated with fluid and salt adjustments to your husband's diet and sometimes medications...
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4. Can bypass surgery change a personality?

   Heart surgery -- or even receiving a diagnosis of heart disease -- can change someone's personality, pretty much like any psychological trauma. Sometimes there can be changes in the brain related to the surgery that cause personality changes, but more often it's just the shock of recognizing that you have a serious condition...
   1 Expert Answer, 11 Community Answers

5. At 34 years old, how concerned should I be about chest pain that goes into my arm?

   It's important for you to see a doctor immediately. The symptoms you're describing sound like classic angina, resulting from coronary artery disease. It could be something else, but you need to be evaluated by a doctor right away to assess your risk factors and be tested for heart disease. You are young, but 34-year-olds can have coronary artery disease...
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6. Which stage of heart failure am I in?

   The stages of heart failure are determined by how much shortness of breath you have, related to the amount of activity you can do without symptoms. For instance, some people can completely take care of themselves, such as dressing or bathing, with minimal shortness of breath. This would be Stage 1...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

7. Are there treatments available for adults who are Tetralogy of Fallot patients?

   Tetralogy of Fallot is usually diagnosed and treated in childhood. We are not sure if you are asking about follow-up treatment in adulthood or newly diagnosed Tetralogy of Fallot in an adult? The recommended treatment is surgery. We would recommend you consult a physician or hospital that specializes in congenital heart disease/surgery...
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8. My husband is having discomfort after a pacemaker installation. Is this normal?

   Discomfort after a pacemaker implantation is common for several weeks but should not last for months. The pacemaker may be positioned against a nerve or affecting the muscle in the area. Would recommend asking the doctor specific questions about this discomfort if you still do not get an answer would recommend speaking to another doctor...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

9. Can a pacemaker be turned off or removed?

   Yes, a pacemaker can be both switched off or removed. The procedure to switch off a pacemaker is quite simple and only involves placing a magnet on the skin over the pacemaker and programming the pacemaker to be "off."
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10. If a person is on oxygen, does that mean that their heart is not pumping correctly?

    There can be different reasons for a person to be on home oxygen. Many people on home oxygen have chronic lung problems but people can also be on oxygen if their heart is not pumping strong enough. Yes, the normal oxygen saturation should be over 90%. Heart rate is a little more variable. A "normal" resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute...
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11. How do I lower high triglycerides?

    Yes, high triglyceride levels are dangerous, and you do need to lower them. But doctors often don't do a good job of explaining why or how. Triglycerides (TG) are fats, or lipids. They're sometimes called the "forgotten fat," because everyone talks about cholesterol but neglects the importance of triglycerides...
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

12. What Are the New Cholesterol Tests?

    In the past few years, new cholesterol tests have become available that are more sensitive and individualized. They go by a number of names; the most common is lipoprotein subfraction testing. Right now, doctors usually order these tests for people who have a strong family history of heart disease...
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

13. Can Someone With Mildly Elevated LDL Cholesterol Use Diet to Avoid Statins?

    Yes, a change in diet can help reduce so-called "lower elevated" LDL cholesterol levels -- and can often make taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs unnecessary.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 18 Community Answers

14. FAQ: How Is Heart Failure Different From COPD?

    Both heart failure (formerly known as congestive heart failure) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) can cause shortness of breath and chronic cough, so it can be hard to tell the difference based only on those symptoms. However, the fluid retention associated with heart failure causes additional...
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer

15. FAQ: What's the Difference Between Systolic and Preserved Systolic Heart Failure, and Why Is It Important?

    Heart failure (formerly called congestive heart failure) can be classified in a number of ways, but one important distinction -- having to do with the difference between systolic and preserved systolic function -- refers to how the structure of the heart has been affected.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer

16. What is a MUGA test?

    A MUGA (MUltiple Gated Acquisition) scan is a nuclear medicine scan of the heart. It gives an assessment of the pumping function of the heart, as well as the flow of blood through the heart and the proximal aorta. A small amount of radioactive dye is used, and a special imager is used to visualize blood flow...
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17. Can a defibrillator cause someone to lose use of their arm?

    Bruising around the device can occur but this should go away after several weeks with the healing process. People who have defibrillators put in do have limitations of activity to prevent dislodgement of the device. But the pain your husband is having does not sound normal - the defibrillator may be compressing a nerve...
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18. Mom's replacement aortic valve isn't working right, what can we expect to happen to her health?

    Sorry to hear about your mom's heart valve. Her symptoms will depend on how bad the aortic valve problem is, ranging from mild to severe. So you should ask her doctor specifically what "not working" means. She may start to experience fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling of the feet and ankles...
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19. Can heart conditions be corrected?

    We really cannot answer your question without more information. If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain/discomfort, shortness of breath, irregular heart beats you definitely should get to your health care provider for an evaluation. By diagnosing and treating the problem early you may be able to prevent any permanent damage...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

20. What's the Difference Between Angina, Coronary Artery Disease, and Heart Disease?

    The number of different terms used for types of heart disease can be confusing. Angina is actually a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is also called coronary heart disease.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers