Heart Problems Questions
412 Question and Answer Results
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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... -
What does having a "Low LD Serum" mean?
LD stands for Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase, which is an enzyme found in many tissues of the body (kidney, heart, muscle, brain, liver). Since it is widely distributed, this is a non-specific test used to determine if a heart attack may have happened. SInce your levels are low, this would mean that there is no heart damage... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
Is a pacemaker a solution for arterial fibrillation?
If the high heart rate caused by atrial fibrillation can't be controlled with medications, then a pacemaker might be used. Or if a patient has other problems with the conducting system in his heart, then a pacemaker might be used. But atrial fibrillation is most commonly managed with medications that control the heart rate and anticoagulants... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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." -
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... -
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... -
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: 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: 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. -
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... -
Are strokes at a young age common?
It is not typical, but also not completely uncommon. Stroke in a young person is often caused by different diseases than stroke in older people. Unlike the common ailments of old-age, such as cholesterol plaques, irregular heart rhythms, etc., stroke in the young requires a different evaluation. -
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... -
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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