Browse Questions About Heart Attack Complications

FAQ: What Is Ablation?

Question - In cardiology, catheter ablation is a procedure used to treat certain kinds of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms). To perform an ablation, physicians thread a special catheter through the blood vessels and into the heart. Doctors then use this catheter to apply radio-frequency energy to certain parts of the heart...

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What is the life expectancy for someone with advanced congestive heart failure?

Question - Anjilwing55, I'm so sorry you're dealing with so many health issues – not to mention the uncertainty you're grappling with. I wish I could give you the straight answer you so desperately need; unfortunately, it's not possible. I'm assuming you've asked your doctor to tell you how much time you have e...

1 Expert Answer, 8 Community Answers

Can a leaky heart valve cause heart failure?

Question - When your heart valves do not close well, this allows blood to leak backwards, which can contribute to heart failure. The severity of heart failure will depend on which valves are not working properly, and how severe the leaks are. The best way to determine this is to have an echocardiogram, which...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

What activities should I avoid with congestive heart failure?

Question - As with any other chronic disease, you should do your best to take care of yourself. I would avoid salt, as too much salt will make you retain fluid. Eat a healthy diet. You should also listen to your doctor when starting to exercise, as you should start out slowly. You should try to get enough sleep and reduce your stress...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

Can my father's congestive heart failure improve?

Question - I am sorry that your father is not doing well. Heart failure is a tricky problem, especially when people get uncomfortable with shorthess of breath. I understand that the CHF website may have told you stories of people doing fine with terrible hearts. Please remember that every patient is different...

1 Expert Answer, 6 Community Answers

FAQ: Can Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) Be Treated With a Pacemaker?

Question - Yes, atrial fibrillation is sometimes treated with a pacemaker.

1 Expert Answer

If you have artial fibrillation, is your risk of stroke only increased during an atrial fibrillation episode?

Question - I think what you are getting at is whether or not having paroxysmal (or transient) atrial fibrillation puts you at just as high as risk of stroke as someone who has permanent atrial fibrillation. The answer to that would be, yes. In fact, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, in experience, is somewhat more...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

FAQ: How Do I Know if My Loved One's Heart Failure Is Getting Better?

Question - Start by making sure your loved one's heart failure has at least stabilized. The best way to tell is by watching for improved symptoms, such as decreased shortness of breath and decreased swelling of the legs and belly. For some people, their appetite will improve, they'll sleep better, and they'll have more energy...

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FAQ: How Do I Know if My Loved One's Heart Failure Is Getting Worse?

Question - If you're worried that your loved one's heart failure is worsening, watch for signs that his or her heart isn't pumping well and isn't delivering oxygen to the tissues. These symptoms include cold extremities, confusion, irritability, fatigue, and decreased urination.

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Does congestive heart failure happen quickly?

Question - Congestive heart failure doesn't usually happen all of a sudden. The typical symptoms are fatigue and trouble breathing, which can go on for a long time and gradually get worse. That's how congestive heart failure typically occurs, but it could come on suddenly after an acute event like a heart attack or viral cardiomyopathy (infection of the heart)...

1 Expert Answer, 5 Community Answers

Does Atrial Fibrillation Increase Stroke Risk?

Question - People with atrial fibrillation who take medication for their condition still have a slightly increased risk of stroke compared with people without this condition. But effective treatment can cut that risk by more than half.

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

Question - 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.

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Is congestive heart failure hospice treatment premature?

Question - I am glad that your father is doing better. It sounds like the medications they are using have really helped him.

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Is congestive heart failure hereditary?

Question - Congestive heart failure (CHF) is not really a hereditary condition. However, many of the diseases that can cause CHF do run in families. Examples of diseases that can lead to CHF and are hereditary include heart valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and hypertension (high blood pressure)...

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Will Dad be recovering from heart failure?

Question - Hi:

1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers

What Is EECP, and Is It a Good Treatment Option for Angina?

Question - EECP (enhanced external counterpulsation) is a noninvasive treatment that improves the flow of healthy, oxygenated blood to the heart by opening or forming small (collateral) blood vessels, which can create natural bypasses around narrowed or blocked arteries. It's becoming more popular as an alternative to bypass surgery, angioplasty, and stents...

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1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

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

Question - 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.

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1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers

Will dialysis help someone with end-stage CHF?

Question - Your question is a very good one. I believe that even though your friend is considered in the end of her life, there are still things that can be done to make her comfortable. Dialysis will help her kidneys, which you mentioned are not working well. It may help remove some of the excess fluid she has in her lungs, which would make her breathing easier...

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FAQ: How Is Heart Failure Different From COPD?

Question - 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...

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FAQ: What's the Best Blood Thinner to Use for Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)?

Question - Deciding which anticoagulant (commonly referred to as a "blood thinner") to use depends on a person's particular risk of stroke, as well as his or her risk of side effects.

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FAQ: Can Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) Be Cured?

Question - In some cases it's possible to cure atrial fibrillation (also called A-fib) -- meaning that the heart's rhythm permanently stays out of atrial fibrillation -- by means of either radio-frequency ablation or heart surgery. This is usually only considered after the use of medications to manage A-fib has been unsuccessful...

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FAQ: Can Atrial Fibrillation Be Treated With a Pacemaker?

Question - Yes, atrial fibrillation is sometimes treated with a pacemaker.

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FAQ: What's Atrial Flutter, and How Is It Different From Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)?

Question - Atrial flutter is an arrhythmia in which the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat very quickly but regularly. This tends to cause a racing heartbeat, with symptoms like those of atrial fibrillation. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness...

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FAQ: How Is Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) Classified or Staged?

Question - Experts now classify atrial fibrillation, also called A-fib, into the following types:

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FAQ: Should I Switch From Coumadin to Pradaxa?

Question - It depends. If you've been having difficulty managing your Coumadin (generic name warfarin) dosing, or if you and your doctor have been having trouble keeping your so-called INR (international normalized ratio, which is the blood test reading usually used to monitor and adjust Coumadin dosing) in the...

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How can I tell if my mother's having an angina episode or a heart attack?

Question - Angina (chest pain) and heart attacks stem from the same cause -- a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. The difference lies in severity and duration.

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FAQ: What Are the Signs of Major Bleeding Due to Blood Thinners?

Question - The signs of possible major bleeding due to a blood thinner such as warfarin, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban (brand names Coumadin, Pradaxa, and Xarelto) include these:

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FAQ: What Causes Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)?

Question - Atrial fibrillation, also sometimes called A-fib, can be triggered by underlying problems affecting the heart, by other illnesses affecting the body, or by a combination of factors. Common causes of atrial fibrillation include the following:

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FAQ: What Are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)?

Question - Symptoms of atrial fibrillation, also called A-fib, can vary. The most common ones are:

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Which stage of heart failure am I in?

Question - 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

FAQ: How Is Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) Diagnosed?

Question - Atrial fibrillation, also sometimes called A-fib, is usually diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses electrodes taped to the skin on the chest to measure the electrical activity within the heart. This information creates a tracing, which can be printed on paper or viewed on a monitor...

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FAQ: How Is Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) Treated?

Question - The treatment of atrial fibrillation, also known as A-fib, depends on a person's medical situation. These three aspects are especially important:

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FAQ: What's My Risk of Bleeding Caused by My Blood Thinner?

Question - In a 1998 study, the risk of bleeding when on a blood thinner such as warfarin (often used to help treat atrial fibrillation) was found to go up with the following factors:

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FAQ: What Is Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)?

Question - Atrial fibrillation, also known as A-fib, is a relatively common condition in which the upper chambers of the heart (known as the atria) beat irregularly, or "fibrillate." That causes the heart's overall beat to become irregular, and sometimes to beat very fast.

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Do you have any healthy recipe suggestions for a stroke patient?

Question - The American Heart Association's cookbooks are fantastic. And now you can access some of their great recipes online. Delicious Decisions is basically an interactive cookbook with dozens of heart-healthy recipes, a shopping guide, and information about making healthy choices when eating out...

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What is the average life expectancy for a heart disease patient after a bypass surgery?

Question - Unfortunately, it's not possible to answer this question over the internet. Your friend's life expectancy depends on many different factors, including what type of bypass surgery she had and how old she was when she had the bypass. Depending on the type of bypass surgery, the grafts can stay open for...

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Is Discomfort After Angioplasty Normal?

Question - It's not unusual to have brief episodes of chest pain in the first few hours after an angioplasty, but any sustained or recurrent chest pain, pressure, or discomfort should be reported to your father's physician. Prolonged symptoms may mean that the stent -- a small tube placed inside an artery to...

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Is aspirin necessary to treat heart disease?

Question - Yes. Aspirin may prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries of the heart, the primary cause of heart attacks in patients with coronary heart disease. I recommend taking a baby aspirin (81 mg) -- higher doses aren't more effective and cause more side effects such as bleeding.

1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

How can I help boost my mother's mood after her bypass surgery for heart disease?

Question - First, you need to confirm that she actually has depression. There are a lot of different things that can masquerade as depression, including anemia (from her surgery) and low thyroid activity. She needs to see her doctor to rule those out.

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

What are the non-surgical options for 100% heart blockage on one side of heart?

Question - Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to manage coronary artery disease besides surgery. People who have limited coronary artery disease without heart failure probably don't benefit from surgery, and people who have diffuse coronary artery disease that's spread throughout the vessels can't benefit from surgery because there's nothing to bypass...

1 Expert Answer, 14 Community Answers

Is CO-10 and d-robose safe for my 86 years old grandmother to take?

Question - Im sorry She was told she would not survive surgery

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How long can my heart last with one side of the heart not working?

Question - i am 54, 7 years ago i had a heart attack,which lead to me having a quadruple bypass.after 6 months i was told the procedure had not worked.they were able to put 3 stents in one vein.i still get angina and on medication.wastold the right hand side of my heart had died,will this cause any more health issues...

What role does age play in CHF recovery?

Question - I am 43 and my heart failed about 10 yrs ago. My Injection fraction was 12 and went up to 49. This month I had 4 flash fevers of over 102 and the Doc said a virus attacked my heart again.

Can Vitamin D affect heart rate if taken with other drugs?

Question - Vitamin D has been reported to interfere with the absorption and effects of some heart medications. There is very little data available on vitamin D interactions with the medications you listed but you must remember everyone responds differently to medications...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

Do my past heart problems increase my chance of stroke?

Question - I understand how those "skipped" beats can be worrisome, especially with your past history of atrial fibrillation (AF). Occasional PVCs will not increase your risk for a stroke. If you have not had a Holter monitor to determine what the skipped beats are, I would suggest having one to make sure you aren't having little runs of AF...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

Is Angioprim an approved medicine for cleaning cloogged blood vessles?

Question - How to keep blood vessels from of clogging? Can blood vessels be cleaned of clogging? Is Angioprim an approved medicine for cleaning cloogged blood vessels?

Do I have a lowered risk of heart disease if I underwent surgical menopause?

Question - Reading your question, I looked for the article you read. I believe it is from the journal "Menopause" published online 2/24/11. It was a study of 60,000 postmenopausal (naturally) women:

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Why is there increased risk in atrial fibrillation than with controls with sinus rythm?

Question - Atrial fibrillation causes the upper chambers of the heart to quiver and not empty completely. Small blood clots can form in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart because the atria are not beating/emptying normally. These blood clots can then dislodge and travel (embolize) to other parts of the body...

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Should I quit my job and move so I can take care of my mother?

Question - My mother is 82 years old. We recently learned that she is in Atrial Fibrillation and has a blood clot in her heart. She has started all the necessary medications but suddenly she is very short winded and has very little strength. (Her doctor said she has congestive heart failure now...

How can borderline cardiomegaly be treated?

Question - Cardiomegaly is an enlargement of the heart. Some of the common causes of cardiomegaly are: a virus, previous heart attack, inflammation, medications, uncontrolled high blood pressure and excessive exercise. Common symptoms of cardiomegaly include: difficulty breathing, dizziness, and the quickening...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

Does a pacemaker keep working even after death?

Question - We are sorry to hear about the frail nature of your mother. Many people assume that pacemakers prolong life and keep people's hearts beating after death. Pacemakers generally improve quality of life in people with certain cardiac conditions but are not resuscitative devices(unless it is a pacemaker with a defibrillator)...

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Has Avandia been linked to atrial fibrillation?

Question - Avandia (rosiglitazone) is a drug that is used to treat type 2 diabetes in patients by making the body more sensitive to insulin, thereby reducing high blood sugar levels. Research has found data that indicates a link between taking Avandia and future heart problems, in 2007 the U.S...

1 Community Answer

Does having a pacemaker make you uninsurable for long-term...

Question - Just having a pacemaker implanted does not automatically result in a decline of an application for long-term care insurance.

1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

What do I do to treat an ascending enlarged aorta?

Question - It is a good thing that you had a heart scan and that you are now aware that you have an enlarged ascending aorta. I am not sure what type of "heart scan" you had, but generally a CT scan or MRI would be in order to best evaluate the enlargement of the ascending aorta.

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Can sweating be a symptoms of heart disease?

Question - First of all we hope you are doing well after your surgery. Many people experience sweating as a symptom of heart disease - cold sweats or hot sweats. You should definitely mention this to your healthcare provider on your next visit expecially since you had experienced sweating prior to you bypass procedure...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

Can I stinging feeling by my heart indicate a heart problem?

Question - A stinging feeling near the heart could potentially be a sign of a heart problem. Everyone experiences chest pain or chest discomfort differently and there are a multitude of causes of chest discomfort but we believe it is best to always rule out heart problems first. We would recommend you contact your healthcare provider and get this checked out...

1 Expert Answer

Is a "racing heart" normal for someone with heart disease after a bypass?

Question - It's not uncommon, but that doesn't mean it's nothing to be concerned about. Your mother's symptoms should be reported to her physician immediately.

1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

Is there a procedure to eliminate arterial fibrillation?

Question - There is a procedure called ablation, in which the electrical connection between the atria and ventricles is cauterized. This prevents the electrical impulses from the atria from being transmitted to the ventricles. The good news is that this can control your heart rate: the ventricles will no longer...

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What can swollen ankles mean after a heart attack?

Question - Swelling of the ankles, shortness of breath, and coughing are all symptoms of some degree of heart failure. But it's only been a week, so it's not cause for alarm. He'll have another evaluation in a few weeks, with an echocardiogram. And he'll continue to have medication adjustments to address any heart failure or persistent coronary artery disease...

1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

Do congestive heart failure and nausea mean the end is near?

Question - The nausea could be very concerning, but then again it might not be related to your father's heart failure at all. Fatigue and tiredness are typically symptoms of very severe heart failure, but they don't necessarily mean the end is near. Still, I'd recommend that your father be evaluated by his doctor, to see if other medications might help...

1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

Is a pacemaker a solution for arterial fibrillation?

Question - 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...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

My dad's palpitations have suddenly become allot more frequent.

Question - Palpitations can be serious, and what makes this a concern for your father is that he's had high blood pressure for many years. This puts him at risk for congestive heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease, all of which can be associated with different types of arrhythmias...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

Does more frequent and longer lasting jaw pain mean a blockage is worsening?

Question - One thing that this question brings up is that angina isn't always chest pain. And it's more common for women especially to have atypical presentations of angina, and jaw pain is one of those. If jaw pain is how your mother's angina presents and it's getting worse, then it's absolutely an indication that her blockage is getting more severe...

1 Expert Answer

Is hospitalization or a clinic better for lymphedema treatment?

Question - Heart failure triggers the body to hold onto fluid, which can leak out into the extravascular spaces, usually in the legs and around the hips. This fluid retention, or edema, is usually treated with diuretics and medications to help the failing heart...

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What does "pacing" in regards to a pacemaker mean?

Question - Pacemakers are really wonderful devices. They closely monitor the heart, and when the heart does not keep up to a certain number of heartbeats, it will send a tiny electrical charge to make your heart beat for you (pacing). Common reasons pacemakers are used are when a person's heart beats very slowly...

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Is a burning sensation associated with angina?

Question - People suffering from angina can feel discomfort or a burning sensation in many different locations including the chest, left arm, jaw, and left shoulder blade area. While the right chest is not a common place to feel angina type pain, it is definitely possible...

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

Question - 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.

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1 Expert Answer, 19 Community Answers

My heart keeps racing but I'm getting no help.

Question - Afib (atrial fibrillation) can occur after a heart attack especially if there is an enlargement or irritability of the atria (top chambers of the heart). Shortness of breath, chest pressure and the choking feeling (racing heart symptoms) may be due to the racing of the irregular heartbeat...

1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

Could low blood pressure and heart failure be related to osteogenesis imperfecta?

Question - I'm not a doctor, however, I was born with OI, my father had OI and his mother had OI and we've all dealt with high blood pressure so I'm going to say there's no link between blood pressure and OI.

1 Community Answer

Is it safe to stop blood thinners for a few days for a surgery?

Question - The anti-platelet medications aspirin and Plavix are VERY IMPORTANT to take after having a stent placed in one of the heart arteries. These medications are commonly called blood thinners but are actually anti-platelet meds which mean they also prevent blood clots from forming by preventing platelets...

1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

Is it normal to feel tightness, aches, and pains after a heart attack?

Question - First of all we are glad that you were given a good report that your arteries are open after your heart attack. Typically if there are no blockages in your hearts blood vessels you should not be experiencing any aches or pains after a heart attack. If you had a balloon or stent procedure sometimes people experience chest muscle aches post procedure...

1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

What does "marked tortuosit and calcification of the aorta" mean?

Question - Marked tortuosity and calcification of the aorta on a chest x-ray means the aorta (which is the main blood vessel that receives the blood directly from the heart) has many acute bends and has become hardened. The bends and curves in a blood vessel are usually hereditary but the calcification can be a...

1 Expert Answer

How long does someone live with an enlarged heart?

Question - There really isn't a direct answer to this question. A person can live with an enlarged heart anywhere from weeks, to months, to years. In addition to heart size, it is important to know about heart function. If the heart function is well preserved, even though it is enlarged, survival rates are better...

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Is there a connection between blunt chest trauma and heart problems?

Question - First of all glad to hear you did not experience any head or spine trauma after your accident. Heart problems after blunt chest trauma are common especially when broken ribs are involved. The heart lies very close to the rib cage and an injury to the chest wall can lead to heart damage...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

Is a symptom of congestive heart failure coughing blood?

Question - Coughing up blood (hemoptosis) is usually not associated with CHF. More than likely, people will cough up blood if they are really coughing hard and are taking too much blood thinner medication. Blood can also come from the lungs, but it is usually darker in color (like rust). Also, you may also be right that the blood could be coming from the nose...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

How long can one live with Congestive Heart Failure?

Question - My mom was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) sixteen years ago. She has been to the hospital four times in the last three months. She gets better in the hospital and then worsens within two to three weeks of coming home. How will I know that it is close to the end

Will sex aggravate a heart condition?

Question - Hi. Your Uncle sounds like a great guy. Many seniors are living much longer with CHF due to their medications helping their symptoms . It is good to talk with him and ask him what his concerns are so he can express his feelings. Best to check with his doctor to see if there are any restrictions on him having sex...

1 Expert Answer

Can a person with congestive heart failure travel by plane?

Question - Can a person with congestive heart failure travel by airplane?

How should I cook for a heart attack patient?

Question - You’re best bet is to prepare foods and meals from scratch. Prepared dishes and canned foods are generally very high in sodium (salt).

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

What signs are there that the end is near?

Question - Frequently, families ask what to expect when the end is near for their loved one. You mention that your mother has congestive heart disease, a condition that is defined as the inability of the heart to supply adequate pressure and volume to important organs of the body, the most important being the heart itself...

1 Expert Answer, 12 Community Answers

What regular checkups are recommended after bypass surgery?

Question - Regular checkups with your cardiologist after bypass surgery are essential to prevent future blockages and mantain optimal heart health. Your cardiologist should monitor:

1 Expert Answer

After a bypass, what exercise is the most beneficial?

Question - First of all, we are glad your recovery has been progressing well and that you are back to your normal activities. Exercise is very beneficial to your heart health post bypass surgery. While walking is the initial recommendation after surgery, people do resume more vigorous forms of exercise once they have been cleared by their cardiologist...

1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

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