Browse Questions About Heart Conditions - Page 1

I have just found out my father is having double heart...

Question - I have just found out my father is having double heart bypass surgery. Fourteen years ago, he was in an accident which damaged his back to such an extent that he was registered disabled and was told to use a wheelchair. He's quite stubborn and he still walks with the aid of a crutch...

My grandmother is on a ventilator and has moderate heart failure. What does this mean?

Question - The diagnosis of moderate congestive heart failure (CHF) means that the pumping mechanism of your grandmother's heart is moderately impaired. In general, this level of heart "failure" will respond to certain cardiac medicines which can help in a variety of ways: assist pumping action, dilate blood vessels, or help eliminate extra fluids in the bloodstream...

1 Expert Answer

Could my father die during angioplasty?

Question - Both of the procedures you listed can be done with sedation, which do not require anethesia. Therefore they are less risky then a full surgical procedure. Of course, there is a risk of death with any invasive procedure, but the cardiologist would be able to give you more detail about that, so please talk with them about it...

1 Expert Answer

How can I help my dad become independent of care?

Question - I would talk with the occupational and physical therapist from his rehab setting to get an idea of the amount of assistance and best approach for him to carry out his self care tasks. It would also be helpful to find out how much help is provided in the assisted living facility...

1 Expert Answer

Could a defibrillator cause my heart to race?

Question - Rapid heart beats have many causes, so I wouldn't worry too much at this point. Have they checked your device recently? Is it due to be checked soon? If you do not have an appointment soon with your cardiologist, I would call the office and tell them about your symptoms...

1 Expert Answer

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

How long can you live with only one side of your heart functioning?

Question - First of all we are sorry to hear about your friend, unfortunately it is a relatively common problem. An implantable defibrillator is used when the heart muscle weakens, such as after a heart attack. The right side of the heart is normally smaller than the left side and is more prone to damage after a heart attack...

1 Expert Answer

What does "end stage" congestive heart failure mean for my mother?

Question - Heart failure is a serious condition -- but it's also one that can be treated with considerable success. I don't like the term "end stage" because many patients improve even if their overall heart function is poor. I've had patients who were labeled this way who have done well for years.

1 Expert Answer, 14 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...

1 Expert Answer

Is there a test that can tell if you've had previous heart attacks?

Question - Glad to hear you plan to go to the hospital if this ever happens again. The pain you have experienced in the past could be related to heart problems and should be evaluated. You may have been experiencing angina which is a warning sign of an impending heart attack...

1 Expert Answer, 7 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.

FAQ

1 Expert Answer, 4 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

Will Dad be recovering from heart failure?

Question - Hi:

1 Expert Answer, 4 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

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...

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

Could my mother's CHF symptoms simply be sporadic or should we call the doctor?

Question - In your letter, you sound concerned about the chest pains your mother had. I am sure you are thinking she is having a heart attack! However, if she is having short bursts of pain, it is more likely to be related to angina, which is a chronic condition. Angina is chest pain that will go away, and usually helped by nitroglycerin...

1 Expert Answer

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.

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

How long do people live with congestive heart failure?

Question - People with mild to moderate congestive heart failure (CHF) could potentially live many years; it needn't be a death sentence. Congestive heart FAILURE is really a misnomer -- think of it as congestive heart inefficiency!

1 Expert Answer, 10 Community Answers

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.

1 Expert Answer

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...

1 Expert Answer

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

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...

2 Expert Answers

What alternative treatments are avaiable for blocked arteries?

Question - Diet and lifestyle changes can have a tremendous impact on preventing the progression of coronary artery disease but there are NO large reliable prospective scientific studies to demonstrate the reversal of disease. I was even at an American Heart Association conference several years ago when Dr Ornish...

2 Expert Answers, 1 Community Answer

How to make my mother accept taking her medicine and stick with her cardiologist??

Question - So sorry to hear about your mother’s recent aortic dissection and her persistent search for a doctor to discontinue her blood pressure medication. Many times a life threatening event, as the one she had, is enough to convince people of the importance of blood pressure contr...

1 Expert Answer

How can I help my client understand her heart monitor?

Question - I believe the device you are talking about is an Event Monitor, which is worn by someone who may have some type of heart beat abnormality. The device has a button that you are supposed to push when you feel palpitations, dizziness, faint, or chest pain, and it will record the EKG of the heart...

1 Expert 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...

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

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.

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

What are my risks of heart failure if I have two collapsed arteries?

Question - Unfotunately after bypass surgery sometimes the bypass grafts collapse or close down. This is especially true when the leg veins are used as a bypass graft. Our bodies are amazing though and are able to try and deal with heart blockages by growing new blood vessels...

1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

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...

1 Expert Answer

Mom's replacement aortic valve isn't working right, what can we expect to happen to her health?

Question - 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...

1 Expert 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?

How can I differentiate between a heart attack and heartburn?

Question - Sorry to hear about your past heart attack. It can be very difficult to tell the difference between heartburn and heart attack when your symptoms really mimic those of heartburn. You did the right thing taking the aspirin when you experienced the discomfort that was similar to your heart attack, however...

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

My husband is having discomfort after a pacemaker installation. Is this normal?

Question - 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

Can a pacemaker be turned off or removed?

Question - 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."

1 Expert Answer

Are egg yolks not recommended for heart and high cholesterol patients?

Question - Rest assure that you can have your egg and eat it too. In all likelihood you can have up to 7 eggs per week without worry about its effect on serum cholesterol levels, because it is the diet as a whole in combination with our genetics that determines our overall risk for heart disease...

1 Expert Answer, 6 Community Answers

Is there anything I can do to get the white bumps on my eye lids to go away?

Question - The first thing to do is to find out what are causing the white bumps on your eyelids. If you have a history of high cholesterol (especially triglycerides) these whilte bumps may be xanthomas. They are caused by fatty deposits due to the high cholesterol levels. By treating the underlying high cholesterol, a reduction or resolution of these bumps can occur...

1 Expert Answer

Can heart conditions be corrected?

Question - 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

Does weight affect blood pressure?

Question - Weight definitely affects blood pressure. Your BMI (body mass index) is 27 and should be less than 25. Losing several pounds will help to lower your blood pressure. Also watching/decreasing your salt/sodium intake, eating enough fiber and regular exercise are important to help control blood pressure...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

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...

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

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:

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

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.

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

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:

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

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:

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

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:

FAQ

1 Expert 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...

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

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.

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

FAQ: Can Atrial Fibrillation Be Treated With a Pacemaker?

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

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

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...

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

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

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

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

I have an enlarged aorta of 4.7 cm, should I be lifting heavy patients?

Question - I recently found out that I have an enlarged aorta of 4.7cm. I am taking medication for uncontroled blood pressure, acid reflux, and cholestrol. I work at a nursing home lifting and tugging on the elderly residents nightly. Some can be over 200lbs and up. My question is? Should I be working at a job like this...

What do my stress test results really mean?

Question - Your stress test and Echo results suggest that a portion of the inferolateral wall (which is the bottom and side of the heart muscle) may not be getting enough blood. The heart is a muscle and when the blood flow is diminished the muscle does not get enough oxygen and this could lead to a heart attack...

1 Expert Answer

If a person is on oxygen, does that mean that their heart is not pumping correctly?

Question - 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...

1 Expert Answer

What do these symptoms mean? I think they're related to my blood sugar level.

Question - My question is that I have been feeling shaky, dizzy, even to the point where everything goes black. At some points I feel like I'm excited and nervous at the same time and I get sweaty. I have been thirsty a lot more and my mouth seems like its always dry. I even have numbness on my toes to the point I can't feel it...

Can a stroke cause a low heart rate and is that a concern for future surgery?

Question - I can't really answer the question regarding his heart rate and the safety of a surgery. That is outside the field of stroke, and would be better referred to a Cardiologist.

1 Expert Answer

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 a defibrillator cause someone to lose use of their arm?

Question - 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...

1 Expert Answer

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

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

Can a person with congestive heart failure travel by plane?

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

What drugs are used to treat cardiac problems and COPD?

Question - There are too many different drugs used to treat these conditions to list here, but a common clinical concern is interactions between the medicines used to treat cardiac problems and COPD. For example, people with heart failure, high blood pressure, or coronary artery disease are often treated with beta...

1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers

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

Should I see a cardiologist if I have leaking valves?

Question - You describe your "leaking heart valves" as mild pulmonary, trace tricupsid and mild mitral leaking - these are very common findings in women and usually do not lead to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath and leg/ankle swelling (but everyone is different)...

1 Expert Answer

I have leaking valves in my heart (mild-pulmonary,...

Question - The "leaking heart valves" do not sound severe, we use a grading system trace, mild, moderate, severe. The swelling of your legs, shortness of breath, chest pain and tingles may still be a sign of a heart problem and we would recommend that you see a cardiologist to be evaluated further...

1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

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

How long can MIL live in her current state disregarding doctor's orders?

Question - Due to her chronic conditions, and the fact that her diabetes is not well controlled, her life expectancy is not long at this point. It sounds as though it will only be a matter of time before her kidneys fail, and then she will need dialysis, which is not easy...

1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

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

Are hallucinations after surgery normal?

Question - It sounds like your husband had some delirium from the anesthesia. When people undergo a complicated surgery, sometimes they get confused, agitated, or delirious afterwards. While, it is interesting that he thinks he went to Russia, it seems like he absolutely believes that this really happened. This is a delusional thought...

1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers

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)...

1 Expert Answer

What can I do if my medication is interfering with intercourse?

Question - I have had congestive heart failure for 7 years and take many medications for this condition. The medications are interfering with my ability to have intercourse. Is there is anything that I can do or take to help this problem?

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...

1 Expert 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

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

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

I have many health issues; should I be seeing a cardiologist as well?

Question - Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the blood pressure becomes high in the lung arteries and right side of your heart, which causes damage to those organs over time. Common causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension: 1) Lung diseases, like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases) 2) Blood clots in...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

When is the right time to have a bypass surgery?

Question - Avoiding bypass surgery is not recommended if your father has blockages in the arteries of his heart and a weakened heart muscle. If he has not had a heart catheterization yet that should be your next step. The heart catheterization shows how severe the blockages are and determines whether bypass surgery or balloon angioplasty/stenting should be done...

1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

Shower after heart surgery: when is it safe?

Question - Frankly, I am surprised that they did not tell you this information when your husband was discharged from the hospital. Usually, once you are discharged from the hospital, it is OK to shower using a mild soap, as long as the incisions look good. However, I would recommend you call your husband's surgeon and ask, as this would be the safest thing to do...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

Could my shortness of breath be related to my heart murmur?

Question - A heart murmur signifies a disruption of blood flow across one of the heart valves. Shortness of breath is a very common symptom of heart valve problems. There are medications you can take to help control the shortness of breath and you should discuss this with your heart doctor...

1 Expert Answer

My CHF makes sleeping difficult. What can I do?

Question - We are sorry to hear about your difficulty getting good sleep and rest with your congestive heart failure (CHF). Many people with CHF have trouble lying flat and seem to have the most trouble breathing while lying in bed. In many cases, we find people propping themselves up with pillows or sleeping in recliners to help alleviate the difficulty breathing...

1 Expert Answer, 9 Community Answers

Could swelling be a side effect of medications or the start of ascetis?

Question - Unfortunately, it's not possible to answer this question over the internet. It could be a result of many different things, including heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. Your best friend's doctor will need to evaluate her to figure out what is causing her swelling and discomfort. Good luck...

1 Expert Answer

How do I lower high triglycerides?

Question - 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

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

Question - 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...

1 Expert Answer

How long after heart bypass should you expect to experience chest pain?

Question - Procedural or incisional chest pain after bypass surgery typically lasts for about 6 weeks but should lessen over time. It takes the sternum (breast bone) 6 weeks to heal so once this is completed the chest discomfort usually goes away. Any type of chest pain or discomfort should be discussed with your healthcare provider to make sure it is not angina...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

My father has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and just had his...

Question - My father has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and just had his thyroid removed. He was taking metoprolol to try and reduce the size of the heart. Most recently, like two weeks ago, he was taken off this medication to begin a new one and to date has been suffering indigestion, racing heart, he bends over...

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

I am a 43 yoa woman that found out a year ago that I had a...

Question - Regarding mitral valve surgery, this is only an option if it is what is causing your fatigue and symptoms. Perhaps the doctors are wondering if something else is making you feel fatigued, such as lack of exercise. Severe heart valve problems usually cause heart failure symptoms- which is a buildup of fluid in your lungs and legs...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community 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...

1 Expert Answer

Is anyone familiar with Cardiac Amyloidosis?

Question - My husband has just been diagnosed with a very rare and serious heart disease, known as Cardiac Amyloidosis. He is seeing cardiologists who have special expertise in this disease. Currently, we are awaiting results of a special heart biopsy that takes more than two weeks to receive.The waiting is so difficult because the treatment depends on these results...

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

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

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...

1 Expert Answer

How can I get my father to eat healthier?

Question - It sounds like you're very concerned about your father's health, and I commend you for that. I also sympathize with your worries; it's so frustrating when someone won't do what's in his own best interests. But the truth is, your father is an adult. The best thing you can do is help support him to make good choices...

1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

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...

1 Expert Answer

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:

1 Expert Answer

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

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...

1 Expert Answer

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.

FAQ

1 Expert Answer

Questions About Heart Conditions

Also from Caring.com