Systolic Hypertension

I’m diabetic and have systolic hypertension. My blood pressure runs 115/120 in the morning and 120/170 in the evening. I’ve included a list of the medicines I have tried. Is there anything in the pipeline for my condition?

You have certainly been through a bunch of medications, but there are others you have not tried. For example, carvedilol is a unique type of beta blocker that has alpha and beta blocking actions. Pure alpha blockers like Cardura (doxazosin) might work. Other diuretics might be effective, as can combinations of drugs that have different actions. Finally, you don’t mention lifestyle modifications and they should be considered. These can include a low-salt diet, potassium supplements, moderate alcohol consumption, weight loss, exercise, and relaxation techniques. Check with your cardiologist or hypertensive expert.

Heartbeat

Cardiac Test Basics

Please explain the difference between an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram. What exactly do these tests tell doctors about the heart?

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Give the Gift of Life

My brother-in-law just turned 50 and needs a new heart. We sometimes hear that wealthy people get donor organs quicker than others. Is this true? How long is the usual wait for a new heart?

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Low-Dose Aspirin for Heart Health

What is the latest information about taking daily baby aspirin to help the heart?

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Heart Defect Often Causes No Symptoms

I had a stroke in 2003, and a diagnostic test showed a “hole” in my heart with no right-to-left shunt. The shunt didn’t show up on a different kind of test in 2009, either. I came through the stroke fine because I went to the hospital right away and have been on warfarin ever since. My question is: If there’s no shunt, is the hole present?

July 29, 2010 | Read more »

Surgery Corrects Heart Rhythm

Q: How does the Maze treatment for atrial fibrillation work, and what does it involve? A: The Maze procedure is open heart surgery to eliminate rapid heartbeats. It involves making a series of incisions in the top portion of the heart, the atria. In experienced hands, the procedure is successful in more than 90 percent [...]

June 2, 2010 | Read more »