About: Dr. Zipes

Dr. Douglas P. Zipes, cardiology consultant and contributing editor, is an authority on pacing and electrophysiology (rhythms of the heart).

Posts by Dr. Zipes:

Get Second Opinion About Surgery

Q: I have three leaky valves, and the heart doctor said knee surgery would be risky. Should I get a second opinion? A: It is... More

Questions (and Answers) About Blood Thinners and Defibrillators

Q: What can you tell me about dabigatran, a new blood thinner that is in the news? A: Unlike warfarin, a blood thinner used for... More

  Causes of High Blood Pressure

Q: All the results of my husband’s many heart tests are normal. Why does he have high blood pressure? A: Your husband isn’t alone—most people... More

The Black Widows

An exclusive excerpt from Dr. Zipes' new thriller.... More

Two Views on Calcium Deposits in Heart

I have a leaky mitral valve and calcium deposits in my heart. One surgeon said: “We leave calcium deposits alone.” Another one said: “We always... More

High BP in A.M.

My blood pressure is high in the morning. What causes this? When you are at rest in a warm bed, arteries dilate and blood pressure... More

Burning Pain in Arms

Q: I used to have terrific burning pain in my arms when walking. Since having stents and open-heart surgery, the arm pain continues, but is... More

Atrial Fibrillation Stops on Its Own

Q: After having atrial fibrillation (AF) for nine years, I woke up one morning and my heartbeat was normal. An EKG showed no problem, not... More

Acid Versus Alkaline

Q: I look forward to reading your articles. Recently, I read that it is better for the heart and other organs to have an alkaline,... More

Slow Pulse

Q: I have been told that I have sinus bradycardia (heart rate of 40 to 50 beats per minute resting, sometimes below 40 ... More

Left Branch Block

Q: Will you please explain a left branch block and what it implies? Other than occasional fatigue, I feel no ill effects. ... More

Slow Pulse

Q: I have been told that I have sinus bradycardia (heart rate of 40 to 50 beats per minute resting, sometimes below 40 ... More

Drug Safety

Q: I take warfarin and atenolol for atrial fibrillation and simvastatin for high cholesterol. I also take potassium and calcium supplements. Might one work against... More

Atrial Fibrillation

Q: What are some possible causes of atrial fibrillation, and how can I get rid of it? My doctor said I have it, but I... More

Cardiac Stress Tests: What They Can (and Can’t) Do

A reader recently reported that he had suffered a heart attack three months after having a normal stress test. Because of this experience he asked... More