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 tends to be low. When you stand up, your body elevates blood pressure to be sure your brain is perfused so you don’t black out. Getting out of bed in a [...]
January 2, 2010 | Read more »
Heartbeat
Calcium Deposit Controversy
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 remove them.” Both doctors are world-class. Why would they have different opinions?
Both of your doctors could be right. It depends on where the calcium is, how much is there, and [...]
January 2, 2010 | Read more »
Walking Provokes Chest Pain
Q: I have shortness of breath and chest pain when walking up stairs or on streets with an incline. A cardiologist in the emergency room said my heart seemed fine. Any ideas?
A: I am concerned about your symptoms during walking up a flight of stairs or on streets with an incline. At the very [...]
October 22, 2009 | Read 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 less severe. What causes it? I’m scheduled for another stress test.
A: Skeletal muscles in your arms and legs need oxygen and can produce pain if they do not get enough [...]
October 22, 2009 | Read 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 even a skip. Does this happen very often? To me, it was a miracle.
A: What you describe is not common, though it unquestionably happens. Unfortunately, atrial fibrillation generally recurs unless [...]
October 22, 2009 | Read 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, rather than an acid system. How does one achieve an alkaline system?
A: I am not aware of the information you cite. In fact, the body tightly regulates its pH (a [...]
October 22, 2009 | Read more »
Bothersome Pacemaker Position
Q: My pacemaker stands out more than other ladies’ pacemakers and causes me pain. Guess I just have to be happy I’m not passing out anymore.
A: The pacemaker or its wires may stand out due to your having little body fat or because of where the pacemaker was implanted. I would not worry about [...]
October 22, 2009 | Read 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 while sleeping). I feel fine, no dizzy spells, good energy. I am 76. What should I be doing for this; is it life threatening?
June 29, 2009 | Read 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 was unaware of it. He put me on Coumadin to guard against stroke, etc. Now I do not sleep well.
June 29, 2009 | Read 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.
June 29, 2009 | Read more »
Heartbeat supplements the advice of your health care provider,
whom you should consult for personal medical problems.
whom you should consult for personal medical problems.
