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 decades that is regulated by blood tests, the experimental drug dabigatran prevents blood clots with a fixed dose that is taken twice daily. The FDA approval of dabigatran, the first [...]
Heartbeat
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 with high blood pressure have “essential” hypertension, which means that there is no identifiable cause for it. One promising experimental therapy involves threading a catheter into the artery that provides [...]
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 [...]
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 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, [...]
What to Do When 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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Pacemaker is Uncomfortable
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 [...]
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?
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whom you should consult for personal medical problems.
whom you should consult for personal medical problems.
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