Tag Archives: Heart disease

Heart Defect Often Causes No Symptoms

Heart Defect Often Causes No Symptoms

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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? ... More
Vitamin E Update

Vitamin E Update

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I’ve been taking vitamin E supplements for many years because I heard it helped prevent heart problems. Now the reports suggest it might not be good for me. Should I be eating food that naturally contains vitamin E instead? It’s all so confusing! ... More

Preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest

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In the second part of our series on the difference between heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest, leading heart rhythm specialist Dr. Richard Page from the University of Wisconsin discusses the heart problem that claims one life every two minutes—and it’s not a heart attack. ... More
Surgery Corrects Heart Rhythm

Surgery Corrects Heart Rhythm

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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 ... More
Pacemaker Safety

Pacemaker Safety

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Q: Is it safe for a person with a pacemaker to play the slot machines at a casino? A: It is safe for your pacemaker—but it may not be safe for your wallet! ... More
Heart Scars

Heart Scars

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Q: One year after a double bypass, doctors said my heart has scarred shut, and I need another surgery. What caused this problem, and what options exist? A: Bypass vessels, particularly when veins are used in contrast to arteries, can clog or narrow (note President Bill Clinton’s recent incident), but it usually occurs years after ... More
Heart Attack Risk

Heart Attack Risk

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Q: I have angina, and some of my arteries are blocked. What are my chances of having a heart attack, and can a prescription drug like Imdur control chest pain? A: Severe blockages in coronary arteries can certainly cause a heart attack. Often, such blockages can be propped open with stents, which can relieve the ... More
Get Second Opinion About Surgery

Get Second Opinion About Surgery

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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 always a good idea to get another opinion, especially when 
it comes to surgery. After all, it is 
your body, and you want to be sure the decisions made are ... More

Healthier by the Dozen

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Some of your favorite foods can help you stay young and healthy. Ellie Krieger, registered dietician and host of Food Network’s Healthy Appetite, shares two full-flavored, rejuvenating recipes. ... More

Keep the Beat

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Today’s electronic devices for the heart are like “having an emergency room in your chest,” says cardiology consultant Dr. Douglas P. Zipes. Devices such as pacemakers and ICDs deliver electricity via thin wires called leads, which can wear out over time. ... More
Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease

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I am nearly recovered from a mild stroke that my medical reports say was due to peripheral artery disease (PAD). I changed my diet, had physical therapy, and lost weight. I had to stop Lipitor for cholesterol (which is 125) because of nighttime leg cramps. Should I be doing more for my PAD? I have ... More
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