Heart Valves, Leg Pain, and Exercise

In 2004 I had heart failure and surgery to replace a valve and arteries. Will the valve last forever? I am 70 years old. My legs pain a lot when I’m walking on an incline but not when on level ground. I feel sluggish and wonder if it is from heart problems or medicines. How ... More

Thinning Blood and Coumadin

By: Dr. Zipes

I was recently hospitalized because my blood was dangerously thin. I was taking Coumadin as prescribed by my doctor. I would appreciate any information and also want to know if Bufferin or aspirin do thin the blood. Coumadin (trade name warfarin) “thins” the blood by interfering with its normal clotting processes. This action is important ... More

Question (and Answer) About Extra Heartbeats

By: Dr. Zipes

Q: I am an 83-year-old great-grandmother and was diagnosed with benign premature ventricular contractions 40 years ago. I’ve been asymptomatic all these years. My question is this: Have you encountered this particular arrhythmia in your study of electrophysiology? A: Leading cardiologist Dr. Douglas Zipes replies: Premature ventricular contractions are extra heartbeats coming from the bottom ... More

Foods Affect the Heart

By: Dr. Zipes

Have any studies shown that certain foods might contribute to irregular heart rhythms? My doctor told me to avoid all sources of caffeine, and that helped to reduce my “missed” beats. Over the years, I have noticed that several foods seem to cause an increase in my irregular heartbeats. Fresh apples, of all things, appear ... More

Blood Pressure Monitors Come Home

By: Cory SerVaas, M.D.

As an indicator of overall cardiovascular health, your blood pressure reading may be second to none. And research continues to affirm that the best place to measure it may be in your own home. Longtime Medical Mailbox readers know that it is normal for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day. We encourage regular use ... More

Heart Test May Explain Shaky Feeling

By: Cory SerVaas, M.D.

Dear Dr. SerVaas, I have leakage in my heart and thickening of the heart wall. Lately I will awaken three or more times at night and feel like the inside of my body is shaking, although it is not visible. The shaking lasts for 10 to 30 seconds. My pulse is normal, and I had ... More