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Heart Doctor Recent Answers

• Why are there differences in techniques used in procedures for atrial fibrillation?
• Is it common to have elevated blood pressure after a heart cath?
• What alternatives are available for my grandmother who has recurrent aortic valve stenosis, and now lung cancer?
• How is a leaking valve treated when it has previously been replaced?
• If the mammary artery has grown to the breast plate, can further heart surgery be performed?
• My medication is causing side effects. Any suggestions?
• I have a defibrillator. Are my chances good for a relatively long life?
• I was diagnosed with CHF/cardiomyopathy a week after the birth of my son.  Am I facing a heart transplant?
• Should I seek a second opinion about my endocarditis and valve disease?
• I have cardiomyopathy and am now pregnant. How high is my risk?
• Should I have a treadmill/nuclear scan every year? Is a lipid panel still the best way to predict potential blockage?
• Is ablation effective for ventricular tachycardia?
• Why are there still regional wall motion abnormalities even after my bypass surgery?
• Please help me understand my husband's sudden death.
• How do you treat a very low ejection fraction?
• Should I have an emergency drug on hand to boost my blood pressure if it falls?
• How do I know the difference between heartburn and heart issues?
• Can an enlarged heart be reversed?
• Can a person live with 100% blockage of the right coronary artery?
• I have a LAD myocardial bridge and am pregnant. Should I continue or terminate this pregnancy?
• How long does it take for your chest to heal after open heart surgery?
• What alternative do I have for my heart and pacemaker?
• How is mild cardiomegaly related to cardiac malignancy?
• What are the risks associated with catheter and ablation procedures?
• What are the protocols to lower antibodies for heart transplantation?
• Is it normal to have a little high blood pressure, since I had repair of Tetralogy of Fallot in the past?
• Should my symptoms of heart thumping and dizziness be checked out before I see my doctor in 10 days?
• Does taking furosemide daily affect glycemia (glucose) results?
• Should my wife get the swine flu shot? She just had mitral valve replacement.
• Is it normal to hear my heart beat after having an aortic valve replacement?
• Is it safe to exercise with a severe leak of the mitral valve?
• Is RBBB associated with seizures?
• What happens if a person doesn't follow a healthy lifestyle after heart surgery?
• I have Marfan Syndrome and mechanical valves. Is plastic surgery too risky for me?
• Is it common to have carotid artery disease without heart disease?
• Am I at great risk now from blockage in smaller arteries?
• Is there a better way to do my mitral valve replacement?
• Can you tell me the percentage of blockage I have?
• Do you think I would benefit from a biv device?
• Could my thyroid medicine be the cause of heart problems?
• Is it normal for blood pressure to rise during strenuous exercise?
• When I experience PVCs/PACs, should I be concerned about sudden cardiac death?
• What is the best answer to modifying Plavix to accommodate a needed surgery?
• What do the comments on an echodoppler result mean?
• Should I be worried about ST depressions on my EKG?
• Is mitral valve repair a good option for me?
• What does it mean to be "in-failure"?
• Is it okay if I take this nerve medicine with my prescription medications?
• Is the Bentall procedure right for me?
• Is valve replacement the only option for aortic valve stenosis?
• Do these results mean my mother's cancer is back?
• Should I ignore my swelling, fatigue and pain?
• Can a bridge around your heart cause pain?
• Is rheumatic heart disease associated with low blood pressure?
• Are my symptoms caused by spasm?

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Heart Information Center services are made possible in part by a generous gift from the Hamill Foundation.

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Updated November 2009