Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor 
Informed patients make better patients.

Heart Doctor Archive of Questions and Responses 

• Please help me understand the stages of heart failure.
• What treatment do I need for a right bundle branch block?
  
• What is a magnified heart and atheromatous aorta?
  
• Is it advisable for one to have a chemical stress test if he has leaking heart valves?
  
• What does a high LPpla2 mean and does it warrant cardiac CT and meds at this time?
  
• In EKGs, what is diffuse J-point elevation and what causes it?
  
• Can a pacemaker cause some temporarily negative effect in left ventricular output?
• Will stressful events influence the results on my Holter monitor?
• Why is my husband on multiple medications after his heart attack?
  
• What can I do for persistent symptoms after my STEMI and stent?
• Is it possible to laser a stent in the hope of reopening it?
  
• Does ejection fraction (EF) vary depending upon altitude?
  
• Does an aortic measurement of 2.9 and a left atrium measurement of 3.78 indicate pulmonary hypertension?
• What is a false cord, and should it be repaired (tricuspid valve)?
• I have a small perforation of the mitral valve leaflet.  Can I exercise?
• Can the aortic and mitral valves both be replaced at the same procedure via the TAVR approach?
• Could an LAD bridge with extreme exercise induce an elevated troponin level?
  
• When does constrictive pericarditis warrant surgery?
  
• What does "dead back of the heart" mean?
  
• Could Cardura be the cause of this patient's CHF?
  
• Heart diseases of different kinds seem to run in my family. Should I have an echocardiogram?
  
• Is an aneurysmal interatrial septum similar to other aneurysms in the body?
  
• I was adopted at birth and do not know my genetic history. Is it important for me to see a cardiologist at any time?
  
• Can you help me understand the results of a stress test? What are they looking for? 
  
• What effect will my teeth (cavities) have on my heart valve surgery?
  
• Is vulnerable plaque different from regular plaque (as in coronary arteries?)
  
• Is it dangerous to carry a child to full-term with a LBBB but no other heart problems?
  
• I have trace fluids around my heart. What kinds of exercise can I safely do?
  
• Can someone have mitral valve prolapse years ago and not now?
  
• Can skipped beats from stress eventually cause more serious heart issues?
  
• I don't think I had a heart attack, but my EKG suggests it. Please explain the result.
  
• Why does a person have high cholesterol in the arteries if it never showed up in blood exams?
  
• Although my stent procedure was successful, my ventricular function is abnormal.  Can you help me understand why?
  
• I’m just starting to exercise to lose weight.  Is my elevated heart rate dangerous?
  
• Is elevated diastolic pressure related to coarctation or bicuspid aortic valve?
  
• Why lower one’s blood pressure if the heart is working at 25% capacity?
  
• What is the normal result for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)?
  
• I have a leaking aortic valve with palpations only. When should I have surgery?
  
• Can robotic surgery be used to correct double valve disease and a fib?
  
• Do I need to have AVR soon, and if so, can I have a TAVR?
  
• Are there currently any biventricular heart assist devices used as destination therapy for patients with end stage CHF?
  
• Does left atrial volume index change on a daily basis?
  
• Can you do a TAVR procedure on someone with a bicuspid aortic valve?
  
• Is there any correlation between degree/progression of mitral regurgitation and type of prolapse?
  
• Is it possible to disconnect the defibrillator feature from an ICD and leave the pacemaker functioning?
  
• Can any of my medications be discontinued now that I’ve had my heart valve replaced?
  
• Would a stint stabilize my carotid dissection?
  
• Does anyone anywhere perform transradial cardiac ablations for atrial flutter?
  
• Should my daughter see a conduction specialist for her near fainting?
  
• What technology is used to administer stem cell treatments to the heart?
  
• In TMLR, do holes heal like a normal cut, or remain clotted?
  
• Does LBBB affect the bpm readings on an elliptical exercise machine? 
  
• Should I worry about my echo Doppler results?  My doctor said it is a “normal variant.”
  
• Is it normal to have problems with other heart valves after MVR?
  
• Is opening a chronic, total occlusion of a coronary artery always the right thing to do?
  
• Does smoking or using marijuana help pulmonary hypertension or is it deleterious to the condition?
  
• Why would avocados be limited in my father’s diet after a heart attack?
• Does taking salt help interrupt an episode of atrial fib?
  
• What, if anything, can help my son sleep better? He hears the clicking of his valve.
  
• How can you know if symptoms are related to an IVC filter?
  
• Should I see a cardiologist to evaluate my aorta?
  
• When is an operation necessary on an ectatic aorta?
  
• Is medication or radiofrequency ablation the generally preferred option for treating SVT?
  
• Does left anterior fascicular block require special attention?
  
• When speaking of heart disease, what is the Widowmaker?
  
• How can I help regulate my INR with my diet?
  
• I have a junctional rhythm.  Is my SA node working some, and will my AV node fail next?
  
• What is a borderline EKG?
  
• If one has 5-6 episodes of SVT in a year, would you recommend ablation or staying on medication?
  
• Is there radiation in treadmill stress testing?
  
• I've been diagnosed with mild pulmonary hypertension.  How is this treated?
  
• Is there a relationship between untreated sleep apnea and right axis deviation on EKG?
  
• I am confused – did both of my echoes measure the same thing?
  
• With my family's cardiac history, what should I do to be proactive about my health?
  
• I have an IVC filter.  Can I still have an ablation with it?
  
• What are the signs that one is recovering after heart surgery?
  
• I have a severely dilated left atrium.  What does the doctor mean when he says "we'll watch it" ?
  
• With a family history of bundle branch block, am I likely to have the same?
  
• What is the significance of a thickened aortic root and aortic leaflets?
  
• Can a ventricular septal aneurysm cause chest pain? Is surgery warranted?
  
• What is causing my sister's incessant nose bleeds?
  
• Can / should a postop leak of a heart valve be repaired?
  
• Is it safe to have surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear and bicep tear if I have right bundle branch block (RBBB)?
  
• Should I know what my blood viscosity is before starting aspirin?
  
• What is a prominent cardiac silhouette and what is CTR?
  
• What does "Diaphragmatic attenuation artifact corrected with prone imaging is present" mean on a nuclear stress test report?
  
• Can LBBB be the cause of my shortness of breath?
  
• Can anything be done to prevent an impending heart attack?
  
• How can I prevent my heart from further damage regarding concentric left ventricular hypertrophy?  Will EECP help?
  
• Is a transplant candidate able to move to another state and associate with a different transplant team?
  
• What does mild thickening/mild aortic regurgitation mean?  I have HELLP syndrome.
  
• For patients with stents, are there alternatives to Plavix?  
  
• Can a contrast dye other than iodine be used in a heart cath?
  
• Are transcatheter repairs of mitral or tricuspid valves being done?
  
• What is happening when my daughter's heart starts to race?
  
• In the presence of normal diagnostics, what is the cause of chest pain?
  
• Is there a relationship between positive/negative thoughts and cardiac function?
  
• What might explain my elevated Troponin level?
  
• I had a chest xray performed and they found Aortic Ectasia and calcification but no acute infiltrate, atelectasis or effusion. My PCP is doing nothing further nor did he refer me to see a heart doctor. What should I do?
  
• Is it possible that my symptoms could indicate a problem even though the echo showed normal function?
  
• I have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and the heart doctor said he could not do surgery. Why can't he do something about this problem?
  
• I am a healthy 67 yr old female with a 4.6 cm ascending aortic aneurysm 4.6 cm. and no plaque. Could my rheumatic fever as a child cause this?
  
• My friend has had 5 stents placed in his heart, and was fine for the first week.  He again had chest pain, returned to the hospital, and all testing was negative.  He still has chest pain when he eats.  What could be causing this?
  
• Does CPAP work on cardiac wheezing?  If so, how does it help?
  
• I have been short of breath walking from one room to another.  My echocardiogram showed worsening of my aortic regurgitation, going from mild to moderate-severe over the last year.  LVEF is 60 – 65%.  Mild LVH.  AV is sclerotic.  I am worried.  What are your recommendations?
  
• PVC's are frightening.  When do you go to the ER for them to be treated?
  
• I continue to have chest pain at rest and with exercise, and also notice palpitations. I have been given permission to continue on with regular activities and exercise. Should I be concerned?
  
• Is a grade 1 mild reversible defect in the anterior apical segment of the left ventricle considered an area of ischemia?
  
• Is it possible for a person on a ventilator to go into cardiac arrest?
  
• What is a normal reading of the left ventricular ejection fraction?
  
• Despite taking my blood pressure medication, my blood pressure continues to be very high in the morning.  I am very active, and otherwise healthy, and wonder what I can do to control it better?
  
• I am a young father, and I have been diagnosed with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy, now with a BiV pacemaker.  My heart function has improved from <20% to 40%.  I take my medications, but wonder if there are possible stem cell/regenerative treatments for someone like me in the near future?
  
• My heart function is only 30%.  What can I do to improve it?
  
• My dobutamine stress echocardiogram revealed no inducible abnormal wall motion, but was interpreted as abnormal. Is this possible?
  
• What precautions should be taken after a permanent pacemaker has been implanted?
  
• I am an active 22-year-old male that exercises regularly, but get palpitations and lightheadedness with exercise and at rest. An EKG has shown Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block. Should I be concerned?
  
• I have had high blood pressure for the last year. What antihypertensive medications do not lower heart rate? I have tried several different medications, and have had episodes of severe dizziness and almost fainting with heavy activity and also exposure to the heat. I have made several trips to the ER with these episodes with a low heart rate and low blood pressure. My doctor has had no success with different medications in preventing these episodes. Can you advise us what to do next?
  
• I am a 26 year old woman pregnant with my 4th child. I am feeling extra heart beats throughout the day.  I have cut out caffeine, but this has not helped.  My blood pressure is normal, and my heart rate is 70 – 80 bpm.  Should I  be worried about this?
  
• Is there a relationship between heart disease and perspiration?
  
• Can bradycardia cause a headache that has lasted continuously (24 hours per day unless medicated) for the last 2 years?
  
• Is there a medication that will specifically address ventricular hypertrophy, apart from antihypertensives?
  
• I have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome? I have tried remedies the doctors have prescribed, including IV fluids, medicine and exercise. Can you recommend any other treatment?
  
• What is the treatment for pulmonary hypertension? Could it be caused by radiation damage?
  
• What can I do for uncontrolled hypertension?
  
• What advice can you offer my husband regarding his heart?
  
• Is a new angiography necessary for my aunt?
  
• Is another stress echo necessary?
  
• Could exposure to the flu vaccine have triggered my weak heart muscle?
  
• Are there reliable, safe, minimally invasive repairs available for paravalvular leak?
  
• Should I keep pursuing some avenue of treatment for high blood pressure?
  
• Are my symptoms early signs of CHF?
  
• Can stem cells be used to grow new arteries when a bypass gets blocked?
  
• Which are life-threatening arrhythmias?
  
• How much radiation does one receive during a SPECT-CT scan?
  
• What can cure inducible ischemia?
  
• Is LVH really bad?
  
• Is my heart ok? My tests are normal but I have random chest pain.
  
• What is the difference between "sudden cardiac arrest" and a heart attack?
  
• What is causing my difficulty breathing upon exertion?
  
• Are there symptoms as a blood clot forms on a heart valve?
  
• If I have RBBB, can I still safely run a half marathon?
  
• With episodes of my heart racing, can I safely undergo anesthesia?
  
• Is preemptive heart surgery an option?
  
• Can you tell me what my symptoms represent?
  
• Could my husband's chest pain be heart related, even with a normal EKG?
  
• Is AV node ablation and a biventricular pacemaker a good option for controlling afib?
  
• What other treatments are available for controlling atrial fib?
  
• What kind of life span and quality can a 72-year-old man expect after AVR?
  
• My heart feels like it is vibrating.  What should I do?
  
• What is a porcelain aorta and how is it treated with aortic valve stenosis?
  
• Which is worse a leaking aortic or mitral valve?
  
• Does a normal stress test rule out coronary artery blockages, if RBBB and chest pain are present?
  
• Is pulmonary regurgitation reversible?
  
• Is my mother's life dependent upon the life of her pacemaker function?
  
• Will using an infrared heat sauna cause any problems with the wires?
  
• Is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) an FDA approved operation?
  
• What can I do to keep my aorta from enlarging?
  
• Is there a limit on the total number of stents that should be implanted?
  
• Can too high blood pressure damage coronary bypass grafts?
  
• How does one know the true systolic number of a blood pressure?
  
• Do I have congestive heart failure?
  
• If I continue my current drinking habits, what do you think will happen to me?
  
• Is ciprofloxacin okay to take if I have an incomplete right bundle branch block?
  
• Is it possible to do a coarctation repair without using the heart/lung machine?
  
• What is the best pre-surgical clearance test to determine cardiac fitness?
  
• Was my workup sufficient to rule out a cardiac cause (38 year old female)?
  
• How should my tiny leak in my aortic valve be managed?
  
• What is n-stemi?
  
• Is my father experiencing side effects from blood thinners?
  
• I have an LAD muscle bridge.  Why would surgical repair not be offered?
  
• What is concentric remodeling of the left ventricle with adequate systolic function?
  
• Are there any robotic procedures for pulmonary valve replacement on a person with Tetralogy of Fallot?
  
• If diagnosed with left bundle branch block, is there a medication that can be taken for sleep?
  
• Will my bicuspid aortic valve require replacement?
  
• Does summer heat affect leaking heart valves?
  
• What is incomplete right bundle branch block? 
  
• What keeps coronary artery bypasses from leaking?
  
• Are my symptoms consistent with atherosclerosis?
  
• Does yawning have anything to do with an erratic heart rate or leaking heart valve?
  
• Which test will best evaluate a bicuspid aortic valve and an aortic aneurysm?
  
• What are your comments about RF/EMF/EMR and associations to heart arrhythmic issues?
  
• For a stress echo test, how do you determine if you use dobutamine or adenosine?
  
• How can I be sure my pacemaker is working?
  
• Is my left atrium too large for my age?  I delivered a baby 4 months ago.
  
• What are your recommendations for taking omega-3 supplements?
  
• Is 45.9 a good score on a heart scan?
  
• How different is heart valve replacement from CABG?
  
• My son had viral endocarditis with a noncompacted left ventricle.  Is he a candidate for stem cell clinical trials?
  
• Are there programs in Houston to lower cholesterol naturally (that follow up with blood tests to see if they are working)?
  
• Is Multaq better for afib than amiodarone?
  
• Is Agent Orange exposure in Viet Nam the culprit which caused my cardiomyopathy?
  
• I am athletic.  Should I be concerned about a false positive result on EKG?
  
• Should I have the Lariat procedure or Watchman device?
  
• Is there a relationship between myocardial bridges and sudden cardiac arrest?
  
• For a bicuspid aortic valve, is minimally invasive AVR or conventional AVR better?
  
• Is my lifestyle a significant contributory factor in/to my enlarged ascending aorta?
  
• Is there a different beta blocker that works as well as atenolol but without side effects?
  
• How can coughing cause my father's unusual episodes?
  
• Is a cold area above my elbow a sign of a blocked artery?
  
• What testing and treatment are available for microvascular ischemic disease in women?
  
• How should my mom's hernia after minimally invasive bypass surgery be corrected?
  
• Is it possible to have stroke-like symptoms with an aortic valve problem?
  
• Should I expect additional testing? I have stress-induced wall motion abnormalities on stress echo.
  
• Is it normal to have two beats together (since mine are not 'skipped' beats) ?
  
• What could cause my chest pain?
  
• Can iron supplementation cause heart damage?
  
• My EF went from 40 to 30-35 since February. Should I be concerned?
  
• What does inducible ischemia mean?
  
• Is it safe for someone with paroxysmal atrial fib (PAF) to take Aspirin 81 mg and Coumadin 5 mg?
  
• How serious is pericarditis and how is it treated?
  
• Are my health problems reversible since I have stopped the medications that caused them?
  
• Does Texas Heart Institute use stem cell therapies for treating heart disease?
  
• Will you answer my questions about Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, please?
  
• Would it be my best interest to request another stress test?
  
• Why aren't anti thrombotics used in management of endocarditis?
  
• What screening should my son have? A murmur was discovered today during his athletic physical exam.
  
• Can TAVR replace a mechanical aortic valve that was put in place 13 years ago?
  
• What can you tell me about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
  
• Do you have experience with anomalous origin of the coronary arteries?
  
• Does a normal EKG eliminate or reduce the chances of having diastolic heart failure?
  
• Do I have pulmonary hypertension and will it affect my ability to become pregnant?
  
• How long should I keep the IVC filter inserted?
  
• Do these echo results imply heart failure?
  
• Am I interpreting my CT angio score correctly?
  
• What should I do about bilateral apical pleural thickening?
  
• My 20-year-old daughter was diagnosed with rheumatic fever. How often should she have echoes?
  
• Is it okay to use Citalopram (Celexa) if one has an ascending aortic aneurysm and abnormal bileaflet valve?
  
• For coronary artery disease, is ballooning or stenting better?
  
• Is there any new treatment for long QT syndrome?
  
• Is it a complicated procedure to move the ICD to the RIGHT side? I'm to have radiation on the left.
  
• Is there a way to counteract the effect of blood-thinning medications such as Plavix and Xarelto?
  
• What treatment options are there for one who has long q-t syndrome and narcolepsy?
  
• Why is there a 3 month waiting period for an ICD for people in heart failure?
  
• What effect will very high blood pressure caused by sleep apnea have on my heart?
  
• Due to his HCM, my son can no longer play sports.  How can I help him cope?
  
• If I had a serious heart condition, would my 30 day MCOT be abnormal?
  
• Is 80% EF good or dangerous?
  
• What should I do about palpitations during my pregnancy?
  
• Will continued use of Effient benefit me?
  
• What can help my husband get back to normal after new onset atrial fib and a pacemaker?
  
• Does breast tissue prevent obtaining an accurate result from a nuclear stress test?
  
• During a heart ablation, is the patient put under anesthesia so they do not move?
  
• On chest x-ray, what is an aortic knob?
  
• Does high altitude affect atrial fibrillation?
  
• What are the signs and symptoms of a person having a congenital heart disease?
  
• When is an echocardiogram necessary?
  
• Can a man have a problem with his heart that doesn't show up on a nuclear stress test?
  
• I apparently have arteries growing around a blockage. What does that mean?
  
• Does this scenario require antibiotics?
  
• Does "possible anterior infarct, age undetermined" mean I may have had a heart attack?
  
• Though I no longer have palpitations, should I have a repeat of my cardiac tests since I formerly had NSVT?
  
• What determines if you are a candidate for the minimally invasive bypass surgery?
  
• What should I do for my newly diagnosed PDA?
  
• Can you explain if/when junctional rhythm is a serious issue?
  
• Any contraindication to my engaging in high intensity training and exercise?
  
• Why did my symptoms re: myocardial bridge show up now?
  
• How often should I have a nuclear stress test?
  
• Could my hyperthyroidism be the cause of my heart problems?
  
• What does 45% mean in an echo report?
  
• Can you explain when to have surgery for mitral regurgitation?
  
• Can a child receive a heart transplant from an adult?
  
• Should I be worried about my weight?
  
• Could my itching and rash have been from Plavix?
  
• Do I need to take statins?
  
• How is the heart stopped during open heart surgery?
  
• Is there a way for my mother to qualify for the Lariat procedure?
  
• The medication my doctor prescribed is making me feel worse. Can I safely stop it?
  
• Are my daughter's symptoms from arrhythmias, new medicine, or something else?
  
• In a coronary CT scan, what exactly does the LAD score and Plaque score mean?
  
• Are aspirin and Cardvas tabs appropriate treatment for mitral valve prolapse?
  
• Are there any channel blockers that won't cause serious side effects to gums?
  
• My LDL is 109. Should I take a statin?
  
• Is heart transplant a reasonable option for my father who is 67?
  
• What is the best way to treat my CHF and left ventricular prolapse?
  
• Are coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, atherosclerotic heart disease and ischemic heart disease the same?
  
• When will the "Absorb" stent be available to the public?
  
• I have Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block (IRBBB). Can I take Lexapro?
  
• Should I have repeat mitral valve surgery now?
  
• What is a normal down time for recovery after a Lariat procedure?
  
• How can one naturally lower an elevated CRP count?
  
• With a history of bypass surgery and no cardiologist immediately available to me now, how often should I exercise on a treadmill?
  
• If I defer ablation, do I have a greater chance of having a stroke?
  
• My father has a mechanical heart valve. Can he have an MRI for a shoulder problem?
  
• Please answer our questions about global hypokinesis.
  
• Is subcutaneous aortic valve replacement viable?
  
• How do you approach management of anomalous right coronary arteries?
  
• Am I likely to have a heart attack because of impaired coronary reserve?
  
• From a severity standpoint, is it okay to wait 6 weeks to have this evaluated?
  
• Do dental braces pose a higher risk for endocarditis in one who has had VSD repair?
  
• What has caused my EKGs to change over time, and must I ease up on my exercise?
  
• Can I safely stop Deplatt (medicine) prior to cataract surgery?
  
• I had an ablation but am still having problems. What should I do?
  
• May I continue exercising even though I have an ascending aortic aneurysm?
  
• May a patient safely take Allegra after coronary bypass and heart valve replacement surgery?
  
• Are my extra heart beats normal?
  
• My condition and history are complicated and high risk. Can you advise me how to proceed?
  
• What causes coronary spasm and how is it best managed?
  
• Is it prudent to delay more surgery until my aortic root aneurysm is 5.5cm?
  
• Could my esophagus be related to my dizziness?
  
• What surgery would most commonly be done for my daughter's large VSD?
  
• Do medicines reduce the percentage of blocked arteries?
  
• Can a 50% blockage of the LAD be treated with medicine instead of a stent?
  
• Where can I get information regarding anomalous origin of the right coronary artery?
  
• Can nervousness affect an EKG?
  
• Should my mother wait a month after her heart attack to have bypass surgery?
  
• Is it possible when RCA is blocked that it is supported by others?
  
• How can I know if my pain is a serious heart matter or PTS?
  
• Is it accurate that a structurally normal heart can generally withstand palpitations better than a heart which has defects?
  
• Is a heart rate of 146-155 too high when using an elliptical machine?
  
• Can a person have congestive heart failure with only slight cough and shortness of breath?
  
• Why do biologic valves break down faster in children or young adults?
  
• What does "prominent aortic knob" mean?
  
• Can Effient affect menstrual bleeding?
  
• Isn't my LV mass way above limits considering my entire heart weighs only 400g?
  
• What vessel is considered the "widowmaker" ?
  
• My heart speeds up, slows down, and frequently pounds.  Should I be concerned?
  
• I have Loeys-Dietz.  At what diameter would my aortic root warrant surgery?
  
• Is this considered an aneurysm or just consistent with acromegaly?
  
• What is the life expectance after successful repair of aortic dissection?
  
• How many times can a biologic heart valve be replaced?
  
• How long does it take to fully return to normal after open heart surgery?
  
• Is breathlessness normal after AVR?
  
• Do I have other options than a lung transplant?
  
• My heart disease may be related to radiation I had for breast cancer. How dangerous is this?
  
• Is hypokinesis of my left ventricle causing me to be cold?
  
• What is myocardial noncompaction?
  
• Can a cardiologist notice or initially see LVH on a 12 lead EKG?
  
• How do LA volume indices and LA diameter measurements relate to my mild mitral regurgitation?
  
• Can Wolff-Parkinson-White pathology be eliminated?
  
• What should I do for my chest pain?
  
• Is there a level of urgency with my husband's situation?
  
• For how long will repair with a Dacron sleeve protect a dissected aorta?
  
• Does your hospital do many aortic repairs?
  
• Is this artery amenable to PCI?
  
• What does 'loss of anterior precordial forces' mean in an EKG result?
  
• My mom's heart is working 25%.  Is this serious?
  
• Is robotic surgery safer than open heart surgery for aortic valve replacement?
  
• My test results have been inconclusive.  Is there something more definitive which could be done?
  
• Is it safe to juice?
  
• Are hiccups a side effect of warfarin?
  
• Should I have a pacemaker?  I am very apprehensive.
  
• Is a third open heart surgery possible for my father-in-law?
  
• Will donating blood reduce my blood pressure?
  
• Must surgery be delayed because of shingles?
  
• Can Ramipril be prescribed for a hypertensive woman who has diabetes?
  
• Is there any specific protocol to repeating echoes and/or cardiac MRI's if normal results occur when first done?
  
• Can stents be cleaned out if needed?
  
• Is it reasonable to have an echo done to evaluate my palpitations?
  
• Can left bundle branch block be reversed?
  
• How do I interpret my multiple, different results of Troponin T tests?
  
• How common is it for three heart valves to be replaced successfully?
  
• What is your opinion on estrogen replacement where heart health is concerned?
  
• What can be done to keep 'diabetic' arteries from getting smaller?
  
• Why do my mother's body and hands shake after heart bypass surgery?
  
• Why do I hear and feel my heart beat in my head?
  
• Which is the best hypertensive drug for a type 2 diabetic woman?
  
• What could be causing my slow heart rate and what should I do?
  
• Do you know what could cause pressure in my son's chest and head?
  
• Is the dyskinetic area of my ventricle likely to rupture?
  
• Is there any laparoscopic procedure that will fix a mitral valve hinge tear?
  
• Is it okay to stop blood thinners after having a tissue valve implanted?
  
• Can I sit up for an echocardiogram?
  
• What should I do about my ectatic coronary arteries?
  
• I have a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Can I continue my firefighting career?
  
• Should my diastolic pressure change when I stand up? 
  
• Could I have had a heart attack (shown on EKG) and not know it? 
  
• Could symptoms of a burning feeling in the chest be due to blockage?  
  
• Can a coronary blockage be caused by myocardial bridge?
  
• Can PFO closures be done successfully in diabetics?
  
• Do I have a severe heart problem?
  
• Is myocardial bridging hereditary?
  
• How safe do you consider Amiodarone to be?
  
• Can joint pain supplements also help to reduce inflammation that may cause heart disease?
  
• Is it possible to reverse my diastolic dysfunction or make it worse with exercise?
  
• Do I really need to be on a statin?
  
• Is it advisable to wait a few months to have my ICD implanted?
  
• Should we increase my father's metoprolol?
  
• Am I causing damage to my heart when I run?
  
• What is the general progression of mitral valve disease in a young healthy adult?
  
• What could be causing my husband's lack of energy a year after his heart attack? 
• May a patient reside in an assisted living facility while awaiting heart transplantation?
  
• Can you keep the left side of the heart from weakening when it is pacemaker dependent?
  
• Can the Lariat procedure aggravate atrial fibrillation? 
  
• Do statin drugs or neuroendocrine cancer contribute to arrhythmias (SVT episodes)?
  
• Can  you help me determine my probability for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)? 
  
• Does the TAVR procedure require taking drugs to prevent rejection?
  
• Do heart problems arise more often in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients? 
  
• If I have a 10% EF, why don't I have loss of energy?
  
• Is thickening of the heart wall a concern? 
  
• Should I have my sternal wires removed? 
  
• My bradycardia is getting worse.  What can I do?
  
• With mild aortic valve disease, can I push myself [running] without danger?
  
• Are there medicines or procedures to improve my EF which is 40%?
  
• Do I have a serious valve condition that will require surgery? 
  
• Why is MRI necessary when my cath showed normal coronaries and valves? 
  
• Since I have a history of arrhythmia, what is recommended for dental procedure anesthesia? 
  

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See also on this site: Heart Information Center