Heart Health

Generally, it is not a good idea to suddenly stop a medication that has been taken for years to manage atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is typically a progressive and chronic condition that, without an intervention... continue reading  about  I've been on medication for atrial fibrillation for a number of years. Would it ever be okay to discontinue the medication to see if my arrhythmia is no longer there?

When the heart beat starts to slow down, or when the conduction starts to block every so often, sometimes it is because a medication is stressing the heart's electrical system. If there are no medications to ac... continue reading  about  My heart has been skipping and I'm feeling dizzy. I went in for testing and was diagnosed with second degree heart block. The doctor said that if it goes to third degree, he might suggest a pacemaker. What can I do to avoid moving to third degree?

Sometimes a carotid artery can narrow and be 'asymptomatic', meaning that the patient has no symptoms. Symptoms do vary from patient to patient. When symptoms do appear, they are usually the same symptoms as a ... continue reading  about  What are the symptoms of a narrowing carotid artery in the neck?

Chest pain while exercising can be a classic symptom of heart problems – indicating some degree of blockage of the arteries to the heart. This symptom should not be ignored. Anyone with chest pain on exer... continue reading  about  I have pains in my chest when I exercise. Is this a warning symptom of some blockage in my arteries? Are there other symptoms?

To The Caring Wife,Your concern is not uncommon among the over 1000 bypass surgeries I've followed through in the past 30 some years. By the time your husband leaves the hospital, he should be able to get in an... continue reading  about  My husband had triple bypass open heart surgery with a terrific outcome. Since his heart attack, I'm not sleeping well. My doctor prescribed sleeping pills which I don't take in case he needs me. What can I do to feel more confident that he's doing ok?

In excess, yes. The numbers:1 gram (1,000 mg) sodium = 2.5 gram of salt = 1 teaspoon of table saltHarmful = more than 5-6 grams, and probably less than 1.5 grams a dayAmerican Heart Association recommendation =... continue reading  about  Does salt raise blood pressure?

Every stroke patient is different, and each patient's recovery varies depending on several factors. We do know that intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy can significanly impact and improve a pat... continue reading  about  My dad had a stroke two months ago. He is still having some trouble with walking and speaking. Can you tell me if a stroke victim can ever return to "normal"?

There are several things that a patient can do to prevent another stroke or TIA. First and foremost, the patient should make sure that they are following up with their primary doctor or neurologist, to ensure t... continue reading  about  My dad had a stroke about a year ago and is doing better now, but it made me wonder - is there any way to prevent another one from happening (like a better diet, exercise)?

It is not uncommon to miss heart palpitations during a 24-hour ECG monitor. Palpitations can come and go, and catching them can be elusive at times. There are monitors that can be worn for seven days or longer ... continue reading  about  I have heart palpitations and have been tested with the 24-hour monitors. But of course my palpitations never seem to happen when I have the Holter monitor on. So how can my problem be diagnosed?