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Cooking for Heart Health
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Carb-Free Isn't Healthy
Find out how carbohydrates can help your heart health.
Do You Know the Signs of Heart Attack?
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Early Signs of a Heart Attack
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How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally
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Ask an Expert
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Eden Medical Center
What are the most ignored signs of heart disease?
Excellent question.When it comes to heart disease or heart attacks, minutes could be the difference between life and death. Most people are familiar with the TV version of a heart attack, with a man clutching h... continue reading about What are the most ignored signs of heart disease?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
My primary care doctor detected an abnormal heart rhythm and wants me to see a cardiologist for an EP study. What is an EP study and what is the cardiologist looking for?
The EP study is an "electrophysiology study." This is a test that is performed by a cardiac electrophysiologist (a specialized cardiologist that is trained to manage heart rhythm problems). The EP study is a co... continue reading about My primary care doctor detected an abnormal heart rhythm and wants me to see a cardiologist for an EP study. What is an EP study and what is the cardiologist looking for?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
How do I know if I'm having a heart palpitation? What do they feel like?
Palpitations can feel different to different people. Sometimes they are described as a skipping sensation of the heart. Sometimes an irregularity in the heart beat is likened to a bird fluttering around inside ... continue reading about How do I know if I'm having a heart palpitation? What do they feel like?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
What are the symptoms of a narrowing carotid artery in the neck?
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?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I'm in treatment right now for periodontal disease. My dentist told me recently that gum disease can be associated with heart disease. I had never heard of this before. Is it true?
Your dentist is correct. There does seem to be an association of periodontal disease (infection and inflammation of the gums that can lead to the loss of your teeth) with heart disease and cardiac events.Both a... continue reading about I'm in treatment right now for periodontal disease. My dentist told me recently that gum disease can be associated with heart disease. I had never heard of this before. Is it true?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What is your opinion of chelation therapy for heart disease? Am I at any risk if I try it for my hardening of the arteries?
In short, don't do it. The American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and National Institute of Health are all against chelation therapy for cardiovascular disease. At the very least, it has nev... continue reading about What is your opinion of chelation therapy for heart disease? Am I at any risk if I try it for my hardening of the arteries?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?
In general, heart palpitations are not a serious problem as long as the heart is healthy. Being in good physical shape and staying active are good signs that the heart is indeed healthy. There are times, howeve... continue reading about Are heart palpitations a serious symptoms for someone 62 years old and in good physical shape? My PCP did an ECG and a Holter monitor exam, and suggested I see a cardiologist. Do I need to?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I have really poor health: obesity, severe vitamin D deficiency, bone and joint problems, shortness of breath upon exertion. I do have perfect blood pressure and good cholesterol. Am I safe from a heart attack?
Your question has many layers to it. The short answer is "you are not necessarily safe from a heart attack". Let me explain:A person's likelihood of a heart attack is calculated in large, population-based studi... continue reading about I have really poor health: obesity, severe vitamin D deficiency, bone and joint problems, shortness of breath upon exertion. I do have perfect blood pressure and good cholesterol. Am I safe from a heart attack?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Awhile ago my husband complained of a pounding heart. He said it felt like it was thumping against his chest. Tests showed that he was fine and it was probably caused by stress. How can we tell the difference between severe anxiety and a heart attack?
It is often very difficult to differentiate the symptoms of a heart attack from other causes. Even in the Emergency Department, with access to X-rays, EKG's, and fancy lab work, we sometimes cannot be 100 perce... continue reading about Awhile ago my husband complained of a pounding heart. He said it felt like it was thumping against his chest. Tests showed that he was fine and it was probably caused by stress. How can we tell the difference between severe anxiety and a heart attack?
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