I have a hard thumping heartbeat and become lightheaded

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Submitted by Dr T on May 17, 2011 – 7:35am in Your heart rhythm Question:  I have a hard thumping heartbeat several times per day. I have to take a deep breath immediately after. I feel a little lightheaded especially if I am lying down. Should I worry for dismiss it? See your doctor and get an EKG and better …

Complications after open heart surgery

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Submitted by Dr T on May 16, 2011 – 1:07pm Question:  Q: ON FEB 3, 2011 I HAD OPEN HEART SURGERY FOR A SINUS VENOUS ASD REPAIR, I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT HOSPITAL STAY AND RECOVERY WHERE I’M STILL OUT ON DISABLITY. I’M A 24 YEAR OLD FEMALE. THEY JUST FOUND THIS DECEMBER 23, 2011. I HAVE ALWAYS SUFFERED CHEST …

Is trivial valve leakage dangerous?

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Submitted by Dr T on May 15, 2011 – 11:31am in Ask Doctor T QUESTION: A recent echo showed that I have a trivial mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. I was wondering if this is something that can be temporary. Also I have. Read that the echo’s are so sensitive that the leaks may not even be there. I was …

Third lead for ICD

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Submitted by Dr T on April 25, 2011 – 1:08am in Cardiac Risks Question:  My husband is 70 and in great shape.  He has and EF of 25% and had a two lead ICD 3 years ago at Cleveland Clinic.  Last year they tried to add a lead but were not able to because of scar tissue.  The other option …

I have an enlarged aorta and an abnormal heart rhythm

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Submitted by Dr T on April 24, 2011 – 5:24am in Cardiac Risks Question:  I am  77 year old man with an enlarged aorta and irregular heartbeat for which I am being treated with coumadin. My daughter is being married at a high altitude ranch in New Mexico at 8200 ft high. Is this a concern for my heart issues? …

A Tale of Two Valves

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Submitted by Dr T on April 19, 2011 – 2:34pm in Professionals Two percutaneous heart valve procedures have been introduced recently, the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and the mitral clip, bothstill investigational devices. One promises a solution to a very difficult problem, the other doesn’t. TAVI is presently researched for select patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (narrowing of …

Will laughing too hard cause heart health problems?

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Submitted by Dr T on April 19, 2011 – 7:12am in Cardiac Risks Question:  My mother had a minor heart attack over ten years ago. She has been on medication since then but overall she is quite healthy. Whenever we talk on the phone, we laugh so hard together. I came across an article saying that laughing hard will do …

How often do I need a heart cath test

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Submitted by Dr T on April 16, 2011 – 5:25pm in Cardiac Risks Question:    my doctor says i should have a heart cath test every 5 years. i only had one done 5 years ago and my blockage was 60 per cent,my blood pressure runs low iam diabetic should i get a second opinion “Cath tests” should never be …

I have three leaking heart valves

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Submitted by Dr T on April 13, 2011 – 8:50am in Cardiac Risks Question:    I have 3 valves leaking one is mild and 2 are moderate. i also have high blood pressure and high cholesterol.I am not really understanding what this means. i do know that my mother passed away at 53 from a heart attack but not sure …