Submitted by Dr T on November 3, 2010 – 4:33pm If you think you may be having a heart attack: If you are with someone, tell that person you may be having a heart attack and want to get to the hospital immediately. Have the person call 911 or the emergency services number. If you are alone, call 911 or …
How does the heart-lung bypass machine cause blood clots?
Submitted by Dr T on November 3, 2010 – 10:15am in Other Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery, maintaining the circulation of blood and the oxygen content of the body. In a small percentage of patients this causes complications that may include a stroke. This depends to …
Why is heart disease in women different?
Submitted by Dr T on November 2, 2010 – 5:43pm in Cardiac Risks When still in practice, a friend of mine, diabetic, hypertensive and a smoker developed chest pains walking in the cold and going upstairs. When seen in the ER, the cardiologist disagreed with my diagnosis of angina and CAD. After pleading with him, he agreed (reluctantly) to go …
Will a testosterone shot have any adverse effects on an artery stent?
Submitted by Dr T on November 2, 2010 – 7:22am in Cardiac Risks Testosterone supplementation has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength in healthy older men. However, a new study, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine 1), showed that in older men (>74 yo), testosterone treatment was associated with an significantly higher rate of cardiovascular adverse …
Why do women have mitral valve prolapse (MVP) more often than men?
Why do women have mitral valve prolapse (MVP) more often than men? Submitted by Dr T on November 1, 2010 – 8:24am in Other Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) affects approximately 150 million people worldwide. Studies have shown that MVP is more common in women than in men. According to The Framingham Heart Study, 7.6% of women and 2.5% of men …
Rigatoni with Spicy Chicken Sausage
Rigatoni with Charred Cherry Tomatoes, Spicy Chicken Sausage and Wilted Spinach Recipe Serves 4 Non-Fat Cooking Spray 1 T olive oil 1 T aged balsamic vinegar 1 t fresh thyme 1 t fresh oregano chopped 1 pint cherry tomatoes 8 oz spicy chicken sausages – 2 to 3 fully cooked (Try Al Fresco chicken sausages) 4 cups fresh spinach 1/2 …
Is it safe to fly with mitral valve prolapse or MVP? Why or why not?
Is it safe to fly with mitral valve prolapse or MVP? Why or why not? Submitted by Dr T on October 31, 2010 – 12:49pm in Cardiac Risks Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) can cause chest pain or palpitations and may contribute to panic sensations, especially in someone with a fear of flying. However, other than that there is no reason …
Do Beta Blocker drugs help treat angina? How do they prevent angina?
Do Beta Blocker drugs help treat angina? How do they prevent angina? Submitted by Dr T on October 31, 2010 – 10:26am in Other Beta Blockers are drugs that slow the heart rate, decrease cardiac output, lessen the force with which the heart muscle contracts and reduce blood vessel contraction. This lessens the work load for your heart, which means …
What foods can help strengthen a weak heart?
Submitted by Dr T on October 31, 2010 – 10:06am in Nutrition Foods such as nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables and oils contain beneficial compounds that include plant sterols, soluble fiber and monounsaturated fats. When these foods are used in a low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet, they can lower your cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, no …
Is it Asthma or Heart Disease?
Submitted by Dr T on October 30, 2010 – 8:28am Question: I have a question about my father — a 74 year old man in relatively good health. He’s fairly active – but has asthma and is about 20 pounds overweight. His breathing has been declining rapidly and the PA at his asthma doctor’s office put him on Prednisone and …