Post Archive by Year

Submitted by Dr T on September 27, 2010 – 1:38pm in Your heart rhythm The first thing to find out is whether this is a real rhythm problem or not (I suspect not). Some of it may have to do with the shape of your body and your emotional state when you feel these flutters. Most people feel their heart …

Submitted by Dr T on September 27, 2010 – 12:11pm In a number of articles and blogs I have talked about Optimal Medical Therapy (OMT), but what is OMT? Isn’t every treatment by your doctors “optimal”? The term comes from an article published in 2007 as the COURAGE Trial about which I have written and blogged a number of times. …

Submitted by Dr T on September 25, 2010 – 2:57pm in Other A pericardial effusion and its treatment depends on the cause. The pericardium is a thin sac that surrounds your heart and protects it within your chest cavity together with your ribcage. Normally it has a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant and protects your heart …

Submitted by Dr T on September 25, 2010 – 9:28am Question:  I’ve been having some lightheadedness with my PVC’s, and I passed out once. What should I do? Lightheadedness or fainting needs to be evaluated, but it is also possible that this is not caused by your PVCs. A number of blood and other tests are necessary to evaluate this. …

Submitted by Dr T on September 25, 2010 – 9:18am in Your heart rhythm Some people have abnormal “spots” in the heart that may be the cause of ventricular arrhythmias. Such patients can sometimes be treated by removing or destroying that area of the heart. This is a very specialized area of medicine requiring cardiologists and/or cardiac surgeons with special …

Submitted by Dr T on September 25, 2010 – 9:11am in Your heart rhythm Beta-blockers (there are many of them) have been shown to cut down both on symptomatic PVC’s in some patients, as well as decrease the risk of sudden death in high-risk patients. In terms of treatment for the palpitations associated with PVC’s, they can often be quite …

Submitted by Dr T on September 25, 2010 – 9:10am in Your heart rhythm The general principles of treatment of arrhythmias are: Correction of any underlying abnormalities, such as electrolyte imbalances, disorders of the thyroid, etc. Avoid stimulants or medications which may worsen the situation. Get enough sleep. Pursue an appropriate exercise program. Treat any underlying disorders of the heart …

Submitted by Dr T on September 25, 2010 – 9:00am in Your heart rhythm Tests of electrolyte levels, thyroid levels, and other blood tests are frequently done. An electrocardiogram is necessary to make the diagnosis of PVC’s. Since PVC’s don’t always occur when one is looking for them, several other means have been developed to assess the frequency and severity …

Submitted by Dr T on September 24, 2010 – 8:24am in Your heart rhythm I have blogged about palpitations and VT before. You can read more about that here: https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/palpitations/https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/palpitations-and-pvcs/https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/i-am-worried-about-v-tach-ventricular-tachycardia/https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/what-are-some-of-the-causes-of-premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs/https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/palpitations-and-fainting/ You’ll find these are rather common complaints and most people don’t need treatment, only reassurance once their heart proves OK. Trigeminyc(or Bigeminy) can be caused by a host of factors.There …