Archives

What should I do about my ectatic coronary arteries?

Thanks for the question. You have ectasia of coronary arteries and your heart function is normal. Please stop smoking and...

Due to his HCM, my son can no longer play sports.  How can I help him cope?

The proper advice can only be given after in depth evaluation. The patient needs to be seen and tested by...

Will you answer my questions about Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, please?

Dear L.K., I’m sorry about what happened to your mother. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a condition from which one usually recovers....

What can you tell me about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can become clinically apparent at any age. It is often acquired genetically. It is important that all direct...

Is Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam the culprit which caused my cardiomyopathy?

Dear Hugh, Cardiomyopathies (CMP) can be divided into 2 types: Ischemic (due to coronary artery disease and hear attacks (myocardial...

Do I have congestive heart failure?

Generalized edema (swelling) may result from several conditions. It is often due to heart failure, but not always.

If I continue my current drinking habits, what do you think will happen to me?

The straightforward fact: it will shorten your life. Our recommendation: stop drinking so much!

I am a young father, and I have been diagnosed with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy, now with a BiV pacemaker.  My heart function has improved from <20% to 40%.  I take my medications, but wonder if there are possible stem cell/regenerative treatments for someone like me in the near future?

There will be in the near future, but if your LVEF has improved from 20% to 40% recently, you may...

Our father died of cardiomyopathy. Could this be hereditary / a concern for my sister and me?

Michelle, There are multiple causes for cardiomyopathy which is a term that cardiologists use to denote disease of the heart...