Can you help me determine my probability for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
The problem in your case is that the data is discordant and prevents us from making a simple diagnosis. On...
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Does the TAVR procedure require taking drugs to prevent rejection?
No. After the TAVR [Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement] procedure you will take an antiplatelet agent (Plavix or something similar) for...
Do heart problems arise more often in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients?
Dear Chloe, Slow heart beats are supposed to be the most common arrhythmia associated with MS, but this is very...
Can a coronary blockage be caused by myocardial bridge?
Dear Fran, I doubt that the bridge is contributing to the blockage. It is not causing the blockage. The best...
Is myocardial bridging hereditary?
Dear Sondra: Myocardial bridging is present in 10 to 15% of autopsies. It is more frequent when the cardiac muscle...
Can joint pain supplements also help to reduce inflammation that may cause heart disease?
This is a terrific question and one that is being studied presently in patients in several national studies. At the...
Is it possible to reverse my diastolic dysfunction or make it worse with exercise?
1) Maybe with appropriate exercise and possibly medications; 2) Absolutely not – please keep exercising!
What is the general progression of mitral valve disease in a young healthy adult?
1) It’s quite variable. There do not presently seem to be indicators of an impending need for mitral valve repair....
Can you keep the left side of the heart from weakening when it is pacemaker dependent?
Second question first: In patients with weak hearts (decreased LV ejection fraction) and LBBB, or in those patients in whom...
Can left bundle branch block be reversed?
The prevalence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) increases with advancing age in the general population. LBBB is associated with...
How common is it for three heart valves to be replaced successfully?
It is rather unusual for three heart valves to be replaced at the same operation. The success of the procedure...
What is your opinion on estrogen replacement where heart health is concerned?
Dear Maureen, Great question. You are quite right that the WHI trial showed that there was increased cardiovascular risk and...
