Archives

For a bicuspid aortic valve, is minimally invasive AVR or conventional AVR better?

Either technique is good. In my opinion, the choice ideally belongs to your surgeon who should explain why one approach...

Is there a different beta blocker that works as well as atenolol but without side effects?

Thanks for the question. Bystolic is an alternative to atenolol in patients with ED. Please check with your cardiologist before...

Is it possible to have stroke-like symptoms with an aortic valve problem?

Some diseases of the aortic valve may lead to stroke-like symptoms or a definite stroke. Narrowing of the aortic valve...

What keeps coronary artery bypasses from leaking?

This depends on the clotting ability of the patient’s blood and the technical performance of the anastomoses (suturing the graft...

I have an LAD muscle bridge.  Why would surgical repair not be offered?

Myocardial bridges may or may not interfere with ventricular function. This is controversial. In selected cases, surgical de-bridging may relieve...

What is n-stemi?

It is a condition where the patient is having severe heart pain but the EKG does not show any changes....

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!

Do I have congestive heart failure?

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

Can too high blood pressure damage coronary bypass grafts?

No, not at that level, however, maximal medical treatment should be achieved to prevent other things such as stroke or...

Is there a limit on the total number of stents that should be implanted?

No. It could be typical practice, depending upon the anatomy of the vessels. Repeat surgery carries a higher morbidity than...

Will using an infrared heat sauna cause any problems with the wires?

If the incision is fully healed, there should be no problem with using the sauna, following proper directions.

What is a porcelain aorta and how is it treated with aortic valve stenosis?

A porcelain aorta is a heavily calcified ascending thoracic aorta which may obviate usual aortic valve replacement through that approach....