AboutDavid Richardson Expertise Adult heart function and disease. Not very good about children lesss than 12. Hypertension is o.k. Heart rhythm a special interest.
Experience Certified in cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Was chairman of division of cardiology at the Medical College of Virginia. Am now mostly retired.
Organizations Fellow of American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology and member of American Physiological Society..
Publications Circulation, American Heart Journal, Hypertension.
Education/Credentials M.D. from Harvard Medical School. Residency training at Yale Uhniversity School of Medicine and Medical College of Virginia.
Awards and Honors Gold Heartt Award from American Heart Association in 1995.
Question I previously talked to you I believe back in March.
My doctor told me that I had a heart murmur, but didnt specify much of nything else other than she wants to keep check every 3 months. My bp is on the lower side but in good numbers, heart rate is a bit too high.
Lately, I been getting sudden on sets of light headed and dizziness, as well as my hands turninig purple and going numb, especially my left. I know its not from cold because it has been in the high 80s and still doing that. I also recently found my uncle dead from a massive heart attack, who had no previous problems with his heart.
Is there anything that I should be considered with or demand my dr to do. She wont do much cause I'm uninsured, but finding my Uncle dead really put a scare into me. Also, she has me on an aspirin regiment, not quite sure why she said to take it other than it was necessary for me to do so. Should I continue with this?
Thank you.
Answer Dear Lorrie,
A heart murmur does not lead to a heart attack. Unless you're over 45, you are not at risk of heart attack.
I need more info about light headed and dizzy. Do they only occur when you're standing, not sitting or lying? Is it spinning dizziness, like you're spinning round and round or the world is spinning around you?
Cold, numb hands sounds like Raynaud's phenomenon. Look up Raynaud's on eMedicine.com or WebMd.com.
Aspirin is good for everyone. Please take 81 mg (a baby aspirin) daily.
Please write back if this note doesn't answer all your questions.
