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About David Richardson
(Top Expert on this page)

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.

   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Medical Specialists > Heart & Cardiology

Questions Answered By Expert  David Richardson 
In Category  Heart & Cardiology

SubjectDate Asked

Fast Heart Beat, Chest Pain7/11/2009
  Q: i agree what you told me well i would like to add some more things like heartbeat problem was never ...
  A: The factt that pressing on your chest helps means that the discomfort is from your chest wall and no ...
could this be from heart or something else7/10/2009
  Q: I previously talked to you I believe back in March. My doctor told me that I had a heart murmur, ...
  A: A heart murmur does not lead to a heart attack. Unless you're over 45, you are not at risk of heart ...
PVC's7/10/2009
  Q: Richardson, I have recently begun to experience pvcs (50-100 daily last two weeks. I've been told ...
  A: 1. I'm not sure. PVCs are normal heart activity, to threat to life or health in someone with ...
Event Monitor results7/10/2009
  Q: I had a recent event monitor done for palpitations. The following were the results..my cardio doc ...
  A: Isolated monomorphic PVCs mean one at a time and all have the same shape. Bigeminy is not dangerous ...
Wierd Problems lately7/9/2009
  Q: Well it all started out about 3 days ago i was feeling wierd,as in nausea, shortness of breath, and ...
  A: It sounds like anxiety to me. Heart rate of 120 is okay. You probably had some virus causing ...
fluctuating heart rates7/9/2009
  Q: I work out about 4 days a week. One day about two weeks ago I was running on the treadmill until my ...
  A: Nothing is wrong with you in my opinion. It's okay for heart rate to jump around so long as it ...
Cardiac? Help...Please7/9/2009
  Q: 27 yo-female,Thoracic Syringomyelia (T4-T9)-2mm,Chiari 0,Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Cranial Settling( ...
  A: A negative stress test monitored by echo gives you 95% likelihood of no heart attack or cardiac ...
POTS7/9/2009
  Q: My 18 year old daughter has been diagnosed with POTS in March. She had to drop out of college and ...
  A: Doesn't POTS stand for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome? I judge from her meds that she ...
Rapid Heart Beat waking me from sleep7/8/2009
  Q: I seem to be a healthy 45 yr old woman, whom exercises daily, skipping days here and there. I run & ...
  A: It's all fear and anxiety. Your symptoms are the classic symptoms of anxiety. Gradual slowing down ...
unexplained chest pain7/8/2009
  Q: 33 year old male.. i have chest pain above the left side nipple. This pain is almost constant for ...
  A: Chest wall pain may occur repeatedly for years and years. If you can modify the pain, make it ...
continuation to my previous messages7/8/2009
  Q: I hope you remmeber me i am mark the one who sent you week ago my echocardiogram and ecg tests and ...
  A: The hard pump was probably a skipped heart beat. The beat after the skip occurs when the heart is ...
elevated heart rate with exercise7/7/2009
  Q: I am a 36 yr. fit,healthy female who is 5'4", weigh 140 with normal blood pressure and have been ...
  A: Bulimia won't damage the heart. I think you need not be concerned, tho having to work awful hard ...
Random sharp heart pains?7/7/2009
  Q: I'm 21, I'm not on any type of medications, I'm 5foot3, 110lbs, I do not know my blood pressure. I ...
  A: The most common cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
87 year old having a arteriogram7/6/2009
  Q: Richardson, My aunt who will turn 87 next Wednesday is having an arteriogram this morning. She has a ...
  A: Seems dangerous to me. Arteriograms are usually done under local anesthesia. She prpbably should ...
Rapid Heart Beat waking me from sleep7/6/2009
  Q: I seem to be a healthy 45 yr old woman, whom exercises daily, skipping days here and there. I run & ...
  A: Supraventricular tachycardia runs at 180-220 beats a minute and starts and stops in one heart beat. ...
left side chest and arm pain7/6/2009
  Q: I'm a 24 yr old male, 5ft 11inches, 206lbs, and the past year or so I've been very inactive. I've ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having all this trouble 1. Further testing is unlikely to help. 1. Doesn't sound ...
Low blood pressure7/5/2009
  Q: I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask, but I'm seventeen, and I have low blood pressure, ...
  A: Please stop the sertraline, which can cause low blood pressure, unless ALL of your symptoms preceded ...
septal infarct;age undertermined7/5/2009
  Q: my question is regarding ecg test done, is reading normal sinus rhythm,septal infarct ...
  A: lizarraga, Can't answer most of your questions without knowing your age, how long the pain has been ...
help7/4/2009
  Q: 76m tall I weight train 4 times a week my resting heart rate is between 58 to 64 Ive had my heart ...
  A: No, neither the rate of 150 nor the skipped beats are at all dangerous. Skipped beats are normal ...
Orthostatic HYPERtension7/4/2009
  Q: I am well aware of orthostatic hypotension, however, I have the opposite effect. I am low normal BP ...
  A: No, sorry. If the dizziness is spinning, like you're spinning round and round or the room is ...
Tachy/Brady ectopic beats7/4/2009
  Q: I am writing on behalf of my mother, Joan. Joan is 77 and diagnosed with persistent afib in 2006. ...
  A: Please tell me what Hawthorne is supposed to help and what its ill effects are. Verapamil is not ...
Fast Heart Beat & Chest Pain7/4/2009
  Q: I am 27 yrs old men, i am physically fine and my weight is 72 KG now with 5'8 height. main problem ...
  A: Deaar Hasan, If your fast heartbeat starts and stops gradually, over several minutes, it's normal, ...
Skipped beats7/3/2009
  Q: I'm a 16 year old male, about 5'8" and around 51kg. Last week, while i was in bed i had a sudden ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with normal EKG and ...
heart palpitations..7/2/2009
  Q: IVE written to you before regarding my heart troubles.As i was offline for a while i havent been ...
  A: Cramps in calves are normal. They come from having the calf muscles short. Get a board at the foot ...
echo7/2/2009
  Q: Here is my recent echocardiogram at rest results dated june 15 2009 my age is 33 male non smoker and ...
  A: Your heart is normal. Clogging pf cpronary arteries is very rare under age 45. Seems like anxiety ...
heart rhythm7/2/2009
  Q: UPDATE: I had a second holter monitor only 20 days later and they found several handfuls of ...
  A: Dea Mr. Turley, Find out if either Holter showed supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). This is a ...
PVC's7/1/2009
  Q: I am a 35 yr old female, 5'7", 133lbs, and my normal BP is anywhere between 107/70 - 95/60. I am ...
  A: Ask about flecainide, which is safe for someone with a normal EKG and echocardiogram and is more ...
heart palpitations/chest tightness7/1/2009
  Q: I am 37 years old and in decent shape. I have been experiencing on and off fast heart beat, chest ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with normal EKG and ...
medications and the heart7/1/2009
  Q: Last year in June I had an abnormal EKG. ST depression. I was having a full blown panic attack when ...
  A: Premature beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with normal cath ...
Heart skipped beats and beats irregular6/30/2009
  Q: I had a panic attack about little over a month ago and my heart beat fast for about 10 seconds if ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with normal EKG and ...
SHort of breath chest pain breat bone rib 4 and 56/29/2009
  Q: 7 months ago i was with a friend at the theatre watching a movie after having a dinner and while i ...
  A: The most common cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
Morning low pulse6/29/2009
  Q: I am a healthy 76, 200 lbs, 5'11", four way bypass in 96 after 3 angioplastys. I was recently ...
  A: Conway, Cozaar is not a beta blocker, but an ACE Inhibitor. It does not slow the pulse. 35 is ...
Chest pain.6/28/2009
  Q: I am 66 years old,175cm high and 57kg. My blood pressure is usually normal. I stopped taking valium ...
  A: The most likely cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
untreated malaria causing heart diease6/28/2009
  Q: In your general opinion can untreated malaria cause heart disease? DIC, Myocarditis, tachycardia, ...
  A: Anemia yes, from the parasites exploding red blood cells. Tachycardia would accompany fever in ...
Heart Rhythm6/28/2009
  Q: GOOD EVENING, I HAVE READ ON THIS SITE THAT SINUS ARRHYTHMIA ONLY OCCURS IN HEALTHY HEARTS.. SO CAN ...
  A: Yes, a heart with LVH may be quite healthy and have sinus arrhythmia, even a normal EKG, tho normal ...
Wierd symptoms!6/27/2009
  Q: for the past few weeks ive been expierencing wierd symptoms thatclearly point to a heart ...
  A: The most likely cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall and arms. If ...
sudden waking up w/ tacycadia6/27/2009
  Q: im 17yo and decently active. i play football, but just recently moved so i havent done much in a ...
  A: If the fast heart beat starts and stops abruptly, in one heart beat, it's probably supraventricular ...
irregular heartbeats, skipping6/26/2009
  Q: I am a 30 year old woman. Yes I smoke. Just over the past year or so, I have been experiencing very ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with normal heart ...
Dilated aorta.6/26/2009
  Q: I'm also an expert here on AllExperts since around 10 years. My fields are in my specialty (medical ...
  A: Nordquist, Normal aortic diameter is up to 3.7 cm. With her low blood pressure, her aorta is ...
left side chest and arm pain6/26/2009
  Q: Im a 23 yr old male, with cholesterol of 245, 6ft and 205 lbs. I have intermittent recurring left ...
  A: The sudden increase and decrease in pulse rate indicates PSVT, The most likely cause of pain like ...
Fast pulse rate that won't come down with sedative6/25/2009
  Q: I accidently asked this to the person below you, but meant to send it to you. I don't know if it's ...
  A: Anxiety is most likely. Overactive thyroid can too, but should cause weight loss, tremor and heat ...
holter findings6/25/2009
  Q: I wore a holter moniter over the weekend. Of course my doc is on vacation and i can't find out ...
  A: You probably meant PACs after 1,187. PAC's are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. ...
pain , numb tounge6/25/2009
  Q: I am 33yr old male. I have chest pain on the left side above my nipple. it happens quite often , not ...
  A: The most likely cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
chest pains chronic6/24/2009
  Q: for the last 15 months or so, i have been experiencing on and off stabbing pains in the left side ...
  A: The most likely cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
tachycardia6/24/2009
  Q: I've been suffering from tachycardia for 10 years now. It started when I was about 17 (i am 27 now). ...
  A: It's called Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST). I'd try another beta blocker, atenolol or ...
heart rate variability6/23/2009
  Q: I preface this by noting that I had a small heart attack in September but fortunately escaped with ...
  A: The only concern is that anxiety and anger make the heart beat faster and are probably not good for ...
Abnormal ECG6/18/2009
  Q: I had an ECG on Tuesday as part of a pre op assessment. I'm due to have varicose vein surgery in a ...
  A: Nothing about your ECG report weighs against varicose vein or any surgery. The direction of the P ...
Heart and alcohol6/18/2009
  Q: Dr.Richardson, What is your opinion on heart disease and casual alcohol consumption (wine or ...
  A: Three ounces of whisky or 2 glasses of wine, especially red wine, lessen the likelihood of coronary ...
Borderline Aortic Root6/18/2009
  Q: I've asked you questions before on this forum and have always appreciated your opinions and ...
  A: My textbook says upper limit of normal aorta is 3.7 cm, so yours is borderline. Once aortas start ...
high cholestrol and left side chest pain6/17/2009
  Q: I'm a 23 yr old male, 6ft, and 205lbs, very inactive person and don't eat the greatest. I also drink ...
  A: Triglycerides are high because of beer and eating. Yes, I agree with most of above, but not that ...
angina/neg angio gram/bridging6/17/2009
  Q: Iam confused- I have seen two cardiologists- in past 1.5 yrs- i have had, stress test, ct scan 64 ...
  A: I don't see how another stress test will help, Paul. It was normal before and will probably be ...
angina/neg angio gram/bridging6/16/2009
  Q: Iam confused- I have seen two cardiologists- in past 1.5 yrs- i have had, stress test, ct scan 64 ...
  A: Spasm of a coronary artery? ...
Constant small heart pain and exhaustion6/15/2009
  Q: I'm a 31 years man and I have had a constant heart pain or feeling and tiredness now at least 4 ...
  A: Are you sleeping well? Do you snore? Do you fall asleep frequently during the day, even when ...
cardiomyopathy6/15/2009
  Q: I am 38 years old and was diagnosed with cardiomypathy in 2001. Upon the initial diagnosis the echo ...
  A: Yes, you are qualified for total and permanent disability. It helps if you take to SSA a note from ...
cramp in the heart6/15/2009
  Q: Sometimes my hart contracts like a cramp. It lasts for just a second. This happens while cycling in ...
  A: The most likely cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
32-Year-Old With Persistent Chest, Left Arm Pain6/15/2009
  Q: Richardson, I am a 32-year-old male, former 1-pack-a-day smoker for 5 years (quit a few months ...
  A: I think you're okay and don't need to pursue this further. Press firmly on the area that hurts. If ...
high cholestrol and left side chest pain6/14/2009
  Q: I'm a 23 yr old male, 6ft, and 205lbs, very inactive person and don't eat the greatest. I also drink ...
  A: The most likely cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
skipped heart beats6/13/2009
  Q: YOUR A STAR!! i feel that sometimes i just need reassurance with these horrible things, one more ...
  A: Skipped beats are usually more frequent at rest. I don't know why yours disappear in the evenings. ...
anterior wall reversibility & stress induced ischemia6/13/2009
  Q: I am a 53 yr old woman who in the last few yrs was put on hbp, chols, thyroid meds. I had a echo ...
  A: Louise, you get to choose. If the pain and light pressure interfere with your life, see a ...
anterior wall reversibility & stress induced ischemia6/13/2009
  Q: I am a 53 yr old woman who in the last few yrs was put on hbp, chols, thyroid meds. I had a echo ...
  A: It means the front wall of your heart doesn't contract as well as the rest of the heart when ...
Tachycardia attacks, and odd heart rhythm6/13/2009
  Q: I am an 18 year old male and weigh about 151 pounds and am 6 feet tall. Recently in the past 6-7 ...
  A: If the fast heart beat comes on gradually, over a few minutes, and subsides gradually, it is a ...
pvc's and left side chest pain6/12/2009
  Q: , thanks so much in advance for answering my question. I'm a 23 yr old otherwise healthy male. 6ft ...
  A: With normal echos, stress test etc., you are at no risk of VFib or AFib. It's quite safe so far as ...
Young female with chest pain, possible panic attack, normal ekg6/12/2009
  Q: I am a 24-year old female, overweight (165lbs, height is 5 feet 1 inch), non-smoker, on omeprazole ...
  A: Pain from clogging of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart is unheard of in a ...
Ectopics6/11/2009
  Q: I am a 23 m who gets PVCs during exercise. During exercise (treadmill walking, sometimes with an ...
  A: PVCs during exercise have slight special significance. Here's a quote:"Exercise-induced ventricular ...
Heart beat felt and cough6/11/2009
  Q: late 30s, no meds, normal 8 weeks ago, I started feeling a strong heartbeat, like heart was ...
  A: Premature heart beats is a name. They are either premature atrial contractions (PACs) or premature ...
Heart beat felt and cough6/11/2009
  Q: late 30s, no meds, normal 8 weeks ago, I started feeling a strong heartbeat, like heart was ...
  A: The poor quality could well have been caused by your bra preventing good contact between sensor pads ...
L)Chest Pain6/10/2009
  Q: 62 years old mail generaly in good health . HX of high BP ( 140/90 )and high colestrol controlled ...
  A: The most likely cause of your pain is cramping of muscles in the chest wall. You can prove if this ...
irregular heart beats6/9/2009
  Q: i am a 50 year old post menopausal female who has been experiencing a funky 'extra hard' type of ...
  A: You're probably having extra heart beats called premature contractions. If they occur soon after ...
Heart and antibiotics6/9/2009
  Q: Doctor Richardson, I am a heart patient (CHF and CAD). I also have mitral regurgitation and a ...
  A: Sear Denise, The American Heart changed its guidelines recently because of new research. It has ...
sick and tired of PACs6/8/2009
  Q: i am a 42 year old female who has consulted you before on several occasions. I have been on ...
  A: It's okay to stop the flecainide abruptly since it's no help. Sotalol is worth a try. Neither ...
Junctional rhythm6/8/2009
  Q: My question is can you explain a junctional rhythm with premature/extra beats. Symptoms are ...
  A: Disorders of heart valves are among the causes of junctional rhythm. But the positive tilt test ...
swollen lower eyelids6/7/2009
  Q: my mother is 83 yrs old, has hbp, cad, thyroid, pain in her groin and knee on the right side, ...
  A: Paantoprazole and amlodipine can cause swelling of lower eyelids. Try stopping the pantoprazole for ...
Junctional rhythm6/7/2009
  Q: My question is can you explain a junctional rhythm with premature/extra beats. Symptoms are ...
  A: Ask if it's a junctional escape rhythm or an accelerated junctional rhythm, unless you already know. ...
SVT6/6/2009
  Q: My cardiologist thinks I may be having an exercise induced SVT. He said my heart is very normal and ...
  A: Gina, it's normal to feel lightheaded and short of breath during SVT. You will not fall over dead ...
Abmormal heart EKG + hyperthryoid6/6/2009
  Q: Last month blood work showed a TSH of .01, further testing for FT4 was 4.6. I was referred to an ...
  A: It's very easy to make an EKG mistake by putting the electrodes too high on your chest. You ...
mvp6/6/2009
  Q: i have the foll question regarding mvp. i experience the occassional dyspnea where though i am able ...
  A: MVP with trivial regurgitation causes no symptoms, none at all. The fact that you can sometimes run ...
what is it6/5/2009
  Q: i am a 33 male. 2 years ago went to the cardiologist due to an awareness of my heart beat/pulse it ...
  A: Dizziness might be due to atenolol. Try stopping it, but stop gradually. 25 mg a day for a week, ...
Pain down right arm6/5/2009
  Q: I am a 36 year old female, no history of a cardiac conditions on either side of my immediate family. ...
  A: No need for concern. Feel the pulse in your wrist, then raise your arm up above your head and as ...
Stress Test6/5/2009
  Q: I am a 31 year old female with no past medical history. I have been healthy my entire life until I ...
  A: Clogging of arteries is driven by cholesterol and is VERY rare, unheard of, in women below age 50. ...
skipped beats6/4/2009
  Q: was just wondering if you could help me, i am 28 years old and i have been suffering from skipped ...
  A: You need not worry. Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health for ...
Anti-platelet6/4/2009
  Q: Richardson Could you please comment on my question about blood thinners (anti-platelet & ...
  A: I'm sorry, but I have no information on Plavix versus aspirin, only Plavix pus aspirin versus ...
Tinnitus and Carotid Artery flow6/4/2009
  Q: I am writing this on behalf of my mother. She is a 60 year old, healthy woman that has been battling ...
  A: Tinnitus means ringing or at least hissing in an ear. Hearing her heart beat in one ear is not ...
PVCs /hear rate and mortality risk?6/3/2009
  Q: I'm 49yo male, nonsmoker, red wine drinker that works out daily with cardio or weights. In great ...
  A: Ken, your vigorous exercise probably accounts for the ventricular hypertrophy and the atrial ...
About Pvc's!6/3/2009
  Q: I've asked: Dear David! I want to ask you about pvc's. In 7/2007, after my business by plain (i ...
  A: Low potassium can increase the frequency of PVCs. No kind of PVCs cause VT or VF in someone with ...
Pulse6/3/2009
  Q: Richardson, Can you discuss heart rate changes throughout the day? I have what I think is becoming ...
  A: No mantra that I know will slow your pulse. However, up to 120 with ordinary household activity is ...
PVCs /hear rate and mortality risk?6/2/2009
  Q: I'm 49yo male, nonsmoker, red wine drinker that works out daily with cardio or weights. In great ...
  A: PVCs are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. About half of us have premature beats; ...
Slow resting heart rate6/2/2009
  Q: I have had problems in the past with fast heart rates and pvc/pacs however I am now dealing with a ...
  A: Slow resting heart rate is good, healthy, predicts long life. You're not paranoid, just confused by ...
HEART DISEASE6/1/2009
  Q: i have the foll question : During a visit to a friends house i climbed their stairs carrying my ...
  A: BP less than 12.1/7.0 is normal at rest and your bp should be a little higher right after climbing ...
Blood Pressure/Anxiety/Heart6/1/2009
  Q: Richardson, I have been reading with great interest your patient, practical, and wise responses to ...
  A: Decreasing the beta blocker would not put you at greater risk. Dizziness may be caused by ...
chest pain6/1/2009
  Q: I have SVT and I was wondering if it causes any pains in the chest. I can not tell if the pain is in ...
  A: The most likely cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
PVC's!6/1/2009
  Q: I want to ask you about pvc's. In 7/2007, after my business by plain (i afraid of plain). I had skip ...
  A: PVCs are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health for anyone with normal EKGs and ...
PVC's5/31/2009
  Q: I am 38, and generally healthy I was diagnosed with a mild MVP in 1990. This after a pretty bad ...
  A: Sotacor is not listed by epocrates. Please send me its generic name. 1. MVP is not connected with ...
have svts,pvc, and pacs5/31/2009
  Q: I am a 43 yo male overweight. I have svt attacks over the last year. I have done stress /nuclear ...
  A: The indication for cath is chest pain attributable to clogging of coronary arteries; this pain is ...
racing heart5/31/2009
  Q: Iam a 31 yr old womam w/mild MVP, w/regurg. A few times after vigorous activity, I have had a racing ...
  A: Breathing hard and fast makes you light headed. Try breathing slowly and shallowly and see if the ...
skipped heart beats5/30/2009
  Q: I have read a lot of your answers regarding skipped heart beats. I have had anxiety over my skipped ...
  A: Skipped beats almost never cause any trouble. Your exercise ability suggests strongly that your ...
Cad - Pvc's - Svt - rbbb5/30/2009
  Q: I am a male- 51 years of age. BP- 117 / 68 I have RBBB and CAD 2005- MI - had angioplasty - three ...
  A: 1. SVT can cause light-headedness, but not chest or back pain or shortness of breath or nausea. Any ...
Heart missing 'down' beats5/30/2009
  Q: Family history : males with WPW, every male has dies before the age of 50. I have passed WPW to ...
  A: Deaar Denise. I have no idea what a down beat is. You'll need to ask the doctor. Skipped beats ...
orthostatic intolerance5/29/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you know much about orthostatic intolerance? My symptoms are dizziness when ...
  A: I think I'm one of the world's greatest experts on orthostatic hypotension. It can occur at any ...
ECG reading5/29/2009
  Q: I had a question regarding my ECG. I'm 21 years old, in good shape(walk 4 miles, run 2 miles, lift ...
  A: Sinus arrhythmia is good. It shows your heart is responding well to nerve signals generated in the ...
racing heart5/29/2009
  Q: Iam a 31 yr old womam w/mild MVP, w/regurg. A few times after vigorous activity, I have had a racing ...
  A: If the fast heart beat starts and stops abruptly, in one heart beat, it's not anxiety but paroxsymal ...
heart attack in 20 year old?5/28/2009
  Q: I have a terrible anxiety problem. I am a healthy 20 year old, no medical problems besides my ...
  A: Heart attack in a 20-year-old woman from clogging of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the ...
CHOLESTEROL5/28/2009
  Q: I'm 35 years male with 5'10" height aNd 75Kgs few months ago i had high cholestrol level as given ...
  A: In my opinion, every man with cholesterol over 240 should take atorvastatin 40 mg every evening for ...
PMS and premature beats5/27/2009
  Q: I have anxiety and panic attacks but did have a false reading of pulmonary hypertension on an echo ...
  A: Remember that skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health for someone with ...
Possible heart conditions5/26/2009
  Q: married. Not very active physically. Weight 60Kg, hight 5'5" my conditions are as follows: 1) Pain ...
  A: The most likely cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
endurance vs interval training5/26/2009
  Q: About a year and a half ago, I was given and passed a stress echo ( I have a well-functioning ...
  A: No, a stress echo does not adequately test for stop/start activity. It is normal to have different ...
no atrial function follow up5/26/2009
  Q: I would like to update you on what I have done and where I am at now. A few weeks ago I saw an ...
  A: 1.Atenolol is usually weaned, but that's because of fear of coronary disease. For a young woman it ...
Heart rate5/25/2009
  Q: I am a 19 year old male, slightly overweight. I have many PVC's, but have had a heart echo, multiple ...
  A: No problem; heart rate of 140 during exercise is fine. Lightheadedness after exercise may be low ...
Supraventricular Tachycardia5/25/2009
  Q: Richardson. I was hoping you could possibly help me put my mind to rest, as my wife keeps trying to ...
  A: Premature beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with normal EKG ...
triathlete with possible heart issues?5/25/2009
  Q: I am a 30 year old male, have always been fit, and am currently in what I consider great shape and ...
  A: The 3 quick beats are probably premature atrial beats. These are normal heart activity, as is the ...
scar after heart attack5/24/2009
  Q: On6/28/08 I had a severe MI. Total blockage of the LAD. A stent was used. My injection fraction was ...
  A: Angioplasty areas sometimes renarrow. The fatigue, breathlessness and swelling are caused by your ...
ventricular fibrillation5/24/2009
  Q: I have a sinus arrythmia w/ pvc's. when I was in the ER last week I was hooked up to the heart ...
  A: It could not have been vfib. You would have become unconscious in 15 seconds and dead in 5 minutes. ...
racing heart5/24/2009
  Q: I woke up last night suddenly, feeling like my throat was closed off or I couldn't breathe. I have ...
  A: Murray, Panic can easily cause a heart rate that high. Extra beats are normal heart activity, no ...
Poor/Reversed R wave progression5/23/2009
  Q: I had 2 ekg's performed for insurance reasons. One in July 08 and one April 09. July read poor r ...
  A: McNally, Yes, lead misplacement is probably the reason for poor R progression. Placing the leads ...
scar after heart attack5/23/2009
  Q: On6/28/08 I had a severe MI. Total blockage of the LAD. A stent was used. My injection fraction was ...
  A: Scar in the right coronary area could not come from LAD. It means trouble with the right coronary ...
Chest Pains...5/23/2009
  Q: I am scared about this, but don't know if I should go to the doctor or not for it. It started about ...
  A: The most likely cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
PVCs: Exercise or Rest?5/23/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I have episodes of bigeminy and trigeminy. I do not have a heart disease but my ...
  A: By all means exercise as much as possible. PVCs occur a bit more often at rest when the heart is ...
pvc"s5/22/2009
  Q: I have pvc's and take atenol to help with them. I do not have them every day. I have episodes ...
  A: PVC's are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with the normal heart ...
pain in left side of the heart5/22/2009
  Q: I had a pain left Side of the heart and it take place to back side also, means it start from front ...
  A: The most likely cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles in the chest wall. If you can ...
coronary spasm and tingling feelings5/22/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson My name is Michelle and i have been diagnosed with coronary spasms and i was given ...
  A: The most likely cause of tingling is breathing too much. Pay attention to your breathing when you ...
Cardiovascular Assessment5/21/2009
  Q: My name is Caroline and I am sending this question on behalf of my friend Rose. Rose has had a Heart ...
  A: The tests are fine, nothing at all to worry about. Not even a valve problem, so the murmur is ...
Studies on hypertension5/21/2009
  Q: Could you please tell me whether there is any medical literature or web sites that would tell me the ...
  A: Sorry, Al, I know of no way other than to fill out the forms listing age, sex and blood pressure are ...
septal infarct5/20/2009
  Q: I had an EKG today that when compared with my ECG of 03Apr 2007 said possible Septal infarct, my ...
  A: If you have chest pain that lasts over 10 minutes despite lying down and taking a nitroglycerine ...
Upcoming Surgery5/19/2009
  Q: , I am to have laproscopic gall bladder surgery on Wednesday. Im 60 years old. I have risk factors ...
  A: Marge. We doctors are lucky to have patients like you to educate us. Please take the article to ...
PVCs spells...scary...causes/treatment?5/19/2009
  Q: Richardson. I stumbled upon this website and can say this is a very valuable service you are doing. ...
  A: PVCs are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with a normal EKG and normal ...
congenital complete heart block5/19/2009
  Q: "I am 24 years married and primigravida in 37 weeks. two years ago i admitted to ICU after taken ...
  A: rasha, since you've already had Stoke-Adams episodes, I think you need a pacemaker now. Does your ...
Upcoming Surgery5/19/2009
  Q: , I am to have laproscopic gall bladder surgery on Wednesday. Im 60 years old. I have risk factors ...
  A: Toprol is VERY safe. In my opinion your should take every one of the recommended doses. Surgery ...
Heart Rate5/17/2009
  Q: Dr.Richardson, I have read through your old answers and hope you can take a moment to help me. I ...
  A: 1. No. Heart rate lower than 70 means your pacemaker is not functioning correctly. 2. Norvasc and ...
Borderline EKG5/15/2009
  Q: How is borderline EKG is defined by cardiologist? What is the significance in patient's care?
  A: There are a bunch of different ways an EKG would be read as borderline. Can you be more specific, ...
PVC's5/14/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson - I have been reading your posts for the last several years, primarily for periodic ...
  A: Heart cells are like capacitors. They store a an electrical charge (voltage) between inside and ...
Mitral valve prolapse/ Bystolic5/14/2009
  Q: I was recently diagnosed with a slight mitral valve prolapse. I have anxiety symptoms, occasional ...
  A: Bystolic is very safe and has few ill effects. Flutter is to be avoided if possible. You said you ...
inconsistent heart rate5/13/2009
  Q: I am 23 weigh about 125lbs and i am a 5'7. I had a total knee replacement 3 months because my right ...
  A: Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia seems correct to me. Here's a abstract about treatment that you ...
pain left side of the chest5/13/2009
  Q: I'm 27 years old, weight 242 pounds, I suffer arrhythmia, sometimes my heart beat skips for a second ...
  A: Your pain is almost certainly not dangerous. The most common cause of chest pain in a young person ...
stint surgery5/13/2009
  Q: I had stint surgery through my grown. The doctors did not put a stint in my heart. They said that I ...
  A: Yes, it's possible, indeed usual. The heart can enlarge arteries so they make effective bypasses. ...
Enlarged heart5/12/2009
  Q: My dad is 81 years old, probably about 5'10'', 140lb. For the past few months he has been suffering ...
  A: Yes, EECP may help a lot. It's often very helpful. Furosemide makes you pee a lot. ACE inhibitors ...
PSVT5/12/2009
  Q: I am 56 years old male. I am on antenolol 100mg celexa 10 mg and hydro 12.5 mg. During the past 2 ...
  A: First, lie down. Valsalva: Take a deep breath, exhale but don't let the air out of your chest, ...
Enlarged heart5/12/2009
  Q: My dad is 81 years old, probably about 5'10'', 140lb. For the past few months he has been suffering ...
  A: Sure, there are lots of medicines that could help his breathing. Furosemide (Lasix), ACE inhibitors ...
irregular heartbeay y beats5/11/2009
  Q: I recently had a holter monitor due to an irregular heartbeat. I have had this condition for about ...
  A: No idea! Could he have said wide beats? There's no such thing as a y beat. At any rate, extra ...
right ventricular hypertrophy5/11/2009
  Q: I am a 38 y/o F, 5'3",153lbs. I was at a Medi-Weightloss Clinic on 4/27. The prescreen involved ...
  A: Right bundle branch block is no threat to life or health. Electrical impulses reach the right ...
Chest pain5/10/2009
  Q: I have been experiancing chest pain for the better part of a year now. The pain comes under my left ...
  A: Not MVP. That doesn't cause pain. It may be your colon, distended in its left upper corner, just ...
Should I see a cardiologist?5/10/2009
  Q: I am uncertain if I should push for a visit to a cardiologist or even what to do. I am 29 year ...
  A: Petersen, I meant diastolic dysfunction of the heart, failure to relax well during diastole. That ...
mvp5/9/2009
  Q: i have mild mvp with mild mitral insufficiency. i was diagnosed 12yrs and i;ve been paranoid about ...
  A: You don't need antibiotics for dental procedures, and missing one dose will not cause bacteria to ...
Suspected SVT concerns5/8/2009
  Q: 35 / male / no meds / BP = 125/75 / No CAD/HD history in family Have a history of short, ...
  A: Yes, sounds like SVT. With short PR, might even be WPW. Episodes won't get any worse, but might ...
heart issues, ovary removal5/8/2009
  Q: I was a bit alarmed by your response to a previous poster about clogged arteries and ovary removal. ...
  A: No, you're fine. Very young women whose ovaries are removed are more likely to develop clogging of ...
pain in chest5/7/2009
  Q: i woke up yesterday with this heaviness or pain in the middle of my chestright between my breast.the ...
  A: Kelly, Pleurisy is pain worse with a deep breath in, so it's not pleurisy. Heart can give ...
Ectopics5/6/2009
  Q: I am 46 year old male good blood pressure, reasonable weight. No family history of heart disease. ...
  A: Ectopics are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with a normal echo. Just ...
blunted both costophrenic angles5/5/2009
  Q: My X-ray came back and it stated "blunted both costophrenic angles".Can you please tell me what it ...
  A: Pretorius, It could be a little fluid leaking out of the lungs, or it could be scar left from an ...
Heart skips beat with deep breth5/5/2009
  Q: Ive been having this issue for a while now with a sort of skipped beat when take a deep breath. ...
  A: The heart normally slows down as you exhale after a deep breath. It's called sinus arrhythmia in ...
Cather ablasions SVT5/4/2009
  Q: I'm 34 yr old female, slightly overweight but in good health and exercise 3 - 4 per week. I had 4 ...
  A: Yes, SVT can come back again. 100 is a little high. Your heart is not working harder if your blood ...
Catheter ablation5/4/2009
  Q: About 2-1/2 weeks ago I had an ablation procedure for an SVT problem. After the ablation the Dr. ...
  A: The top number is the pressure reached when the heat is pumping blood into the arteries. The bottom ...
Quadruple Bypass and Emphezema5/3/2009
  Q: My dad had a heart attack at age 39, he is now 58. Has had a few angiograms over the years but, no ...
  A: The emphysema probably won't slow his recovery much. They could have discovered it earlier but ...
Sharp, Sudden Chest Pain5/2/2009
  Q: I am 21 years old. I am not taking any medicines. I weigh approximately 103lbs and am 5'2" tall. I'm ...
  A: The most likely cause of your pain is cramping of muscles around the ribs, a big nuisance but no ...
tachycardia5/2/2009
  Q: I have MVP, with mild leakage. I had a couple of episodes in the last year where after activity, my ...
  A: It's no deadly rhythm. If your heart rate increases gradually, over a few minutes, and slows down ...
Pain in your left side of chest5/1/2009
  Q: I am 32 years of age, height 181 meters, gender male and weight is around 88 KG. I have not ...
  A: Your pain is from cramping of muscles in the chest wall and is no threat to life or health. The ...
right ventricular hypertrophy5/1/2009
  Q: I am a 38 y/o F, 5'3",153lbs. I was at a Medi-Weightloss Clinic on 4/27. The prescreen involved ...
  A: Unlikely to be a wrong reading. Probably not dangerous, but you should have an echocardiogram to be ...
PVC's and EKG5/1/2009
  Q: Im a 23 yr old male otherwise healthy besides these skipped beat feelings I was fishing today and ...
  A: PVCs are no threat to life or health in someone with a normal QTc (less than 440 ms.) and echo. ...
Heart Calcium Scoring4/30/2009
  Q: I have been a healthy, active 55 year old with no symptoms of heart disease. My recent CT heart scan ...
  A: Chapman, In men, CAC by EBT was associated with a relative risk for future cardiac events of 10.5, ...
Echo results4/12/2009
  Q: My doctor told me that I had a murmur and sent me for an echo. The results were "Normal LV size, ...
  A: Neither hypertension nor obesity nor skipped heart beats would cause enlargement of the left atrium ...
fluttering flip flop feeling...4/12/2009
  Q: I am a 22 year old female, not currently on any medications about 40lbs overweight (which I am ...
  A: You're probably feeling skipped heart beats, which are normal heart activity, no threat to life or ...
Heart Rate4/11/2009
  Q: 62 yrs old - I had open heart 4 weeks ago (mitral valve repaired, single bypass, and RF Maze)- ...
  A: If the pulse is regular, it's probably okay, tho I don't think surgery 4 weeks ago would make it ...
Low blood volume/hypertension4/11/2009
  Q: I have mitral valve prolapse syndrome and a funky nervous system. I get frequent panic attacks due ...
  A: No, low blood volume would not make your blood pressure go up. Down, if anything. How high does ...
Echo results4/11/2009
  Q: My doctor told me that I had a murmur and sent me for an echo. The results were "Normal LV size, ...
  A: My apologies! I completely missed the atrial size. There is no hint about why your doctor heard a ...
Echo results4/10/2009
  Q: My doctor told me that I had a murmur and sent me for an echo. The results were "Normal LV size, ...
  A: The echo is perfectly normal, all of it. All you need to do is keep your blood pressure normal and ...
Prognosis in 80 yr old male with EF of 15%4/10/2009
  Q: My Dad just had an echocardiogram showing EF of 15%. He suffered a massive MI 13 years ago, and was ...
  A: 50% of people with congestive heart failure die in 2 years. That doesn't help much. If his heart ...
trace mitral regurg.4/9/2009
  Q: hey doc, i was told in oct 08 after an ultrasound of heart that i have trace mitral reg.i just turn ...
  A: Trace regurg will not get any worse, ever, and does not produce any symptoms. It's normal. The ...
trace mitral regurg.4/8/2009
  Q: hey doc, i was told in oct 08 after an ultrasound of heart that i have trace mitral reg.i just turn ...
  A: Trace mitral regurg is normal and would not cause your symptoms. Please exercise as much as ...
pain in chest4/8/2009
  Q: my age is 39 yrs. & waigh 65 kgs hight is 5feet4" my problem is that i feel giddiness & sleepy ...
  A: The most common cause of chest pain in the young is cramping of muscles in the chest wall. You can ...
sudden start of PVCs4/8/2009
  Q: 46 yo male, 195 lbs (5'11"). I started having PVCs suddenly about three weeks ago. I've had a EKG ...
  A: PVCs are no threat to life or health in someone with a normal nuclear stress test and EKG. They ...
nonischemic cardiomyopathy4/7/2009
  Q: I am a 55 female. I was diagnosed with nonischemic cardiomyopathy in 2006. RVEF of 14%. My Dr. ...
  A: Poor R progression is usually caused by putting the electrodes too high on the chest. Previous ...
congenital complete heart block4/6/2009
  Q: "I am 24 years married and primigravida in 37 weeks. two years ago i admitted to ICU after taken ...
  A: Rasha, Normal delivery is okay. Why not get a pacemaker? If you've already had Stokes-Adams ...
Sometimes I fear I am going to die, sometimes I think I would feel better if I did!4/6/2009
  Q: I am 39 years old (female), 5'2, 115 lbs and my blood pressure is normally around 100/70's-80's when ...
  A: SVT starts and stops abruptly, in one heart beat. Sinus tach starts and slows gradually, over ...
I can feel my heart through my chest wall4/6/2009
  Q: I'm 22, male, non-smoker and I rarely drink. I eat quite well and go to the gym 3 - 4 times per ...
  A: All is well. On most non-obese people, the heart is easy to feel through the chest wall. Us ...
ECG results I dont quite understand4/5/2009
  Q: Results say, "ECG demonstrates a normal sinus rhythm with poor anterior R-wave progression and ...
  A: Poor R-wave progression means the first upward spike of the QRS complex (the big sharp spikes) ...
hear my heart beat4/4/2009
  Q: why do i hear my own heart beating? my doc. thought it was high blood pressure but it is not high at ...
  A: Not sure. IF you hear your breathing as well as your heartbeat, it's because the tubes that connect ...
Skipped Heartbearts4/4/2009
  Q: Richardson, For 20 years, I suffered greatly with terrifying heart palpitations (skipped beats, ...
  A: Charles, Skipped heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. The passing ...
EKG Interpretation4/4/2009
  Q: I was hospitalized for 4 days; admitted due to severe abdonominal/chest pains that were acute. At ...
  A: Griner, The message you got from the gastro dept. is not clear. The strips sound like ventricular ...
LAFB+RBBB4/4/2009
  Q: I just had a EKG come back with incomplete LAFB and RBBB I am a 28 year old male active in sports. I ...
  A: The LAF (left anterior fascicle) and the right bundle branch are both very thin bundles of ...
SVT4/2/2009
  Q: 68 years old, white male, weight fine. 11/3/08 had L5 & L4 removed. Shortly thereafter developed ...
  A: You need not travel world wide. A cardiac ElectroPhysiologist can help. There are usually several ...
leakey heart valve4/2/2009
  Q: my mom was hospitalized for a fall which led to all her underlying problems....mom while in the ...
  A: Lasix is not likely to cause harm in someone with moderately decreased kidney function. Lasix with ...
palpitations4/2/2009
  Q: I am a 34 year old female mother of a 6 year old I live in Greece with phobias and health worries ...
  A: Blackout spells are a problem. The only way I know to get at the problem is an event monitor, a ...
Is this Heart Related4/2/2009
  Q: Iam 28 years old male. For the last one year, I have been experiencing the folowing symptoms. pain ...
  A: MVP is not a problem at all and requires no medicines. With a normal echo and stress test, your ...
palpitations4/1/2009
  Q: I have anxiety and palpitations and I'm on a beta blocker propranolol 80mg slow release. In the past ...
  A: Sure, go back and ask the doc. Ask if it could have been supraventricular tachycardia, though you ...
Aorta Vale replacement4/1/2009
  Q: Has the minimally invasive aorta valve replacement via entry through the groin been approved for ...
  A: I doubt if it's been improved in the U.S. Probably 3 or more years. Results look good. Dr John ...
no atrial mechanical function4/1/2009
  Q: I am a 34 yr old with a history of large ASD repair as a child with a Dacron patch I have had lots ...
  A: Ashman, Normal aortic diameter is 2.0-3.7 cm. Weak atrial contribution means you do have stagnant ...
far left chest burning3/31/2009
  Q: I'm a 34 year old male, non-smoker at my ideal weight and have no family history of heart disease. ...
  A: The way-out pain may be cramping of muscles in the chest wall or heartburn from acid flowing from ...
Night time Bigeminy PVCS3/31/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson: I am a 51 years old male, 6' tall, 226 lbs, BP 138/86, on Norvasc and Toprol, ...
  A: Bigeminal PVCs provide little risk for someone with an EF of 45%. PVCs are of course more frequent ...
LVH3/31/2009
  Q: My recent ECG shows "minimal voltage for LVH". The ECG shows deep S waves in V1, V2 and V3 (24mm, ...
  A: Hard to tell. Do you have hypertension or aortic valve narrowing? If not, LVH is unlikely. The ...
MVP3/31/2009
  Q: I was recently dx with Mild MVP although for years some doctors have noticed a murmur. (age ...
  A: Branham, That your MVP doesn't make symptoms, though anxiety about the murmur may. Palpitations ...
Natural bypass and chemical pypass3/30/2009
  Q: I have no knowledge about this course of treatment. Could you please advise its acceptability and ...
  A: They will probably inject a clot-dissolving substance called TPA into the artery through a long ...
Cold all the time?3/30/2009
  Q: I am a 25-year-old woman and I'm cold all the time. I can't remember when my symptoms started, as ...
  A: Hypothyroid is all I can think of, but you've had your thyroid checked. See an internist, and ask ...
MVP and HBP and chest discomfort3/29/2009
  Q: I am 5'1, 44 years old and a non-smoker. I think I weight 145lbs. I take Metopolol 20 mg 2X daily, ...
  A: Waking up with your arms numb doesn't sound like a big problem. If you are sleeping with your arms ...
svt3/29/2009
  Q: David, I am a 60 year old mail, taking 160 mg of Diovan for bp ( well under control) and 10 mg of ...
  A: I would certainly try medicines before undertaking an ablation. Beta blockers are extremely safe ...
Chest Pains3/29/2009
  Q: I am a 35 year old woman and a couple of months ago I was having chest pains in my left chest area. ...
  A: Chest wall pain can recur for years. The pain could be breast related. No lumps there? LBBB is ...
Chest Pains3/28/2009
  Q: I am a 35 year old woman and a couple of months ago I was having chest pains in my left chest area. ...
  A: Heart burn doesn't seem a good explanation. The most common cause of chest pains in a young woman ...
pac/pvc3/28/2009
  Q: boderline mitral valve prolapse and a Patent Formen Ovale. I can not drink caffeine, take ...
  A: As you've been told, PACs and PVCs are normal heart activity. They don't mean you have heart ...
LVH3/28/2009
  Q: I am 34yrs old 5'9 and my weight is 200lbs. Nine years ago I was diagnosed with Left ventricular ...
  A: No, LVH has nothing to do with dizziness. Probably your blood pressure is too low. Get someone to ...
Ebsteins Anomaly3/28/2009
  Q: My husband had Ebsteins Anomaly, he had his tricuspid valve replaced 3 times, twice when he was a ...
  A: It means your doctor thought it might show atrial flutter with variable conduction of atrial ...
Ebsteins Anomaly3/27/2009
  Q: My husband had Ebsteins Anomaly, he had his tricuspid valve replaced 3 times, twice when he was a ...
  A: Deanna, Here's a list of conditions that may not tolerate metoprolol: Depression, Myasthenia ...
Heart Rate3/26/2009
  Q: I am a 34 yr old female (slim, petite). I eat well, don't smoke or drink, but don't exercise much (I ...
  A: Yes, they are in the normal range and very safe. Heart rate tends to speed up a bit in the 30's and ...
Event Monitor PVCs and other3/26/2009
  Q: You have been such a tremendous help to me in the past. I do have something else I would like to ...
  A: A PJC is a premature junctional contraction. PJC's are totally harmless. The junction is the ...
Exercise Ectopics3/25/2009
  Q: A few years back I had tests for ectopic beats, all the usual test that turned out ok. Recently at ...
  A: I'm familiar with a Stanford study that showed that individuals undergoing treadmill testing who had ...
transthoracic echocrdiography report3/25/2009
  Q: I am a female 42 years of age For the past six months i have had a number of issue pain in the ...
  A: You have congestive heart failure. You need a cardiologist and perhaps cardiac catheterization to ...
pain in legs3/24/2009
  Q: i am heart patient and OPERATED IN SEPTEMBER 2005. I AM USING 75 MG ASPIRIN AND10 MG ATORVASTATIN.MY ...
  A: Your leg pain when walking suggests block in the artery supplying blood to that leg. A doctor can ...
chest pain3/24/2009
  Q: I am a 31 year old woman weighing 158lbs and standing 5'3" tall. Tonight I am experiencing tight ...
  A: The most common cause of chest pain in 31-year-old woman is cramping of muscles in the chest wall. ...
High resting pulse and breathlessness3/23/2009
  Q: I am 41, 5feet 7, weigh 9stone 8 blood pressur 117 over 65 Lately i have become quite breathless ...
  A: Probably nothing is wrong. Pulse of 88 is okay. Heavy arms when walking fast up a hill might be a ...
palpitations, dizziness, aching in chest3/20/2009
  Q: Im 31 and have been having palpitations occasionally over the last 3 months, They were the type that ...
  A: You're having skipped heart beats, which are are normal heart activity and no threat to life or ...
constantly skipping heart3/19/2009
  Q: Over the past 15 years I have not gone one single day without my heart skipping at least 2-3 times ...
  A: Skipped beats no matter how frequent are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in ...
Tingling Feeling in Lower Left Jaw3/18/2009
  Q: I was curious. I on occasion have a slight tingling feeling in my lower left jaw, usually when I ...
  A: It's not heart. You're too young to have clogged coronary arteries. Since it only occurs when ...
IST/ AVNRT ablation3/18/2009
  Q: Dr. Richarson, I asked you a question around two or three months ago about my heart rate and how it ...
  A: Sorry, I've no experience with sinus node modification. Sounds like a good idea. Other things that ...
ECG, Heart Health3/17/2009
  Q: Please excuse the long story. I was admitted to hospital in September 2003 with a very fast ...
  A: 1. A little concern. 2. It's possible but unlikely that a coronary artery running in a funny way ...
Infererior ischemia and anterolateral ischemia3/17/2009
  Q: What is this and what is the treatment
  A: Deqr Bqrb; It's insufficient blood reaching the back and left side of the heart. Treatment depends ...
missed beats and triple beats with heart murmer3/15/2009
  Q: I have emphysema, and I have also had long standing problems with lungs over 20 years ie PE, ...
  A: Skipped and triple heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to someone with normal left ...
Heart3/15/2009
  Q: Dr.Richardson, I had a 4 bypass heart operation 5 years ago and have had to do stress tests for my ...
  A: Depends on how high the right ventricular pressure is. Right ventricular pressure is the pressure ...
Chest pain3/15/2009
  Q: I am a 26 year old female, 2 boys, 5 and 15 months. After I had my youngest son everything started ...
  A: Laura, I'm against cath. All those negative tests and the locations of the pains eliminate ...
Chest pain3/15/2009
  Q: I am a 26 year old female, 2 boys, 5 and 15 months. After I had my youngest son everything started ...
  A: It can't be your heart at your age and with all those negative tests. lIt must be possible to have ...
High bloodpressure in 20's and what to do?3/14/2009
  Q: I am just turned 21 years old, Im about 5'11" and around 200lbs. Im not sure of my blood pressure ...
  A: White coat hypertension, when your BP is high only when you're around a doctor, is sort of ...
cath3/14/2009
  Q: I had a R and L heart cath on March 3rd. It was totally normal. Everything about it was normal. ...
  A: Wait a week. It will probably go away. You're probably right that it's caused by bleeding into the ...
Negative cardiac stress test3/14/2009
  Q: I am training for a triathlon and started swimming in the ocean. I get severe chest pain and I have ...
  A: Maybe not absolutely necessary, but very safe. It is difficult to imagine a cardiac cause of chest ...
High bloodpressure in 20's and what to do?3/13/2009
  Q: I am just turned 21 years old, Im about 5'11" and around 200lbs. Im not sure of my blood pressure ...
  A: Yes, 120 mg all at once is a pretty high dose. Usual dose is 40 mg. three times a day. ...
Dull Chest Pain3/13/2009
  Q: I am a 23 year old woman. I am 5'3 and 220 lbs. I know my weight needs to be reduced. I was in the ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. The most common cause ...
64 slice CT scan3/13/2009
  Q: I am 54 yr. old female and due to family history and worry went to a cardiologist (also a friend). ...
  A: What's a VAP? Please send more info on the NMR lipid test. NMR probably stands for nuclear ...
64 slice CT scan3/12/2009
  Q: I am 54 yr. old female and due to family history and worry went to a cardiologist (also a friend). ...
  A: I would do no more except find out what the mild abnormality was, and be sure your cholesterol and ...
please help3/12/2009
  Q: .beat...skip...skip..beat. It was racing at maybe 150bpm when i got to the ER it was gradually ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. Since your racing heart ...
my heart3/11/2009
  Q: i went to the doctor 5days ago for some extreme heaveniess in in my chest and pain.i felt little ...
  A: Michelle, with a normal stress echo last June, you have nothing to worry about and there is no need ...
Abnormal EKG3/11/2009
  Q: I am a 26 year old, male of (Black) African decent living in the Caribbean. I am 131 lbs, ...
  A: EKG's are no good at telling right atrial enlargement. Tall T waves are normal, in fact very good, ...
afraid pvc runs may hurt my baby3/11/2009
  Q: Richardson, I am a 37 year-old female. Before I became pregnant with my third child, I had an ...
  A: Tallon, PVCs, even runs or 4 in a row, won't hurt your baby or you. Your heart immediately pumps ...
my heart3/11/2009
  Q: i went to the doctor 5days ago for some extreme heaveniess in in my chest and pain.i felt little ...
  A: Kelly, Most likely it's cramping of muscles around ribs. If pressure on the area that hurts ...
High Heart Rate3/10/2009
  Q: I have an aunt who is 61 years old.She asked me to search for her & see if there is anything that ...
  A: Ask your aunt how high her heart rate runs and if the run starts and stops abruptly, in one heart ...
Heart Mumur3/10/2009
  Q: I'm 25 years old, and today had a physical for work. The doc told me she heard a murmur. I've never ...
  A: Ask the doc if the murmur is systolic or diastolic. And ask her for an echocardiogram, a ...
CAD3/10/2009
  Q: Yesterday I spoke to a neighbor who had a triple bypass. I asked him what caused him to think he ...
  A: Usually CAD causes pressure in the middle of the front of the chest that may radiate to jaw or left ...
POTS or NCS/Mother and daughter3/9/2009
  Q: I was diagnosed with "Extreme NCS - vasovagal/cardioinhibitory - a few years ago after collapsing on ...
  A: Sounds like POTS, especially if your fainting only occurs if you're standing up. I don't understand ...
fast heart rate3/9/2009
  Q: I had surgery on 2/23 for a deviated septum and a cyst on my maxillary sinus. After surgery my BP ...
  A: The surgery and the fever that continued after surgery probably account for your fast heart rate. ...
I'm convinced I will have a heart attack...3/8/2009
  Q: I am a 21 year old female, For about a year I have worried about my heart, and have got quite ...
  A: A heart attack is unheard of in a 21-year-old woman. Your symptoms are probably caused by anxiety ...
fast heart rate3/8/2009
  Q: I had surgery on 2/23 for a deviated septum and a cyst on my maxillary sinus. After surgery my BP ...
  A: Anxiety? Infection should give you fever and a high white blood cell count and pain in sinus or ...
cath3/8/2009
  Q: In June of 08 I had an ST depression show up on an EKG during a massive panic attack. I was admitted ...
  A: Maybe chest wall pain from cramping of muscles. If pressure on the painful area modifies the pain, ...
Left side chest pain3/8/2009
  Q: I am 39 in good health. I have been experiencing some Chest pain, tingling for about a week. It ...
  A: The most common cause of chest pain in a 39 year old woman is cramping of muscles in the chest wall, ...
pre hypertension in healthy 24 year old female3/7/2009
  Q: I'm a little confused. I recently realized that for several months I have had prehypertension. ...
  A: High blood pressure is almost always of unknown cause. There are rare conditions known to elevate ...
Distended neck veins / head pressure3/7/2009
  Q: About a month ago, I was lying flat on my back and felt a pressure around my throat. When I put my ...
  A: It's normal for jugular veins to be full when you're lying flat, and to fill at the root of the neck ...
LA Size3/7/2009
  Q: I have a couple questions about an enlarged left atrium. On my last echo, everything was normal with ...
  A: Your cardiologist's comments seem absolutely correct to me. Don't bother with more tests. More ...
Angina3/6/2009
  Q: Richardson, Is there a method or are there any clues by which to tell the difference between angina ...
  A: Angina is brought on by exercise or strong emotion and is relieved in 5 minutes by rest and ...
fast heart rate3/6/2009
  Q: recently my resting heart rate has increased but im not sure why they think that its because im ...
  A: I'm very sorry, but I don't know. Possible causes are anemia, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, but you're ...
no atrial mechanical function3/6/2009
  Q: I am a 34 yr old with a history of large ASD repair as a child with a Dacron patch I have had lots ...
  A: Cardiomyopathy means heart muscle disorder. The term is usually applied to ventricular dysfunction. ...
Heart Beat!3/6/2009
  Q: I have had many so called "Panic Attacks", but being the type of person that I am, I have always had ...
  A: Normal hearts don't speed up much with exercise in people who exercise a lot. Your dizziness may be ...
interpretation of the conclusion of a nuclear stress test3/5/2009
  Q: I am a 47 year old woman that recently underwent a nuclear stress test. Could you put this ...
  A: Normal LVEF is 50% and above. So your heart is contracting a little less vigorously than normal. ...
Extra Beats3/5/2009
  Q: Richardson, I have reads your answers in the past and they have been so comforting to me. Let me ...
  A: Extra heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in people with a normal EKG ...
heart rhythm3/5/2009
  Q: Good morning David. I've written before and thanks so much for your quick responses. I'm 62, male, ...
  A: If your heart sped up abruptly, in one heart beat, it may have been supraventricular tachycardia, ...
heart murmurs and heart rate3/5/2009
  Q: I just recently turned 27 and found out I have a heart murmur. I have never been told this before. I ...
  A: More information is needed to tell if the murmur is any concern. Ask what's causing the murmur, and ...
heart skipping beat3/4/2009
  Q: esp at work during stress or after I drank a lot of coffee. I gave up caffeine which seemed to ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. Low potassium or magnesium in ...
Residual pDa In Adults3/4/2009
  Q: Respected Sir, I am male of 50 Yrs I was operated For pda In 1986. Though i had no specific problems ...
  A: Yes, you need an operation to remove the subaortic membrane. It the aortic stenosis means your ...
high heart rate3/4/2009
  Q: My heart rate is 115-120 at any given moment no matter what I am doing. I have had every heart test ...
  A: Anxiety, anger, hyperthyroidism all cause sinus tachycardia. A cardiac electrophysiologist probably ...
PVC's.Sinus Tach and SVT?? or Afib??3/3/2009
  Q: Sorry for the length of this but I am desperately hoping you will be able to help me. I have had ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having so much anxiety. There's no need for another stress test or echo. They'll ...
brother's hospitalization3/3/2009
  Q: My brother is70 with no previous heart condition. He went to the emergency room on Sat with pain ...
  A: Probably the heart cath showed very poor pumping function of his heart. This can't be repaired. ...
tachycardia?3/2/2009
  Q: My question is about whether what I am experiencing is normal, or indicative of something specific. ...
  A: What kind of dystonic reaction? Albuterol was a BIG mistake on my part. I meant atenolol. ...
PVCs after excercise3/2/2009
  Q: i get pvcs when stressed, randomly and then sometimes during and after exercise. i have had a ...
  A: I"m not sure I know about that study that says PVCs after exercise carry a poor prognosis. Possibly ...
Increased heart rate3/1/2009
  Q: I'm 63 years old, fit and feeling well. I experienced an MI in 1999, and have been fine since ...
  A: Increased appetite, weight, cholesterol and triglycerides are listed as ill effects of mirtazepine, ...
My heart beat is 1023/1/2009
  Q: My heart is beating at 95 to 102 per minutes since last few weekswa and I can feel it beating in my ...
  A: Hunjon, Probably, both the rate and the feeling of your heart beating in your chest. You could get ...
Breathing Problems During Aerobic Exercise3/1/2009
  Q: Age: 43 Height: 5' 7" Weight: 195 lb. BP: About 112/70 (I would prefer you don't publish my height, ...
  A: The only way to keep your weight etc private is to mark the email to AllExperts as Personal or ...
heart complications3/1/2009
  Q: i am 22 years old, 5'4" 160lbs. Ever since i could remember, I've been having heart problems. when i ...
  A: You're having skipped heart beats. These are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. ...
PVC's, Citalopram, Diazepam and Morning Racing heart and PVC's2/28/2009
  Q: I did Cocaine a few years ago, had a bad reaction and had to go to A&E. Thought i was dying but the ...
  A: Boler, PVCs are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. Normal in that about half of ...
tachycardia?2/28/2009
  Q: My question is about whether what I am experiencing is normal, or indicative of something specific. ...
  A: Maybe your fast heart rate during exercise comes from Lexapro or Seroquel. Seroquel is used for ...
irregular heartbeats2/27/2009
  Q: I have been having skipped or missed beats since i was in my 20s (I'm now 36) for the last year ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. Two or three skips in a row ...
Heart Rythym Getting Worse2/26/2009
  Q: I am a seventeen year old male. 6'3 / 160. Ever since I was a child, I have had breathing problems ...
  A: Skipped heart beats, no matter how frequent, are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. ...
Pain, is this heart related?2/26/2009
  Q: Richardson, you've helped me out before, and I have something that's come up that I'm curious ...
  A: Not heart related. Pain where leg joins body can come from clogging of the artery to the leg. That ...
PVCs and infrequent arrhythmia2/25/2009
  Q: Richardson, I am a 38 year old otherwise very healthy female who plays tennis 3 times a week and ...
  A: With a normal QT interval, echo and stress test, sudden cardiac death is unlikely, but remotely ...
Heart and exercise symptoms2/25/2009
  Q: Richardson, I am writing again because I do not know if my last message went through? You probably ...
  A: Your symptoms were Not heart related. Low blood pressure maybe. Not serious probably. Please ...
rapid heartbeat2/25/2009
  Q: I'm male,52 been on bloodpressure meds for about 20 yrs., verapamil 120 mg twice a day, heart ...
  A: More info needed. How fast was your heart when it was beating rapidly? Did the rapid heartbeats ...
What could be causing my low blood pressure and tachycardia symptoms?2/24/2009
  Q: [Personal info: I'm a 19 y.o. female, currently prescribed Adderall XR 30mg for ADHD, 5'6 and ...
  A: It's called postural orthostatic hypotension symptoms (POTS) and it's caused by inadequate signals ...
Pain in left side of the heart2/24/2009
  Q: I went online to check out my question and landed here. i hope you will be able to answer my ...
  A: Dar Sameera, Chest pain that is made worse by pressure on the chest comes from the chest wall, ...
heart palpitations..2/23/2009
  Q: Im a 32 year old female..currently about 10 kilos overweight,For 2 years now ive been putting up ...
  A: Metoprolol wouldn't affect the results of a stress test. If the EKG showed more than 1 mm of plane ...
Possible Heart Palpitations?2/22/2009
  Q: I'm a 25 year old female, 5'9, 140 pounds. Yesterday evening I experienced trouble breathing, rapid ...
  A: Not very serious, but should be checked out with a doctor. Notice when it happens again if your ...
Heart skips a beat2/22/2009
  Q: I've read so many articles on how common and "ok" it is for a persons heart to skip beats. I am a 55 ...
  A: Skipped heart beats ARE normal heart activity. Normal in the senses that about half of us have ...
Re: Strange tappings in the heart2/20/2009
  Q: The Tapping doesnot occur in any one position. It happens when I am lying down or sitting or ...
  A: If the tapping does not occur at the same rate as your pulse, it must not be heart. I don't know ...
Echo and Stress Test2/20/2009
  Q: I visited my cardiologist on Monday and had a echo that came back abnormal. He immediately scheduled ...
  A: Doggone it, they should have given you a copy of the echo report or at least told you what the ...
Borderline Prolonged QT interval2/20/2009
  Q: My 13-year-old daughter had a near syncopal episode today. Her EKG was told to us as normal but the ...
  A: QT is not enough info. The corrected QT (QTc) is needed. If what you were given is QTc, here are ...
chest pain2/19/2009
  Q: Over the past two weeks I've been to see two doctors about recurrent chest/arm pain on my left side, ...
  A: The most common cause of chest pain in the young is cramping of muscles around the ribs in the chest ...
Strange tappings in the heart2/19/2009
  Q: Age 32 years, No medicines, Height 5'7'',weight 170 lbs and Blood Pressure 115-120/75-80 Dear Sir, I ...
  A: With negative EKG's, echo and stress test, it cannot be abnormality of heart. Observe if the ...
Ref: Answer dated 11/26/20062/18/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I appreciate your time, thank you for reading this. I have a question related to ...
  A: It's called skipped heart beats, which are really premature beats, so premature that the heart is ...
heart palpitations and menopause - HRT2/18/2009
  Q: Richardson: I am 51 (5'7" - 175 lbs at the moment (menopause waist weight - was always about 140 ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal heart activity, normal in the senses that: about half of us have ...
heart palpitations..2/17/2009
  Q: Im a 32 year old female..currently about 10 kilos overweight,For 2 years now ive been putting up ...
  A: Nobody knows why some people have palpitations and others don't, but i don't think hypercalcuria ...
Cardiac syndrome X and leg pain?2/17/2009
  Q: Richardson, I'm a first year medical student and I'm asking this question on behalf of a friend of ...
  A: Is she's had ultrasound or angiographic study of her aorta and ilio-femoral arteries that shows no ...
Unexplained swelling of the right arm.2/17/2009
  Q: My husband had been exercising at the gym yesterday when his right arm started to swell from the ...
  A: No. Heart trouble would not cause swelling of one arm. Obstruction of veins in that arm by clots ...
lightheadness2/16/2009
  Q: Everytime when i excercise, i'm getting lightheaded. I have seen three docters and have done the ...
  A: PVCs during exercise are harmless. Anxiety can certainly cause lightheadedness. Anxiety makes us ...
Stress test2/16/2009
  Q: Richardson, My father (86 yrs old) is about to go in for a stress test on Wednesday. It is supposed ...
  A: Yes, it's okay to take an OTC acid-reducer the night before the test. Zamtac will not interfere ...
19 year old dies2/16/2009
  Q: Dr Richards, My daughter's 19 year old boyfriend of 4 years was found face down on his couch ...
  A: Doolan, PACs are not dangerous and did not cause his death. The most common cause of sudden ...
palpitations2/15/2009
  Q: I am 41 yo, 5'6", 135 lbs, BP 125/80. I had an RF ablation for AVNRT about a year ago. I am still ...
  A: PACs/PVCs are normal cardiac activity even if they occur every other beat or three in a row. With a ...
surgery/blood thinners2/15/2009
  Q: My husband had an mechanical aortic valve (generic st. Jude) about 7 years ago and has been taking ...
  A: There's firm called INRCare that sells a coumadin strength meter for $1,495. Their phone number is ...
surgery/blood thinners2/15/2009
  Q: My husband had an mechanical aortic valve (generic st. Jude) about 7 years ago and has been taking ...
  A: Doesn't seem very safe to me when he has a St. Jude aortic valve. It's pretty easy to use ...
concerned over omron blood pressure results2/15/2009
  Q: I am a female 44 years of age, im 5ft 5 3/4" tall and weighed 181 now 3 weeks later 171. i take 81 ...
  A: A stress test would let you know exactly how your BP reacts during every minute of the test and ...
EKG2/14/2009
  Q: I am a 52 year old healthy female with no history of heart disease. I do have some skipped beats ...
  A: Yes, Patti, I'll be glad to look at your EKG. Please send me your email address by writing back, ...
Coumadin/surgery2/13/2009
  Q: My husband has been taking coumadin since having a mechanical aortic valve. He is going to have a ...
  A: No. Not safe. He should receive Lovenox, a form of heparin, within 24 hours after stopping the ...
hypertension2/13/2009
  Q: im a 24 yr old female who is overweight, my last tests showed that my cortisol levels were slightly ...
  A: Not so far as is known. Ordinary hypertension can make BP higher standing than lying, and I don't ...
Rapid heartbeat2/13/2009
  Q: I've noticed I will go through episodes where if i take a deep breath my heart starts beating ...
  A: How fast does your heart beat when it's beating rapidly, and does the rapid beating start and stop ...
Chest pressure2/12/2009
  Q: I am 23 years old, 5'7, weigh 165, and usually have normal blood pressure. I was put on zoloft for ...
  A: My advice is get an echocardiogram, a simple non-invasive test, to be sure your heart's structure ...
Chest and Arm Pains2/12/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you could help me figer out what could be the cause of some pains I have been ...
  A: McCormick, The most likely cause of your pain is cramping of muscles in the chest wall, around the ...
IHD2/12/2009
  Q: I am a 32 year old woman, weigh 70 kg, I am 172cm tall. I woke two weeks ago from a severe ...
  A: Ischemic heart disease seems very unlikely in a 32-year-old woman. No need to be terrified about a ...
heart2/11/2009
  Q: when i lay down to sleep my heart bounds so fast i can't sleep. why?
  A: I don't know. Count how fast your heart beats in 15 seconds, and note whether it speeds up and ...
heart palpations2/11/2009
  Q: I had bypass surgery in May 08 they graphed 6 blockages. I had Afib right after surgery three times ...
  A: Premature or skipped heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. They will ...
irregular beats2/10/2009
  Q: I have had various arrhythmia issues over the years but have been mostly symptom free for over two ...
  A: Premature heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with normal ...
Just diagnosed with incomplete RBBB2/10/2009
  Q: I have a Question to ask on the below answer from you: "Yes, you'll be fine, and hard work-outs ...
  A: There's nothing you can do to make the RBBB go away, though it may come and go by itself. ...
heart palpitations..2/10/2009
  Q: Im a 32 year old female..currently about 10 kilos overweight,For 2 years now ive been putting up ...
  A: Ask your doc for an event monitor, a little box you carry with you that records your EKG a few ...
Chest and left arm pains2/10/2009
  Q: I have had a left twinging chest pain and a sore left forearm since nov 06. I get pins and needles ...
  A: Pain in left forearm may be referred from chest pain, or may be cramp of muscles in forearm. Very ...
WPW Ablation Protocols?2/9/2009
  Q: I'm a 50 yo female, 5'8", 110 lbs, BP 98/50, with lifelong (can't remember ever NOT having this) ...
  A: 1) Retrograde aortic seems better to me. 2) Best criteria are how much the SVT interfere with your ...
Chest and left arm pains2/9/2009
  Q: I have had a left twinging chest pain and a sore left forearm since nov 06. I get pins and needles ...
  A: If the pins and needles are in both hands, they're probably from over breathing due to anxiety about ...
Ectopic beats2/8/2009
  Q: I'm 48 and have been experiencing skipped beats for the past 13 years. I saw a specialist when I ...
  A: Holmes, Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with a ...
heart issues2/7/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I have a few more questions about heart rates and the cardiac muscle. 1) Do PVC's ...
  A: 1) No 2) No 3) Exercise is always a good idea for a healthy person. Helps relieve anxiety. 4) ...
HDL2/6/2009
  Q: Are there any foods that you would suggest to raise HDL levels? Also, a couple of times after ...
  A: Avoid carbohydrates. Use oils like olive oil instead of butter to maintain calloric intake if ...
long QTc syndrome2/6/2009
  Q: I'm a 23 year old female (5'4, 117lbs) being treated for anxiety. Currently I am on Klonopin (.05mgs ...
  A: Here are the normal, borderline and long values for QTc. Rating 1-15 years (msec) Adult Male (msec) ...
Pulmonary artery rebuilding.....2/6/2009
  Q: My 39 year old sister has pulmonary stenosis (artery, NOT valve). She had a couple of open heart ...
  A: I'm very sorry, but I don't know. Look around at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed by entering ...
premature beats2/5/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I wrote some time back and was experiencing premature beats, halter monitor showed ...
  A: 100-120 PACs in 24 hours are not minimal, but not a problem either. Normal heart activity. Yes ...
PACs2/5/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, 32 yo male, overweight, take toprol 50mg 1x/day, normal echo,ekg, and passed nuclear ...
  A: 1. PACs for 5-6 beats are not threatening to life or health. Only if they get more than 20 in a row ...
premature beats2/4/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I wrote some time back and was experiencing premature beats, halter monitor showed ...
  A: See an electrophysiologist and explain that the skipped beats are ruining your life and interfering ...
PVC's2/3/2009
  Q: I am a 38 year old women with a Fibromyalgia.I take absolutely no meds. I had a heart ablation back ...
  A: Heart attack is extremely unlikely in a 38-year-old woman. Isn't the pain due to your fibromyalgia? ...
ekg/ septal infarct2/3/2009
  Q: i just went to a cardiologist had an EKG it said septal infarct.he said it is a couple of years old. ...
  A: EKG is not very good about septal infarcts. It may well be a false positive. The cardiologist can ...
Heart flips then races2/3/2009
  Q: I have had PVCs since I was a teenager. Lately, I'm 54, I've had the flip sensation followed by a ...
  A: If the racing starts and stops abruptly, in one heart beat, and exceeds 145 beats a minute (35 beats ...
Unresposive person with eyes open2/2/2009
  Q: My father was in the hospital two week ago with what they said was Atrial Flutter. They did a few ...
  A: Sorry, but I'm not a good enough neurologist to understand why eyes open or shut is important. Did ...
dizziness2/1/2009
  Q: echo,holter,stress) all ok but recently also I get them so forceful I get a slight dizziness I worry ...
  A: IF the dizziness is spinning, like you're spinning round and round or the room is spinning around ...
fast heart rate; tramadol, 50mg, percocet7.5, synthroid 175, bp 130/80-180/120, 128lbs, 5'62/1/2009
  Q: When relaxing or dozing-off, (mostly in slight sitting position), I awake to a pounding heart, so ...
  A: Symptomatic SVT needs attention. You're not stupid to see a doctor about that. Ask the doc to ...
Qtc1/31/2009
  Q: I did an holter-ECG which found a QTc of 430.(min. qt230 and max qt 449). Is this borderline or long ...
  A: With no unexplained faint, exercise-triggered faint, a doorbell triggered faint, seizure, or family ...
recent chest pains1/31/2009
  Q: I am a 23 year old female who is concerned about some recent chest pains. To give a little ...
  A: Most likely it's your body telling you to exercise more and lose weight. In a 23-year-od former ...
increase heart rate, heart burn1/29/2009
  Q: I am 37, fit, 5'2 107 lbs, who has a family history of heart disease. I have normal cholesterol, ...
  A: Your family history increases your risk a little. Only parents and siblings count a lot. Your ...
b vitamins and in stent restenosis1/29/2009
  Q: My new cardiologist just told me that a 2004 study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested ...
  A: I knew nothing about this. Please send me the reference to the NEJM article. My opinion is that B ...
Heart1/29/2009
  Q: I am 31 years old and all of a sudden my blood pressure has spiraled out of control I failed my EKG ...
  A: No, damage to heart would lower BP, not raise it. The echo will show if your heart was damaged, but ...
premature beats1/28/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I wrote some time back and was experiencing premature beats, halter monitor showed ...
  A: You need not be concerned. Two PACs in a row is still normal. In some people, slowing the heart ...
irregular heart beat and edema in left foot1/27/2009
  Q: I am a 26 year old female, exercise 4 times a week (30 mins. of cardio + light lifting), 5’6”, BMI ...
  A: Edema of one foot is probably from obstruction of veins or lymphatics in that leg. Nothing to do ...
antibiotics/rheumatic fever1/27/2009
  Q: age 61, ambien, levoxyl, 5' 8", 170, BP 128/75 Hi, At 8, I was diag with heart murmur/rheumatic ...
  A: Here's what the guidelines say, The writing committee concluded that only a small number of ...
high heart rate1/27/2009
  Q: . about 125 bpm.. i take a pill called atenonol 25 mg per day.. im frightend that with my heart rate ...
  A: Fast heart rates are probably accompanied by shorter life, a little shorter. Dull chest pain at ...
heart surgery and exercise1/26/2009
  Q: My husband had a quadruple bypass in Jan. of 2008 after having a heart attack in Dec. (The reason ...
  A: Gresham, I'm very sorry about all your troubles. More than two people should have to bear. ...
Chemical Stress Test1/26/2009
  Q: My father is 73 y/o white male with hx of insulin dependent diabetes since 1955 (yes, that's right ...
  A: Unless he is greatly bothered by chest pain or pressure, I see no point in a stress test. The ...
Homeopathic cure for Afib1/26/2009
  Q: My latest bout with Afib conclusion is to leave me in Afib but on Warfarin. Do you have any comment ...
  A: I know of no homeopathic meds effective in afib. Thanks for the two references. Note that the ...
Angina or Anxiety or neither?1/25/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson. I come to you with the question...if I am actually feeling angina, whether it ...
  A: Sue, stable angina can go on for years. Unstable angina can mean fairly abrupt increase in anginal ...
Angina or Anxiety or neither?1/24/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson. I come to you with the question...if I am actually feeling angina, whether it ...
  A: If the problem in paragraph 1 is the tingling vibration in paragraph 2 then it is certainly not ...
cardiac ablation1/24/2009
  Q: I am a 46 YO male with history of multiple pvc's and unsustained v-tach. I am very physically ...
  A: Look at http://www.cardiosmart.org/ManageCondition/Default.aspx?id=814 for some answers. Ablation ...
return of symptoms1/24/2009
  Q: Richardson, I had an ablation conducted two weeks ago. The doctor told my family that it was ...
  A: 115 seems okay for one with all your stress and anxiety. I doubt if you need another ablation. If ...
Endocarditis?1/23/2009
  Q: I am 37 years old, and have had little to no medical issues in the past. My previous physical ...
  A: Look at http://www.cardiosmart.org/Search/?q=endocarditis And write back if you have any questions. ...
palpitations1/23/2009
  Q: I am a 22 old man, one month ago i had palpitations when i was walking. Suddenly my heart was going ...
  A: Your episode sounds like atrial fibrillation, which can cause breathlessness and lightheadedness. ...
Heart Problem?1/23/2009
  Q: Doctor. This is my problem. I don't get chest pain on exertion. I don't get shortness of breath. ...
  A: Discomfort from clogging of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart is usually pressure ...
Echo report1/22/2009
  Q: Richardson, I'm a 52-year old female with a history of two open-heart surgeries due to a bicuspid ...
  A: Hypokinetic means a part of heart muscle is not contracting well, either asleep or damaged or an ...
Another question about EKG "gLon QT"1/22/2009
  Q: My EKG the last time I had one showed an QT interval at 396, whatever that means. Is this ok? ...
  A: It depends on your heart rate. If your heart rate is 60, QT up to 430 is normal, but if your heart ...
Echo report1/22/2009
  Q: Richardson, I'm a 52-year old female with a history of two open-heart surgeries due to a bicuspid ...
  A: MAYBE a branch of a coronary artery was blocked during the valve replacement or aneurysm repair. ...
hypertension1/21/2009
  Q: I am 50, no major health issues other than being overweight (who isnt) and I have sleep apnea- I am ...
  A: Genetics play a big role in hypertension, and chronic stress can be a factor, though a small one. ...
rapid heart rate & spiking BP1/21/2009
  Q: I'm a 50 y/o female, 145 lbs, 5'6". Cholesterol is 204, HDL 79, LDL 113, triglycerides, 61. BP is ...
  A: No good idea about the bubbly vibration. Falling onto your desk without losing consciousness leaves ...
PVC Questions again...1/21/2009
  Q: I was reading this forum and came across another Dr. (Cardiologist) who posts to people with ...
  A: PVCs, no matter how frequent are dangerous only to people with an abnormal echo AND EKG, namely long ...
Heart Disease, Diabetes1/20/2009
  Q: I am diabetic. I have a 6.9 A1C. I am not taking medication as I'm trying to take care of the ...
  A: Low A1C probably lowers the odds that you will have heart disease. "for every percentage point of ...
CPKMB TEST1/20/2009
  Q: On Lipitor 10mg, 5'6" and 150 lb and normal BP. Under blood tests for CPKMB What does Ckmb mean? ...
  A: CPKMB stands for creatine phosphokinase, muscle type B, B being cardiac muscle. CPKMM is skeletal ...
Lightheadedness, other symptoms after CABG1/18/2009
  Q: Age: 48 year old male Height/Weight: 5' 11", 220 lbs. PMH: Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, CAD s/p ...
  A: Take your blood pressure standing quietly for 1,3 and 5 minutes. If it gets below 90, that's the ...
R on T phenomen1/17/2009
  Q: I m a neurology doctor in Turkey, I am 30 years old and I have sometimes PVC, last holter one dr ...
  A: Banu, R on T is not a problem for people without prolonged QT interval and with a normal echo. The ...
Coronary calcification, "benign" PVC's1/17/2009
  Q: For two years I have complained of intermittent chest pain (by the breastbone), shortness of breath ...
  A: Calcification of the coronaries does indicate increased risk of trouble (angina, heart attack, etc) ...
Stressed to Death?1/17/2009
  Q: I have dealt with panic attacks for most of my life and managed to control them by convincing ...
  A: I guess you're correct. Look at ...
follow up on fast heart rate1/17/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I wrote to you just the other day about a fast heart rate I was experienceing during ...
  A: Erin, a normal stress echo give you great confidence for no severe heart trouble like heart attack ...
Cardiac myopia and periecarduim, Peripheral resistance.1/16/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, Can LVEF value be affected by heart rate and BP at the time of echo? It seems to me ...
  A: No, LVEF is not affected by HR & BP. High peripheral resistance just raises BP and doesn't affect ...
Cardiac myopia and periecarduim1/16/2009
  Q: A friend of mine is suffering from possibly both of the above. Her doctor's seem very reluctant to ...
  A: Cardiac myopia makes no sense It's probably cardiomyopathy. Pericardium is the outside lining of ...
Heart palpitations1/16/2009
  Q: I've been experiencing skipped heart beats, hard thumping beats, and what feels like bubbles in my ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity. About half of us have them, they are easy to ...
tachycardia1/16/2009
  Q: I am an 18 yo female who plays D2 college soccer, and have played soccer all my life. I am 5'3'' and ...
  A: There's a disorder called diastolic dysfunction in which the heart contracts well but doesn't relax ...
heart1/15/2009
  Q: i am 28 male, for the past three year i have feeling like my heart skips some times i get them 10 ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in someone with a normal EKG ...
ecg1/14/2009
  Q: for weeks now ive had heart palps, skipped beats (long pauses) and discomfort (like a murmur ...
  A: No, an ecg would not rule all severe, life-threatening diseases. Skipped beats, however, are ...
In afib again1/14/2009
  Q: 1-9-09 Follow up. Was converted after 4/08 Afib bout, but it lasted only 17 days. Cardio said since ...
  A: Charlie, I got the article o.k. I still tilt toward rhythm control. Atrial fib begets atrial fib, ...
rapid heart rate & spiking BP1/14/2009
  Q: I'm a 50 y/o female, 145 lbs, 5'6". Cholesterol is 204, HDL 79, LDL 113, triglycerides, 61. BP is ...
  A: No, nothing else to worry about. See if you can get your BP measured when you're having an episode ...
heart palpitations1/14/2009
  Q: I have been drinking for about 20 years, I will be turning 50 next week. For a few months now ...
  A: If the palpitations are single skipped beats in an otherwise regular heart rhythm, these are normal ...
Premature beats1/11/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I will try to explain my concerns as lucidly as possible... For starters, I am a ...
  A: Premature beats are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health now or in the future. They ...
rapid heart rate & spiking BP1/11/2009
  Q: I'm a 50 y/o female, 145 lbs, 5'6". Cholesterol is 204, HDL 79, LDL 113, triglycerides, 61. BP is ...
  A: Spikes of BP and heart rate raise the question of pheochromocytoma, a very rare benign tumor of ...
pvc's1/10/2009
  Q: However, when I exercise, I get pvc's and fluttery feelings with a rapid heartbeat after I stop the ...
  A: The pause of a PVC is surprising and forces you to hold your breath for a second. This is not ...
Chest pain1/10/2009
  Q: Basically this is a plea for some help. I had a bad throat infection in late November of 2006. I ...
  A: Pericarditis is a faint possibility, tho that usually doesn't last so long. If you haven't had an ...
In afib again1/10/2009
  Q: 1-9-09 Follow up. Was converted after 4/08 Afib bout, but it lasted only 17 days. Cardio said since ...
  A: I don't completely agree with your recent study. Would you please send me the reference to that ...
sleep and heart sensations.1/10/2009
  Q: Richards, I have a question about something that seems to happen to me when I am falling asleep ...
  A: You're probably feeling a premature beat that is so premature that the heart hasn't had time to fill ...
Should I Try Ablation for Possible Arrhythmia That Happens Only When Sleeping?1/9/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson. First, the history. In February of 2008 at the ripe old of age of 37, I ...
  A: 1. I haven't heard of such, and don't know why. 2. No, an arrhythmia produces symptoms only when ...
Frequent PVC's1/9/2009
  Q: Richardson, I have written you before and I thank you again for your time and expertise! I hope ...
  A: PVCs, no matter how frequent, have no effect on life or health in people with a normal EKG and ...
FAINTING, DIZZINESS1/8/2009
  Q: David, I am 43 yr old probably about 43 pounds overweight. blood pressure normal range but the ...
  A: Measure your BP lying, then sitting, then standing quietly for 1,3,& 5 minutes. If it gets below 85 ...
PVCs and LVEF1/8/2009
  Q: Dr. Richardson, Iam a 52 years old male. My LVEF is 47% with normal echo as far structural aspects ...
  A: Not much risk or danger for PVCs with EF over 35%, and presumably normal QT on EKG. Maintaining ...
is this heart?1/7/2009
  Q: can y pls answer me the foll query: i am 33fem. today i was returning from shopping and feeling ...
  A: I think your BP got a little too low, like 90, at the top of the steps. Your symptoms are ...
tachycardia, PVC's1/7/2009
  Q: I went to the Cardiologist because I was complaining about chest pain and hypertension. It is ...
  A: A stress test will not put you in any danger. PVCs are usually less during exercise. Your pulse ...
Heart racing1/7/2009
  Q: I have bad heart 'skips' and heart racing....I'm on Atenolol 50 mg twice a day for 100 mg/day....I ...
  A: Could it be the clonazepam or Paxil? Try stopping both for a while unless your fast heart beat ...
chest pain1/6/2009
  Q: I am a 24 year old nonsmoking light drinking female, I am 5'9 about 180lbs, normal blood pressure ...
  A: You can probably find the cause of your chest pain yourself. If firm pressure with fingers on a ...
pvcs assoc with costochronditis?1/6/2009
  Q: 29yr old femal over weight. dx with costochronditis at the same time dx with bi-jiminey and ...
  A: PVC's are not painful. You can prove it's costochondritis if pressing on a painful spot modifies ...
Positive pulse in aVR lead1/5/2009
  Q: For the last few years I've been having odd feelings in my chest area. I went in an ECG about a ...
  A: The S wave is the upward deflection at the end of the QRS in aVR. Your aVR has a sharp downward ...
Atypical vs. angina1/5/2009
  Q: I am sick of being confused! In june I had a normal cardiolite stress test, echo and holter monitor. ...
  A: We doctors are not very good at dealing with atypical pain. Could be fibromyalgia. Look at ...
Audible pulse1/4/2009
  Q: I am a 42-year-old male, 6' tall, 150 pounds, bp 130/80. No medication, no history of health ...
  A: Go to file:///%20%20Medicine%2012:07/Patulous%20Eustachian%20tube%20.webarchiv and see if that fits. ...
High Cholesterol and CAD1/4/2009
  Q: I have ignored my cholesterol levels for years because I didn't want to take statins. My cholesterol ...
  A: Your excellent HDL is quite protective. A stress test would be needed only if you were having chest ...
whooshing in ear1/3/2009
  Q: For a couple days I can hear and feel my heart beat in my right ear. I do get migraines, but haven't ...
  A: Probably bending of an artery to that ear. If stretching you head far back or to the side opposite ...
Thumping In throat & chest1/3/2009
  Q: First off i'd like to say Happy New Year & Thank You so much for helping people like me with their ...
  A: Overactive thyroid or Xanax withdrawal or nicotine are the most likely causes. Ask the doctor about ...
Bad Heart Why Bother!!!???1/2/2009
  Q: Dr. I am a 47 male. I am very heavy (330). I had an MI in Jan 06. I just had another Cath. (3 more ...
  A: Weight loss would improve the quality of your life if it is now impaired by breathlessness or ...
Lump Bulge upper left thigh that does not go away1/2/2009
  Q: David, I am 43 over weight by about 40 pounds normal blood pressure range dialistic around 90+ ...
  A: If the lump is on the inside of your thigh, where your leg joins your body near your testicles, ...
SVT1/2/2009
  Q: I have written before (female, 51 with RA and skipped beats). I finally have all of my tests back. ...
  A: Mary, a "skipped" beat may be a premature atrial contraction that could start a run of SVT, which ...
Pulmonary Embolism1/1/2009
  Q: I hope you had a wonderful Holiday and a wonderful New Year! I have a family member that has had ...
  A: Hermans, A small clot would not cause air hunger. One must lose one whole lung to develop air ...
SVT1/1/2009
  Q: I have written before (female, 51 with RA and skipped beats). I finally have all of my tests back. ...
  A: SVT is not dangerous. The worst that can happen is more frequent or prolonged episodes. Are you ...
Tightness in Chest1/1/2009
  Q: First of all Happy New Year. It's so kind of you to be here for us in cyberspace. Onto my ...
  A: Chest tightness caused by clogging of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart is ...
oxygen and our bodies1/1/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you could possibly explain how oxygen works in our bodies. I know that MOST life ...
  A: Oxygen is the energy source for muscular contraction and brain function and for the work of every ...
heart attacks and beer12/31/2008
  Q: my husband drinks 4to5 beers a night and has had two heart attacks and takes isosorbs, plavix and ...
  A: Explain that liver disease is terrible, itching all over, no appetite, vomiting, swollen abdomen ...
heart pain12/30/2008
  Q: i now get very painful dull pains over my heart. always over heart. can radiate to back but not ...
  A: Heart pain is usually in center of front of chest, brought on be exercise and relieved in 5 minutes ...
SVT12/30/2008
  Q: What keeps SVT from being dangerous. Mine skips then races to 189 or 200. I get so paniced of dying. ...
  A: SVT is NEVER fatal and does not cause blood clots because blood doesn't pool in your heart during ...
Multiple Runs Pvc's12/30/2008
  Q: I have just had a pacemaker put in six weeks ago. I have been on solatol for eight years for pvc's. ...
  A: With a normal echocardiogram, runs of PVCs are not dangerous to life or health, except for the ...
Lisinopril 2.5 mg12/30/2008
  Q: Richardson, I have written to you on 3 seperate occasions. I have been taking Lisinopril 2.5 mg ...
  A: I don't know why your hands and feet are so cold. Hypothyroid? Anxiety? Exercise will warm them ...
Missing heart beat12/29/2008
  Q: I am 51 year old with height 180 cm and weight 58 Kg. Eight year back I was sensing missing heart ...
  A: Your missing beats are premature ventricular contractions, occurring so soon after the preceding ...
heart rate question12/29/2008
  Q: Is a finding of "symmetrical ventricular hypertrophy" on an echo reversible or am I doomed to ...
  A: Symmetrical ventricular hypertrophy is reversible. If your blood pressure is high, lowering it will ...
pvc's12/28/2008
  Q: However, when I exercise, I get pvc's and fluttery feelings with a rapid heartbeat after I stop the ...
  A: You need no stress echo. PVC's are harmless is someone with normal EKG and echo. PVC's are more ...
palpitations12/23/2008
  Q: You answered a few questions for me the other night and were very helpful (female with RA and heart ...
  A: An echo will show how well your valves are working and how well the ventricles are pumping. They ...
Chest pain12/23/2008
  Q: I was wondering if you could give me some advice on the chest pain I have been having for the past ...
  A: Megan, pulmonary embolism is VERY unlikely. The chief symptom of pulmonary embolism is ...
Heartburn and Bystolic12/23/2008
  Q: I have rather severe heartburn. It began around the time I started taking Bystolic. I wondered if ...
  A: Epocrates, the online drug reference, does not list heartburn as an ill effect of Bystolic. The ...
irregular heart beats12/22/2008
  Q: Over the past year or two I've been experiencing what feels like a single strong heart beat every ...
  A: Single strong heart beats occur after a premature heart beat. During the long pause after a ...
Chest pain12/22/2008
  Q: I was wondering if you could give me some advice on the chest pain I have been having for the past ...
  A: Chest pain that worsens when you press on it is chest wall pain, since you can't press on heart, ...
palpitations12/22/2008
  Q: You answered a few questions for me the other night and were very helpful (female with RA and heart ...
  A: An echo tells that your heart's structure and function are normal. Drinking, especially through a ...
chest pain alert12/21/2008
  Q: David, I'm currently working here in the Middle East. Two weeks before my flight going here last ...
  A: Most likely cramping of muscles around ribs. If firm pressure on the painful area modifies the ...
Chest pain12/21/2008
  Q: I read your answer to Sarah regarding her "dull chest pain" and I wondered if this answer would ...
  A: Probably cramping of muscles around ribs. Press firmly on the area that hurts. If pressure ...
22 YEAR OLD VERY CONFUSED12/20/2008
  Q: I am a 22 year old mother or 3 , I was diagnosed with anxiety at age 17 i ahev been on lexapro since ...
  A: Most likely it was sinus tachycardia, a normal response to fright. The other possibility is ...
pvs and svt12/20/2008
  Q: I have had a history of heart arrhythmia for the past 20 years off and on. Lately in the past year I ...
  A: What are pvs? Did you mean pvc's? Flecainide is effective in preventing svt and is safe for ...
Abnormal ecgs12/20/2008
  Q: I am 59; woman; nonsmoker, slim, no previous history of cvd. Previous ekgs all normal. I felt ...
  A: Well, you're getting a second opinion. If you send me your email address, I'll send you mine and my ...
Electrolyres and PVCs12/20/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I have suffered with PVCs for several years and have been monitoring my labwork and ...
  A: I'll share it with people who have PVC's. Have you found information on electrolytes and PAC's? ...
Giddiness12/19/2008
  Q: I have undergone CABG with 3 grafts on Nov 20, 2007. I am on DOSPIN 75 MG, BEPLEX FORTE AND 10 MG ...
  A: I don't know what Dospin is. Could its generic name be clopidogrel? If so, none of your meds are ...
Heart Palpitations12/18/2008
  Q: David, I am a 51 year old , female with rheumatoid arthritis. I think all of my life I have had ...
  A: Neither Enbrel or methotrexate cause skipped heart beats, which are just normal heart activity. ...
EKG question12/18/2008
  Q: I am a 61 year old woman. 5'6". I am only on Atenolol 25mg. once daily. My question is: I have read ...
  A: Linda, send me your email address and I'll send you my fax number. I don't like to have my fax ...
Heart Palpitations12/18/2008
  Q: David, I am a 51 year old , female with rheumatoid arthritis. I think all of my life I have had ...
  A: Percent is less than 1. Skipped heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to one whose heart ...
leaking heart valve12/16/2008
  Q: I'm a 40yo female and I have just had an ECG. It showed that one of my upper chambers has a leaking ...
  A: Presumably you mean you just had an echo. ECG wouldn't show all that. Concern is reasonable since ...
Palpilations12/16/2008
  Q: I'm a 22 year old man and I have frequent pvc's after a excercise(recovery phase). It's like this; ...
  A: PVC's are harmless in people with a normal echo. They don't mean you have heart trouble or lead in ...
Hypertension12/15/2008
  Q: I am male, 60 years old, 5'6, 160lbs. I have had high blood pressure for over 7 years. On certain ...
  A: Probably not. Your blood pressure should affect both eyes. And if 130-140 is the top number on ...
ST depression12/14/2008
  Q: I am 40 years old with mild hypertension recently diagnosed in June of this year. In 1992 I was ...
  A: Modification of chest pain by pressure proves the pain is in your chest wall, since you can't press ...
slow heart rate12/14/2008
  Q: i am a 47 year old 140 pound male. I have has high particle scores (99th percentile) with ...
  A: Chris, please send me any literature that says below 60 is abnormal. No test is needed, just count ...
creative protein showed 2.412/13/2008
  Q: I am a 55 year old female who has never had any health issues in the past. Recently I had some blood ...
  A: Medved, Creatinine of 2.4 is abnormal and means your kidneys are not functioning correctly, and ...
Benign heart rhythms?12/13/2008
  Q: I am 24, and have been stressed out lately. I went for my medical examination for citizenship. Had a ...
  A: Extra heart beats are normal heart activity and no threat to life or health in someone with a normal ...
Dull pain in chest12/13/2008
  Q: Over the past year, i have noticed a dull pain/tightness in the left side of my chest. It doesn't ...
  A: Well, being a doctor, I think it's never too early to get a checkup. But at age 30, dull chest pain ...
creative protein showed 2.412/12/2008
  Q: I am a 55 year old female who has never had any health issues in the past. Recently I had some blood ...
  A: Medved, Sorry, but neither I nor the US Library of Medicine know about creative protein. There's a ...
Hard Heartbeats12/12/2008
  Q: For about a week i have experienced a hard heart beat. My heart will beat normal and then it will ...
  A: You're feeling premature beats, which cause the heart to contract, then have a pause, and then go ...
EKG12/12/2008
  Q: I am a 43 year old female (5'4" 154lbs). While at the gym I was doing a 35 minute interval training ...
  A: Your EKG is nearly normal. The PR interval is long, but that never hurt anybody. Yes, you'll be ...
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy et al.12/11/2008
  Q: I am a 48 year old male, 275 lbs., 6'0". I have a history of Rheumatic Fever and have had a heart ...
  A: Ah ha! You didn't have cardiac arrest at all. Severe bradycardia and low BP. Please ask what your ...
coronary artery calcification12/11/2008
  Q: Will Zocor help contain coronary calcification so that it does not separate and possibly cause a ...
  A: Diet and exercise can bring down your cholesterol, but are not likely to eliminate calcium. Zocor ...
A-Fib & Intimacy12/11/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson - First I want to thank you for taking the time on this forum. I can't tell you how ...
  A: I think it was coincidence that your afib occurred during climax. It's a remote possibility that ...
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy et al.12/11/2008
  Q: I am a 48 year old male, 275 lbs., 6'0". I have a history of Rheumatic Fever and have had a heart ...
  A: No, not terminal. Tho of course if you don't have an internal cardiac defibrillator, you're still ...
coronary artery calcification12/10/2008
  Q: Will Zocor help contain coronary calcification so that it does not separate and possibly cause a ...
  A: Calcification is not the cause of stroke or heart attack. The rupture of plaques that causes stroke ...
high resting pulse after heart attacks and stents12/10/2008
  Q: am a 49 yr.old female that had 3 heart attacks in nov. 4004 and 3 stents put in LAD,one in a bad ...
  A: I think you need not call your cardiologist. Just report your pulse rate next time you see him. ...
left side chest pain, palpatations12/10/2008
  Q: I have written to you before but incase you don't remember since you see alot of emails, I'm a 23 yr ...
  A: Your chest pain probably IS cramping of the muscles around your ribs. You can test this probability ...
Heart beating strange12/9/2008
  Q: My husband is a 34 year old white male who weighs around 315 lbs. and is 6'5" tall. He has been on ...
  A: Several problems. For the racing heart, count his pulse when it's not racing and when it is. If ...
2nd Ablation???12/9/2008
  Q: in August at age 29 I had a heart Ablation. I went in for PVC's that were really making me crazy...I ...
  A: Seems to me you should try meds first. Flecainide is pretty effective in reducing PVC's, safe in ...
Poor ozygen supply related to Ischemic cardiomyopathy12/9/2008
  Q: I am a fifteen-year-old male and for about a year now, I have not been able to breathe through my ...
  A: No, you have not developed ischemic heart disease. The pain is probably cramping of muscles around ...
25-yr-old with palpitations and slight chest pain12/9/2008
  Q: I've been having trouble posting this message. Hopefully this time it works. About a month ago, I ...
  A: The palpitations are probably skipped heart beats, which are no threat to life or health in someone ...
NSAID's and increased risk of heart attack12/8/2008
  Q: I read that studies have shown that here is a link between taking NSAID's like Ibuprofen (advil, ...
  A: Not at all risky if you take ibuprofen only now and then. Taken every day, ibuprofen and other ...
pause heart beat12/8/2008
  Q: iam 38 male about 2 half mounts ago i started working out tring to lose weight and get in shape ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health in one with normal heart ...
skipped beats12/7/2008
  Q: I've asked you a question before and you were kind enough to respond...i'm 62, male, 185lbs, ...
  A: Your cardiologist is correct in saying skipped beats are no threat to life or any catastrophe. But ...
Heart Matters12/7/2008
  Q: Hey Dr Richardson, I recently had an echo and it showed what the cardiologist described as less ...
  A: Trivial mitral and tricuspid leaks would not cause any symptoms, but might cause worry about your ...
Perplexing HR variations12/7/2008
  Q: I'm a 22 year old girl, no smoking and very fit (I work out 3 hours twice a week and I'm on a low GI ...
  A: The skipped heart beats and awareness of your heart beat are normal, but the rapid heart rate and ...
abnormal ecg12/7/2008
  Q: how kind of you to offer this service. I have been experiencing sinus tachycardia for several ...
  A: The ECG is no cause for concern. Probably slight difference in the positions of the chest ...
heart rhythm/breathlessness12/6/2008
  Q: I have ectopic heartbeats and irregular heartbeat,just lately i have been so breathless, ive had 2 ...
  A: Frequent ectopic beats can cause breathlessness and chest pain and even atrial fib, tho that's rare. ...
SVT12/6/2008
  Q: I am a 26yo, 5'10", 140lb - usually very fit with no medical history, normotensive, and run ...
  A: Dave, the R' in V1 indicates partial block of the right bundle branch caused by the fast rate. The ...
SVT12/6/2008
  Q: I am a 26yo, 5'10", 140lb - usually very fit with no medical history, normotensive, and run ...
  A: I've not seen such a rhythm. It's not AF if you can see P waves. Doesn't sound dangerous. Probably ...
pvc's12/5/2008
  Q: I am a 38 year old female and have been having pvcs for nine years but lately I have been having ...
  A: With a normal echo and EKG, PVC's are not a threat to life, but they seem to bother your health, ...
heart & headaches12/5/2008
  Q: I am 28 yrs old. std bp 140/85..pulse all over.I also have an abnormal fast heart rate ...
  A: I'm not aware of any relation between PSVT and headache, but that doesn't mean there is no ...
Continous crushing/squeezing senation around heart12/5/2008
  Q: For three years, I had a continuous crushing/squeezing sensation around my visceral heart, and I ...
  A: Yes, endocarditis would show as vegetations on echo. Usual nitroglycerine tablets are 0.4 mg. A ...
metropolol side effects12/4/2008
  Q: I USED TO BE A SINGER BEFORE,I HAVE BEEN TAKEN METROPOLOL FOR LAST 3 YEARS, I HAVE BEEN LOOSING MY ...
  A: Haven't heard about metoprolol interfering with singing,but it is possible. Can you stop the ...
Continous crushing/squeezing senation around heart12/4/2008
  Q: For three years, I had a continuous crushing/squeezing sensation around my visceral heart, and I ...
  A: Yes, I think you had myocarditis when you were very sick. The recent echo shows your heart to be ...
Heart Matters12/4/2008
  Q: Hey Dr Richardson, I recently had an echo and it showed what the cardiologist described as less ...
  A: Yes, it means almost nothing. No, exercise will not increase the regurgitation or cause it to ...
24 hr breathlessness, palps12/3/2008
  Q: im a 23 yr old girl, i am a bit overweight. i used to be a heavy drinker and my palps started then ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life for someone with normal EKG and ...
Chest Pain12/3/2008
  Q: I'm a 24 year old female. For about 6 months now I have had frequent chest pain. I occasionally have ...
  A: Chest pain in a 24-year-old woman with a normal echo and EKG is almost certainly cramping of muscles ...
age and chest pains12/3/2008
  Q: I don't understand why it is that you say to some who ask heart-related questions that they are too ...
  A: Chest pain from clogging of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart is unusual before ...
could i have heart disese12/2/2008
  Q: i have been getting pain in my chest for over a month now it is normally in two places and is ...
  A: The pressure on the breast bone that gets worse with walking or running is probably angina caused by ...
re chest pains12/2/2008
  Q: i have the foll question. i have chest pains which are a puzzle to me. they come and go, ...
  A: The most likely cause of chest pain like yours is cramping of muscles around ribs, a nuisance but no ...
Effects of alcohol on my body12/2/2008
  Q: . I am a 27 year old 130lb female. When i consume an alcoholic beverage even a wine cooler, my arm, ...
  A: Alcohol dilates blood vessels everywhere, which might make arms ache, but I don't know why just the ...
PAUL FITTON AGED 21 DIED SEPT 08 UNDIAGNOSED HEART PROBLEMS12/1/2008
  Q: MY NEPHEW PAUL HAS BECKER MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY - HAD ABNROMAL LIVER FUNCTION RESULTS, INTERMITTENDENT ...
  A: Pitton, Cough might be a sign of dilated cardiomyopathy, but the rest aren't. Well, abnormal liver ...
Inverted t-wave & delay of QRS anteriorly12/1/2008
  Q: My dad (52yrs old) was recently diagnosed with ARVD after an episode of ventricular tachycardia, ECG ...
  A: Inverted T in V1 is normal if the QRS is mostly downward. Minor delay of QRS anteriorly defeats me, ...
toxic nodular goiter/rapid heartbeat/internal tremors12/1/2008
  Q: I have a toxic nodular goiter. My Dr. tells me that it is not active at this time however my blood ...
  A: If your heart rate was rapid, over 100, when your BP was 200, overactivity of your thyroid may be ...
chronic fatigue11/30/2008
  Q: I am 36, female and suffering from chronic fatigue that has gotten worse in recent years. ...
  A: You need an echocardiogram to see if your heart is performing well. A stress test would probably ...
Echo....psvt11/29/2008
  Q: I asked this same question to you about 2 weeks ago but never received a reply. I will give it ...
  A: Very sorry you didn't receive my reply. Another echo is not needed, unless some new symptoms ...
Heart attack and emergency room care11/29/2008
  Q: A 5'-10", 249lb 47 year old male enters emergency room of large hospital by ambulance with lower ...
  A: It's been decades since I worked in an ER. I'm 83. Go to medscape.com and see what you can find ...
re mild mvp -mitral regurg11/28/2008
  Q: dr richardson, i've written to you before regarding palpitations and you've been very reassuring. ...
  A: The cardiologist may have thought it too mild to mention. Ask him or her. Repeat echo every 5 ...
Constant severe faintness11/28/2008
  Q: Greetings, first I thank you for your time and any advice you can provide. It is deeply appreciated. ...
  A: Your blood pressure and its variability are okay. BP is not the cause of your faintness. Your ...
Heart attack and emergency room care11/27/2008
  Q: A 5'-10", 249lb 47 year old male enters emergency room of large hospital by ambulance with lower ...
  A: An ER should have a doctor or nurse see a patient within minutes of arrival if the ER knows heart ...
Constant severe faintness11/27/2008
  Q: Greetings, first I thank you for your time and any advice you can provide. It is deeply appreciated. ...
  A: Take your blood pressure. If it's above 90 sitting and standing, low blood pressure is not the ...
Chest Discomfort11/27/2008
  Q: I've recently had some issues with minor chest discomfort and am curious if you might offer me some ...
  A: Coronary disease is certainly rare in a 32-year-old athlete with, but not impossible. Next test ...
Cholesterol11/27/2008
  Q: Greetings! I am a female, 69 and my latest cholesterol results are: Total 270 HDL 79 LDL 151 Sugar ...
  A: Statin medicine is the obvious answer. Safe and very effective in lowering LDL. Exercise and ...
Zocor and Tricor combo therapy11/26/2008
  Q: Richardson, I am 45 yrs. old female.non smoker. non drinker. My doctor put me on Zocor and Tricor ...
  A: There is a tiny increase in muscle and liver trouble when taking both, but less than the risk of ...
blood pressure11/26/2008
  Q: My husband's age is 38yrs & for the past 2 years he has been having blood pressure around 140/88.we ...
  A: Best treatment would be to lose 65 pounds, which would get his blood pressure lower and remove the ...
inverted t wave repolarization - abnormal EKG11/25/2008
  Q: I will be sixty next year but am a licensed professional in a stressful field albeit with no real ...
  A: T inversion can come and go, especially in leads where the QRS is about equally up and down. And ...
Aneurysm11/25/2008
  Q: Richardson, Last year a CT scan showed an ascending aortic aneurysm measuring 4.5 cm. A couple of ...
  A: It's hard for a trans-thoracic echo to see the upper aorta, tho maybe not in a small person. A ...
False results on EKG?11/25/2008
  Q: Good evening Dr. Richardson, My husband is a 44 year old man in a high-stress job. Ironically, one ...
  A: Yes, an EKG can be false positive, especially if the chest leads are placed too high on his chest. ...
Hello!11/24/2008
  Q: I'm 18, and weigh around 290-300 pounds. I eat alot of candy, and I drink alot of Vault, the ...
  A: High BP doesn't cause pain. The usual cause of chest pain in an 18-year-old is cramping of pectoral ...
PVC's and more11/24/2008
  Q: First thing first David you have answered a few questions of mine in the past and i cant express my ...
  A: Deaar Mr. Free, Note that the article was about recovery from a stress test. If you had more PVC's ...
Chest/Arm Pain11/23/2008
  Q: I am a 24 y/o 6-foot 1-inch 220-pound male with no medication. I have not seen a doctor in almost a ...
  A: In a 24-year-old man the most likely cause of chest pain is cramping of muscles around the ribs. ...
heart rate = high BP?11/23/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson: I have noticed when my heart rate is low (54-60) in response to beta blockers or ...
  A: The low heart rate is probably caused by the high BP, not the other way around. Rise in BP ...
heart arrhythmia's11/22/2008
  Q: I have severe high blood pressure,i was sent to Vanderbilt Hypertension clinic,i don't go back until ...
  A: Nifedipine certainly causes swollen ankles, and arrhythmia is listed among it's bad effects. If ...
left side chest pain11/22/2008
  Q: I am a 35 year old for a few days now my chest has been very heavy lungs thru to my back and the ...
  A: Chest pain in a 35-year-old woman is probably cramping of muscles around ribs and is no threat to ...
blood test11/21/2008
  Q: and would a blood test for blood count, kidney and liver function remove possibility of a blood ...
  A: Joel, the blood tests you had wouldn't help about clots in veins, though the ultrasound seems to ...
Heart Issues11/21/2008
  Q: My name is Dana Cooper. I'm a 25 year old women. I am five feet tall and weigh 90lbs. I do not smoke ...
  A: Cooper. You're having bout of supraventricular tachycardia probably. You need help from a ...
abnormal ekg11/21/2008
  Q: I am a 74 year old male. My cholesterol is 134. My doctor said my latest EKG was abnormal. "The ...
  A: The information given you is not adequate to make a good recommendation. If the doctor means new ...
Cardiac Surgeon11/21/2008
  Q: I'm doing a project for school and i was wondering if i could ask you a few questions. 1) What are ...
  A: 1. Training takes a long time. 4 years of med school, 3 or 4 years of general surgery postgraduate ...
blood test11/20/2008
  Q: and would a blood test for blood count, kidney and liver function remove possibility of a blood ...
  A: Blood clots are very unlikely to cause pain in hip, unless by hip you mean groin, where the front of ...
Heart Skipping Beats11/20/2008
  Q: Tonight after having sex, I was laying in bed trying to go to sleep, but I kept having a funny ...
  A: No, you need not see your doctor. You'll be okay. Loss of appetite is not related to the skipped ...
NSVT11/20/2008
  Q: Ty in advance for taking my question...u have been so helpful to me in the past. My concern is ...
  A: Not unless they become frequent or prolonged or make you dizzy. But why not make an appointment ...
bigeminy and pvcs11/20/2008
  Q: Richardson, I want to thank you in advance for your expertise and I appreciate your input. I am a 52 ...
  A: Accept the opinion of the doctors and ignore the bigeminy unless the worry is interfering with your ...
Heart11/19/2008
  Q: I am 58 yrs. old.5`5" 165 lbs.BP,130/90 Was admitted to hospital 3 wks. ago with chest pain.They did ...
  A: Your blood pressure is probably too low. If possible get your BP measured sitting and while you're ...
Elevated heart rate11/19/2008
  Q: I'm a 24 year old female, 5'10 150lbs who is consistently mildly active (walk 30 minute/day 5 ...
  A: Target heart rate for exercise is 270 minus age in years, if I remember correctly. For you that ...
PFO and Pseudo Tumor Cerebri11/19/2008
  Q: I am a 36 year old female. I was diagnosed with a PFO almost 7 years ago. The first cardiologist I ...
  A: There is no connection between PFO and pseudo-tumor cerebri that I know of. PFO does not cause ...
heart murmur11/18/2008
  Q: i was born with a heart murmur.from what ive been told most people grow out of it.i didnt as far as ...
  A: Single skipped or premature heart beats are normal heart activity and no threat to life or health in ...
Prosthetic Aortic Valve Leakage11/18/2008
  Q: I have a St. Jude aortic valve which was implanted in 2001. At my last visit with my cardiologist ...
  A: 1. Yes, a little leakage is normal, and your leakage must be small since it didn't show up last ...
PVC11/18/2008
  Q: I am a 37 year old white male, with no previous significant medical problems. I had blood pressure ...
  A: 1. PVC's are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. They usually appear at age twenty ...
high pulse rate11/17/2008
  Q: I am on Co-Diovan blood pressure medication, my blood pressure is not high (116/70) but my pulse ...
  A: Probably the Co-Diovan. Diovan is well known to me but I don't know what Co-Diovan is. Diovan plus ...
inverted t waves11/17/2008
  Q: Last week I felt upper chest (inch below my adams apple) pressure. It wasn't debilitating, but it's ...
  A: Inverted T waves are normal in leads with inverted QRS, but are suspicious in leads where the QRS is ...
3-4 heart block?11/17/2008
  Q: Husband will be drenched in perspiration, low b/p,hr 190, some chest pain.Had echo and ...
  A: Yes, though hr 190 is very unusual. If his heart slows down gradually over several minutes, 190 is ...
Chest pain for 6 days11/16/2008
  Q: I'm a 24 year old female and I've been having chest pains for about 6 days now. I've been having a ...
  A: In a young person, the pains are probably cramping of muscles around ribs. If pressing on a painful ...
chest pain11/16/2008
  Q: healthy and no recent injuries. i had chest pains a year ago where i completed a ECG and Xray both ...
  A: In a young person, the pains are probably cramping of muscles around ribs. If pressing on a painful ...
low oxygen level upon exertion11/15/2008
  Q: I am not sure I am asking the right kind of Dr., but,I am out of breath and my oxygen level drops to ...
  A: Heart failure? An echocardiogram would answer that question. Breathlessness is caused by heart, ...
About LVEF = 26%11/15/2008
  Q: My father has recently hospitalized because of breathing problem. doctor has tested him and told ...
  A: At times does he have tiredness and shortness of breath? These are the symptoms produced by LVEF of ...
blood vessels11/15/2008
  Q: is it possible when i use vaso in general that maybe only artery dilated without vein for example or ...
  A: Dilated arteries don't increase blood flow. It's dilation of arterioles that leads to increased ...
Results of an echo11/15/2008
  Q: Should I be concerned if I am 36 yrs old female, 67 inches tall and weigh 120lbs, have a history of ...
  A: You shouldn't have dilated IVC & hepatic veins unless you're in severe heart failure or have ...
Heart skipping beats after sex11/14/2008
  Q: Tonight after having sex, I was laying in bed trying to go to sleep, but I kept having a funny ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. They don't mean you ...
Which Exercise Type Is Better For Heart?11/14/2008
  Q: David, I like to know whether aerobic or anaerobic type exercise is better for the heart in terms ...
  A: Aerobic exercise is better for heart. Coenczyme Q does seem to have no benefit. Best diet ...
Gurgling sounds in heart11/13/2008
  Q: Iam a 23 year old male, weight 63, height 6 feet 2 inches, I have had a history of TB, dengue and ...
  A: Mild MR would not make a gurgling sound, or cause any symptoms. The gurgling sound when you wake up ...
heart disease and peridontal disease11/13/2008
  Q: I have had periodontal disease for over 20 years. I am a 52 year old, female, 136 lbs. no smoking, ...
  A: Periodontal infection might lead to infection on a heart valve. Borrow a stethoscope from someone, ...
sss11/11/2008
  Q: I am 44 I have tacky and bradycardia my Dr. did a loop monitor at one time my heart rate was 138 ...
  A: Sorry to be slow. My email program broke yesterday. Tilt test will see if your blood pressure ...
heart pain/pressure11/11/2008
  Q: First off, the basics: 23 year old physically active female (varsity athlete in both high school and ...
  A: Sorry to be slow. My email software broke. At your age and with your excellent athletic ...
blood vessels11/10/2008
  Q: is it possible when i use vaso in general that maybe only artery dilated without vein for example or ...
  A: You're correct, vasodilation means dilation of any vessel. It's usually restricted to blood vessels ...
Stress test for heart11/10/2008
  Q: can a stress test be done in one day or will it take several days to do it? Also what is it done for ...
  A: Stress tests can be done in one day. You walk on a treadmill while your heart is watched by EKG and ...
Bigeminy, electrolytes imbalance, Echo11/9/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I had my echo and stress last year and both were ok. Recently, my PVCs have been ...
  A: Another Stress test and echo are not needed unless you're over 45 years of age, in which case ...
Possible endocarditis/myocarditis11/9/2008
  Q: For the past 2 weeks I have been having a subfebril temperature (37.5-38.5). Before I started with ...
  A: Risteska, Thyroiditis seems most likely with your very low TSH. A thyroid scan may help. An ...
Mitral valve Prolapse11/8/2008
  Q: I was idagnosed with having a minor Mitral Valve Prolapse last Marcy (2007). I have a slight murmur ...
  A: When you press where the pain is, does the pain go away, or is it not modified at all? Pain with a ...
strange sensations.11/8/2008
  Q: im a 20 year old male, fit, dont smoke or drink and i do not take drugs. awhile ago i was ...
  A: To find out what's going on with your heart rhythm, ask your doctor for an event monitor, a little ...
strange sensations.11/8/2008
  Q: im a 20 year old male, fit, dont smoke or drink and i do not take drugs. awhile ago i was ...
  A: The thuds you feel are premature heart beats followed by a pause so the heart gets extra full of ...
Question about ECG findings11/7/2008
  Q: I am a 24 year old girl. My Cholestrol level is - HDL-35 and LDL-108. My ECG findigs show Q,S in III ...
  A: QS in III but not aVF is normal, as is downward T in III, V2 and V3. Correlate clinically means see ...
av block/palpitations11/7/2008
  Q: I am a 48 yr old female, overweight but normal BP. Non smoker and otherwise healthy. For several yrs ...
  A: You're probably feeling premature heart beats, which are normal heart activity and no threat to life ...
Mitral valve Prolapse11/7/2008
  Q: I was idagnosed with having a minor Mitral Valve Prolapse last Marcy (2007). I have a slight murmur ...
  A: Coutts, Sharp chest pain is not likely to be from heart and is probably cramping of muscles around ...
PVC or NSVT?11/6/2008
  Q: I am 34 y/o male with 17 years history of PVCs. They firstly diagnosed as a consequence of viral ...
  A: 1. Yes, anxiety can trigger a greater number of PVC's. 2. 100 mg of amio can reduce PVC's, and it is ...
frequent beat missing11/6/2008
  Q: i get attacks of beat missing.first of all when started counting it,the 60th beat is missed.then ...
  A: All the doctors said skipped heart beats are normal heart events and no threat to life or health, I ...
weird heart sensation11/5/2008
  Q: i;ve written to you before and you've always been very helpful. pls answer me this. last night as i ...
  A: No need to be scared. What you felt was an extra beat so soon after the preceding normal beat that ...
PVCs and PACs11/2/2008
  Q: Im 22 yrs old, and Im 5 months pregnant. For the past 2 weeks I have been feeling my heart stop, for ...
  A: If it really stops for FIVE seconds, something is not right. The pause after a PVC doesn't exceed a ...
rvh or cvd is it serious11/1/2008
  Q: i am 43 non smoker, non drinker,non drug user, i have gerd and other issues with my stomach i have ...
  A: What symptoms? Heart pain is usually pressure in the center of the front of the chest brought on ...
Repetive fluttering and skips in heart10/31/2008
  Q: I have had an echo test done and pressure test, both were fine... i was having heart flutters maybe ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health for someone with a normal ...
SVT?10/30/2008
  Q: I have PAC's and PVC's almost every day. I am 47 year old female with no other ailments except this ...
  A: Yes, it all sounds normal. Two or three PVC's in a row can cause light headedness in anyone. You ...
heart pain10/30/2008
  Q: however i am most bothered over the CONSTANT chest fluttering sensation in my heart. can this be ...
  A: The most likely cause of sharp chest pain in a young person is cramping of the muscles around the ...
Pain in Pectorial region10/29/2008
  Q: I'm post BMV and getting treatment for last 2 month for AF .I'm on metolar 50 BD, lanoxin ...
  A: A heart with normal large coronary arteries, as shown on your angiogram, can cause chest pain ...
heart pain10/29/2008
  Q: I HAD SIMILIAR PAIN LAST YEAR WHERE I COMPLETED A X-RAY AND ECG WHICH WERE FINE. HOWEVER IN THE LAST ...
  A: In a quite young man, the most likely cause of chest and back pain is cramping of muscles around the ...
WPW, LBBB, MVP10/28/2008
  Q: I'm a 24yrs old male. I am scheduled for doppler heart examination in 2 weeks time (which I've been ...
  A: I can see what your doctor is talking about, but I'm not a good enough echocardiographer to know ...
Fast heart rate and pounding after a meal10/28/2008
  Q: I have been noticing lately right after a meal, my heart beats much quicker. I can feel in outside ...
  A: If your heart speeds up and slows down gradually, over a few minutes, and its rhythm remains ...
High frequency pvc's.10/28/2008
  Q: Richardson, I have posted before awhile back. And I firstly thank you for your services. I am a ...
  A: No matter how frequent, even every other beat, PVC's are benign for someone with normal echo and ...
question.....10/27/2008
  Q: im 19 years old, but for the past year or 2 i would get these random pains in my chest by my heart. ...
  A: At age 19, chest pain is most likely cramping of muscles around ribs. Some congenital heart trouble ...
Taurine10/27/2008
  Q: There have been talks about the effects of oral taurine and arginine on helping to alleviate PVC's, ...
  A: I didn't know anything about taurine and arginine helping arrhythmias, and find this interesting and ...
PVCs double checked?10/27/2008
  Q: I've noticed PVCs for about a year. I've had an echo, two holter monitors, a few EKGs, chest xray, ...
  A: You may be having two PVC's in a row (pause, pause, thud) A run of PVC's would feel like three or ...
atrial enlargement10/27/2008
  Q: I am a 54 yr old woman, and had an ekg in Mar 08 that was "borderline," (done as routine) with ...
  A: EKG is not very accurate in diagnosing atrial enlargement. The interpretations are probably false ...
Catheter Ablation10/26/2008
  Q: I have dilated cardiomyopathy and Vtach. I had MBP all my life. Finally 2 1/2 years ago they had ...
  A: Ablation is very difficult. Ask the electrophysiologist how many successful and failed ablations he ...
palpitation10/26/2008
  Q: i have been experiencing problem to my heart beat i feel like my hear stop for micro second and then ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health if you have a normal ...
ASD Closure10/25/2008
  Q: next month, I'm undergoing Cardiac catheterization to close an ASD. I never went through anything ...
  A: You should feel normal afterwards and you will feel nothing at all during the procedure. The vein ...
Continuous MVP Symptoms at Night10/25/2008
  Q: I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse when I was 18. I am 43 now, and for the most part have ...
  A: MVP doesn't cause symptoms. If your fluttering is skipped beats, they are normal cardiac activity ...
exercise, diet and heart problems10/25/2008
  Q: I have a question about excessive exercise and heart problems. Do you know of any conditions ...
  A: Heart pain is usually brought on by exercise or strong negative feelings like fear or anger, and ...
Heart movement inside chest10/25/2008
  Q: I have a question that I hope you can answer. I am 44 about 5' 5" and 165. At times whenever I move ...
  A: The heart is just suspended from the aorta at its top, so it's free to swing back and forth in the ...
PACs and rapid heart rate10/12/2008
  Q: I am a 33yo male, 250 pounds. I am moderately overweight and have become very inactive. I was a ...
  A: The episodes may become more frequent, but just as likely they will not be frequent. I'd wait until ...
15 second electrocardiogram10/12/2008
  Q: I recently went to a new primary care physican who told me that he gives all of his new patients an ...
  A: Electrocardiograms were invented in the late 1800's by a doctor named Einthoven. They're pretty ...
WPW, LBBB, MVP10/12/2008
  Q: I'm a 24yrs old male. I am scheduled for doppler heart examination in 2 weeks time (which I've been ...
  A: Sleepiness may be apnea, especially if you're overweight. You need to spend a night in a sleep lab ...
spasms in sternum area10/12/2008
  Q: I am a 33 year old female 5'4" and 215#. About 3 months ago I woke up with acid in my throat. I ...
  A: Probably cramps of the muscles around ribs, a big nuisance but no threat to life or health. Hearts ...
High blood pressure and low heart pulse10/11/2008
  Q: David Richardson! I am writing this message on behalf of my mum. She is 70 years old woman who ...
  A: Tactoprillum is not available in USA, so I don't know what it is. Usual next step is to add ...
flutters in chest10/11/2008
  Q: can you pls tell me the difference between benign palpitations and atrial fibrillation. what are a. ...
  A: 1) Not many. Even every other heart beat is not too many. 2) No, a Holter will only count the ...
palpitations10/11/2008
  Q: I am a 30 yr old female. Have been diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse, with mild leakage, no ...
  A: You need have no fear of dropping dead. Atrial fib is not life-threatening. Atrial fib makes ...
irregular ekg10/10/2008
  Q: my husband has been having right sided chest pains for about a week, they were getting worse and ...
  A: Tiffany, You need not worry about chest pain in a 24-year-old man. The heart almost never causes ...
flutters in chest10/10/2008
  Q: can you pls tell me the difference between benign palpitations and atrial fibrillation. what are a. ...
  A: Benign palpitations are single skipped heart beats. or pairs or triplets of skipped beats. Atrial ...
PACs and rapid heart rate10/10/2008
  Q: I am a 33yo male, 250 pounds. I am moderately overweight and have become very inactive. I was a ...
  A: As you know, premature beats are no threat to life or health in someone with a normal echo and need ...
heart palpitations10/9/2008
  Q: I have MVP, and have skipped beats sometimes and rapid beats sometimes, I have had holters and ...
  A: As you know, skipped and rapid beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health for ...
Heart Rate10/9/2008
  Q: I do cardiovascular exercise fairly regularly and my resting heart rate is around 50. I have a blood ...
  A: Heart rate and BP bounce up the minute we wake up and rise a bit more as we get out of bed, then ...
heart bypass10/9/2008
  Q: I had triple bypass in July of 2008 and gone back to work on october 7th of 2008. On Tuesday I got ...
  A: Please worry. Your heart should not cause pain after a bypass. Please report to your doctor in the ...
abnormal EKG10/8/2008
  Q: I had an EKG today which came back abnormal. Rate 69 BPM PR: 288 Qt/QTc 434/451 QRSD: 131 P Axis: ...
  A: Probably no need for worry. The reading sounds very minor to me. If you wish, send me your email ...
ectopic heart beats10/8/2008
  Q: I am a 54 year old female, I experienced my first irregular heart beat when I was 17 years old,and ...
  A: As you know, skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health in a ...
D.O.T. physical10/7/2008
  Q: I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White syndrome at a young age and i thought i understood the ...
  A: Sorry, but I just don't know. Nor do I know how to find out. Cardiology textbooks don't include ...
tachycardia10/6/2008
  Q: i am 48 years old. i had an mi last year which resulted in one stent. i have been on a low dose beta ...
  A: Do nothing. Or try another beta blocker. The tachycardia won't lead to another heart attack. If ...
Skipped beat frequency10/6/2008
  Q: In regards to the phenomenon of "skipped heartbeats," the evidence seems pretty clear that they are ...
  A: In someone with normal heart structure and function, skipped beats even every other beat are no ...
Seasonal Tachycardia?10/5/2008
  Q: While going through the internet trying to find some answers, I've found most of my symptoms are ...
  A: SVT starts and stops abruptly, in one beat. There's lots you can do. Lie down for a minute and ...
PVCs10/5/2008
  Q: I am a 44 yr. old female & was diagosed, this past May, with PVCs. I wore a Holter Monitor in July, ...
  A: About half of us have PVC's or PAC's. The heart's electrical system is built so that they are ...
SVT,A-Fib,NSVT,Dysautonomia10/4/2008
  Q: I am a 35 yr old female with a five year history of pvc's and sinus tachy. I don't smoke, drink or ...
  A: Dysautonomia means the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to your heart are not working ...
racing heart skipped beats10/4/2008
  Q: I train alot say about 4 to 5 times a week I have a history of panic attacks and anxiety I am ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health, easy to understand as normal ...
SVT?10/3/2008
  Q: I sffer really bad from panic idsorder for about 2 years now, however i have had palpitations for ...
  A: SVT starts and stops abruptly in one heart beat. Normal sinus tachycardia starts and stops slowly, ...
Long QT Wave & High Level Teen Athletes10/3/2008
  Q: My daughter is a college freshman basketball player for a major midwest college. This past week ...
  A: Here is some info about risk and possible benefits of genetic testing "In adults aged 18 to 40, the ...
Pregnancy and Pvc's10/2/2008
  Q: I am a 25 year old female with no significant health history, normal weight, non-smoker with no ...
  A: No, your echo will still be normal. PVC's are normal heart activity, normal in the senses that ...
heart skipping beats10/2/2008
  Q: I have recently been to see my doctor about my heart skipping a beat. He felt my pulse and said that ...
  A: Premature heart beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. About half of us have ...
Long QT Wave & High Level Teen Athletes10/2/2008
  Q: My daughter is a college freshman basketball player for a major midwest college. This past week ...
  A: With no fainting spells behind her, I think it's o.k. to play basketball, especially if there is no ...
takeing a beta blocker at 23 years old ?10/2/2008
  Q: i was wondering if they can tell if you have heart valve problem with ekg and with a ultrasound of ...
  A: Beta blockers have almost no ill effects and have been taken for at least 30 years. Need to know ...
Heartbeat skipped of stopped with urge to cough10/1/2008
  Q: Yesterday while driving I experienced a sensation that felt as though my heart had stopped for ...
  A: Single or double skipped beats are of course normal heart activity. They may well induce a cough, ...
angina, aortic insufficiency, high/low risk Heart Attack?10/1/2008
  Q: You've answered a previous question on this topic for me. Thank you. I have another: If angina can ...
  A: Angina can be caused by SEVERE aortic insufficiency, which should not occur in someone whose valve ...
panic attacks and chest pain10/1/2008
  Q: In June of this year I had a normal cardiolite stress test, echo and holter monitor. I have panic ...
  A: Your pains are not cardiac, not with a normal stress test, echo and Holter. Cramping of muscles ...
RBBB shown on EKG9/30/2008
  Q: Good morning, I am a 38 yr old female, smoker, and about 12 lbs overweight. I have reoccurrent ...
  A: Rybak, RBBB is no problem at all. Pericarditis usually causes pain worse with deep breath in. An ...
Chest apin9/30/2008
  Q: I'm 29 years old, nearly 30 and I have been having chest for about the last 6 months. I am a smoker, ...
  A: Tess, ask the doctor about an echo to be sure your don't have cardiomyopathy. which should be ...
pains in left chest area9/30/2008
  Q: last night i was woken up by pains in my left chest area. the pains were sharp but i managed to ...
  A: The most likely cause of sharp pain in left chest is cramping of muscles around the ribs. There are ...
Why do I have a rapid heart rate after my ablation procedure??9/30/2008
  Q: Doctor- I recently had an ablation procedure done for afib. I have had periodic episodes of afib ...
  A: In about two months after the first procedure. Maybe the sinus node was stunned by the ablation or ...
Frequent Skipped Beats9/29/2008
  Q: Richardson, Thanks a lot for your wonderful volunteering service here, through All Experts – It’s a ...
  A: Cruz, No need to worry. PVC's are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health, no matter ...
PVC's when to be concerned?9/29/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I am a 50 year old male, 6'1", 260 pounds (have lost 70 pounds since January 1st, ...
  A: No need to worry. PVC's are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health for someone with a ...
echo-stress test for aortic insufficiency9/28/2008
  Q: I was diagnosed last month with moderate Aortic Insufficiency. This was based on "resting" ...
  A: Aortic insufficiency doesn't cause chest pain unless it's very severe. Presumably your pain is in ...
Chest apin9/28/2008
  Q: I'm 29 years old, nearly 30 and I have been having chest for about the last 6 months. I am a smoker, ...
  A: The most common cause of pain like yours is cramping of the muscles around the ribs, and the fact ...
AVR and PVCs9/27/2008
  Q: 55 years old, warfarin, atenolo, HCTZ, diovan, 125/70 Dr. Richardson I have really enjoyed reading ...
  A: PVC's are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health in someone with a normal echo, no ...
Pinching Pain in Heart side9/27/2008
  Q: I am 24 years old, 68 kg weighted and 5 feet 6 inches tall man. I am having pinching pain in my ...
  A: Pressure on the painful spot may help, and stretching the muscle by bending your body away from the ...
Heart catheterization hemitoma9/27/2008
  Q: Three weeks ago my wife underwent a heart catheterization, the doctor used a protein plug to seal ...
  A: There is nothing you could have done better. Protein plugs are supposed to be better than just ...
mitral valve prolaspe9/27/2008
  Q: My question is about Mitral valve prolaspe. I had gotten a TEE and it showed that I had Mitral Valve ...
  A: None of your symptoms come from the mitral prolapse, which just means the mitral leaflets bulge a ...
ectopic beats9/25/2008
  Q: Im writing you from Mexico, Im 45, 6', 190 lbs, 120/80 BP, 60 resting HR, I have been doing gym and ...
  A: Your normal echo proves that there was no damage to any heart valve. PAC's, no matter how frequent, ...
prolonged QT interval9/25/2008
  Q: I am 36 yoa, female. I weigh 163 lbs and 5'8 in height. I am healthy and active. I take Omeprazole ...
  A: In adults aged 18 to 40, the odds ratio for life-threatening cardiac events is 2.68 for female ...
chest tightness on left side9/25/2008
  Q: I have a tightness on the left side beginning about mid-breast radiating around the left side to the ...
  A: Cramping of muscles around ribs is most likely. You can prove that it's chest wall pain if pressure ...
MVP9/24/2008
  Q: "One week ago I was diagnosised as Mitral Valve Prolapsed by my cardiologist. I was feeling some ...
  A: Those symptoms are not caused by MVP. Lightheadesness, stiffness and tremor. If these only occur ...
holter monitor report9/24/2008
  Q: You answered a question about PVCs for me before, and I can't thank you enough. I recently had a ...
  A: Katrina, PVC's can occur soon after the QRS, early in the relaxation period that's called diastole, ...
heart seems to flip/flop9/23/2008
  Q: I am 36 years old. I have menieres disease which I take dyazide to help. I also take lexapro 20mg ...
  A: If by flip-flops you are describing single skipped beats followed by an extra large beat, these are ...
Rapid Heart Rate, But Then...9/22/2008
  Q: I have bouts with terrible rapid heart rate, with POTS symptoms. I'm on 75 mg/day of Atenolol as ...
  A: Matt, I don't think you're being snotty. You're in trouble. I wish I could help. Almost any ...
Rapid Heart Rate, But Then...9/21/2008
  Q: I have bouts with terrible rapid heart rate, with POTS symptoms. I'm on 75 mg/day of Atenolol as ...
  A: Anxiety, I think, not a life-threatening problem but a big nuisance. Anxiety is especially likely ...
Blood pressure,different readings in each arm9/21/2008
  Q: I been taking lisinopril for my high blood pressure for a couple years now.The doctor,(a free ...
  A: Persistently lower BP in one arm than the other suggests partial obstruction of the arteries to the ...
Pinching Pain in Heart side9/20/2008
  Q: I am 24 years old, 68 kg weighted and 5 feet 6 inches tall man. I am having pinching pain in my ...
  A: Probably cramping of muscles, a nuisance but no threat to life or health. If rubbing the painful ...
Increasing list of symptoms9/20/2008
  Q: At the age of 18 I was diagnosed with Hypertension with no primary cause. I have always been within ...
  A: About 95% of hypertension has no discernible cause. It's called essential hypertension in doctors' ...
AORTIC VALVE9/20/2008
  Q: MY BABY AGE IS FIVE MONTH AORTIC VOLVE BLOCK PLEASE GUIDE ME FOR THE SOLUTION what is the sollutions
  A: If the block is severe, the only solution is operation on the valve soon. If the block is not too ...
Chest pain, high pulse and distorted vision?9/19/2008
  Q: Richarson, I am twenty years old, female, 5'7", 190 lbs with no history of high blood pressure. ...
  A: I don't know what's causing your chest pain. It might possibly be heart, tho I doubt it. You need ...
enlarged left atrium9/19/2008
  Q: My fiance has been taking Strattera for ADHD for about 5 months as part of a study in Cleveland. ...
  A: There are a lot of adverse reactions to Strattera, but none include irregular heart rate and ...
possible arrhythmias or palpitation/flutter9/19/2008
  Q: First off, thank you for being so generous in providing such insightful information to those ...
  A: Ricci, Yes, consult your physician. It was probably just a skipped beat making a long pause ...
Ectopic heartbeats9/18/2008
  Q: I am delighted to have found your site and hope you can help me. I have been having skipped or ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life in someone with normal heart structure ...
wpw and some thing unidetify9/18/2008
  Q: I m 30 year old male One month ago I feel some uncomfortablness on right side of my chest, I go to ...
  A: Chest pain almost never comes from heart in a 30 year old with a normal echo. Try pressing firmly ...
increased size of veines on temple9/18/2008
  Q: For the last month i've noticed that the veines on my left temple have become more prominant, ...
  A: Probably normal, but a connection between the arteries running up to the left side of your head and ...
PVC as a side effect of PPI9/17/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, After reading many of your answers to the multitude of arrhythmia sufferers, I ...
  A: They are still benign even when frequent for people with normal hearts on echo. You need not worry. ...
Recent HBP & Chest Pain9/17/2008
  Q: Please help, as I am very confused and scared. I am a 31 year old white male, 6'1, 215. A few ...
  A: Might be anxiety, but angina, caused by clogging of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the ...
Heart or anxiety9/16/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson.....I have been waking up to racing heart for several years along with anxiety ...
  A: Bouts of rapid heart beat and very high BP can occur from anxiety of course, but there is a rare ...
15 year old daughter with chest pain9/16/2008
  Q: for almost 2 years my daughter 15 has had symptoms of headaches dizziness fainting and chest pain ...
  A: Bowman, You need not worry. Irregular heart beat will turn out to be skipped heart beats, known in ...
Heart or anxiety9/16/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson.....I have been waking up to racing heart for several years along with anxiety ...
  A: Doesn't sound like clogged artery at all. A racing heart would cause chest pain and shortness of ...
upper left chest pain, under pecs9/14/2008
  Q: I am a fit, active 70 year old (liveaboard sailor, cruising Baltic and Med since early retirement 14 ...
  A: Chest pain at rest is most likely cramping of muscles in the chest wall, a nuisance but no threat to ...
heart problem9/14/2008
  Q: i am 32 years old. i am observing very mild pain on left side of my chest from last 2-3 months. I ...
  A: The left chest pain is probably cramping of muscles around ribs, a nuisance but no threat to life or ...
PVC's, Anxiety, and chest pain9/13/2008
  Q: I'm a 21 year old female who does not smoke, doesn't drink, and has recently adopted a more healthy ...
  A: Skipped beats are of course normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health. Your chest pain ...
LVEF Normal on ECHO 43% on Cardiolite9/13/2008
  Q: I am 33 yr old male with prior history of mild but controlled asthma, I am 6'4 325 lbs, 44 inch ...
  A: You probably couldn't exercise strenuously if your EF were 43, and the echo is better at estimating ...
what is wrong with my heart?9/12/2008
  Q: i am 22 year old mother and i have been having problems with my heart. i have a fast pulse rate, ...
  A: The missed beats followed by a hard beat are normal heart activity and no threat to life or health ...
MVP9/12/2008
  Q: "One week ago I was diagnosised as Mitral Valve Prolapsed by my cardiologist. I was feeling some ...
  A: The report signifies that you have MVP, which is no problem, just slight bulging of the mitral valve ...
early heartbeat , not relaxing9/12/2008
  Q: I have had a funny heartbeat all my life I am 55 now and last year had several days where this beat ...
  A: Jones, Hmmm. The two are related in the sense that your heart's difficulty with relaxation means ...
Digoxin9/11/2008
  Q: To Dr. David Richardson, Does digoxin help control a-fib? I used to have a-fib and took digoxin ...
  A: Digoxin strengthens the force of contraction of the heart muscle and is often used to treat heart ...
LBBB and irregular heart beat9/11/2008
  Q: I am a young 66 yr old female, 5'6", 153 lbs. I've had Rheumatic Fever as a child and left me with a ...
  A: With only 20% blockage, LBBB is not serious and you have not had a previous myocardial infarct. If ...
Bypass9/11/2008
  Q: my father-in-law had a heart attack 3 weeks ago and didn't feel the symptoms due to his diabetes. ...
  A: Treatment of heart failure is pretty good, and he can probably survive without surgery. If the ...
Chronic right coronary occlusion9/10/2008
  Q: I am 70 years old. Blood pressure historically 120/80, pulse in the 50's. Beta blockers slowed me ...
  A: A pacemaker would probably lessen your fatigue if your heart rate now is below 45, not otherwise. ...
Aspirin9/9/2008
  Q: I take a baby aspirin a day, but how long does it take for a baby aspirin to get into the blood ...
  A: It takes an hour or two for a baby aspirin to get into the blood stream, but the ant-clotting ...
flutters?, Raynards?(bad circulationProbs), upper muscular probs9/9/2008
  Q: Are these all related, does it mean i have a heart problem? I have a neck injury, which these all ...
  A: No, they don't mean you have a heart problem. If the flutters are skipped heart beats, that's ...
Rheumatic Fever/ MVR?9/8/2008
  Q: I've been talking to you for quite some time now on here.. and after I've done a ton of research.. ...
  A: If you've had a recent echo, it would show how much mitral regurg you have and if any other valves ...
ischemia9/8/2008
  Q: I had a TEE test 6/08 indicating there is a strong evidence of a "heart ischemia" I also have a few ...
  A: Small TIA's may be tiny clots from leg veins (almost everyone has tiny clots in leg veins) slipping ...
early heartbeat , not relaxing9/8/2008
  Q: I have had a funny heartbeat all my life I am 55 now and last year had several days where this beat ...
  A: Jones, If the heart doesn't relax well, pressure builds up in the left ventricle because it's not ...
Rheumatic Fever/ MVR?9/8/2008
  Q: I've been talking to you for quite some time now on here.. and after I've done a ton of research.. ...
  A: Bounding pulse is not common with mitral regurg, where the ventricle ejects extra blood back into ...
heart health/diets9/7/2008
  Q: My husband just had a heart attack..he is on a low sodium low cholesteral and low fat ...
  A: Pearce, Low sodium is less than 5 grams of salt a day. That means no salt added in preparation or ...
Anxiety that feels Physical9/7/2008
  Q: I have been having issues with an anxiety for a few months now. I have been having heart palpations, ...
  A: PVC's, no matter how frequent, even one every other heartbeat, are normal heart activity, normal in ...
Chronic right coronary occlusion9/6/2008
  Q: I am 70 years old. Blood pressure historically 120/80, pulse in the 50's. Beta blockers slowed me ...
  A: Appropriate medicines are a baby aspirin (81 mg.) daily, a statin and a beta blocker if they don't ...
Hypertension9/6/2008
  Q: I have had hard to control High blood pressure for 6 years now. Recently my blood pressure spiked ...
  A: Your family doc probably wants help in controlling your BP, and nephrologists are the current ...
Abnormal ECG9/5/2008
  Q: I am a 41-year-old female who has had abnormal ECG readings since I was in college. I am 5'7", ...
  A: It's midnight and looking up the normal ranges will take a long time. I'll answer tomorrow. David. ...
abnormal heart rate and chest buring9/5/2008
  Q: to fix it in tx. Now has chest pain and buring in the chest with a little fast heart rate when her ...
  A: Watterson, She needs an echocardiogram to be sure there's nothing wrong with her heart structure, ...
Echo results and some thoughts.9/4/2008
  Q: I am an active 22-year-old male with PVC's and PAC's. I weight 163 lbs, and am 6 feet in height. I ...
  A: Trace regurgitation is normal. A little blood slips backward through a valve when the ventricle ...
coxsackie virus and palpitations9/4/2008
  Q: Last year I suffered for several weeks from an awful ache in my chest and fatigue. My GP said it ...
  A: Yes, Ma'am. If the palpitations are skipped beats, these are normal cardiac activity, no threat to ...
heart flutters9/3/2008
  Q: and you would be the perfect person to ask my heart flutter question to. I just turned 40 female, ...
  A: PVC's are normal heart activity, normal in the senses that 1) at least half of us have them, (2) ...
abnormal cardiolite stress test9/2/2008
  Q: 47 yr. old female, 5'3", 175 lb., regularly taking 75 mcg. synthroid, 250/50 advair, 10 mg. ...
  A: The only chest pain you've had was on the treadmill or with exercise, and was in the center of the ...
Emotional Distress& Prolonged QT9/2/2008
  Q: Our daughter was emotionally and verbally abused over a period of time in high school by her field ...
  A: The long QT is not congenital, which means present at birth. Long QT is often hereditary but may ...
Heart or anxiety9/2/2008
  Q: Can you give any advice on how to get past the fact that the symptoms I feel are anxiety and not ...
  A: A normal cardiolite stress test gives you 95% probability of no heart attack or cardiac death for 7 ...
Changes in lab results9/2/2008
  Q: I just got home from a doctor appointment and I don't understand the changes: 4/5/08 Triglycerides ...
  A: Triglycerides, and HDL which varies inversely with TG (when TG are high, HDL is low) are quite ...
Difference between PVC's & PAC's9/1/2008
  Q: Richardson. You have been so helpful in the past and now another couple of questions. I would like ...
  A: PAC's precede episodes of SVT. Both PAC's and PVC's are more likely to occur when the heart rate is ...
teeth and heart9/1/2008
  Q: I have posted before. I have major panic disorder. I have TMJ with my PD. I had an echo, holter and ...
  A: Yes, antibiotics are needed before dental work only in people with severe valve disease or some ...
Emotional Distress& Prolonged QT9/1/2008
  Q: Our daughter was emotionally and verbally abused over a period of time in high school by her field ...
  A: Her long QT must not be congenital, since previous EKG's were normal. Stress does not cause long ...
skipped heart beats driving me mad!8/31/2008
  Q: i wrote to you a few weeks ago and you gave me some re-assuring advice, i seem to get these skipped ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health. It would have been unlikely ...
heart failure??8/30/2008
  Q: Back in March I had a feeling of flutters in my chest.. I was scared out of my mind thinking I was ...
  A: A normal white count is pretty good evidence against infection on the valve. The hsCreactive ...
What happens when heart "skips a beat"?8/30/2008
  Q: I'm 32 yrs old and I'm on verapamil 120mg(1 pill per day) for SVT. I also suffer from "skipped ...
  A: During the long pause of a skipped beat, extra blood flows into the heart, so the beat after the ...
irregular ECG8/30/2008
  Q: I just had my yearly physical and the ECG indicated that I had a long QTc interval. my vent. rate ...
  A: Debra, QTc corrects for the slow heart rate. For adult women, a QTc of 456 is borderline long. ...
heart failure??8/29/2008
  Q: Back in March I had a feeling of flutters in my chest.. I was scared out of my mind thinking I was ...
  A: Purple fingers and splinter hemorrhages raise the question of bacteria growing on your mitral valve. ...
Abnormal EKG8/29/2008
  Q: I am 41, overweight with 120/70 BP. I was given and EKG that showed conduction system disease, 1 av ...
  A: I see lowish QRS voltage in all leads, and Qr in V1-V3. The latter could be old anterior myocardial ...
skipped heart beats8/29/2008
  Q: i wrote to you a couple of weeks ago regarding my skipped heart beats, im 28 and apart from being a ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health now or in the future. ...
irregular ECG8/29/2008
  Q: I just had my yearly physical and the ECG indicated that I had a long QTc interval. my vent. rate ...
  A: You didn't ask a question. You should consult a cardiac electrophysiologist, the experts on QT. ...
heart failure??8/27/2008
  Q: Back in March I had a feeling of flutters in my chest.. I was scared out of my mind thinking I was ...
  A: The first signs of heart failure are breathlessness on mild exertion like walking three blocks or ...
Rapid Heart rate8/27/2008
  Q: I have had a condition where I have a rapid heart rate when moving around a bit and especially a ...
  A: Increased heart rate after vomiting is not unusual, especially in someone with POTS. I don't know ...
Pulse Pressure8/27/2008
  Q: Richardson, You were kind enough to help me back in 2005 and I look forward to hearing your opinion ...
  A: Campbell, Pulse pressure of 60 is close to normal, for example 140/80. Pulse pressure nearly 80 is ...
Blood Pressure8/26/2008
  Q: If someone's blood pressure profile changes, does that mean the condition has changed? This is for ...
  A: Chris, Try to time the medicines that may lower BP (ACE,Coreg and patch) to avoid the hours when his ...
Left side pain8/25/2008
  Q: Richardson, Recently, I have been feeling some pain on my upper left side, from just underneath my ...
  A: The most common cause of pain like yours is cramping of muscles around the ribs and under the collar ...
Persantine MIBI Stress Test8/18/2008
  Q: How are the results calculated when the Arteries in the heart are smaller than normal
  A: Sorry, I don't know what you mean. If the test is negative, no abnormal distribution of the MIBI in ...
pacemaker8/18/2008
  Q: I have been here before. 76 yr old male with congestive heart failure for 40 years. All sorts of ...
  A: The third lead is to pace the other side (left ventricle if the current lead is in the right ...
PVC's back to back..8/10/2008
  Q: I just wrote to you Dr. Richardson and I thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. I ...
  A: 3 or 4 PVC's in a row is not a threat to life or health, so long as your heart's structure and ...
Bystolic8/9/2008
  Q: I am on 5 mg of Bystolic and since I have started it I have a strained sensation in my esophagus. ...
  A: In the empty space in the middle where the clavicle starts below the adam's apple. Do you know how ...
Bystolic8/9/2008
  Q: I am on 5 mg of Bystolic and since I have started it I have a strained sensation in my esophagus. ...
  A: Your symptoms don't appear in the list of adverse reactions to Bystolic, so the beta blocker is not ...
Stress test results8/7/2008
  Q: I had a stress test because of abnormal ecg and high blood pressure. The cardiologist sent my test ...
  A: Yes other than the mild concentric LVH, the report is normal. Inducible ischemia means not enough ...
tachycardia8/7/2008
  Q: I am a woman of 74 years of age, height 5'3" and weight 170 lbs. Blood pressure around 140/75, pulse ...
  A: Darline, it all seems normal. 107 is certainly a normal heart rate for someone going to an ER. Any ...
Palpitations and Lower Blood Pressure8/7/2008
  Q: Can you please tell me if low blood pressure has anything to do with skips in the heart? I know my ...
  A: On Holter, about 25% of us have PVC's and 25% have PAC's, so about half of have neither on one 24 ...
Aorta vascular calcification8/6/2008
  Q: Dr. Richards, I just got results back from a CT scan I had done of my abdomen. In the summary it ...
  A: Some aortic calcification is present in most people. It will probably never cause any trouble. ...
Constant PVC's..8/6/2008
  Q: I am new here and just in need of some advice. I am a 31 year old female. I am 5'4, weigh 131 lbs. ...
  A: PVC's, no matter how frequent, are normal cardiac activity and no threat to life or health. They do ...
tachycardia8/6/2008
  Q: I am a woman of 74 years of age, height 5'3" and weight 170 lbs. Blood pressure around 140/75, pulse ...
  A: How fast does your heart race? Does it start to race gradually and subside gradually: if so it is ...
PVCs- Bigeminies/trigemies/SVEs8/6/2008
  Q: Richardson: I am a 77 year old man with long history of CAD. Last summer, I had sought your advice ...
  A: I think you should do nothing. With your good EF and exercise ability, PVC's, no matter how ...
Skipped beats8/5/2008
  Q: I'm an american living abroad. I have had panic disorder for many years, with different ...
  A: Your doctor is correct. Extrasystole means a very premature heart beat, so early that the heart ...
Heart Catherization8/5/2008
  Q: I am 46 years old. I have had Atrial Fibrillation for at least 15 years. It stays this way ...
  A: The catheter is usually inserted where your leg joins your body because there is a great big blood ...
hypertension dizzy and hypotension8/4/2008
  Q: I am a 61 year old male. 7X bypass 5 years ago. I have been on 50mg Metoprolol since surgery; ...
  A: BP above 90 is o.k. If you think you have orthostatic hypotension, get someone to measure your ...
Fear8/3/2008
  Q: I have a big fear of a sudden cardiac arrest but don't know if it is a real fear? 8 years ago I had ...
  A: Sudden cardiac arrest strikes people with plaques in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the ...
problem with high blood pressure8/3/2008
  Q: Richardson. I have a very dear friend who is in her late sixties and is under a lot of stress due ...
  A: Tranquilizers are not much help in lowering BP. Talking with a counselor would help her deal with ...
Enlarged Left Atrium8/3/2008
  Q: An echocardiogram indicated essentially normal results except indexed left atrial volume 40 cc per ...
  A: Possible left atrial enlargement, wheezing, BP 135/90 and fatigue as main symptom. The BP is ...
Abnormal EKG8/3/2008
  Q: David, I am 41 right now. In 2006 I had an abnormal EKG reading during a routing physical. I went ...
  A: With a negative cath, the EKG is normal for you, that is, the EKG is a false positive. Get a copy ...
Mitral Regurgatation8/2/2008
  Q: I've been suffering from this visible pulse (bounding pulse?) in my abdomen, wrist and temple.. My ...
  A: Very slight mitral regurgitation causes no problems, is probably normal. The mitral valve ...
PVC8/2/2008
  Q: Doctor I am a 32 year old female with normal blood pressure. I am fit and well and have played ...
  A: PVC's are normal cardiac activity, no matter how frequent. Normal in the senses that about half of ...
Enlarged Left Atrium8/2/2008
  Q: An echocardiogram indicated essentially normal results except indexed left atrial volume 40 cc per ...
  A: 2 standard deviations above the mean includes only 90% of the normals, so 10 % of those above 2 SD's ...
ANXIETY OR HEART SYMPTOM8/1/2008
  Q: could this be stress or anxiety related.. im 32 yr old male , over the past year i have had a high ...
  A: Sounds like anxiety. Dizziness and blurred vision may be caused by breathing too fast and too deep. ...
Heart palpitations8/1/2008
  Q: "Hi, I am a 31 year old female, in pretty good health. For the past 2 weeks I have been feeling my ...
  A: Skipped and extra heart beats are normal cardiac activity. Normal in the senses that (1) about half ...
Wellbutrin XL 300mg and occasional skipped heartbeat with urge to cough7/31/2008
  Q: Two weeks ago I increased my Wellbutrin (Buproprion) dosage from 150 to 300mg. I suffer from ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health so long as the heart's ...
aortic valce sclerosis7/31/2008
  Q: When I was 29 years old (I am 32 now) I had an echo done that my cardiologist insisted was normal ...
  A: Yes, it should have been discussed with you. Mild aortic sclerosis almost never causes trouble, but ...
SVT7/31/2008
  Q: What are the five types of SVT and how can you distinguish them? second ? Describe the management of ...
  A: Wilson, I didn't know there were 5 types of SVT. Please send me the reference to where you read ...
Anxiety - Heart Related?7/30/2008
  Q: For a few years I've been waking up during the night with racing heart accompanied by ...
  A: Yes, anxiety raises heart rate and BP, and can make a person with clogged coronary arteries a little ...
PVC's after cardiac ablation7/30/2008
  Q: First thank you for being here for all who inquire with you...it is a wonderful service you are ...
  A: I'm very sorry, but I don't know the answer to most of your questions. Sounds to me as if the ...
Niddle prick heart7/29/2008
  Q: I am 17 and weigh 131. Sometimes when I forget to eat (oddly it happens often) I get a sharp almost ...
  A: It's not heart. Hearts don't cause pin prick pain. It's probably cramping of muscles between ribs. ...
All over Edema with loww blood pressure and a high resting heart rate7/29/2008
  Q: I am going to see a cardiologist only because I asked to see one. I have had low blood pressure with ...
  A: More details are needed. Heart, liver, thyroid, kidneys edema can cause edema. Do thyroid lab ...
cardiology7/29/2008
  Q: I was recently diagnosed with Pure Autonomic Failure following autonomic function testing/nerve ...
  A: The first common ill effect listed for Florinef is nausea. Edema (swelling) and headache are ...
Irregular Heartbeat Symbol on Omron Blood Pressure Monitor7/28/2008
  Q: I recently on a few occasions have had the irregular heartbeat symbol show up on my blood pressure ...
  A: Probably your monitor detected the skip as 25% lower than the average rhythm, since the monitor ...
svt and pregnancy7/27/2008
  Q: Also they can not put me on treatment then take me off to have children as it could make it worse?, ...
  A: Ask about flecainide. It has no contraindication for pregnancy like beta blockers do. Another ...
Oxygen dependency7/27/2008
  Q: Mom had a quadruple bypass 7 years ago, now 3 our ot 4 are blocked, Type 2 diabetes with ...
  A: The only way she can get off oxygen is to fix her heart. She'll need oxygen for the rest of her ...
test results7/26/2008
  Q: I had an echocardiogram done back in december. I was wondering if you could explain the results I ...
  A: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of chest pain in a young person. Skipped heart ...
Cardiologist said I am OK but still a bit worried7/26/2008
  Q: Dr Richardson, One afternoon I was in my kitchen, not stressed, and I felt a pain in my left ...
  A: If the treadmill test was monitored by radioisotopes or echocardiogram, then infarct is ruled out. ...
recurring sinus tachycardia7/26/2008
  Q: I am 20 years old and have been experiencing repetitive tachycardia and palpitations in the past ...
  A: Persistently elevated heart rate is called inappropriate sinus tachycardia unless it occurs only ...
heartbeat in head7/25/2008
  Q: my heart beating in my head sometimes all day long. I lost my husband in January 08 and my father ...
  A: I doubt if anything is seriously wrong inside your head. Anxiety is a possibility, and the ...
test results7/25/2008
  Q: I had an echocardiogram done back in december. I was wondering if you could explain the results I ...
  A: Yes, the echo results are fine. They are good for at least 10 years, probably 20. No need to worry ...
Re: Afib7/24/2008
  Q: I am not able to get the link in the answer to work? It is this one (I tried with the %20s taken ...
  A: Maybe the link works only on a Mac computer, which is what I use. The link describes various ...
Elevated Blood Pressure7/24/2008
  Q: My question is sometimes my blood pressure elevates from a normal reading to extremely high numbers ...
  A: Marge, I'm unclear about what heart-related means. If you mean, "Can the heart cause such ...
Elevated Blood Pressure7/24/2008
  Q: My question is sometimes my blood pressure elevates from a normal reading to extremely high numbers ...
  A: Heart-related only in that sustained peaks of blood pressure may strain the heart, but peaks lasting ...
pain behind left ear7/24/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I am a 58 year old female and have atrial fibrillation and recently developed ...
  A: It seems insignificant to me, too. It's not coronary blockage; coronary pain is brought on by ...
ectopics7/23/2008
  Q: I have had occasional afib for 8 years, and 2-3 episodes of SVT in the first year but apparently not ...
  A: Yes. See ...
EKG results: 1st degree, septal infarct7/23/2008
  Q: Dr Richardson, I found your answer to a question about 'Septal Infarct' on an EKG. ...
  A: Elaine, Q in V1 and V2 is normal, 90 %, i think, because often the chest leads are placed too high ...
tachy arrythmia7/23/2008
  Q: i am 44 and had a sincope episode twice. was out for over 20 mins. I had a hard time getting ...
  A: Totally unconscious for 20 minutes doesn't sound like heart. Did he perchance feel your pulse or ...
Why are PVC's and PAC's Normal? Can potassium supplements block PVC's and PAC's7/22/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson: I have read a multitude of your answers about PVC's and PAC's being normal cardiac ...
  A: There's no good explanation of why half of have PVC's or PAC's and the other half don't. There's no ...
Abnormal EKG/T wave inversion V1,V2,V37/22/2008
  Q: Richardson... I've had an abnormal EKG since I was 25...am now 45. I was diagnosed at 15 with MVP ...
  A: Pam, it's perfectly possible that the technician always puts the leads too high. Mitral prolapse ...
Afib7/21/2008
  Q: Our last communication we discussed that I take flecainide before being cardioconverted. Did not ...
  A: Sorry about the recurrence. Ask about propafenone, which isn't associated with arrhythmia. ...
Very labile blood pressure7/21/2008
  Q: I have had labile blood pressure for about 3 years, driven mainly by anxiety according to my doctor ...
  A: Please consider adding hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg a day and an angiotensin receptor blocker like ...
Slow Heart Rate?7/20/2008
  Q: I am a 43 year old female, 5'5", 150 lbs and have noticed the last two weeks that my heart rate has ...
  A: Low levels of potassium can also cause fatigue. But your fatigue is not likely to come from ...
Chest Pains7/20/2008
  Q: I have had pains on the left side of my chest for about 6 days. The pain is constant throughout the ...
  A: The most common cause of chest pain in a young woman is cramping of muscles between and around ribs. ...
Feeling of Skipped Hearteat then a double beat.7/19/2008
  Q: I am a 45 year old male who is 6 foot and 225 pounds with a BMI of 24. I quit smoking in March. In ...
  A: Skipped beats tend to slowly subside, usually in 10 years or so. There are medicines more effective ...
Echocardiogram: biatrial dilation and normal ventricles7/19/2008
  Q: I had an echo on Jun 8 the with these results and the following: "Echo cardiogram also shows ...
  A: The echo shows no significant problems. Near syncope is a problem, which the Holter didn't clarify. ...
Feeling of Skipped Hearteat then a double beat.7/19/2008
  Q: I am a 45 year old male who is 6 foot and 225 pounds with a BMI of 24. I quit smoking in March. In ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity, normal in the senses that about half of us have ...
Nitro pills7/19/2008
  Q: I had a heart attack April 23, 2008. I have 3 stents - main artery, left and right. I take Zocor ...
  A: Heart-related pain is usually brought on by exercise or strong unpleasant emotion and relieved ...
skipped beats7/18/2008
  Q: First of all, thank you for this service. I've read your comments many times about how PAC's, PVC's ...
  A: Sure, mention it to your cardiologist. If your LVEF is over 50%, PVC's are no threat even with a ...
HEART PAIN7/18/2008
  Q: I HAD A FULL CARDIO WORK UP BETWEEN SEPT 07 AND FEB 08 INCLUDING NUCLEAR STRESS TEST , 24 HOUR ...
  A: Matt, If the dizziness is vertigo, that is you feel like you're spinning round and round or the room ...
HEART PAIN7/17/2008
  Q: I HAD A FULL CARDIO WORK UP BETWEEN SEPT 07 AND FEB 08 INCLUDING NUCLEAR STRESS TEST , 24 HOUR ...
  A: The most common cause of sharp chest pains is cramping of muscles between and around ribs. You can ...
curing heart blockage without angioplasty7/16/2008
  Q: My mom recently had Angiography and results showed that she is having 60% and 95 % blockage in the ...
  A: The only indication for angioplasty is heart pain she doesn't want to put up with. Treatment with ...
heart beat7/16/2008
  Q: im a 15 year old 145 pound swimmer, a few weeks ago i was laying on my couch and i had these two or ...
  A: Not serious. Heavy heart beats are the beats after a skipped beat, which are no threat to life or ...
Angina Symptoms in 22 year old7/15/2008
  Q: I am a 22 year old male (5'11, 175 lbs) who for the past four months has been experiencing chest ...
  A: Angina at rest in a 22 year old man can be spasm of a coronary artery. I hope the event monitor ...
64-slice CT scan7/15/2008
  Q: My dr. wants me to have an angiogram although a regular (not 64-slice) CT scan showed zero plaque. ...
  A: Neither a CT scan or an angiogram show the mitral valve condition well. Echocardiogram is best for ...
missing heart beat7/14/2008
  Q: i am 71yrs. undergone bypass12years back. doctors after echo told me pumping 30%blood only. diabetic ...
  A: Your note indicates that you are doing well. Please continue unless your cholesterol is above 190, ...
Irregular heartbeat7/14/2008
  Q: I have noted that I have an irregular heartbeat. As a Firefighter/EMT, I have always been aware of ...
  A: None of what you describe sounds bad. I see no reason to be concerned unless you should faint ...
heart palpitations7/13/2008
  Q: I'm a 22 year old female and have been having heart palpitations since i was about 16. They usually ...
  A: No, it's not possible that you had a heart attack. The usual cause of QS in V1 and V2 is placement ...
tachy arrythmia7/13/2008
  Q: i am 44 and had a sincope episode twice. was out for over 20 mins. I had a hard time getting ...
  A: Resch, Not enough info. Were you standing, sitting or lying? Did anyone observe you while you ...
Abnormal EKG/T wave inversion V1,V2,V37/13/2008
  Q: Richardson... I've had an abnormal EKG since I was 25...am now 45. I was diagnosed at 15 with MVP ...
  A: Sure, your EKG is probably normal for you. Maybe it's read as abnormal because the leads were ...
breathless when lying down7/12/2008
  Q: My husband is breathless when lying down but only for about 30 seconds. He walks to the kitchen and ...
  A: Dragt, Heart is much more likely. He should tell a doctor about this. If you can't afford a ...
Chest discomfort7/12/2008
  Q: I weight 165, I am 5’11 and my blood pressure is good I had it tested two weeks ago. For years now I ...
  A: The most common cause of chest pain like yours is cramping of the muscles between the ribs, a normal ...
chest pain7/11/2008
  Q: About 4 months ago I moved to a new area, living in a basement apartment. After about a week I ...
  A: The most common cause of chest pain is cramping of muscles between ribs, a big nuisance but not a ...
test7/11/2008
  Q: i was wondering if they can tell if you have heart valve problem with ekg and with a ultrasound of ...
  A: Chris, some afib runs in families that have one or more base pairs in their genes altered, a ...
test7/11/2008
  Q: i was wondering if they can tell if you have heart valve problem with ekg and with a ultrasound of ...
  A: Echo is best for valves. It shows the structure and function of each of the 4 valves in great ...
heart question7/11/2008
  Q: I'm 25 years-old, 5'5", 100 lbs., blod pressure always around 102-120/70. I have been having pain ...
  A: Heart trouble at age 25 with normal echo and EKG is EXTREMELY unlikely, practically impossible. ...
heart Cath7/10/2008
  Q: I just turned 36 yrs old and had a nuclear stress test today due waking up at night with the feeling ...
  A: Miller, Yes, false positive pictures are very common, more than 50% at your age and with no chest ...
Palpitations7/9/2008
  Q: You have answered a PVC question for me already and thanks for that. I have a new situation the ...
  A: Yes, please don't worry when PVC's occur. Since you have normal EKG's and echoes, they are no threat ...
heart palpitations7/9/2008
  Q: Please help. I am 37, 5'8, 165 lb female with no blood pressure problems. I have had several EKGs ...
  A: Doesn't sound dangerous, since you have normal EKG's and presumably the stress tests showed normal ...
Palpitations7/9/2008
  Q: You have answered a PVC question for me already and thanks for that. I have a new situation the ...
  A: SVT lasts many minutes to hours and stops very abruptly, in one heart beat. If your heart rate was ...
heart question7/8/2008
  Q: I'm 25 years-old, 5'5", 100 lbs., blod pressure always around 102-120/70. I have been having pain ...
  A: Gall stones or pancreatitis are more likely than heart to cause upper abdominal and back pain. ...
Abnormal EKG/T wave inversion V1,V2,V37/8/2008
  Q: Richardson... I've had an abnormal EKG since I was 25...am now 45. I was diagnosed at 15 with MVP ...
  A: T inversion in V1-V3 is normal if there is rS, not QS, in V3. If not, the leads were probably ...
conduction delay post cryo-ablation7/8/2008
  Q: Re my 33 year old son, 18 mo post cryo surgery for wpw. 5'10", 170#. Excellent BP, history of & ...
  A: No worries. Premature heart beats are normal heart activity, don't lead to WPW tachycardia. RSR' ...
MVP and heart palpitations7/8/2008
  Q: I have MVP, with now leakage. However, when I exercise, I get skipped beat and fluttery feelings ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal in anybody, MVP or not. They are normal heart activity, no threat to life ...
presyncope7/7/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson: I am a 50 years old male with hypertension under control (low dose of CCB and beta ...
  A: Ask someone to observe you during one or more episodes. Do you get pale? Do you sweat? What ...
BP readings7/6/2008
  Q: The information booklet for my BP machine (Omron) says to wait five minutes before taking a second ...
  A: The machine doesn't care. BP falls when you change from active to sitting, which is why the second ...
Heart Questions7/6/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, Hi My name is Tyler and I am 17. I have questions regarding my heart. Lately, I've ...
  A: Maybe your blood pressure gets too low when you stand up. Ask someone to measure your blood ...
DD and diuretic (previous posts)7/6/2008
  Q: I am on 50 mg of HCTZ already, but that is for my kidneys. So it does double duty. I couln't get the ...
  A: If your potassium was low before you took HCTZ and you had high BP, ask your doctors about ...
unsustained v-tach in a healthy heart7/5/2008
  Q: I am a 23 year old single mother who has been having pvc's since I was 12 years old. I have ...
  A: With all your concern and insomnia, you should seek a second opinion for reassurance, though I agree ...
heart beats7/5/2008
  Q: Richardson I am an 18year old male and have been suffering from supposed post viral fatigue ...
  A: Athletes who die young almost always have structural abnormalities that would show up on echo. Your ...
Diastolic dysfunction and moderate LVH7/5/2008
  Q: AT 33, I had PPCM in 2000, I also had a stroke.At the time my EF was 20% and they thought I would ...
  A: With edema and breathlessness, you probably should be on a diuretic like furosemide. Here's a ...
atrial fibrillation7/4/2008
  Q: my name is Jessica, Im 24 (5'4" and BP 90/60)and I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation 6 months ...
  A: The fast heart rate probably comes from anxiety. The pop around your heart might be a skipped heart ...
Diastolic dysfunction and moderate LVH7/4/2008
  Q: AT 33, I had PPCM in 2000, I also had a stroke.At the time my EF was 20% and they thought I would ...
  A: Why are you listing diastolic dysfunction? Do you still have easy breathlessness and fatigue, i.e. ...
Stress Test7/3/2008
  Q: My husband's doctor is scheduling a stress test for him. It is not going to be the thallium kind, ...
  A: His diet should reduce carbohydrates, because they raise triglycerides. Increase unsaturated fats ...
Stress Test7/3/2008
  Q: My husband's doctor is scheduling a stress test for him. It is not going to be the thallium kind, ...
  A: I hope it's a treadmill test monitored by radioisotopes or echocardiogram. (Tests monitored by EKG ...
Aortic question7/2/2008
  Q: Richardson? A couple of general questions. Are valve problems more serious with the aortic valve ...
  A: Generic drugs are always best, no matter what the drug, statins included. The FDA makes certain ...
Clonidine and beta blockers7/2/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I am on beta blocker (bystolic 5mg/d) and norvasc (5mg/d) for hypertension. I also ...
  A: Should be o.k. Beta blockers may produce a big rise in BP when clonidine is stopped, but one dose ...
Skipped heartbeats and exercise7/1/2008
  Q: I have asked you questions before and once again I wanna thank you for your time and advice. I have ...
  A: Exercise tends to prevent skipped beats, so the more the better. Remember than skipped beats are ...
A-fib7/1/2008
  Q: Three months ago I had an episode of a-fib. That day I had been under stress I have gone back to ...
  A: If you avoid taking motrin and a bunch of tums, your afib may not recur, tho afib tends to recur ...
Abnormal EKG/Dysautonomia??6/30/2008
  Q: Richardson. I am a 34 yo female, smoker for 18 years and pretty sedentary. I take 25 mg Atenolol, ...
  A: It's not Brugada. EF above 50 is perfectly normal, and increase with exercise is good. Heart ...
RIght bundle branch block6/30/2008
  Q: A few days ago I underwent a stress test which produced some abnormal findings. My doctor said he ...
  A: Probably not. RBBB often causes ST depression. Can you find out which leads had ST depression? ...
vasovagal6/30/2008
  Q: I have vasovagal events every morning now between 8 and 10 am. I am going to an ep cardiologist and ...
  A: Chud, Do your events occur only when you're standing, and does your blood pressure drop below 80 ...
47 yr old woman with vasospasms6/29/2008
  Q: Recently my spasms increased in number and was put on Norvasc. Spasms increased and had angiogram. ...
  A: Spasm is uncommon during angiogram. The doc was lucky to catch it. Some Italian cardiologists left ...
Post-CABG persistent shortness of breath6/29/2008
  Q: My 74 year old father underwent triple bypass surgery 6 months ago. He continues to fail stress ...
  A: Food stopping at mid sternum sounds like esophageal narrowing, which would certainly cause weight ...
high heart rate6/29/2008
  Q: im a 32 male for over a year now i have had a high heart rate at rest it is about 105-120, i have ...
  A: Your high heart rate, chest pain and tremors are most likely all the result of anxiety, even every ...
hypertension6/29/2008
  Q: I have panic disorder and suffer from anxiety often. In 05 I had an abnormal EKG in the ER during a ...
  A: Karen, I don't know the percent of echo readings of PAH that are false positive, just pretty common. ...
hypertension6/28/2008
  Q: I have panic disorder and suffer from anxiety often. In 05 I had an abnormal EKG in the ER during a ...
  A: Sure, false reading of PA hypertension is common with transthoracic echo. I'd ignore this as false ...
new to a-fib6/28/2008
  Q: i have a question about a-fib, i was at work one day, and i experienced flutter in my chest wen tto ...
  A: If your heart rhythm is regular, it's not afib. Bloating and heart burn will speed up your heart, ...
Never Ending PVCs6/28/2008
  Q: I have read other posters talk about runs of 2, 3, or 4 PVCs that occur in a row. Mine seem to never ...
  A: Pelletier, Congratulations on your good weight, at least. Now that your PVC's are happening all ...
High heart rates during nights.6/28/2008
  Q: I am 21 year old male from India.Height - 172 cm.Weight - 74Kg . Recently my heart rates are higher ...
  A: If your heart rhythm is regular and it's rate is less than 140, that's normal. If irregular, that ...
Irregular Heart Beat - hyperparathyroidism?6/27/2008
  Q: I am a 33 yr old male who has been experiencing irregular heartbeats for 10 years now. I have had ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are so common in all of us (about 50% of us have them) that I doubt that ...
fluctuating heartbeat6/26/2008
  Q: I had a rather peculiar question, one that probably will be far less urgent than most you recieve. ...
  A: Richards, The tachycardia is a normal response to anxiety and panic, even over 160. Numbness comes ...
circulation6/26/2008
  Q: Richardson, I'm curious about blood rushes to the head that occur when inverted. In me, they occur ...
  A: No idea, really. If the whites of your eyes stay red longer than a few minutes, then you're ...
NSVT and HCM6/25/2008
  Q: What if you have NSVT from time to time and also have a thickened apex? That being the only ...
  A: Mitchell, See if this helps: http://www.cardiosmart.org/ManageCondition/Default.aspx?id=814 If ...
My Heart6/25/2008
  Q: i am 25 years old, female 165 cm tall and 61 kg,walk regularly, i think i have to tell you these ...
  A: You're not too young to have paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, abbreviated PSVT. It's a ...
Heart Hiccups6/24/2008
  Q: I have been to a cardiologist last year about extra hearts beats and I have a normal heart. I get ...
  A: PVC's are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life if you have a heart with normal structure and ...
High BP and low pulse6/23/2008
  Q: I am retired Army, I retired 4 1/2 years ago and haven't had an exercise routine since then, ...
  A: Exercise more and lose weight are the best steps. But with pressure in the center of the front of ...
PVC's6/23/2008
  Q: I have read your answers and many of them have come to help me so thanks for that already! Heres my ...
  A: PVC's are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health so long as your heart structure and ...
Ejection Fraction6/22/2008
  Q: I have read on the internet that a normal ejection fraction is from 55 to 75 percent. The echo ...
  A: Bill, 69 is far below 75, and the echo would of course have shown any abnormality of heart structure ...
Heart Rhythm and Prolonged QT6/21/2008
  Q: This will require a little background, so I apologize for the length. My family history includes ...
  A: Miller, Look at file:///%20Cardiology%2012:07/%20Cardiology%2011:07/QT/T%20shape%20in%20LQT and ...
Aortic question6/21/2008
  Q: Richardson? A couple of general questions. Are valve problems more serious with the aortic valve ...
  A: Aortic sclerosis is not serious at all, of course. Severe aortic stenosis is quite serious. ...
Enlarged heart ride side6/21/2008
  Q: I was just diagnosis with an enlarged heart on my right side. Plus also I have been having severe ...
  A: More information needed. How was the diagnosis made? Echocardiograph? Can you send me the report? ...
Chest pain6/20/2008
  Q: I started having a chest pain like 2 weeks ago. The pain was so bad i thought i was going to die. i ...
  A: Pain you can modify by touching your chest is in the chest wall, probably cramping of muscles ...
heart racing6/20/2008
  Q: I went to the doctor to day to get hook up to a 24 hr holter monitor , I was pancking and shoot my ...
  A: Heart rate of 170 is o.k. during panic. It will show up on the Holter as sinus tachycardia, ...
High pulse rate6/20/2008
  Q: Richardson, I'm 52, female, and had an aortic valve replacement/aneurysm repair nine years ago. I ...
  A: Systolic blood pressure is what strains the aorta and aortic valve. High diastolic values are easy ...
Antibiotics and Dentistry for Heart Patients6/19/2008
  Q: My 85 yr old dad (has a weak heart, defibulator and stents) always is asked to take antibiotics ...
  A: Deep cleaning of teeth and root canal work may push bacteria into the blood stream, and these may ...
skipped beats with dizziness6/18/2008
  Q: I was diagnosed with SVT in 2005 when I had to go to hospital with bad palpitations that lasted more ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal heart activity and no threat to life or health. They are unrelated ...
Nuclear Stress Test Results6/17/2008
  Q: Richardson. I am a 48 yo man. My BP went to 200/100 in January. High BP runs in my family. I am ...
  A: Yes, it's a normal result. Stress tests monitored only by EKG without radioisotope scanning or ...
intra-operative MI6/17/2008
  Q: I recently had what was supposed to be out-patient shoulder surgery. When I woke up in the recovery ...
  A: It's possible to have spasm of a coronary severe enough to cause a myocardial infarction that ...
Echo Results6/17/2008
  Q: Richardson: I am a 67-year-old male. Last week my primary care doctor was concerned about a heart ...
  A: Bill, sclerosis means hardening, stiffening. If the valve leaflets fuse together or get stiffer and ...
Echo Results6/16/2008
  Q: Richardson: I am a 67-year-old male. Last week my primary care doctor was concerned about a heart ...
  A: Yes, Bill, your echo shows no enlargement of the heart. Left ventricle of 4.3 cm is normal and the ...
Echo Results6/16/2008
  Q: Richardson: I am a 67-year-old male. Last week my primary care doctor was concerned about a heart ...
  A: You asked no questions. The diastolic dysfunction is probably the result of your calcified aortic ...
Slow pulse6/15/2008
  Q: Age - 54 Meds - Premarin daily Height - 5'4" Weight - 150 Blood Pressure - 108/80 My blood pessure ...
  A: Slow pulse is good, predicting long life. Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity, no ...
Baby with VSD6/12/2008
  Q: My baby aged 2 months has been diagnosed with a large VSD and we were told by the paediatrc ...
  A: A large VSD probably will need surgery and is unlikely to close spontaneously. Over some years, the ...
cholesterol6/12/2008
  Q: In Canadian terms, my latest cholesterol readings are: CHOL 5.95, HDL 1.59, LDL 3.72, CHOL/HDL ...
  A: Your CHOL is high. Less than 4.66 is ideal HDL is very good. Higher than 1.30 is good for women. ...
cholestero6/12/2008
  Q: In Canadian terms, my latest cholesterol readings are: CHOL 5.95, HDL 1.59, LDL 3.72, CHOL/HDL ...
  A: James, Sorry, but my knowledge doesn't include Canadian terms. Have you some reference to how to ...
My Mom Heart6/11/2008
  Q: Dr.Richardson the enjection rate is 30 percet. If you of any protcols that might help I would be ...
  A: Depends on what kind of heart trouble you have. Did you have a heart attack? Do you have coronary ...
my ekg results vs my stress6/11/2008
  Q: I have recently lost a 5 wk old grandchild do to my cooperation with cps about my son hurting the ...
  A: The most common cause of downward spikes in V2-V3 is placement of the electrodes too high on your ...
Palpitations?6/10/2008
  Q: I get PVC's and PAC's every day but I was a little worried last night. Does anyone ever get them ...
  A: No need for worry, no matter how frequent, even every other beat, so long as your heart's structure ...
PSVT6/10/2008
  Q: Richardson. I have another question about my PSVT attacks. I was reading an answer you gave to ...
  A: PSVT won't kill you, no matter how long it lasts. If they frequently last longer than 10 minutes, ...
Heart Rate6/10/2008
  Q: I hope you can help. I am a 37 yr old female who had an anterior cervical fusion at C5/C6 a year ...
  A: Seems logical that the surgery contributes to your heart rhythm attacks. Please ask the GP or ...
Skipped beats with urge to cough6/9/2008
  Q: I am on verapamil since 2006 for SVT. Occasionally I have noticed I had skipped heartbeats but it ...
  A: Probably the extra large beat after the skip rubs against your trachea and makes you cough. It's ...
Pulmonary Hypertension6/9/2008
  Q: I am 43 years old, about 6' 2" and 215 pounds. Since I was a teenager, I have been a overweight (on ...
  A: Mild MR can raise your PA pressure a little, maybe 5 I forgot that your LVIDs was high in the past ...
Arrythmia Question6/8/2008
  Q: I have been having the infamous ectopic beats since puberty. I went to a cardiologist for the first ...
  A: Four or more PAC's in a row is called PSVT. It's no threat to life or health except sometimes makes ...
Chemical Stress Test6/8/2008
  Q: I am a male, 80 years old. I have shown no signs of heart disease, except High Blood Pressure, ...
  A: 80-year-old men with hypertension and diabetes have statistically higher (above 10%) risk of heart ...
new to a-fib6/8/2008
  Q: i have a question about a-fib, i was at work one day, and i experienced flutter in my chest wen tto ...
  A: Afib is totally irregular heart rhythm, varying from beat to beat. If your heart races regularly ...
QTC6/8/2008
  Q: My question is for my daughter, who is 8yrs old. Some history about her. She had been diagnosed with ...
  A: QTC stands for QT interval, Corrected. QT is the time between the beginning of the QRS complex (the ...
My Mom Heart6/7/2008
  Q: My mom is going to a hospice Her heart runs fast and the heart is too weak for eltro-shock and ...
  A: If her heart runs too fast because of atrial fibrillation, medicines called beta blockers can slow ...
new to a-fib6/7/2008
  Q: i have a question about a-fib, i was at work one day, and i experienced flutter in my chest wen tto ...
  A: Afib is no threat to life. If you have frequent episodes, more often than once a month, or an ...
heart and anxiety6/7/2008
  Q: Richardson, I decided to get help for my anxiety attacks. An echocardiogram was done to rule out ...
  A: You have no heart trouble, and need not be anxious. But such reassurance probably won't cure the ...
Heart Disease?6/7/2008
  Q: Richardson, I am a 37 year old female, on no medications. I've had borderline cholesterol levels ...
  A: It may have been blockage of an artery in the brain. CT or MRI of head would show decreased blood ...
Supplements6/6/2008
  Q: Dr. David Richardson, What do you recommend, if anything, in terms of suppliemnts spefci to heart ...
  A: CoQ10 is harmless, tho I doubt that it is helpful. Omega 3 is excellent. Garlic, Cal-Mag, and ...
pvcs6/6/2008
  Q: sleeping and whilst bowel movement,well i have been getting pvcs now for about 4 months,they just ...
  A: PVC's are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health unless there is abnormal heart ...
PVC'c6/6/2008
  Q: I know about the dangers(blood clots-stroke) when one goes into afib. My afib symptoms were ...
  A: Atenolol is one of a class of drugs called beta blockers that includes Corgard.. It slows the heart ...
Blood pressure readings6/5/2008
  Q: Richardson, So nice to finally put a face to the name. I don't know if you would remember me. You ...
  A: Parker, I don't know any tricks to avoid rise in BP with anxiety. Most of the big studies that ...
swelling and palpitations6/5/2008
  Q: I an 33 and experiencing severe swelling recently of ankles, lower legs, hands and face. We have no ...
  A: Yes, it's common for PVC's to be more frequent when lying on the left side. Remember that PVC's are ...
Pulmonary Hypertension6/5/2008
  Q: I am 43 years old, about 6' 2" and 215 pounds. Since I was a teenager, I have been a overweight (on ...
  A: 1. Walking and waiting wouldn't affect PA pressure. Nervousness would raise it a little. 2. PA ...
LBBB6/5/2008
  Q: My 60-year-old mother was diagnosed as having LBBB...Her ECG was normal 2 years ago..she has no high ...
  A: Yes, I'd suggest a treadmill stress test monitored by echocardiogram or radioisotopes. Stress tests ...
when to see an electrophysiologist?5/18/2008
  Q: I am a 33 year old male with hypertension and a bicuspid aorta. For years I have had a great deal ...
  A: You're NOT crazy. We only have one heart, and know that arrhythmia can be fatal. Explain to your ...
PVC'c5/18/2008
  Q: I know about the dangers(blood clots-stroke) when one goes into afib. My afib symptoms were ...
  A: Yes, flecainide has good record for converting afib if taken in 48 hours. Probably you will need it ...
when to see an electrophysiologist?5/18/2008
  Q: I am a 33 year old male with hypertension and a bicuspid aorta. For years I have had a great deal ...
  A: Yes, EKG and echo together see almost all those syndromes. EKG is thought to miss Brugada in a few ...
abnormal Ekg5/18/2008
  Q: I am a 21 year old female. About 3 years ago I had an Ekg done and i was told it was abnormal and ...
  A: Most likely the EKG wires were placed too high on your chest, which will make anyone appear to have ...
PVCS and Mitral Valve Prolapse5/17/2008
  Q: I am a healthy 28 year old. I was diagnosed with mild MVP about 2 years ago. Recently I have had ...
  A: No, skipped beats are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health now or in the future, and ...
reason of pain in left side below solder and side effect of cardiopril/ramipril 2.5 mg5/17/2008
  Q: pl. tel me about reason of pain in left side below solder and side effect of cardiopril/ramipril 2.5 ...
  A: Pain in left side below shoulder is most likely cramp of muscles between ribs and not a side effect ...
extra beats, A-Fib and Ablation5/16/2008
  Q: Sir; When you gave me some info. to look up the link or website did not click to any info. Do you ...
  A: Try http://atrialfibrillationresourcecenter.com/ and ...
heart hurts when running5/15/2008
  Q: when I run my heart starts to beat really fast like 7 beats every 5 seconds. I call this heart ...
  A: 7 beats every 5 seconds is 84 beats a minute, a perfectly normal heart rate when you're running. ...
chest pain5/15/2008
  Q: About an hour after a light dinner of soup and a piece of garlic/cheese bread, while playing ...
  A: Maybe a little concerned. It was probably not heart, but to be sure you need to see a doctor and ...
Blood Pressure5/14/2008
  Q: I have been experiencing my heartbeat loudly pouding in my head for the past two months. A MRI/MRA ...
  A: Maybe Patulous Eustachian tube. See ...
How much can family history be overcome?5/14/2008
  Q: How much people's medical family history can be overcome by minimizing controllable risk factors? ...
  A: Yes, somewhat increased risk. I'd suggest you get your cholesterol measured and take a statin if ...
Flutters and Early Heartbeats5/14/2008
  Q: I get skips and flutters every single day. I am a 47 year old female with no other problems other ...
  A: Skips and early heart beats are normal cardiac activity. Normal in senses that about half of us ...
treatment for a-fib and i now have a extra beat5/13/2008
  Q: I am being treated for A-Fib on and off for seven years. I am a healthy male age forty and I am in ...
  A: Try file:///%20Cardiology%2012:07/%20Cardiology%2011:07/AFib/AFib%20Guidelines%2008 and ...
Ectopic heartbeats and insomnia5/13/2008
  Q: I am 62 and living in the UK. I have recently developed AF and have just had a cardioversion which ...
  A: Flecainide is effective in reducing ectopic beats and in preventing AF. It's safe for people with ...
Afib5/13/2008
  Q: Expert: David Richardson Date: 4/30/2008 Subject: In A-Fib again Question This is my first post. ...
  A: There is no reaction between flecainide and Corgard. Flecainide can bring you back to normal rhythm ...
Angina following Persantine/Thallium stress test5/13/2008
  Q: 86YOWM,Heartattackin"88,angioplasty;angioplastyin'02,attack in ...
  A: Probably coincidence, Charles. Persantine can lower blood pressure, but in the first minutes after ...
treatment for a-fib and i now have a extra beat5/12/2008
  Q: I am being treated for A-Fib on and off for seven years. I am a healthy male age forty and I am in ...
  A: For lots of people, premature beats in the areas where the pulmonary veins join the left atrium ...
Heart Arrhythmia5/12/2008
  Q: I am for the most part, a healthy 24 year old. Over the past six months I have started running on a ...
  A: Take it fairly seriously. See a cardiologist or internist or family practitioner, describe what ...
Pulmonary Hypertension5/12/2008
  Q: My 21 year old daughter was complaining of heart palpations one year ago. I sent her to a ...
  A: Sure. Echo can overestimate PA pressure, and upper 30's is not high enough to worry about. If the ...
painful palpitations5/11/2008
  Q: I'm 23, 5', and 105#. Hx of MVP, heart palpitations with pain, migraines. Was on Toprol XL in 2004 ...
  A: Among the side effects listed for Imitrex are chest pain/tightness/pressure and dizziness. Imitrex ...
strong visible pulse on one side of the neck5/11/2008
  Q: My mum is 63. she has no known disease like HT DM. She has a slightly loss of hear on the right ...
  A: Visible pulse in right neck is almost always normal. Perhaps she can get ultrasound exam of her ...
Low Heart Rate5/11/2008
  Q: Richardson, I am a 57 year old woman, 5' 4", 135 lbs. Blood pressure ranges from 93-165 over 57-97. ...
  A: Your story is very well detailed and very interesting. Sounds as if amlodipine caused fluid ...
my shortness of breath. bare metal stent5/10/2008
  Q: my recent heart attack November 2007. a bare metal stent put in successfully. 3 days after i went ...
  A: IT WOULDN'T SHOW HEART FAILURE OF THE DIASTOLIC HEART FAILURE, AND THE ANGIOGRAM DID SHOW NOT QUITE ...
my shortness of breath. bare metal stent5/10/2008
  Q: my recent heart attack November 2007. a bare metal stent put in successfully. 3 days after i went ...
  A: Eddie, maybe a sleep lab to see if you have sleep apnea, especially if a room mate reports that you ...
EKG results5/10/2008
  Q: I recently went in and got my cholesterol checked and had an EKG done for a cardiac screening done ...
  A: RSR' stands for RSR prime. R is the first upward swing of the EKG at the time of ventricular firing, ...
Pulse irregular pulsating5/10/2008
  Q: I have had this for about a year now and never paid too much attention to it but it is weird. When ...
  A: It's most likely paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, which is no problem unless it occurs much ...
my shortness of breath. bare metal stent5/9/2008
  Q: my recent heart attack November 2007. a bare metal stent put in successfully. 3 days after i went ...
  A: The slight pains and the midsection soreness when you wake up are not heart related and are ...
Pregnancy and PVCs5/9/2008
  Q: I'm a 31-year-old female who has been diagnosed by my cardio with PVCs and NSVT. I have had a ...
  A: PVC's and NSVT are harmless whether you're pregnant or not, so long as your echo and EKG were ...
Ectopic question for Dr. Richardson5/9/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I am a 21 year old male. Towards the end of last March I began having palpitations ...
  A: PVC's are normal cardiac activity; normal in the senses that about half of us have them, that they ...
EKG results5/9/2008
  Q: I recently went in and got my cholesterol checked and had an EKG done for a cardiac screening done ...
  A: All is normal except RSV' in V1 and V2 doesn't make any sense. Could it be RSR' in V1 and V2? If ...
understanding my results5/8/2008
  Q: i would like to understand my results a bit holter moniter (vent) ...
  A: (vent) means ventricular; beats of the lower chambers or the heart. (supr) means supraventricular; ...
Raised troponin5/8/2008
  Q: Could you let me know what can cause a raised Troponin, other than cardiac muscle damage? I had ...
  A: Analytic interferences include fibrin clots, microparticles in sample, hetereophile and human ...
Metropolol side effects5/8/2008
  Q: I recently started taking metropolol to help address ejection function issue. My doctor previously ...
  A: I'm glad the doctor cut the dose in half. What does 60-70% efficiency mean? A normal ejection ...
Metropolol side effects5/7/2008
  Q: I recently started taking metropolol to help address ejection function issue. My doctor previously ...
  A: Kathy, I'm still confused. Did you originally go to the cardiologist because your heart rate was ...
Metropolol side effects5/7/2008
  Q: I recently started taking metropolol to help address ejection function issue. My doctor previously ...
  A: Metoprolol makes some people excessively tired. What is the ejection fraction issue? If too high, ...
high blood count, cholesteral and tryglisorites5/6/2008
  Q: My husband has been very moody and cranky and even has black outs and goes into rages. I told him ...
  A: Anxiety about health can certainly change mood drastically, and I think diabetes itself may cause a ...
After catheter ablation5/6/2008
  Q: I was born with a slight heart murmur and have had heart rhythm irregularities for at least twenty ...
  A: Bruise lasting 3 weeks is o.k. It will heal up in another few weeks. Fleeting pains around heart ...
ventricular tachycardia5/6/2008
  Q: I have been having significant episodes of heart palpitations for two months. My primary card ...
  A: Yes, you should see a cardiologist, preferably a cardiac electrophysiologist because they are the ...
In A-Fib again4/30/2008
  Q: This is my first post. At age 26 I had my first PVC. I am now 64. During these past years I have ...
  A: With a normal echo, the only worry about PVC's is that the long pause after a PVC may let afib ...
metropolol4/30/2008
  Q: I am currently being treated with metropolol for an ejection function issue. I am 51 years of age ...
  A: Duhrkoop. If your ejection fraction is too high, metoprolol is a good suggestion. If EF is too ...
SVT and circuit training4/29/2008
  Q: I have had SVT for years. I went to a womens gym and they said weight training (machines with weight ...
  A: Weight lifting would bring on SVT only if it slows your heart by making you grunt. Otherwise ...
Skipped beats4/29/2008
  Q: I am 46 years old, 5 years ago I had angioplasty with stents in 2 arteries. 6 months ago i had ...
  A: Your BP may be low because of damage to your heart. The skipped beats may be serious if your heart ...
Tachacardia4/29/2008
  Q: W/F 43yr 120lb 5'7" Health/Fitness instructor with NO medical history!!! Just delivered my fourth ...
  A: Your high BP is of course pregnancy related and will go away. The tachycardia may disappear, I ...
Change from Lopressor to Coreg4/28/2008
  Q: Sorry for the lack of brevity. I am a 60YOWM, two years out from a 10 day hospitalization for ...
  A: It's safe to switch from Coreg to metoprolol. Go back at once to the previous dose of metoprolol ...
Frequent extrasystoles4/28/2008
  Q: Approx 10 years ago I started noticing heartbeat irregularities. These were on top of other recent ...
  A: Extrasystoles, ventricular or supraventricular, no matter how frequent, are not a threat to life or ...
NSVT4/28/2008
  Q: This morning I was awakened by what I think was a run of NSVT (8 beats). I was laying on my stomach ...
  A: Kathy, if you don't notice episodes of NSVT, they don't matter. Frequently means often enough to ...
Question on Diastolic Dysfunction4/28/2008
  Q: I'm a 41 yr old female, 5'3", 131 lbs. and have had high bp for the last 3 yrs. I was on ...
  A: Cardiac amyloid thickens the ventricles and causes systolic dysfunction as well as diastolic. ...
NSVT4/27/2008
  Q: This morning I was awakened by what I think was a run of NSVT (8 beats). I was laying on my stomach ...
  A: NSVT seems very likely. Doesn't seem to me a big problem unless it recurs frequently or lasts a ...
Question on Diastolic Dysfunction4/27/2008
  Q: I'm a 41 yr old female, 5'3", 131 lbs. and have had high bp for the last 3 yrs. I was on ...
  A: The Number 20 probably refers to LVEDP, which is normally 14 or less. LVEDP stands for left ...
A-fib4/27/2008
  Q: I am a 30 year old male who was diagnosed with a-fib 1 month ago in ED. I was cardioverted and ...
  A: If you were drinking heavily in the days just before the afib started, then you're probably safe ...
Skipped heart beats and low pulse rate4/27/2008
  Q: Since last week I have noticed that I keep missing a heartbeat and the next beat is stronger than ...
  A: You need not be stressed out. You're feeling skipped heart beats. The big thump is the beat after ...
skipped heart beats4/24/2008
  Q: 5 foot 7inches normal blood pressure. Since i was about 17 ive noticed an irregular heartbeat ...
  A: Single skipped beats that feel like your heart stops and then restarts are normal and no threat to ...
slow hart rate and palpatations4/24/2008
  Q: iam a 22 ear old woman and my hart has been skiping beats i also have a slow hart rate i have had a ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac events and no threat to life or health. They are especially ...
can coreg cause palpitations?4/23/2008
  Q: I have cardiomyopathy latest ef was 38% but my ICD put in for nonsustained VT five years ago went ...
  A: Full feeling in throat and chest, and weight gain are not surprising. Palpitations are possible ...
Palpitations4/23/2008
  Q: Can you tell me if you were to holter random poeple off the street how many PVC's and PAC's you ...
  A: About half of us have PVC's or PAC's. Any amount is normal, up to a PVC every other heart beat. ...
Pain And Tingling4/22/2008
  Q: Sir, Iam 27 years. I have been suffering from the following symptoms for last 2 months. Pain and ...
  A: Kumar, Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80, tho less than 140/80 is acceptable. Pressure on ...
sharp pain4/22/2008
  Q: again i have a question on hear pain or not. I have a sometimes a sharp pain above my left nipple ...
  A: It's not heart pain. Probably cramp of muscles between ribs. Not a threat to life or health. No ...
echo report4/20/2008
  Q: I recently had a echo and the doctor that did the echo told me that i had vascular lesions what is ...
  A: Well, again I'm ignorant. An echo would show abnormalities of the aorta, the big artery that ...
heart4/20/2008
  Q: Blood pressure79/57 heart rate 57. BP81/56 heart rate 127. Weight 89 lbs. shingles, failure to ...
  A: Pruett, If you're taking a beta blocker, that would explain low heart rate and blood pressure. ...
ectopic beats4/20/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I had a 24 hour holter monitor last week that showed 1300 ectopic beats in the 24 ...
  A: Ectopic beats are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health. Brief runs of SVT are o.k. ...
heart problems4/19/2008
  Q: I am 45 years old, not taking medications, 220 lbs, 5'7", BP 135/85. I feel nervous, palpitations, ...
  A: The crawling inside your skin suggests not heart. Chest tightness, numb jaw and left arm discomfort ...
damage heart by inhaling too deeply?4/19/2008
  Q: I'm a 30 y/o F who is worried that I have somehow damaged my heart after a few days of deep ...
  A: Probably not a PVC, but just your normal heart rubbing against your chest wall with an unusually ...
ECG RESULTS4/18/2008
  Q: I recently went to the doctors because I was experiencing chest pain, he put me on the ecg machine ...
  A: Left atrial enlargement and high QRS voltage and anterior ST elevation all suggest high blood ...
hard thumps and rushing feeling up neck4/18/2008
  Q: I have been having alot of weird heart beats here and there. The feeling is of a thump in my chest ...
  A: A premature heartbeat is an early beat, earlier than expected from the normal heart rate. No one ...
racing heart and premature heartbeats4/18/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson. I'm writing because my GP is unavailable for the next three weeks, and I have two ...
  A: The episodes of fast rate that snap back to normal are probably paroxsysmal supraventricular ...
hard thumps and rushing feeling up neck4/17/2008
  Q: I have been having alot of weird heart beats here and there. The feeling is of a thump in my chest ...
  A: You don't need to be scared. You're feeling premature heart beats. The big thump is the beat after ...
heart question4/16/2008
  Q: I am an ex crystal meth addict and i wanted to give you some symptoms about my heart so U can give ...
  A: You're not having a heart attack or palpitations. Because of your father's untimely death, please ...
PVCs after exercise4/16/2008
  Q: I'll start with some backgound information. I’m a 27 year old female, thin, a frequent exerciser, ...
  A: You can safely be calm. PVC's are normal heart activity. They occur in about 1/4 of us, are easy ...
Skips and Flutters4/15/2008
  Q: I suffer from skips beats. Some days I only get a few and other days I will get 10 a minute. I am ...
  A: PAC's and PVC's are normal cardiac activity and don't need to cause panic. They occur in about half ...
Arrythmia?4/14/2008
  Q: I had been having some small problems with high blood pressure that my chiropractor caught. He sent ...
  A: No need to worry. It's either a faulty indicator or you're having skipped heart beats, which are ...
CENTER CHEST PAIN ONLY SOMETIMES LEFT ARM NUMB AND LEFT LEG4/14/2008
  Q: HI SIRE NO EVIDENCE OF HEART DISEASE AT ALL, HAD ECHO, EKG, STRESS TEST, AND 24 HOUR HALTER ...
  A: A negative stress test gives you 95% freedom from heart attack or cardiac death for 7 years if the ...
Pleurisy and exercise?4/13/2008
  Q: : A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with pleurisy after an x-ray in the emergency room, and ...
  A: Continue exercise just below the level that brings on pleurisy, I guess. Try big-dose aspirin, 3 ...
SVT4/13/2008
  Q: I wrote to you about a week or so ago. I was the one who had the bad reaction to adenosine. Anyway, ...
  A: Pam, low white blood cell counts and low blood platelet counts have been described, but must be ...
left arm numbness =heart attack???4/12/2008
  Q: 32 male non smoker Hi sir, new problem over the last 3 days my left arm and parts of my left leg ...
  A: Left arm and leg numbness could be a ministroke. Not heart-related unless you have atrial ...
SVT4/12/2008
  Q: I wrote to you about a week or so ago. I was the one who had the bad reaction to adenosine. Anyway, ...
  A: Flecainide is not dangerous at all for someone with a normal echo. Toprol and flecainide together ...
holter monitort, RR interval4/11/2008
  Q: Richardson, This is Michael Cook again, the 22 yr old, male with the upper ...
  A: Come on, Michael. You are not in any danger of a life-threatening arrhythmia. The worst that could ...
palpitations4/11/2008
  Q: OK I am 38 6ft. 170 lbs, I have PCOS (hormone imbalance). I exercise regularly and have a pretty ...
  A: Your palpitations may be PVC's or premature atrial contractions (PAC's). Remember that both are ...
taurine4/11/2008
  Q: ive read that taurine and l-arginine have a very high success rate in wiping out pacs and pvcs. 1 ...
  A: Got to wikipedia, enter taurine in the search box, and you'll find out all about taurine. It ...
stress test results4/10/2008
  Q: Last thur and fri I had the electrolite stress test done. Yesterday my dr's nurse called, they found ...
  A: Many positive isotope stress tests are falsely positive, don't mean anything is wrong. If chest ...
Sudden Sharp Heart Pain4/10/2008
  Q: I have a bi- cuspid aortic valve instead of a tri-cuspid, i have already been warned that I will ...
  A: Chest pain that can be modified by pressing on the painful area is chest wall pain, probably cramp ...
PVC questions4/10/2008
  Q: Doctor, I appreciate you taking the time to respond to all our questions. I am a 34yr male, ...
  A: PVC's, even 3 in a row, are no threat to life or health, but normal cardiac activity. They don't ...
Normal amount of PVC's?4/9/2008
  Q: Can you tell me what a normal number of PVC's/PAC's would be per day. I don't know if one a minute ...
  A: PVC's and PAC's are normal cardiac activity. Any number, even every other beat, is normal. I would ...
Re: blood clot?4/9/2008
  Q: Last Friday I was at the post office mailing a package. As I walked out of the post office I became ...
  A: Your event could have been a migraine equivalent if your previous headaches were migraine. I think ...
throbbing pulse in neck4/8/2008
  Q: I am a 45 year old woman in very good health. I am 5'5" tall, weigh 140 lbs. and take no ...
  A: No, not dire at all, and embolism won't occur. Ccould it be turning your head away from a carotid ...
Multiple pvc's4/8/2008
  Q: I have had PCs' for several years. Seven years ago they were really bad, every other beat for 18 ...
  A: Remember that PVC's, no matter how frequent, are normal cardiac activity, not a threat to life or ...
Etopic beats4/7/2008
  Q: I have been experienceing etopic since 4 months, my question is are they dangerous and should I be ...
  A: Ectopic heart beats are not dangerous at all. They are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life ...
Cure of SVT4/7/2008
  Q: Have had 2 episodes of SVT ( and admitted to the doctor)..Was consuming a lot of aerated drinks,into ...
  A: Valsalva: Lying down, take in a breath and blow hard but don't let breath come out of chest. Hold ...
arterial fibrillation4/6/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, a good friend of mine was going to have a heart ablasion, but when she went into ...
  A: Connie, I'm glad they found out too. Atrial fib is dangerous only in that clots can form in the ...
racing heart,4/6/2008
  Q: I hope you can help me with this I am a 34 year old female who for almost 4 weeks have been ...
  A: A stress echo wouldn't help since your resting echo is normal. More beta blocker should help heart ...
Cure of SVT4/6/2008
  Q: Have had 2 episodes of SVT ( and admitted to the doctor)..Was consuming a lot of aerated drinks,into ...
  A: Treatments for blood pressure are the same with or without SVT, except that beta blockers may help ...
ekg's4/3/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I was just curious to if you have had any chance to review my ekg's ...
  A: Michael, I don't remember any EKG's, and I've reviewed my AllExperts emails back thru 3/1/08 without ...
LVEF measurements4/3/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, Thank so much, kind Sir, for your answer to my previous question. I do have a ...
  A: It's infuriating how often MUGA and echo disagree about EF. I trust the echo more. PVC's are ...
Atrial Fibrillation relief4/2/2008
  Q: I am a 31 year old white male who has been having episodes of atrium fibrillation (AF) since I was ...
  A: There are several actions you can take to reduce, perhaps stop, the episodes of AF. A beta blocker, ...
palpitations4/2/2008
  Q: I have had palpitations for over a year, after tests it was found that I was had one 7-9 seconds ...
  A: Even if it was 9 seconds of AF, it doesn't matter a bit. Only if AF occurs frequently and lasts ...
fatty deposit on my face4/2/2008
  Q: Richardson, I had what started out as a tiny white bump on my face and I think it is cholestrol and ...
  A: If it's in you upper eyelid it's cholesterol. Any other part of your face I don't know whether it's ...
Palpitations4/1/2008
  Q: These irregular heatbeats are making me crazy! I have had numerous holters, echo, stress test and ...
  A: Connie, PVC's and PAC's, even couplets and triplets, are normal cardiac activity and not threat to ...
heart palpitation4/1/2008
  Q: it felt like my heart was fluttering of skipping a beat on and off for a few hours, and my pulse was ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health, just a nuisance. They don't ...
chemical stress test4/1/2008
  Q: I am a 41 year old female who has been suffering from benign PACs and PVCs for the last eight years. ...
  A: Adenosine is not supposed to increase heart rate, but to decrease it, so the increase in heart rate ...
reactive atheritis and pvc's/pac's3/31/2008
  Q: I have always had the odd pvc's and sometimes psvt runs.I have had my heart checked many times, ...
  A: PAC's and PVC's are both normal cardiac activity, no threat to life or health, no matter how ...
HTN LVH Palpitations3/31/2008
  Q: Dr Richardson - You probably don't remember me, but I wrote you via AllExperts about a year ago ...
  A: there's no slow PAT that I know of, and AF can be slow but of course is totally irregular. It's ...
coumadin3/30/2008
  Q: can i take aspirin instead of 10mg ofcoumadin
  A: Depends what you're taking the Coumadin for. If you have atrial fibrillation, an artificial heart ...
sinus tachy3/30/2008
  Q: hi sir i have sinus tachy, my bpms at rest 95-120 i was given a full cardio workup including a ...
  A: Sinus tachycardia is benign, no problem so long as you're not anemic, hyperthyroid, hypertensive or ...
LVH3/29/2008
  Q: I am a 33 year-old female. I am obese and have been for 10 years. I smoked for 15 years, having been ...
  A: The walls of your left ventricle are a little thick (mild hypertrophy), and ejection fraction of 92% ...
Heart palpitations and PVC's3/29/2008
  Q: I am a 40 year old male in good health and exercise 3-4 times per week. Over the past month I ...
  A: No need for concern. PVC's are normal cardiac activity, no threat at all to womeone with normal ...
EKG Innacuacy?3/28/2008
  Q: I sent you a message earlier regarding my test noting that it read "right atrial enlargement" After ...
  A: Right atrial enlargement is often misdiagnosed on EKG. Since you are healthy, you can ignore the ...
Pain that subsides in about 10 seconds3/28/2008
  Q: There have been many times in my 19 years where I can remember just sitting or walking or doing ...
  A: Heart pain is pressure in middle of front of chest, brought on by exercise and relieved in 5 minutes ...
Diagnosis Nothing3/27/2008
  Q: Been to three family practitioners and a cardiologist and still no help for the discomfort in my ...
  A: It's not heart causing your pain. Probably cramp in muscles. Stretching cramped muscle sometimes ...
apparent increasing reaction to metoprolol3/27/2008
  Q: I am 44, about 370 lbs, two hard stents, SCA survivor of an event 1.5 years ago (apparently no ...
  A: Metoprolol can cause edema of throat that would feel like sweling. Also bronchitis. These do not ...
Cholesterol test3/27/2008
  Q: I am a 28 year old male in good shape and I have a question regarding to cholesterol tests that I ...
  A: I don't know. The big meal the night before probably raised the triglycerides, but shouldn't affect ...
SVT3/26/2008
  Q: First of all, thanks for giving me the opportunity to ask a question. I have read a bit about SVT ...
  A: Mel, you can try a Valsalva, though it's not very likely to work when you're standing. Try brief ...
hernia surgery in crease area between thigh3/26/2008
  Q: A friend of mine had hernia surgery in the crease area between her thigh. Since that time, she has ...
  A: YES, Connie, two severe infections, staph and c-diff, could leave her short of breath for a while. ...
hernia surgery in crease area between thigh3/26/2008
  Q: A friend of mine had hernia surgery in the crease area between her thigh. Since that time, she has ...
  A: Seems impossible for surgery in the crease area between her thigh and body to damage nerves ...
A Fib vs. PVC3/25/2008
  Q: I've got about 2 weeks left to see my cardiologist for the first time, but I'm still stressed over ...
  A: Yes, very obvious. A Fib is totally irregular rhythm. Vtach runs 150-200 beats a minute. Heart ...
my pulse3/25/2008
  Q: Hi is it normal to see a pulse moving in your right wrist sometimes during the day??? and also when ...
  A: It's certainly normal to see your pulse moving in your wrist and to feel your pulse in your head. ...
Heart pounding all the time3/24/2008
  Q: On January 21st 2008 I had a lignocaine spray in my throat which sent my heart rate up to 150. Since ...
  A: So sorry, but I don't know any more than your doctors. I'd guess that you had an initial physical ...
thiazide diuretic3/23/2008
  Q: I just read that thiazide diuretics are toxic to the beta cells of the pancreas and can cause ...
  A: Thiazide diuretics raise blood sugar if they have lowered blood potassium. He should be sure his ...
new kind of pain3/22/2008
  Q: hi i have had center chest pain off an on for weeks now, i have written before, i appreciate your ...
  A: It's most likely cramp of muscle between ribs. Big nuisance but no threat to life or health. ...
CT Scan Results3/22/2008
  Q: Richardson, I have a bicuspid valve which lead to AVR replacement/ascending aortic aneurysm repair ...
  A: The average growth rate for aneurysms of the ascending aorta is from 0.07 to 0.2 cm/year. The ...
Heart rate/Blood Pressure3/22/2008
  Q: At a doctors visit for lower back pain I was experiencing, my blood pressure reading was 145/85. I ...
  A: Gonzalez, You're not about to die. It's hard to see how fast heart beat and high blood pressure ...
psvt & chest pressure with exercise3/21/2008
  Q: I am a 69 yr. old female, 5'5", 168 lbs. I have never smoked and do not drink alcohol. My blood ...
  A: Chest pressure with accompanying rapid pounding of heart and sweating brought on by exercise and ...
Chest spasms3/20/2008
  Q: I am a 33 yr old female and have been having chest spasms for the last 3-4 months. They feel like ...
  A: The most common cause of lightning chest pains is cramps of the muscle between the ribs, a nuisance ...
Heart rythm3/20/2008
  Q: About 5 months ago I started noticing forceful heart beats at times, but it happens randomly, ...
  A: Occasional forceful beats are probably premature beats, the forceful beat occurring in the beat ...
Ventricular Bigeminy in teen athlete3/20/2008
  Q: My 14 yr old daughter was found to have VE. (via routine sports physical) She's had 2 EKG, a 24 ...
  A: Ventricular premature beats are normal cardiac activity, even every other beat. No one knows why ...
Extended runs of fast, irregular heartbeat3/19/2008
  Q: I have been reading similar questions about PVCs, arrhythmias and others. My particular issue ...
  A: Sounds quite benign to me. As you know, skipped beats are normal cardiac events, no threat to life ...
Heart wall thickened.3/19/2008
  Q: I e-mailed you a concern a few weeks ago in regards to my abnormal EKG. The doctor looked at the EKG ...
  A: BUTLER, Your friend had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is readily seen on echo and is entirely ...
dizzyness,'stars in eyes',and the odd flutter or skipped beat.3/18/2008
  Q: I had an ablation around 2 years ago and succssfully have had NO palpatations since before i had the ...
  A: Knight, Your heart may have been enlarged slightly if your atrial fib lasted for years, but it has ...
Diabetet3/18/2008
  Q: i am a 52 years old male.my hight is 5 feet and 3 inches.my weight is 73kg.blood pressure remains in ...
  A: Blood sugar of 196 means you have diabetes. If the leg pains begin during exercise like walking and ...
chest pains3/18/2008
  Q: ... hi sir i recently went to the er at the local hospital for chest pain . this was the 4th time i ...
  A: If you can modify the pain, make it better or worse, by pressing firmly on a painful spot with ...
heart3/17/2008
  Q: im 17 years old. about 3 weeks ago.i was diagnosed with sinus infection, they prescribed me z-pack ...
  A: You won't die. Your symptoms probably come from anxiety. The chest pain is spasm of muscles ...
pulse points3/17/2008
  Q: i have recently noticed something weird...on the palm of my right hand at the base near the wrist i ...
  A: Just not paying enough attention? Doesn't seem likely. No injury or operation to the right wrist ...
Chest pressure3/16/2008
  Q: I am 62 and have been very physically fit for over 30 years. During that time I occasionally ...
  A: It's probably a premature beat, which makes an extra big thump, and is not at all serious. But ...
Racing heart3/16/2008
  Q: It came and went for a few days and i didn't really worry about it much. Then one evening when i was ...
  A: Sounds like anxiety to me, too. Anxiety makes hearts run 120 to 145 beats a minute, occasionally a ...
another PSVT attack lastnight! Please help me!3/15/2008
  Q: Richardson. I hope you remember me. I've posted about my PSVT and going to the ER on Feb.14 ...
  A: Yes, you'll be o.k during the attacks. PSVT never gets any worse than what you've had, doesn't lead ...
Abnormal EKG3/15/2008
  Q: I am a 54 yrs. old female,height 5'6.10", weight 185 and blood pressure 138/80( which varies).The ...
  A: Left axis deviation and left anterior hemiblock are no problem at all. Left axis is perfectly ...
twitching near heart3/15/2008
  Q: 31 male, quit smoking december 2007 no caffine anyway my question is latly i've noticed just above ...
  A: Probably no worry, but ask a doctor to observe the twitches, which are called fasciculation in ...
Chest pressure3/15/2008
  Q: I'm 38 and have been in relatively good health most of my life. I've always exercised ...
  A: Well, Mark, show how good I am at guessing. I agree heart is very unlikely. Does pressing on the ...
left side chest pain, palpatations3/14/2008
  Q: I'm a 22 yr old healthy male, 6 ft, 180lbs. This morning I woke up at around 3 am I was having a bad ...
  A: A fib is very unlikely in a 22-year-old. Frequent PAC's much more likely. Remember that PAC's are ...
Heart Rhythm Question3/12/2008
  Q: Back in October I noticed a sensation in my chest, a difference in heart rhythm. It only happens ...
  A: Run to the doctor. Your symptoms are very alarming, especially the blank-outs. The fatigue must be ...
Ventricular Tach w/ premature beats3/12/2008
  Q: I am 44 year old female, non-smoker, approx. 30 lbs overweight (5'10" weight 199). Cholesterol 181. ...
  A: Debnam, Well, PVC's are normal cardiac activity. Unless the runs of 15-20 in a row make you dizzy ...
liver and cholesterol3/11/2008
  Q: What are the factors which causes or triggers the liver to produce cholesterol? Thank you. ...
  A: Chan, The liver can make cholesterol out of sugar, protein or fat. It makes more cholesterol when ...
SVT or NSVT3/10/2008
  Q: over the last several months i have started to get PAC's very frequently. A couple thousand a day. ...
  A: SVT or NSVT have heart rate of 180-220 beats a minute, sinus tachycardia is less than 150 if you're ...
ectopic beats3/10/2008
  Q: I'm 18 and was very fit and healthy until 6 months ago when i became fatigued round about the same ...
  A: Yes, recording your EKG with the heart monitor while playing sport is like a stress test. The ...
Follow-up to 47 yr woman w/chest pain3/9/2008
  Q: Richardson, I had the CT w/contrast that showed I have an "unstable" 50% stenosis and 3 other ...
  A: Stenting is not considered until chest pain attributable to a clogged artery is too frequent to put ...
heart palpitations3/9/2008
  Q: i am 31yrs old, female and i do smoke (i know i should give up) i have been on zoloft for anxiety ...
  A: If you have no murmur now, being born with one is unimportant. Large heart age 2 also probably o.k. ...
normal echo and skipped beats3/9/2008
  Q: richardson, I wrote to you many times before, I'm a 22 yr old otherwise ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal cardiac activity and no threat to life or health. The forceful beat is the ...
heart palpitations3/8/2008
  Q: i am 31yrs old, female and i do smoke (i know i should give up) i have been on zoloft for anxiety ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity, occurring in about half of us, easy to understand ...
18-year old with dyspnea and chest pressure3/8/2008
  Q: About 6 months ago I started to feel a mild pressure on the left side of my chest (under the heart), ...
  A: Risteski, It could be dilation of stomach or colon. Certainly not heart or lung with all those ...
Chest pressure3/8/2008
  Q: I'm 38 and have been in relatively good health most of my life. I've always exercised ...
  A: It's EXTREMELY unlikely that steady chest pressure is of coronary origin. Coronary pressure is ...
mini maze heart ablation3/7/2008
  Q: i had the mini maze ablation surgery seven weeks ago. before the surgery, I ran about 5-6 miles a ...
  A: Very Sorry, but I've known so few people who've had the mini maze, that I don't know what to expect. ...
chest pain, pulsating left side of chest.3/7/2008
  Q: For one year I have been getting 2 symptoms. Firstly if I lie on my left side in bed I can feel a ...
  A: Yes, an echo would see a thoracic aneurysm. Pulsation against Left rib cage when your heart is ...
SVT3/7/2008
  Q: I am a 35 yr old female, weighing 135 pds. I was diagnosed with SVT, had the holter,stress, ...
  A: Post, No need to worry about kidneys. SVT won't hurt them. The tightness in chest with exercise is ...
PVC's3/7/2008
  Q: Hey There, I'm a 31year old male who has been having PVCs for 8 months or so. They pushed my ...
  A: James, it's normal cardiac activity to have PVC's, even every other beat, so long as your echo is ...
heart3/6/2008
  Q: I am a 37 year old female weighing 125 lbs. with no medical history-no operations in the past, etc. ...
  A: I'm very sorry, but I don't know. So far as I know, spasm isn't more likely to occur during ...
scared....40 year old with intense heart palps3/6/2008
  Q: richardson. I am a 40 yr old father of 4 who is scared. I've had anxiety and panic most of my ...
  A: PVC's, no matter how frequent or how jolting, are normal cardiac events, no threat to life or health ...
Ablation of the heart3/6/2008
  Q: A dear friend of mine who is 67 has had problems with her heart beating fast many times over the ...
  A: Yes, quite safe. May take several tries if the rhythm is atrial fibrillation. If the rhythm is ...
auditory heartbeats3/5/2008
  Q: I am 51 and 4 years ago I started hearing my heartbeat in my head. My average pulse is around ...
  A: Patulous Eustachian tubes cause people to hear every breath clearly, and probably every heart beat ...
Irregular ekg and anxiety disorder.3/5/2008
  Q: I am a 36 year old male who has suffered with anxiety and panic disorder for 20 years. For the ...
  A: EKG's frequently misdiagnose possible past infarction. The cardiologist realized the computer's ...
PVCs3/5/2008
  Q: I have had what feels like a skipped beat for a few years now and recently a cardioligst told me it ...
  A: A normal stress test gives you 95% probability of no heart attack or cardiac death for 7 years, if ...
Soreness in my left arm3/5/2008
  Q: I was recently on Lipitor, 40mg, and I had a soreness in my left arm. I get these quick pains in the ...
  A: You need not be concerned about your heart for 10 years. The sorenes in left arm and quick chest ...
hello Mr. David, news to share3/4/2008
  Q: This is Michael again, I'm the 22 yr old male from Louisiana, that was having the left side chest ...
  A: Michael, I've forgotten what the palpitations are. Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity, ...
Blood tests after tachycardia3/4/2008
  Q: David Richardson -- I'm 44 with no known heart issues and normal blood pressure. Two weeks ago I ...
  A: Routine ER exams include a complete blood count and a basic metabolic panel that includes blood ...
chest pain & headaches that won't go away3/3/2008
  Q: I'm 41, fit, eat well, exercise and outside of prostate problems have been healthy my whole life. ...
  A: Nothing is crazy about your symptoms. The chest and shoulder-blade discomfort are probably cramping ...
Heaviness on the left side3/3/2008
  Q: I am 41 year old male, in an average body (wt. 180lbs). For few months, I started to feel heaviness, ...
  A: Not heart, with all those normal tests (assuming you got to 85% or your maximum predicted heart rate ...
Worried Son3/2/2008
  Q: My mother is 38 years old. She has hypertension and a very high cholesterol level in the 500s'. My ...
  A: Her condition sounds like dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged, weak heart), not hypertrophic, and her ...
Tachycardia and possible carcinoid3/2/2008
  Q: I have been given a possible dx of carcinoid (not biopsy proven) 6 years ago. During that time I ...
  A: Carcinoid has such varied manifestations that it's impossible to decide if that episode was ...
Mild heart pain3/1/2008
  Q: I'm 14, slim and quite fit, yet in the past two weeks I've been experiencing a MILD heart pain. It ...
  A: At age 14, hearts only cause pain if they have serious structural abnormality from birth. Such ...
halter monitor and beta blockers3/1/2008
  Q: 31 male non smoker Hi, i just got finished wearing a 24 hour heart halter monitor, primarly due to ...
  A: I can't tell what the monitor showed without seeing the report, but my guess is that it said normal ...
shock collar use on humans2/29/2008
  Q: I have a female friend who is in the BDSM Lifestyle and seeing a married man that has decided that ...
  A: Never heard of such a thing. The saline might be to improve conduction of electricity from collar ...
PSVT2/29/2008
  Q: I am 24 years old (soon to be 25), female. I don't smoke or drink. I was 364 lbs but have started ...
  A: Ablation works on first attempt in 85 of patients. Weight of 329 may lower that some since you'd be ...
heart pain whilst lying down2/28/2008
  Q: Iam 39years old and I am not taking any medication, Iam 5ft4ins tall and I weight 80kgs, my bp is ...
  A: No. You need not worry, and overweight does not cause your pain, which comes from cramping of ...
do I need a statin?2/28/2008
  Q: I am a 53 year old female, no family history, I run, take fish oil, plant stenols, and a baby ...
  A: Statins are so safe and so effective in preventing heart attack and cardiac death that I hate to ...
Bridging2/28/2008
  Q: for the past 3 years I have had heart problems and have changed my Cardio once. I was diagnosed with ...
  A: Bridging means heart muscle grew outside one of the coronary arteries before you were born, When the ...
low b/p and heart flutters2/27/2008
  Q: I am 50 and a female. I smoke about 10 a day. I have been on bisophrolol/hctz and ...
  A: Bisoprolol/hctz can certainly lower your BP too much. Best remedy is to get rid of the HCTZ. If ...
HEART FAILURE2/26/2008
  Q: GOOD EVENING, I WILL BE 53 YRS OF AGE ON MARCH 1ST. I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH DIALATED ...
  A: Humph, my children are 51,54 and 57. No, absence of beta blocker will not shorten your life, but ...
High pulse, low pressure2/25/2008
  Q: I've always had low blood pressure but in the last few years it's been, especially the last year ...
  A: Consider Obstructive Sleep Apnea, especially if you're overweight. OSA makes you tired and sleepy ...
Increased Heart Rate2/25/2008
  Q: .. I'm 55 years old, 5' 9", 185 with blood pressure of 115/70. I have kidney disease, renal ...
  A: I have no good explanation except anemia. If pressing the tip of a fingernail firmly blanches your ...
PSVT..scared to death..PLEASE HELP!2/25/2008
  Q: I am a female, age 53, I am 5'8" and weigh 175. I have been having PSVT attacks for the past 4 ...
  A: No one knows why PSVT pops up. Remember not to bend forward, since that seems to trigger PSVT. Tell ...
Murmurs?2/25/2008
  Q: I am 35 years old, recently purchased a stethoscope for my practice (non-medical), decided to try it ...
  A: sorry to be so slow. My computer broke. Sure, worry a little. It may be a completely innocent ...
PSVT..scared to death..PLEASE HELP!2/24/2008
  Q: I am a female, age 53, I am 5'8" and weigh 175. I have been having PSVT attacks for the past 4 ...
  A: BP in 90's is o.k., and in 80's is o.k too if you're not dizzy or fainty when you stand up. ...
47 woman with chest pain2/24/2008
  Q: Met w/cardiologist and had stress echo and CT calcium scoring scan. Echo was fine, but calcium ...
  A: CT angiography in an experienced hospital is as good as angiogram, and a lot easier on patient. Be ...
wild inr fluctuation2/24/2008
  Q: I am 65, weigh 192, 5'8" bp 145/ 90. I am taking Altace 10mg, Tricor 145mg, crestor 20mg and aspirin ...
  A: Tricor and Crestor may increase INR in people on warfarin, but I presume the doses of all meds have ...
inr wild fluctuation2/23/2008
  Q: I am a 65 yr old male.2 yrs ago I got mechanical mitral valve replacement and 1 bypass. Unill 2 mos ...
  A: A dose of wine constant for two years would not cause the wild fluctuations in INR that you have ...
Afib2/22/2008
  Q: Dr Richardson: I am a 65 year old male. A minister. I have been in chronic afib for approx 8 ...
  A: Cline, With an EF of 70, your heart is in good shape. If your irregular rhythm doesn't bother you, ...
Excessive yawning and also heart racing2/22/2008
  Q: I have struggled with years of intermintent fatigue and excessive yawning (air hunger) spells. I ...
  A: Fatigue and yawning sounds like nervous system, of which the vagus is an important part. Vagal ...
HEARTRATE2/22/2008
  Q: I am 51 years old 5'10 155 I have been diagnosed with anxiety after my divorce. I have it under ...
  A: No heart rate is too fast for an anxiety attack. 240 not impossible. Always after awakening at night ...
Irregular EKG2/21/2008
  Q: Black male 56 yrs. 258lb. 6'1" I have had an irregular EKG every year since 1984. Since then I have ...
  A: It's no heart problem. Discs in neck can cause a cold hand, but I don't think swelling of hands, ...
Tachycardia and abnormal heart rythm2/21/2008
  Q: Richardson, I hope you can help me. I am 45 years old, female with normally low blood pressure and ...
  A: If you can make your heart beat irregularly every single day by exercising, ask for a Holter ...
11 year old having an echo2/20/2008
  Q: My son was sick 2 weeks ago, and he had a chest xray to diagnose pneumonia. A week later they ...
  A: I can't think of any way to clarify the situation except an echo. If you can get a copy of the echo ...
12 year old with chest pains and racing heart2/20/2008
  Q: I have a 12 year old son who is small for his age around 73 pounds 4ft 7in. His heart at time ...
  A: If his heart rate is less than 145 when it's racing, that's normal for a 12 year old. Normal fast ...
About Trivial MR2/19/2008
  Q: I under went 2decho yesterday and in the report Trivial MR : No AR / TR is there what does it mean. ...
  A: You have no problem with your heart now. Smoking increases the chance that you will have clogging ...
About Trivial MR2/19/2008
  Q: I under went 2decho yesterday and in the report Trivial MR : No AR / TR is there what does it mean. ...
  A: MR stands for Mitral Regurgitation, which means a leak in the mitral valve that separates left ...
PVC's2/18/2008
  Q: I have had skipped beats for over 40 years...I'm 61, 6'3, 180lbs...a teacher and distance runner - ...
  A: Nothing new. Safest treatment is still to ignore them. Flecainide decreases PVC's in many people ...
Echo Results2/18/2008
  Q: An echo was performed on my heart several months ago, and while we reviewed the results I don't ...
  A: LVIDD is left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (when the heart is relaxed between beats). ...
What is this sensation that I'm feeling?2/18/2008
  Q: I'm a 29 y/o woman who has PVCs. I have now been feeling a new sensation, which I'm not sure if ...
  A: It's not possible to have thrills without murmurs, and I can't think of murmurs that appear and ...
Exercise induced PVCs2/17/2008
  Q: I am a 28 F who gets PVCs all day long, including during exercise. During exercise (treadmill ...
  A: PVC's are normal cardiac activity, rest or exercise, dangerous only for people with abnormal heart ...
blood oxygen2/17/2008
  Q: I recently had rotator cuff sugery. My oxygen level was 89 so they put me on oxygen. My level ...
  A: Yes. Unexplained O2 sat of 89 needs attention. I'll be grateful if you let me know what turns out ...
PVCs and food link2/16/2008
  Q: I'm a 30 F who has been diagnosed with PVCs. I have noticed a pattern with my PVCs: if I keep well ...
  A: No, I haven't heard of such a connection, but it makes sense. Hunger and dehydration stimulate ...
arteries2/16/2008
  Q: what is angioprim? is there medical proof of it affects?and what do you think of stuff like that?
  A: Emanuel, angioprim is not available in the USA and I don't know whether it's safe or effective. I ...
heart rhythym2/16/2008
  Q: i have noticed that when my heart rate is slow when im relaxed i have very noticable sinus ...
  A: Sinus arrhythmia is good, definite evidence of a normal heart responding to nerve messages generated ...
psvt's2/16/2008
  Q: Ive just been diagnosed with psvt. Im am very fritened by what this is. My grandma has it . Her ...
  A: Hyperthyroidism does make PSVT more frequent. The carbamazole will probably get your thyroid ...
Abnormal EKG2/15/2008
  Q: I had an EKG this morning with my physical. I was told that by the looks of it my heart seemed ...
  A: EKG's can't show heart enlargement. Another EKG would be harmless and will probably be normal, so ...
svt2/14/2008
  Q: I have been diagnosed with svt..I am 27 year old female, 120 lb, height 5.4. I read on one of your ...
  A: People with Wolff-Parkinson-White who develop atrial fibrillation can die because their ventricular ...
pvc's2/14/2008
  Q: I am a 46 year old female who is 5'3" and 130 pounds. My blood pressure is about 105/70. I have ...
  A: As the cardiologists explained, PVC's are normal cardiac events, even every other heart beat, with ...
Ventricular premature complexes2/14/2008
  Q: I have been having problems with breathing and chest pain. I has asthma which is exercise induced ...
  A: Asthma constricts bronchioles of course, and that decrease oxygen and increase CO2 in the alveoli, ...
PSVT, medication and ablation2/14/2008
  Q: I am 48, currently on toprol xl 50mg 5'9" 240# 120/74. I have been taking this med for PSVT for a ...
  A: Digoxin is not much help for most people with PSVT. You could try it, but you'd have to take it for ...
High Resting Heart Rate2/13/2008
  Q: I am a 27 year old female college student. I am 5'7 and weigh 129 lbs. I am a sporadic exerciser ...
  A: Yes,it's highly likely that the fast resting heart rates are entirely the result of anxiety, tension ...
heart condition / lyme disease2/13/2008
  Q: My father today was told he needs to have lung surgery. The CT scan shows a mass and 2 collapsed ...
  A: Ask for the report of an echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization to see if his heart is weakened. ...
stress echo2/10/2008
  Q: Can you describe exactly what happens during a stress echo? I am a male in my mid-20's who has ...
  A: PVCis usually decrease during exercise. An echo lab is one of the safest places in the world. PVC's ...
PVCs only when sitting or standing2/10/2008
  Q: Greetings from Australia. Sorry to ask you a PVC question but this question is a little different. I ...
  A: Ian, sitting and leaning forward might bring a distended stomach in contact with the ventricles ...
Valvular aortic stenosis2/10/2008
  Q: My husband has mild valvular aortic stenosis (he was born with that). I'm seven weeks pregnant and ...
  A: Some forms of valvular aortic stenosis run weakly in families, particularly bicuspid aortic valves ...
dilated cardio-myopathy2/9/2008
  Q: I AM A MALE, 60YEARS OLD. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH IDIOPATHIC DILATED CARDIO MYOPAHTY ABOUT THREE YEARS ...
  A: Braunwald's textbook of cardiology, published in 2008 and the most respected textbook of cardiology, ...
Looking for a Cardiac Syndrome X Specialist2/9/2008
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I've been trying to do some research on Cardiac Syndrome X because my mother has ...
  A: X is hard to treat,but has pretty good prognosis, doesn't lead to early death. Has she tried ...
psvt's2/8/2008
  Q: Ive just been diagnosed with psvt. Im am very fritened by what this is. My grandma has it . Her ...
  A: PSVT is a VERY rare cause of death, and your brother raises the question of Wolff-Parkinson-White ...
is my cardiologist being too aggressive?2/8/2008
  Q: I'm a woman in my late 20's. I saw a cardiologist because I felt skipped heart beats, he diagnosed ...
  A: It's pretty common, but I don't know why it happens. Anxiety or anger can increase PVC's. So can ...
PVC's2/7/2008
  Q: I am a 60-year-old female and had PVC's in October for about 2 weeks. I wore a holter monitor for ...
  A: PVC's are normal cardiac events, dangerous only to people whose hearts have been severely damaged by ...
sharp heart pain2/7/2008
  Q: Iam experiencing sharp pain to my left of my chest and just below and rightside of left breast. I ...
  A: The most common cause of sharp chest pain is cramp of muscles between ribs, a nuisance but no threat ...
PVCs only when sitting or standing2/6/2008
  Q: Greetings from Australia. Sorry to ask you a PVC question but this question is a little different. I ...
  A: No, I really can't explain PVC's getting more frequent standing and sitting than lying. A guess is ...
Rapid heart rate during exercise and occassional flutter in heart rythem2/6/2008
  Q: im a 30 year old male, 173 cms, 140 pound. I have no history of any serious illness, no medication ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal and no threat to life or health. Your heart rate during exercise doesn't ...
my heart2/6/2008
  Q: so about a week now my heart wil beat normal then all of a sudden it starts to beat so hard then ...
  A: Count your pulse in wrist or neck or count your heart rate when it's beating Hard. If it's over ...
Reg. Dilated Cardiomyopathy2/6/2008
  Q: My father (age 48)is suffering from Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Dr. has suggested for stem cell ...
  A: Stem cell transplants have been successful, tho not very many have been done. No way to be sure ...
High Pulse Pressure2/5/2008
  Q: I am a 48 year old male, 6 ft 170 pounds, For the past few years I have noticed that my pulse ...
  A: No, no reason for concern. Pulse pressure gets wider as we grow older because of stiffening of ...
arrhythmia2/5/2008
  Q: In the past 2 months i have had episodes of very fast heart rate. most of them have occurred ...
  A: J. Ventricular tachycardia stops abruptly, in one heart beat. The gradual subsidence of your fast ...
MVP2/5/2008
  Q: I wake up in the wee hours due to palpitation,shortness of breath,rapid heart beat and somtimes pain ...
  A: Normal TMT and echo (mild MVP won't cause trouble) mean your heart's structure and function are ...
Myocardial infarction?2/4/2008
  Q: I am a female in my late 50's. I recently had classic heart attack symptoms (5 hours of severe, ...
  A: Maybe sarcoid. A myocardial sarcoid infiltrate could make the EKG look like inferior myocardial ...
Chest Pain and Treatment of Gums2/3/2008
  Q: I am 38 years old. I have been getting left side chest pain off and on for about a year. I had ...
  A: Ward, At age 38, chest pain is very unlikely be from the heart. It's usually cramping of muscles ...
From isolated PVCs to PVC runs?2/3/2008
  Q: Richardson, thank you for taking my question. I’m 36, female, PVC and sinus tachy sufferer for ...
  A: Triplets, even quadruplets, that is 3 or 4 PVC's in a row are all o.k., don't mean your heart's ...
Pain in Left Side of Chest2/3/2008
  Q: My is Ross and I am 23 years old and my height is 5'7 and I weigh about 145 pounds. Around three ...
  A: Your chest pain cannot be serious, and is probably cramping of muscle around ribs. You can test by ...
PVC's and flecainide2/2/2008
  Q: I've had PVC's for 30 years. I'm 43, eating healthfully, exercise often, lift weights, do not smoke. ...
  A: As I'm sure you know, PVC's are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health except in those ...
discomfort in the left side of chest2/1/2008
  Q: At times, i feel a light discomfort(i dont feel much pain; its a very mild pain) in the left side of ...
  A: No heart attacks occur at age 24. The pain is probably cramping of muscle between ribs and under ...
VT2/1/2008
  Q: I wore an event monitor for 30 days and had VT from what they told me. I am set up for an EP study ...
  A: The most common cause of need for an ICD is poor pumping by the heart because it has been damaged, ...
Post cryoablation1/31/2008
  Q: I am a 69 y.o. white woman, 5'6", 150 lbs. Medications: Enalapril, hydrochlorothiazide, Metformin, ...
  A: It's the result of prolonged atrial fib. Probably no implications for the future, and will get ...
Mittral Regurgitation1/31/2008
  Q: I'm 22 years old and have been recently diagnosed with Mittral Regurgitation (hope i wrote it ...
  A: Yes, you'll probably need to take the medicines for the rest of your life to keep your blood ...
mini-maze1/30/2008
  Q: How common is it to puncture a hole in the heart during a mini-maze surgery and why would the heart ...
  A: Fairly common, I think, maybe 10. Heart tissue doesn't heal perforations, Probably because the ...
skipped & fast heart rate1/30/2008
  Q: I'm 26 years old and since June of last year i've experienced skipped beats, and a faster heart ...
  A: Nick, anxiety pills like Xanax may help. Medicine called beta blockers will slow your heart rate. ...
palpataions and high heart rate1/30/2008
  Q: Good Evening, In 7/2007 I experienced an attack of palpatations and fast heart rate. I was sitting ...
  A: It sounds like anxiety to me, or rage, and all bases have ben covered; you have a normal heart. ...
vagal discharge..what is it?1/29/2008
  Q: I was reading through some of your posts and you mentioned "vagal discharge" could cause skipped ...
  A: The vagus nerves (there's one on eack side of the body) begin in the brain stem, run down the neck, ...
slight chest pain1/29/2008
  Q: I am a 23 y/o female, abour 157 pounds. I've just started an exercise program where I am doing ...
  A: At age 23, pain in the center of the front of your chest when you're resting is almost certainly ...
Chest Pain in female1/29/2008
  Q: I am a 47 yo woman in perimenopause with high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease and ...
  A: Your EKG is inaccurate and unimportant. If the stress test was monitored by radioisotopes or ...
Mothers outlook1/29/2008
  Q: I come from Australia and I am a 61 yo Viet Nam vet with PTSD under managaement and otherwise not ...
  A: Nowra, Yes, her atrial fibrillation will continue as long as she lives. Neither warfarin nor ...
PAIN IN MY CHEST1/28/2008
  Q: I'm a 23 year old female with a family history of heart disease. Recently I've been experiencing ...
  A: You're too young to have a heart attack. Skipped beats are normal heart activity, no threat to life ...
tachacardia1/28/2008
  Q: I am a 65 year old female,six weeks post-op from gastric by surgery.Since the surgery my resting ...
  A: Congratulations on the weight loss! Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity, not a threat ...
PVC and night sweats1/28/2008
  Q: About six years ago I started having PVC's. I've controlled them somewhat by getting off coffee. I ...
  A: No, PVC's are normal cardiac occurrences and no threat to life or health unless your heart has been ...
non-specific EKG changes1/27/2008
  Q: I am a 30-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with PVCs, and I had all the usual tests except ...
  A: Depending on the location of the displacement, there can be no symptoms, or chest pain on exertion ...
heart problems1/27/2008
  Q: My questions are many. i have a history of arrythmia, (preventricular beats that last for days, ...
  A: Premature heart beats are normal heart events, dangerous only if the pumping function of the heart ...
non-specific EKG changes1/27/2008
  Q: I am a 30-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with PVCs, and I had all the usual tests except ...
  A: Non'specific ST-T changes usually mean nothing. I think the indication for a stress test is pain ...
thanks and doctor answers1/26/2008
  Q: finally was told that i suffer from pacs and to quit smoking and caffeine as this supose to make ...
  A: Emanuel, PAC's are normal. They don't lead to heart rates of 350 or fast heart rates at all. Or to ...
Skipped beat and jaw jolt.1/26/2008
  Q: I had a strange thing happen tonight. In bed trying to relax, when i got like a jolt of pain in my ...
  A: Nope, no thoughts about the connection betwwen a jolt of pain in your left lower jaw and a skipped ...
stress test/cardiac cath/64slice CT scan1/25/2008
  Q: My grandmother is an active 92 year old. 5'1" 115 lbs. She recently starting complaining of ...
  A: I think she should not go through with stress or cath. The main indication for stress tests and ...
senile calcific aortic stenosis, atrial fibrillation1/24/2008
  Q: Richardson, thank you so much for taking the time to respond to this email. My 82 y.o. mother( 5', ...
  A: For people over age 55, prostheses are made of animal tissue treated to make the tissue not be ...
Enlarged Aorta1/24/2008
  Q: I found out that I had an enlarged aorta approximately 5 years ago when I complained to my doctor of ...
  A: Anything that raise blood pressure can cause an aneurysm to rupture. Of course the biggest ...
Coreg and CHF1/23/2008
  Q: This question is one I have in regards to my 70 year old mother who has approx. 35% heart function ...
  A: Your diagnosis is unlikely but possible. Is she taking any diuretics? Furosemide (Lasix) and ...
Heart/Medication/Stress & Anxiety1/23/2008
  Q: This past sat nite I suddenly felt nauseous and like regurgatation so i ate a few saltines...tummy ...
  A: Requip has nausea and abdominal discomfort and edema listed as side effects, but not asthma. You ...
stress test, echocardiogram, ekg , heart rate1/23/2008
  Q: Your answers mean alot to us, I trust what you say, well here goes, I am 31 male I quit smoking in ...
  A: A nuclear stress test tells how well your heart is pumping blood to the body and whether any area of ...
Heart Arrythmia, and pressure left side of rib cage1/22/2008
  Q: . Maybe you can shed some light on this funky problem that I woke up with 2 weeks ago tomorrow. I ...
  A: Extra beats are normal heart activity and no threat to life or health. Only rhythms that are ...
forgot to put in ekg results1/22/2008
  Q: Im sorry I forgot to add in my results here they are with my post i sent:"Hi, I am 45 yrs. old 5'1 ...
  A: We say bundle branch block only if the QRS duration is more than 100 ms. You probably have a tiny ...
senile calcific aortic stenosis, atrial fibrillation1/21/2008
  Q: Richardson, thank you so much for taking the time to respond to this email. My 82 y.o. mother( 5', ...
  A: Fieman, Vitamins, amino acids and magnesium would not slow progression of her aortic stenosis. ...
irregular heartbeats1/21/2008
  Q: Richardson, I am 27f and have been having an irritating problem of missed or irregular beats for ...
  A: Pavi, I think you should go to a doctor. Maybe it's atrial fibrillation, which should e treated. ...
irregular heartbeats1/21/2008
  Q: Richardson, I am 27f and have been having an irritating problem of missed or irregular beats for ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity. About half of us have them, they're easy to ...
Palpitations/Heart flutters/Afib1/20/2008
  Q: In 4/07, I went into Afib after getting off the recumbent bike (had exercised for 40 minutes at ...
  A: Both atrial premature beats and atrial fib are more likely to occur with vagal discharge, which ...
nuclear stress test - necessary?1/20/2008
  Q: I have had atrial fib for about 3-4 years. In the hospital 2x with it converting back to sinus ...
  A: I don't see any demand for another nuclear test. You get exposed to radiation, and you've had 3 ...
question related to the heart function and drug use..1/19/2008
  Q: My brother was a very rare cocaine user, and recently picked it back up. Something he has told me ...
  A: Propranolol will not make his heart stop, not at 40 mg. 880 mg of aspirin is very unlikely to have ...
skipped beats w/ pain1/19/2008
  Q: Im pregnant but have experienced skipped beats even when I was a young teen and had stuff done, ...
  A: Nothing serious, I'm sure. I wonder if the uterus pushing up abdominal contents and diaphragm ...
Issue concerning Heart1/19/2008
  Q: I recently was reading a report I received which indicated that the cardiac silhouette is mildly ...
  A: As we get older, the aorta uncoils, that is the curve that the aorta makes as it goes toward the ...
heart murmur and abnormal EKG1/19/2008
  Q: I am a 39yr. old female who doesn't smoke, drink alcohol or caffeine. I am 5'3" and weigh 120 lbs. ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac events, not serious at all. I can't say any more without ...
Heart skips every few seconds...worried1/18/2008
  Q: I know you have answered "skipped beats" questions 100's of times. But please help me to understand. ...
  A: Skipped beats from upper or lower chambers are dangerous only to people whose heart has been ...
weird night1/18/2008
  Q: last night i had 3 to four skipped beats per minute for a while. i noticed that my pulse right after ...
  A: Yes, speeding up a bit after each skipped beat and staying as high as 115 for a few hours are both ...
deep breathing causing PVCs?1/18/2008
  Q: I am a 30-year-old female diagnosed with PVCs by my cardio. I had all the cardiac tests. Lately ...
  A: PVC's are most likely to occur at the very end of a deep breath as you start to breathe out, so I ...
Palpitations1/17/2008
  Q: I have a couple of questions for you. - Normal heart with maybe 10 - 20 skips per day. Okay to ...
  A: Skipped beats are normal cardiac activity, no matter how many, and are no threat to life or health. ...
Atrial ectopics1/17/2008
  Q: Help, I have been having a lot of "flutters" in chest recently, some days I have several in a day. ...
  A: Atrial ectopics are normal cardiac activity. About half of us have them, they are easy to understand ...
skipped beats again1/17/2008
  Q: ive had skipped beats that ive noticed for last three months and have not been able to sleep well ...
  A: PAC's are normal cardiac activity. About half of us have them, they are easy to understand as ...
heart palpatation or chest muscle twitch?1/16/2008
  Q: Age: 46 Medicines:81 aspirin daily, stopped taking lipator I'm three weeks ago. Height: 5 8 1/2 ...
  A: Marble, PFO wih left to right shnt puts extra blood in the right atrium. I can't figure out how ...
serious heart flutter and palpitation1/16/2008
  Q: I am a 36yo fit and healthy female. I have experienced heart skipping beats for about 8 weeks ago. ...
  A: Rapid, irregular heart rhythm might be atrial fibrillation. Regular rhythm at a rate of 180-220 ...
heart(?) tightness1/16/2008
  Q: tightening pain I feel sometimes in the area of my heart. The pain happens maybe about 6 times a ...
  A: Foley, The heart doesn't cause pain or squeezing in people age 21 unless they have congenital heart ...
left side chest pain,palpitations1/15/2008
  Q: last night i had a real bad episode of pain, throughout the day i get frequent skipped heartbeat ...
  A: Yes, gas pains can radiate to your arm. The stomach and the bottom of the heart are right next to ...
heart palpatation or chest muscle twitch?1/15/2008
  Q: Age: 46 Medicines:81 aspirin daily, stopped taking lipator I'm three weeks ago. Height: 5 8 1/2 ...
  A: 2) Heart Palpitations are normal cardiac events. PFO's don't produce them or prevent them. 1) ...
Anxiety or Heart Problem?1/14/2008
  Q: My Name is Roberto I am 31 years old I am 380 Lbs I have suffered with anxiety problems for over 10 ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity. About half of us have them; they are easy to ...
Heart Spasms1/14/2008
  Q: I experienced a spasm today and hadn't had one for over a year. I have been under stress the last ...
  A: Spasm, cramping of muscles between the ribs is normal, under stess or not, without any other ...
Sharp Heart Pain When Breathing Continued1/14/2008
  Q: Richardson Hello my name is Alex and I am 5 10 170 pounds and I am currently taking albuterol ...
  A: I can't think of a name other than muscle cramp, tho if you have pains in other areas of your body ...
heart palpatation or chest muscle twitch?1/13/2008
  Q: Age: 46 Medicines:81 aspirin daily, stopped taking lipator I'm three weeks ago. Height: 5 8 1/2 ...
  A: Marble, Heart palpitations are skipped heartbeats, a pause between heart beats that's almost twice ...
Skip Heart Beat1/13/2008
  Q: I am a healthy 36 years Asian male. Recently I started to experience skip heart beats. I have read ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal, in the senses that" 1. about half of us have them. 2. They are easy ...
Long QT; WPW & Brugada1/12/2008
  Q: 1. Could you explain how the cardiologist diagnoses a patient with either of Long QT or wpw or ...
  A: 1. From the electrocardiogram 2. Measurement of the QT interval allows recognition of Long QT. ...
heartrate too high1/11/2008
  Q: I am 5'4" 130 lbs. Been cycling a lot & lifting weights. My resting heart rate is 60. When ...
  A: No, so long as the rise is gradual and doesn't occur in one heart beat. Keeping on with regular ...
heart palpitations with abdominal discomfort1/11/2008
  Q: I am a 34 year old obese male 285 lbs. & 5'-11" tall. BP usually runs 130-140/75-85. I am on ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac events that don't threaten life or health now or in the ...
Left atrium1/9/2008
  Q: I'm 19 with high blood pressure due to Anxiety and possibly something to do with intercranial ...
  A: Laura, the combination of high BP and left atrial enlargement puts you at slightly greater risk of ...
stress test and PVCs1/9/2008
  Q: I was diagnosed with PVCs. I'm a female in my late 20's. I had a normal echo, as well as normal ...
  A: The purpose of a stress test for you is to be sure you don't have a long QT, which sometimes only ...
Brugada Syndrome1/8/2008
  Q: In May 2007 my 26 year old daughter went into full cardiac arrest. She was fortunate and survived ...
  A: He's probably correct, but for your peace of mind, take him the article you found on flecainide and ...
Cardeovascular Surgeon1/8/2008
  Q: We are doing a progect in my class and we have to interview someone that is an expert on the job ...
  A: 1. Any U.S. medical school will teach you enough to become a cardiovascular surgeon. You don't ...
24H EKG monitor1/7/2008
  Q: I am a 28 yr old male very fit my entire life, soccer, weightlifter. Lately I started to get heart ...
  A: Kieloch, 1.Your average, minimum and maximum heart rates are normal. 2.Ventricular ectopics are ...
surgery1/7/2008
  Q: I was informed about a friend who needs to be done a surgery, to replace or transplant all his ...
  A: I don't think they will replace just the arteries, probably using lab created Dacron tubes. This ...
PVC1/6/2008
  Q: 39 years old, non smoker. I was diagnosed with PVC's 2 years ago. I have been on Toprol 25 mgs for ...
  A: Don't worry! I know it's hard not to worry, but PVC's are normal cardiac events. The ...
24yr old female intense sharp left side chest pain1/6/2008
  Q: my name is Lindsey. I am a healthy 24 yr old female. My blood pressure is 108/62. For the past few ...
  A: Sharp,severe pain behind left breast, occurring in any body position but especially lying on right ...
Lifestyle changes for PVCs1/6/2008
  Q: I'm a 29-year-old woman who was diagnosed with PVCs. I had a normal echo, several normal EKGs, and ...
  A: PVC's are normal cardiac events that do not lead in the future to heart disease or sudden death. ...
heart av blockage1/5/2008
  Q: My husband found out today he has heart av blockage. It was found via of EKG. His heart Dr. told ...
  A: The heart doctor was probabaly talking about first degree heart block, which needs no treatment. ...
What's it called when the ventricles open too soon?1/5/2008
  Q: I had a 24 hour holter moniter as well as an echocardiogram with stress test and the nurse called me ...
  A: Probably she meant that in some heart beats the PR interval was short. The PR interval shows the ...
leaking replacement heart valve1/4/2008
  Q: I had aortic & mitral valves replaced 01/07 with tissue valves & now they are leaking. Why & what ...
  A: If the leaks are big ones, I fear you will need to have the valves replaced again. Little leaks ...
Sharp pains in left chest, arms, twitching fingers,and back pain1/3/2008
  Q: My question is very similar to a previous question you have had. I am a 30yr. old male who has been ...
  A: Most sharp chest pain is cramp of muscles between ribs or in other places, like pectoral muscles and ...
Skipped heart beats1/3/2008
  Q: I am a 32 year old male I was diagnosed with GAD about 3 years ago I have been having skipped heart ...
  A: Absolutely normal. Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity and no threat to life or health, ...
heart beat1/3/2008
  Q: i am 4oyrs old.i have a few ? i have been under a lot of stress do to worrying about my heat since i ...
  A: Slow heart rates like 50 to 55 are very good, mean the heart is healthy. I agree with your doctor ...
pericarditis1/2/2008
  Q: i was in emergency room a week ago,chest pains woke meup,told it was pericarditis,i have to go back ...
  A: Sure, go to work if you feel o.k. The only complications of acute pericarditis are fluid ...
SVT diagnosis1/2/2008
  Q: I am 39, 116 lb and 5'2" and was recently diagnosed with SVT after 24 hour Holter monitor. I have ...
  A: SVT is regular tachycardia usually between 180 and 220 beats a minute. SVT starts abruptly, in one ...
stomach1/2/2008
  Q: the object moves up and down to the rythum of the pulse , is this normal , has it always been there ...
  A: It's probably normal and you just never noticed it before. If you're over 45, get some doctor to ...
ekg printout reads right atrial enlargement1/1/2008
  Q: today i went and got some of my medical records from recent visits. i got 4 different ekg reports. ...
  A: Jeepers, Michael, you're the only one who can tell if you have arrhythmias. Does your heart beat ...
bpm1/1/2008
  Q: I am 31 male , blood pressure is 120/75 very good cholesterol, and i do exercise 3-5 days a week. ...
  A: Probably the radial artery. Been there all your life and will never go away. Supplies blood to ...
ekg printout reads right atrial enlargement12/31/2007
  Q: today i went and got some of my medical records from recent visits. i got 4 different ekg reports. ...
  A: The ECG is completely INaccurate at right atrial enlargement. You need not be anxious at all. It's ...
Heart flutters/skipped beats12/31/2007
  Q: my name is Chuck. Im a 32yo male, 6' and weigh about 220lbs, I'm not taking any meds for anything. ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity. It's unlikely that stomach trouble or gas makes ...
Heart rate and Blood Pressure12/30/2007
  Q: I lost about 30lbs. and have kept it off for the last 2 years. My question is... with all normal ...
  A: Not at all dangerous. Rapid resting heart rates do not predict clogging of the coronary arteries ...
Skipped Heart Beats12/30/2007
  Q: I am 34 years old and have had skipped heart beats for about three years now. I went to the Doctor ...
  A: Skipped heart beats are normal cardiac activity and no threat to life or health, tho they can be a ...
pains in neck12/30/2007
  Q: I'll try to be brief and you can let me know if you need more info... Car accident two and half ...
  A: Your neck pain and face tingling and upper body discomfort don't sound at all vascular. The ...
PVCs--bad some days, good others12/29/2007
  Q: I am a 30-year-old woman diagnosed with PVCs a year ago. Some days I only feel a few, and other ...
  A: The frequency of PVC's is affected by heart rate and by the sympathetic and parasympatheetic nerve ...
musckoseletal pain12/28/2007
  Q: here is my question , I am 31 male,smoke 1/2 pack a day, do not drink alchol at all, i have good ...
  A: Matt, your pain is cramping of muscles in chest and arm. It's tenderness proves that the pain does ...
PACs, PVCs and AFIB12/28/2007
  Q: Would you comment on the results of a 24 hr Holter monitor. I am concerned because of my controlled ...
  A: No concern at all! PVC's and PAC's are normal cardiac events and are no threat to life or health. ...
Weird heart beat, with chest pain and numbness12/27/2007
  Q: I have a question hoping I might get an answer for or opinion on. I'm a 23 year old female. I get ...
  A: Extra heart beats are normal cardiac occurrences. About half of us have them, they're easy ...
Aortic abnormalities12/27/2007
  Q: Dr. Richardson, I was just informed today that an echo I had performed yesterday was abnormal. ...
  A: The normal diameter of the aortic root is 3.5 cm, and the root is the widest portion of the aorta. ...
pacs12/27/2007
  Q: i am 4 years old. used to smoke 2 packs now less than one.i am experiencing skipped heart beats ...
  A: PAC's are normal cardiac activity, normal in the senses that 1) about half of us have them; 2) they ...
Tachycardia/Atenolol12/26/2007
  Q: I apologize if this is a bit lengthy, but thought it would be helpful to give some background. I'm a ...
  A: Sinus tachycardia is of course normal cardiac activity. So are extra heart beats. Neither ...
Metropolol side effects12/26/2007
  Q: My mom 91, taking metropolol 25 mg twice a day plus coumadin 2.5 has seemed in a "fog", confused, ...
  A: Alicia, look at what just propped up: " Beta Blockers' Many Side Effects The People's Pharmacy says ...
Metropolol side effects12/26/2007
  Q: My mom 91, taking metropolol 25 mg twice a day plus coumadin 2.5 has seemed in a "fog", confused, ...
  A: Yes, metoprolol may confuse people. Try 12.5 mg twice a day for 5 days, then 12.5 mg once a day for ...
Left chest and back pain/ twitching/fluttering in neck and abdomen12/25/2007
  Q: I am a 30 year old man who has been suffering from many muscular and neurological problems. In ...
  A: Many of your symptoms seem neurological to me; the facial spasms, and of course the weakness and ...
Rapid Heart Beat12/24/2007
  Q: I really appreciate it. I am an 18 year old female; and for the last few days I have had a problem ...
  A: Please let me know how fast your heart is beating when it is pounding. Feel your pulse in your ...
Results12/24/2007
  Q: I posted a question on 12/15/07 about abnormal ekg results with the possibility of having ...
  A: 'Tis frustrating. Yes, rapid heart beat, shakiness and fatigue can all be caused by depression and ...
ECG????12/23/2007
  Q: ..i am 23 female and few days back i joined a new company and they suggested a medical checkup from ...
  A: All ECG's require removing the clothes above your waist. He should have offered you a robe. I'