JotCast | Lexington Medical Center - Heart Health Questions

Lexington Medical Center - Heart Health Questions

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Pat

5:45

My heart rate is about 120. I came in last Thursday and they changed my meds but nothing has changed. I am a patient of dr lawton. How long do i go this week before contacting the office6

Jackie

5:45

It seems like more and more doctors are using the digital machines to read your BP. Why is that?

Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med

5:45

Angela: it would be difficult to say without being to examine your son in person. I would recommend discussing this with your pediatrician

Debbie

5:46

I went to donate blood last week and everything was good except my pulse. It was 104 and waited 5 minutes and it was 102 so I couldn't give. I check my blood pressure and keep a record and it's good in the mornings. I also take Lisinopril every morning with breakfast. In the mornings my pulse averages 88. Today I trimmed up some limbs and hauled them to the road. I checked my pulse and it was 122. My blood pressure was good. I am a diabetic and haven't been drinking a lot of water so I started back just drinking water. Could this be my heart or maybe meds that I'm on.

Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med

5:49

Pat: Most medicines will kick-in within a week. I would call tomorrow.

Jackie

5:50

The digital readings are always much higher in my case. I have to ask to have the BP taken manually.

Pat

5:50

My pulse is 120, I came to the office last week and they changed my meds, it is no better, how long do I wait to call back? I am a patient of Dr lawton.

Guest

5:50

Recently my sister was told that her cholesterol needed to be 150mg/dl . I thought that it should be below 200mg/dl or less.

Dr. Brandon Drafts, cardiologist

5:50

Jonathan, the decision to do these types of tests are based on your risk for heart disease and symptoms. A stress test is noninvasive way to assess this. The gold standard is a heart catheterization, but this is an invasive study that can subject a patient to risks of the procedure, but these are overall very low.

Jean G., Pharmacist

5:51

Jackie, a digital blood pressure may help in standardization. There has long been a battle to ensure that the blood pressure reading you receive in the physician's office is reliable and careful. It can be very helpful to bring a home blood pressure cuff in to the office to ensure your home reading is accurate. Arm cuffs are more reliable than wrist cuffs, and it is also important to ensure the cuff is the right size. Recent guidelines state that two readings are needed to verify if you indeed have a diagnosis of blood pressure because of the this concern for variation.

Miriam

5:51

Recently my sister was told that her cholesterol should be 150mg or lower. I thought it was 200 mg or lower. is the new upper limit now 150 mg?

Dennis

5:51

What is pulmonary edema? My father had that disease - and he died of a heart attack.

Pat

5:51

Thanks i will. I had a lpn and I was afraid of listening to her

Deborah

5:55

My daughter-in-law has been experiencing heart palpitations. What are the possible causes of this? Can this be treated?

Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med

5:55

Dennis: pulmonary edema is fluid in the lungs. It can be seen as a symptom of heart failure which can occur after a heart attack

Dr. Kenya Cooper, Fam Med

5:55

Debbie: Good question. There can be a number of causes of elevated heart rates. Dehydration can certainly be a cause and even anxiety. There should be an increase in your heart rate after exerting yourself/exercising. It may be a good idea to check with your doctor if this persists while you are not exercising.

Jean G., Pharmacist

5:56

Miriam, in general, total cholesterol should be approximately below 200. It is possible your sister may have been discussing a specific type of cholesterol, such as triglycerides, with her provider. While looking at a cholesterol panel, it is now equally important to look at your risk factors, in addition to the numbers. Recent guidelines have shifted away from treating specifically to a goal numbers only.

David

6:00

Can too much caffeine cause heart palpitations?

Brenda

6:00

My question deals with heart murmurs. I was informed there are two kinds. Is that true and is one more serious than the other?

Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med

6:02

David: yes it can.

Dr. Kenya Cooper, Fam Med

6:02

Deborah: There can be many causes to heart palpitations. Excessive caffeine, some cough and cold medicines, herbal supplements, anxiety, overactive thyroid, and sometimes abnormal rhythms that originate from the heart itself are just a few examples.

Emma

6:03

My Dad has high cholesterol and my grandfather died of heart disease. I got tested when I was very young, 22 and had high cholesterol. The doctors at the time wanted to put me on a statin. I did not go on it and I have continued to lead a healthy life - diet and exercise. I am now 28 and wondering if I get a blood test and still have high cholesterol, should I go on a statin. Is there a negative to being on a statin for the rest of my life?? I've heard bad things.

Tiffany

6:04

In my early 20s i took Seldane d for allergies. I've read now that it has been determined to have caused damage to the heart. How would I find out if I"m at risk?

Dr. Brandon Drafts, cardiologist

6:04

Brenda, heart murmurs typically suggest a heart valve problem. The type of murmur could help identify the valve affected. There are 2 main valve problems in general; valve stenosis and regurgitation. Both can be serious and an echocardiogram can help define this.

Heather

6:04

My husbands BP has been fluctuating since Sunday from 197/106 down to 146/85. I contacted his primary on Monday and still have had no call back. He’s had shortness of breath yesterday. Should we skip primary and schedule with a cardiologist?

Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med

6:09

Heather: if your husband has blood pressure in the upper 190s, experiencing any headache, vision changes, chest pain, shortness of breath, blood in his urine, you would want to go to an ER. Any number over 180/120 is very high, and if any symptoms are attached, may warrant more rapid treatment.

Mary

6:09

BP has been fluctuating for the last couple of months. Normal is 110/70 but it's been 150/100, 135/80, 129/80 and last week 93/60. My dr doesn't seem concerned but to me this isn't normal. What should I do? Thank you.

Jean G., Pharmacist

6:13

Emma, your family history plus high cholesterol values would certainly put you in a higher risk category and thus also would gain more benefit from a statin. While all medications carry a risk of side effects, I often worry that statins have received more negative pressure than warranted. A true side effect called myopathy (muscle pains plus changes in lab values) occurs in less than 1% of patients. I strongly encourage a conversation with your doctor after starting a statin. Even if there are unwanted side effects, it is far more beneficial to try a different dose or different statin before abandoning being on the medication altogether.

Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med

6:13

Mary: it is normal for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day. Stress, activity and rest as well as the food you eat can all alter your blood pressure. It is best to sit quietly in a chair for 5 minutes with an empty bladder, legs un crossed, and measure your blood pressure with your arm at your side. This gives the most accurate reading

Dr. David Perry, Pulmonologist

6:13

Tiffany, good question. There have been a number of medications over the years which have been associated with long term heart or even other side effects. If you have any concerns, you can discuss with your Primary Care Doctor or you can always schedule an appointment to see a Cardiologist to discuss further and see if any additional testing is recommended/needed.

Johnathan

6:19

Hello. I am 56 years old and feel that I am at a higher risk for heart trouble being that it runs in my family. I go to the doctor regularly, but if I was having a cardiac event, how would I know. and what would I need to do if I had any of these symptoms? I understand that symptoms for women are a lot different than for men. Thanks so much for your time!

Deborah.cook1958@yahoo.com

6:22

Are heart palpitations and heart murmurs the same thing? Are heart palpitations serious?

Dr. Brandon Drafts, cardiologist

6:25

Johnathan, cardiac symptoms can present in many different ways. It can involve chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or dizziness, especially if it is related to exertion. If you have any concerns, I would discuss it with your doctor.

Barbara

6:29

If a person has A-fib and has an ablation, can the A-fib re-accur.

Dr. Kenya Cooper, Fam Med

6:29

Deborah, heart palpitations and heart murmurs are not the same. Heart palpitations depending on the cause can be serious. Generally, if the palpitations recur or are associated with any other symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain, or vision changes, etc.) they should be investigated by your physician or medical care provider.

Barbara

6:30

If a person has Atrial Fibrilation and has an ablation done, can the Atrial Fibrilation re-accur.

Christine

6:30

I have been having a heart racing / pounding feeling and feeling like my heart skips a beat. When i feel the racing /pounding, i take my blood pressure and it will be 134/78 and pulse 76...so my heart really isn't racing. My primary doctor sent me for a Nuclear Stress Test, and tested me for thyroid, and all came back normal. She also tested my hormone level and I have low progesterone. I am 51 years old. Should I pursue this with a Cardiologist?

Powell

6:36

Can you explain the stages of aortic stenosis and what a person can do to slow the progression. No cholesterol problems, blood pressure problems. No obvious problems. Is 150 minutes of medium aerobic exercise a reasonable amount.

Mike

6:42

My wife and I are 74 in good health and weight. We exercise 3 times a week with a trainer. Recent EKG show a healthy heart. But, I am concerned about the health of our arteries. One of our grandparents died of a stroke. How do you determine if your arteries are in good health too?

Peggy

6:42

i take bp meds, i now have chf do i need to be monitured by a heart dr. and a pulmologist, thank you

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