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Lexington Medical Center - Heart Health Questions
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Alex
6:45
What are some of the symptoms of sleep apnea? And what are some treatment options?
Debbie
6:49
I suffered a stroke 2 years ago that was thought to be caused by a blood clot, however, I have recently been told that I have atrial flutter.  Could this irregular heartbeat be the cause of the stroke instead?
Ramona
6:49
Hi, my daughter is 17 and currently on a heart monitor. How much should I worry that her rate rate jumps to 140 and back down quickly?
Angela
6:56
Is there anything you can do to keep BP lower and lower cholesterol without prescription meds?  Some of the side effects I've read about almost seem worse than the issue.
Dr. Brandon Drafts, cardiologist
6:57
Barbara: yes, unfortunately, atrial fibrillation can come back.  There are still many options for treating it if it does.
Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med
7:00
Powell: with aortic stenosis, we usually look at the actual size if the aorta and how quickly it changes. Avoiding smoking, good blood pressure control should help. 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (5 30 minute sessions or 3 50 minute sessions) is ideal.
Jean G., Pharmacist
7:00
Peggy, your cardiologist will more than likely be able to manage your blood pressure and heart failure. He or she will refer you to another specialty if needed.
Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med
7:00
Mike: in general, we look at your risk of atherosclerotic disease by accounting for your age, sex, race, cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes status, smoking status into an equation that looks at a 10 year risk of all vascular disease in general. When we talk about heart disease, we are also emphasizing the blood vessels that feed your heart. If this risk is moderate or high, we use medicine to lower that risk.
Dr. Brandon Drafts, cardiologist
7:00
Christine, symptoms of heart palpitations could possibly suggest a rate or rhythm issue. A heart monitor is something we commonly use to help us evaluate this, which can be possibly done by your doctor or a cardiologist.
Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med
7:03
Debbie: atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation can cause blood flow in the heart to be stagnant. This is actually what causes clots. This is why we use blood thinners for patients with certain arrhythmias to prevent strokes.
Dr. David Perry, Pulmonologist
7:03
Alex, great questions.  There are a host of symptoms associated with sleep apnea.  Most patients (but not all) with sleep apnea snore and many patients are sleepy during the day.  Restless sleep or waking up at night feeling like you cannot catch your breath or choking, coughing and gasping at night can be seen with sleep apnea.  Morning headaches are often seen with sleep apnea.  If you have a sleep study that shows you have significant sleep apnea, the treatment options generally speaking come down to a mask that you wear attached to a machine which blows air down the airway to keep it open at night (like CPAP), surgery, mouthpieces/dental appliances and weight loss.  There are some great questionnaires you can find online or in your Doctor's office like "Stop BANG" which you can use as a screening tool to determine if you should be thinking of doing a sleep study as well.
Patricia
7:06
I'm having a hard time adjusting to my CPAP therapy. Do you have any suggestions?
Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med
7:07
Ramona: fast heart rate can be associated with symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, passing out. If she has no symptoms, and these high readings are on a commercial device (such as a fit bit), I would wonder if they are accurate. Either way, it is reasonable to discuss with her pediatrician
Jean G., Pharmacist
7:07
Angela, I think that's a great question. I think it is important to know that the often lengthy list of side effects you hear on drug commercials or on the insert on your medication are a list of potential side effects. Most of these very rare. No medication is without a risk of side effects, but often the benefits far outweigh the risks. Unless you meet certain criteria, your provider will likely recommend lifestyle changes first before starting medications. These changes can be reducing salt intake and bad fats, increasing activity levels, moderating alcohol intake, and losing weight if indicated, are all very powerful ways of lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Dee
7:11
I have polycythemia and my blood is super thick.  I also have spikes in blood pressure, anywhere from 103/63 to 167/103.  I have a lot of chest pain and take blood pressure medication when it’s over 140/90.  My heart also wakes me up every night with a heavy heart beat but not elevated heartbeat.  My chances of stroke or heart attack is elevated.  How do I know when I’m having a heart attack?
sharon
7:11
what are the difference between men and womens signs for heart attacks?
Jean G., Pharmacist
7:13
Going further Angela, diet changes can help reduce your systolic blood pressure (top number) up to 11 points, and some other healthy habits listed above another 4-5 points. In some cases, this could get you to goal blood pressure, or may help reduce the number of medications needed. Thanks for the question!
Ann Brown
7:13
What does it mean when you feel a flutter in your heart?
Dr. David Perry, Pulmonologist
7:15
Patricia,  adjusting to your CPAP can sometimes be a challenge.  If you have not already done so, it is worth talking to the company who set you up on your machine as they may have some ideas.  You also need to be open and honest about any issues with tolerance when you talk to your Doctor.  Sometimes refitting the mask or adjusting the pressure may help.  Sometimes we will even try a medicine to help you sleep while you are adjusting to the CPAP.  There are definitely options, but you should continue to discuss with your Doctor so they can tailor therapy for you.
Dr. David Strickland, Fam Med
7:16
Dee:  you are correct that polycythemia makes your blood thicker. It is normal for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day. In general, a heart attack has been classically been described as "dull chest pressure radiating to the left or both arms, neck and worse with exertion". That being said, heart attacks (particularly in diabetics and women) can present in less textbook ways. Any severe chest pains or chest pains that "take your breath away" should be evaluated. You certainly should discuss this question further with a doctor who knows you well
7:18
Ann: a flutter is a "funny sensation"  in your chest that may be associated with shortness of breath . It may be uncomfortable but usually is not painful.
Dr. Brandon Drafts, cardiologist
7:19
Sharon, you're right that women can have different symptoms.  The most common symptoms, for both men and woman, include chest pressure or tightness that radiates to the left neck, shoulder, or arm with possible cold sweats.  Women can possibly have different symptoms including severe fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea.  If any of these are sudden and severe, it is best to seek medical attention immediately.
Misha
7:25
My question is ... Are heart palpitations healthy? and how do you know if you have a irregular heart beat or heart palpitations? Thanks
Dr. Kenya Cooper, Fam Med
7:30
Misha, most people feel a flutter or feel as if their heart is racing. Some people also have shortness of breath with palpitations. Heart palpitations can occur for a number of reasons. In general, it is a good idea to see your personal physician to know for sure if you have an irregular heart beat or palpitations and to know why you may have them.
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Deborah.cook1958@yahoo.com
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11:02
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My daughter-in-law who is 26 has been experiencing heart palpitations. What are the possible causes? Is it treatable?
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Deborah.cook1958@yahoo.com
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11:06
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Are heart palpitations serious? Are they treatable?
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