I am an 84-year-old man with atrial fibrillation, mild heart failure, and high blood pressure. My doctor had me wear a Holter monitor and get a SPECT scan. Now he wants me to have a cardiac MRI. What info would this test give that he doesn’t already have?
I have heard that doctors feel men over 60 shouldn’t be treated for prostate cancer because they’re old enough that they are going to die anyway. Is that so?
I have read that people who have had their gallbladders removed should take bile salts. My gallbladder was removed many years ago, and no doctor has said I should take bile salts. Should I?
I’ve had gout for many years. I used to take Zyloprim without any problems, but I just had a severe allergic reaction, so my doctor switched me to Benemid. I’m doing okay, but the drug sometimes upsets my stomach. Do you have any suggestions?
What are silent heart attacks? How are they different from regular ones? If they are silent, how does anyone know about them?
I had bunion surgery five years ago. I thought it would fix the problem. Now the bunion has come back. Should I get bunion surgery again?
If coffee constricts blood vessels, why would it help migraine sufferers, since the constriction curtails blood flow, which would seem to cause more pain?
Do the contrast agents used with MRI scans have side effects? I have had several MRIs and am wondering if there’s reason to be worried.
My doctor wants me to have a nuclear stress test to check my arteries for any blockages. What noninvasive test would give as much information as a nuclear stress test? I have had many scans, so I would like to limit my exposure to radiation if possible.
Does mild aortic stenosis (causing a mild heart murmur) ever correct itself without medication or surgery?