Heart Beat: Talking it up: speech and atrial fibrillation
Cardiologists found a case where too much talking was a trigger for atrial fibrillation.
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Ask the doctor: Why does my father feel wires poking him in the chest months after open-heart surgery?
My father had open-heart surgery 18 months ago. Fairly soon after the operation, he started having the feeling that wires are poking him in the chest. Is that possible? If so, is there a solution?
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Ask the doctor: Can eye drops for glaucoma affect the heart?
I was recently diagnosed with glaucoma. My eye doctor prescribed eye drops to reduce the pressure inside my eyes. After a short time I had to stop using them because they made me dizzy and my heartbeat felt strange. What else can I do for my eyes?
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By the way, doctor: Which is better, flaxseed or fish oil?
For the healthy omega-3 fats we hear so much about, which is better – ground flaxseed or fish oil capsules?
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Advanced pacemaker gets the heart in sync
One-third of people with heart failure have ventricles that beat out of sync. A biventricular pacemaker sends electrical signals to the ventricles to keep them working together, making everyday activities easier.
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Does fitness offset fatness?
A person can be overweight and still be fit and healthy, but it is still better for the body to lose weight if possible, and even better to lose weight and get regular exercise.
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Ask the doctor: Is warfarin turning my toes purple?
I take warfarin. I have blood blisters on my arms and sporadically on my legs. Recently I developed purple toes on one foot. My cardiologist didn’t seem concerned and wouldn’t explain whether it was the warfarin. Can you shed some light on this?
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Should women with normal cholesterol be taking a statin?
The results of the JUPITER trial suggested that people with normal cholesterol should take a statin, but questions remain about long-term effectiveness. One’s level of cardiovascular risk should be the primary factor in deciding whether to take a statin.
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Ask the doctor: Is weight lifting safe if I have a stent?
I am 58 and have had several stents implanted. I used to lift weights, but stopped after getting the stents. My blood pressure is good, and I take medications. I want to resume lifting but worry that it could cause a heart attack. Is that possible?
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By the way, doctor: Does hormone therapy cause dementia?
The Women’s Health Initiative found that hormone therapy wasn’t helpful for avoiding dementia there was some suggestion that it might even cause cognitive problems. Am I at risk for dementia by continuing hormone therapy?
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