The Stern Cardiovascular Center: Typical Questions We Hear

Chest Pain	I have pains in my chest when I exercise. Is this a warning symptom of blockage in my coronary arteries? Are there other symptoms?

Palpitations	I have recently noticed skips in my heartbeat and rapid heart beating. What should I do about this?

Cholesterol	My cholesterol is 195. Do I have to worry about coronary heart disease?

High Blood Pressure	My doctor always finds me with a high blood pressure reading every time I go to him. He has given me several medications, but my blood pressure is still high at his office. I have had a great deal of trouble taking the medications. I have tried, but they all seem to make me feel terrible. Several times I have gotten awfully dizzy. What can I do?

Heart Murmur	I was recently told that I have a heart murmur. Is this a serious problem?

Heart Murmur	I was diagnosed with a heart murmur when I was a child. What might be wrong? Also, I wonder if I need to take any special precautions as I enter my fifties.

Heart Disease in Women	I have heard that heart disease is just as common in women as men. Sometimes I have discomfort in my chest. Could this mean heart trouble?

Chest Pain	I am almost 40 and have had chest pain for over ten years. I have had two normal heart caths and a negative scan, and normal stomach tests. My husband and my doctor think it's all in my mind, but I really hurt and am so tired, I can hardly get through the day. What's wrong?

Adenosine Thallium Test	My doctor wants me to have an adenosine thallium test. What is this and what does it show?

Mitral Regurgitation	My doctor says I have mild mitral regurgitation. Is there any special treatment for this? Could it get worse?

Medical Research Study	Why should I participate in a medical research study?

Transesophageal Echo	What is a transesophageal echo?

Echocardiogram	What is echocardiogram and what does it show?

Beta and Calcium Channel Blockers	What are beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers?

Atrial Fibrillation	I have atrial fibrillation. Why do I have to be on Coumadin?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	Who could benefit from LVAD (left ventricular assist devices)?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	Is an LVAD (left ventricular assist device) an artificial heart?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	How does the LVAD (left ventricular assist device) work?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	How long have LVADs (left ventricular assist devices) been used?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	How is the LVAD (left ventricular assist device) hooked up to the heart?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	How will a patient benefit from an LVAD (left ventricular assist device)?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	What's the risk of an LVAD (left ventricular assist device)?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	Can the LVAD (left ventricular assist device) help me prior to transplant?

Heart Transplant	What if I am not a candidate for heart transplant?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	Can the LVAD (left ventricular assist device) ever be removed?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	Will my insurance company pay for LVAD (left ventricular assist devices)?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	How many LVADs (left ventricular assist devices) have been implanted and where can this be done?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices	What are the current investigational future directions of the LVAD (left ventricular assist device)?

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