Docs on Call - Dr. Baman & Dr. Charles, Feb 6, 2012

Thank you to everyone who watched and called in to our "Docs on Call" program that aired on WEEK Channel 25 on Monday, Feb 6. The show was so successful that there simply was not enough time to answer many of the questions on air. For your convenience, we've posted those questions and answers as well as the full video!

Click the image below to watch the full broadcast.

Unanswered questions from the show

Jill: Daily regimen of aspirin – 81 mg or 325 mg – which is more beneficial for older adult patients?

- If you are trying to prevent heart attacks and strokes, then 81mg will suffice.  However, if you have atrial fibrillation, and not recommended Coumadin, you need 325mg.

Anonymous: What is the success rate for shock therapy? What role does age play in the success rate?

- The immediate success rate of cardioversion is very high: >90%.  But how long you stay in normal sinus rhythm depends on numerous factors that is patient specific.  I tell patients normal rhythm can last one day, week, month, or year.

Scott: Had syncope. What meds should he take?

There is no medication for syncope specifically.  The treatment of syncope depends on the cause which may or may not be heart related.  40% of the time we are unable to find a cause of syncope.

Tim: Had his palpitations checked 5 or 6 years ago but is still having problems. When should he get checked again?

- Depends on the cause of your palpitations.  If they are causing you a problem I would get checked out.

Robert: Was on Pacerone. Is off now, but feeling symptoms again. Should he go back on medication?

Hard to answer that.  It depends why you were on Pacerone and how old you are.  Pacerone can have long term side effects such as lung, liver, and thyroid problems that can occur after 5-10 years of use.  As a result we monitor patients who are on Pacerone in order to avoid these side effects.

Dale: Has a history of a leaking valve. Could this cause other physical problems?

Leaky valves could be followed by a cardiologist either yearly, every 2-3 years or even possibly less.  Some problems such as shortness of breath or an irregular heart beat can result from excess fluid back-up from a leaky valve.  If you have not had an ultrasound of the heart to check your leaky valve recently it may be a good idea to ask your doctor to look into it. 

Harry: I control my A-fib with medication, but when is ablation necessary?

If you remain controlled with medications then ablation may not be necessary.  The best thing to do is discuss this option with a specialized cardiologist (an electrophysiologist).  He can discuss the option of ablation with you and review the risks and the benefits.

Dave: Has a known irregular heart rate. Can feel it more with certain amounts of salt. How much is too much?

Excess salt may not have a direct link to irregular heart rate.  However, excess salt may lead to uncontrolled high blood pressure.  High blood pressure may strain the heart and could possibly result in future medical problems such as an irregular heart rate for example.

Gail: Has episodes of syncope and feels short of breath. Should she get this checked or could this be related to her heart?

Syncope or sudden passing out as well as shortness of breath could be due to a number of causes.  Both could possibly be due to problems with the heart or be caused by something else.  Proper evaluation by your physician with a good history and physical exam could help determine the root cause. 

Katherine: What can cause your heart rate to increase while resting?

Understanding what a normal heart rate is- is important.  The normal rate usually runs between 60 to 100 beats per minute.  Some people can fall below or above this range and still be considered normal.  There are many reasons why a heart rate can be high even at rest. Heart rates can be affected by your age and illness. Your doctor can check your heart rate and even record it on an EKG to check if any problems exist.