What exactly is a patent foramen ovale (PFO)? Has it been known to cause stroke? If the PFO is repaired, what are the chances of recurring strokes? The chambers of the heart form before the child is born. Before birth the infantile circulation must pass through the placenta of the mother, as the infant is not yet breathing. As the time of... Read more
Varicose veins are large, often winding dilated veins that often stick out from under the skin and occur mostly in the legs. They occur because the valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing backward (away from the heart rather than towards it) are not working properly. In some people this is a hereditary problem, in others the problem... Read more
My doctor didn't give me one of the new drugs that are good for my blood pressure. Is this because she is not up to date? Recently the New York Times ran an editorial and several pieces on the "Op Ed" page about lecturers having conflicts of interest when giving such lectures. I am currently on a plane preparing to give... Read more
I was recently diagnosed with atrial bigeminy. Could you tell me what it is and a little bit about its symptoms? How do I know I need to see a doctor for an emergency? Atrial bigeminy is actually a description of a pattern of heart beats that occurrs in couplets. A regular (or sinus) beat is followed by a "premature" atrial beat.... Read more
My doctor will not put me on a treadmill, etc. He prefers nuclear testing! Am I getting short changed? This one I have to leave to the physician who has been treating you. There are several reasons that a doctor may desire not to put a patient on a treadmill. They are often involved with safety. Some factors limit the use of the treadmill.... Read more
