close
Enter your symptoms and find possible causes with MedHelp's new Symptom Search.
230125?1193369457
Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.  
Male, 38
Wilmington - NC

Specialties: atrial fibrillation, Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Arrhythmias (SVT, VT), PVC/PAC, Ablation


Wilmington Health Associates
910-341-3301
1202 Medical Center Drive
Wilmington - NC
Do I really need a pacemaker?
Feb 01, 2009 07:28PM in the Heart Rhythm Expert Forum
How easy is it to get a second opinion with the Canadian health care system?
Do I really need a pacemaker?
Jan 29, 2009 08:35PM in the Heart Rhythm Expert Forum
The first thing I would do is get tested for sleep apnea. That is a common cause of pauses like that during sleep. In general, I am quite conservative about placing pacemakers in people as young as you are. Before having the pacemaker placed, I would consider a second opinion. I am not saying your doctor is wrong or that i disagree that a pacemaker may ...
Scared and seeking professional advice
Jan 29, 2009 08:17PM in the Heart Rhythm Expert Forum
1. Palpitations (sensation of the heart beating) after standing is common. People tend to feel their heart beat more often when they are stressed, sleep deprived, caffeinated, etc. It does not necessarily point to a problem. Sleep apnea can increase adrenergic tone (adrenaline) and make the heart beat harder and faster and high thryoid hormone levels also ...
Free Webchat Jan 29th Noon (EST) w/ Cleveland Clinic Heart Specialist!
Jan 28, 2009 08:29PM in the Heart Rhythm Expert Forum
As an unsolicited comment, I know Dr. Ellis from Cleveland Clinic days. He is a great person and a balanced physician that has excellent clinical judgment. This is a great opportunity! I may tune in myself. When i was a fellow training in Cleveland, he was a very good sounding board for clinical questions and an excellent teacher in the lab.
rapid heart rate in the morning upon standing
Jan 28, 2009 08:26PM in the Heart Rhythm Expert Forum
I think it sounds like panic attacks/anxiety as well. I know it sounds strange but what sold me was the waking in the middle of the night part. I think you would be surprised how common your symptoms are -- people don't talk about this stuff at work or parties. I agree that no specific treatment is necessary. The hard part will be getting passed the OCD...
Drug side effect or underlying heart problem?
Jan 23, 2009 07:43PM in the Heart Rhythm Expert Forum
1. It is hard to say without seeing it on a monitor -- it could be premature ventricular contractions, bradycardia, you could have had increased vagal tone, it could be the effexor. Unless it happens several times, it is unlikely that you will get an exact answer. 2. More of work up would be necessary. I would start with a Holter monitor. 3. Your do...