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Cleveland Clinic  
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Cleveland, OH

Specialties: Heart

My Posts
Inferior infarct, age undetermined
Jun 29, 2010 in the Heart Disease Expert Forum
Given your age, this is very likely to be a false positive test. EKG algorithms, such as those used in EKG machines to read EKGs are often foiled in young patients. The stress test should be much more accurate and useful in your case.
PDA & cholesterol
Jun 28, 2010 in the Heart Disease Expert Forum
No the PDA and high cholesterol are not linked. But you should start taking a statin to decrease your cholesterol and diminish your risk for developing heart disease in the future.
Surgical Ablation
Jun 28, 2010 in the Heart Disease Expert Forum
The most logical choice would be to have the SF ablation performed before the closure of the PFO. But it is still possible to cross the fossa ovalis after the procedure, but the position of the catheter may be limited in access to the posterior wall. I do not recommend a surgical approach alone, because this almost never results in complete pulmonary vein iso...
thickened heart walls
Jun 28, 2010 in the Heart Disease Expert Forum
I think you are worrying about this too much. If there are specific problems with your valves ( stenotic or regurgitant) and if they are limited to a severe extent then you may need medications and/or surgery to correct his problem.
Ablation and a Blocked Artery
Jun 28, 2010 in the Heart Disease Expert Forum
No it is generally not a contraindication to the procedure to have some blockage, unless this is associated with heart failure symptoms ( because the procedure involves large amounts of fluid).
Constant burning and tightness left side of chest.
Jun 28, 2010 in the Heart Disease Expert Forum
Given the type of pain and the characteristics, and especially since you have had negative stress test and echocardiograms, I suggest that you seek Gastroenterology evaluation. This sounds as if you have GERD, or a peptic ulcer even. I would start by trying some antacids, or a PPI such as prilosec. If this fails to improve your symptoms then an EGD may be in ...
Measurement difference between Chest CT and Cardiac MRI
Jun 28, 2010 in the Heart Disease Expert Forum
I believe that the most of the studies performed used CT as the standard, and so I would suggest that you take this as the correct measurement. MRI is very good as well, but I am not sure if the gadolinium opacified the entire ascending aorta. Given your age you probably don't have coronary atherosclerosis, so you shourl be able to proceed with AV replacement...
sternum pain after CABG
Jun 28, 2010 in the Heart Disease Expert Forum
It may be secondary to retained sternal wire, sternal infection, or pleural or pericardial effusion. I would speak to your cardiologist about this, he may want to perform an echocardiogram or a CT scan to address these issues.
ecg results
Jun 28, 2010 in the Heart Disease Expert Forum
This pattern of st segment elevation in association with upright t waves, is commonly seen in young African American men and women. If associated with chest pain or shortness of breath may be indicative of heart disease, but in an asymptomatic patient it is most likely simply the benign condition mentioned above. The stress test is simply for reassurance.
Low Troponin 1
Jun 28, 2010 in the Heart Disease Expert Forum
Lower is OK. Higher levels are associated with heart damage. A lower value may simply indicate lower overall muscle mass.