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Ask an Expert
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I’m a woman (52) who’s had heart palpitations for 20 years. Now they happen more often. I get 10-50 per day where I feel my heart skip around. I’ve been to cardiologists, and they find nothing wrong and say it’s just PVCs and PACs. Should I worry?
In general, premature atrial complexes (PACs) and premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are not harmful. This holds especially true if there is nothing else wrong with the heart. When someone presents with bot... continue reading about I’m a woman (52) who’s had heart palpitations for 20 years. Now they happen more often. I get 10-50 per day where I feel my heart skip around. I’ve been to cardiologists, and they find nothing wrong and say it’s just PVCs and PACs. Should I worry?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
What is a mini stroke? Are there any warning signs before it happens?
"Mini-stroke" is a term that commonly refers to the medical condition transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIA refers to loss of neurologic function that is transient (less than 24 hours). These occur due to blocka... continue reading about What is a mini stroke? Are there any warning signs before it happens?
Frank L. Anderson, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?
That sounds like a product too good to be true and I would imagine persons suffering from celiac disease and lactose intolerance would be very receptive. Unfortunately these are two very different problems whic... continue reading about I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia a few years ago. I can usually keep it under control, except when I over exercise or if I've been stressed. Then my heart rate goes really up. Is there anything I can do to keep this from happening?
Control of ventricular tachycardia depends a lot on the type of tachycardia that you have. Based on the fact you have had this for several years and have been controlling it without medications, you most likely... continue reading about I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia a few years ago. I can usually keep it under control, except when I over exercise or if I've been stressed. Then my heart rate goes really up. Is there anything I can do to keep this from happening?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I have heart palpitations, and sometimes I think I can even feel them in my head and neck. Could that be possible? The palpitations seem to get worse if I drink too much coffee or wine. Are there other things I should be avoiding?
Feeling palpitations in the head or neck is sometimes a sign of a particular type of tachycardia called "AV nodal reentry tachycardia." This is a rapid heart rhythm caused by an electrical short circuit in the ... continue reading about I have heart palpitations, and sometimes I think I can even feel them in my head and neck. Could that be possible? The palpitations seem to get worse if I drink too much coffee or wine. Are there other things I should be avoiding?
Frank L. Anderson, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
What does stool color tell me? Aside from bloody or black, are there other colors I should be concerned about?
That's a great question and one everyone has thought about at some point. Stool color is determined by a combination of bile, what you eat that isn't absorbed, and how fast or slowly the intestinal stream moves... continue reading about What does stool color tell me? Aside from bloody or black, are there other colors I should be concerned about?
Frank L. Anderson, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
In the past I've take steroids for my irritable bowel syndrome, but since I've stopped, my IBS has returned. What are your thoughts on long-term steroid use for IBS?
It would be most important to distinguish your problem by its full diagnostic name. You refer to "IBS", which stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Steroids are rarely used for this condition. If the letters are... continue reading about In the past I've take steroids for my irritable bowel syndrome, but since I've stopped, my IBS has returned. What are your thoughts on long-term steroid use for IBS?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
What is sudden cardiac death and who is at most risk? Are there any signs or symptoms?
The most common cause of sudden cardiac death is ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Ventricular tachyarrhythmia is a very rapid and unstable rhythm that originates from the lower chambers of the heart, or the ventric... continue reading about What is sudden cardiac death and who is at most risk? Are there any signs or symptoms?
Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I have been having palpitations and skipped heartbeats for several months. My EKGs and blood work are normal. Is this all stress and anxiety?
Palpitations are frequently caused by anxiety. On the other hand, anxiety can be caused by palpitations. Sometimes it is difficult to determine what is causing what.Typically, if you have no history of heart di... continue reading about I have been having palpitations and skipped heartbeats for several months. My EKGs and blood work are normal. Is this all stress and anxiety?
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