Video Q&A about Men's Heart Health

What are the symptoms of heart disease

What are the limitations of the CT scan procedure (sometimes referred to as "Heartsaver CT" - advertised as a means to proactively identify arterial deposits) in accurately assessing cardio-vascular health?

What are the chances that my symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath and chest tightness will be decreased or possibly even gone?

Oops, that would be after a septal myectomy. I'm 60 yrs old and increasing activity in lifestyle.

@mason08 I had a triple by pass in 1996 the Dr told me to get it ,or red meat to much saturated fat in it and other foods exercise and eat more veggies Dr also put me on 1 81 mg aspirin at night I've been doing this for 23 years now and will continue Here are some websites I like http://www.heart.org/Atherosclerosis, http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov ,2others are http://www.ppt-,heart.com http://www.healthguide.healthgrades.com

How effective - and to what NON-invasive extent - is Echo-cardiography --- anything newer on the horizon?

Can a CT Angio-gram be a substitute for a CT Lung Scan - are they interchagable, even though the are for specific testing areas, but same locale?

@jacko- I have had several Echo's in fact this was the only test that confirmed I was having a major HA after not presenting with blood work, EKG & X-Ray in the emergency room more than 2 hrs. after I was admitted. Depending on the area they are trying to see the use of an IV to help with contrast solution may be needed. I have also have had both Nuclear medicine induced Echo and a Stress Echo. My cardiologist was not very happy that my PC Dr. had ordered the Nuclear Echo mainly because the results in his opinion are near as accurate as a stress echo. I just had a Stress Echo down at the Mayo Clinis in AZ. Basically they place several electrodes on you and then take a number of pictures as in a resting state and then have you pop up onto a tredmill which was literally alongside the bed and you begin just walking and every 2-3 minutes the speed is increased as well as the ramp elevation.
They are monitoring you all along on screens as well as talking to you. There is a chart on the wall with descriptions of levels of how you may feel that they are asking you where are you at. I am in very good shape and so they took me beyond what I think they would take most folks. They asked if I could go 2 levels higher and went 1st to 2 1/2 mins. at a speed of 3.5 and elevation of 12 and then finished with 2 mins. at 4.5 and 16 elevation. I was literally running for that last 2 mins. The treadmill comes to a complete stop and you drop down back on the bed and assume the position on your side as they continue having you take & hold breaths while they shoot many more pictures.
In the end for me it was really worth it! I have been told all along that my EF (Injection Fraction) was between 32 & 35 and now 3 years later my EF is now more like 48. Either way or style the Echo is nothing to be feared. All the best to you!
Jim T. @thankful.

Unfortunately I'll be unable to watch live but will listen to recording. I'm 63 and live in Ireland. I had a stent inserted last December. I had 80% blockage in one artery. My family has no history of heart issues, I never smoked, I watch my diet and do lots of exercise. Stress was probably a factor. I do lots of challenge walks/hiking, sometimes as much as 50K. I also have hiked in the Andes, Himalayas, Alps etc and I would like to continue doing this. This would include going to altitudes of over 5000 meters. I'm wondering is it safe to continue doing this and would the cold at altitude have any impact on my condition. I also to some gym work and have been advised to avoid exercises with weights over the head. Comments would be much appreciated.
Thanks, Patrick

You are doing great.I am 64 , had heart attack 7 years back .LAD aid fully blocked , no stenting possible.Both kidney failure,Rt leg paralysis ( partial ) , 35 days in ER and now fine.Recovery is Integration Of Medicine,Yoga, Exercise , Diet control and Meditation.I Stopped Statins after careful monitoring.LDL is fine.My experience is working with your Cardiologist , one can really reduce Medicine requirements.Pl feel free to write to me.Thanks