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Name
uzmail
- Pakistan
Profession
student
Question
Does always pain in chest means there is a problem in heart. my father has not been declared as a angina patient through reprots or medical checkup but he has all the symptoms of angina.
Answer
The chest pain does not always mean heart pain as there are other structures in the chest which could have the origin of the pain. In case of Uzmail's father, he should have specific tests to rule out heart disease and angina. These include ECG, Exercise Tolerance test and finally angiography to pin point angina from coronary heart disease.
Name
Sarah Mostafa
-
Profession
Student
Question
Assalmu Alaikum
What are the setback to mechanical heart transplants, such as the Jarvik-2000. How does the Humand body respond to an artifial heart?
Answer
Mechanical heart is no match to natural heart. These devices are used more as an interim arrangement to buy time for real heart transplantation. The body responds to an artificial heart as a foreign body and tries to reject it. This, along with potential mechanical failure, make the life of the artificial devices rather short.
Name
salah
- United Kingdom
Profession
hotelier
Question
if i were to have a heart transplant -and let's say it is entirely feasible to have a pigs heart --could that be allowed in islam?
Answer
To save a human life, Islam allows any measures including alcohol if it will bring relief. Personally, I am of the view that even a pig's heart should be allowed from Islamic point of view under the same principle.
Pig heart transplantation is still not a reality but it is going through intensive experimentation. One day it is bound to be a routine.
Editor's Note: See IslamOnline.net's fatwa titled, "Heart Valve Transplant from a Pig" here: http://www.islamonline.net/fatwa/english/FatwaDisplay.asp?hFatwaID=91565
Name
Rehab
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu alaikum. Thank you for this good service.
I have a question about valve transplants. What is the difference between mechanical and animal tissue valve transplants? Which is better? My father needs a transplant and is over 60 years of age. Which transplant is better in his case and how long will it last until it needs to be changed?
Thank you.
Answer
Mechanical valve replacement is the one carried out in the majority. It has less risk of rejection by the body and can last for years.
However like any mechanical thing, the mechanical failure along with increased risk of thrombus(clot)formation is always there but there are appropriate medications to counteract this eventuality.
Name
Sundus
- United States
Profession
Question
Salamualaikom
I'm pregnant in my fifth month..this is my third pregnancy. In this pregnancy, as in the last two, I've had a problem of very fast heart beats. Even when I am lying down in bed my heart rate is very high, to the point that I can not get out of bed. Also, because of the fast heart rate, my breathing is very fast. What is the reason for this? In my last two pregnancies, once I gave birth this symptom totally disappeared.
Jazak Allah
Answer
Dear Sundus,
The increase in heart rate during pregnancy is a natural phenomenon due to increase in the blood volume. To cope with the increased blood volume, the heart has to beat faster. Depending on your sensitivity, you may be feeling the increased heart rate more than others. The benign nature of the problem is indicated by the fact that it disappears once the pregnancy is over. However I would suggest to you to have an EKG done to make sure that the rythm of the heart is normal. Otherwise there is nothing to worry.
Name
Salwa
-
Profession
Question
Salaam.
Since I was a child (I'm now 35 years old) I've had chest pains. These chest pains were much more frequent when I was younger. When the chest pain comes, it feels exactly like someone put a knife in my heart. I can't breathe when the pain comes at all. I have to hold my breath until the pain eventually stops. Then there is nothing at all. It's been a very long time since I've had this pain, but I've always worried about it. When I was younger it would come several times a month. Can you explain?
Answer
The type of pain that you describe and the duration of it since your childhood makes it unlikely to be heart related.
Knife-like pain in the chest is usually related to nerve pain and especially if you are an anxiuos personality then the perception of the pain is even more. You should go through some basic investigations like chest x-ray, EKG and related blood tests to rule out any significant cause.
Name
Tarek
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
Salam Doctor
Thank you for answering our questions. Is it true that taking one aspirin a day can protect people from heart attacks? Is it a good idea to do that on our own? Just start taking one aspirin a day for life? Are there any side effects to that?
Answer
Aspirin, like any other drug, has its side effects like stomach pain, but more important bleeding from the stomach leading to vomiting of blood.
However, the dose recommended for heart protection is small (75-150 mg per day) and this dose is faily safe.
Individuals who are overweight, have high blood pressure, diabetes or have a strong family history of heart disease and are over the age of 40 years should take low-dose aspirin as above, preferably in its coated form.
Name
Naeem
- India
Profession
Question
Hello
I have a relative that died suddenly even though she was only 30 years old. She was pregnant at the time in the beginning of her first pregnancy. She broke her leg in the beginning of her pregnancy and was in a cast. She was fine, but what happened is that she suddenly fell down, and pointed to her chest, and then died. I have been told that she might have had deep venous thrombosis. Could this be possible? Wasn't there a way for her to be saved?
Answer
Not only deep vein thrombosis but a breaking away of the clot and lodging in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) was the most likey cause of her unfortunate death. This is a known complication of any longer term confinement as in case of fractures with the cast on legs.
One possible way to prevent this is to keep the patient active and keep the legs moving so that the circulation stays active.
Name
Sammy
- United States
Profession
Question
I have read some news on the internet that sitting in airplanes for long times can cause DVT. Is there research on this? I fly a lot because of my job, and sometimes for a long period of time. What can you suggest to me so that this doesn't happen?
Thank you
Answer
This is known as 'economy class' syndrome and it due to cramped conditions.
During the long-haul flights (more than 4 hours), the circulation tends to stagnate and thus leads to DVT (deep venous thrombosis) especially in obese and overweight individuals. The best remedy is to keep your legs exercised even while sitting. Better still, it is better to have a little walk in the aisles every hour or so and keep drinking plenty of fluids.
Name
Lila
-
Profession
Question
Salamualykum Doctor,
I am a student and I have read that long-term use of metaprolol for hypertension can increase the level of cholestrol after many years it also has many other side effects. Is it best for the hypertensive patient to continue the use of the beta blocker ie its advantages outweight the side effects. Or is it best that the patient changes the drug he uses to treat hypertension? And if so, then what does he change to, ACE inhibitors?
Answer
Metoprolol is a good beta-blocker as it is cardio-selective. The likelihood of increase in cholestrol is small. It has benefits for the heart other than lowering the blood pressure.
However, if cholesterol does increase and is not controlable by other means, then it is better to switch to alternatives like ACE-inhibitors.
Name
Saadia
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
Dear Doctor Jafary,
I have varicose veins that cause me much pain and look very bad on my legs. My skin is fair, but the dark blue coloration of the veins in my legs makes me look very ugly. I wear tight stockings and take Daflon, but still the pain is there, and so are the veins. Is there a surgical procedure I can do to solve this problem?
Answer
Yes Saadia, if the medical means that you are undertaking are not helping, then surgical treatment for varicose veins is available.
Please consult a surgeon. It is usually a very simple procedure.
Name
Tamir
-
Profession
Question
Dear Doctor,
I want to know how a person can tell if they have circulation problems. In winter time the tips of my toes and fingers get so cold that sometimes i feel numb. If this is a circulatory problem, how is it treated?
Answer
Dear Tamir,
It seems like reaction to the cold to produce the symptoms you have.
Anybody is susceptible to get symptoms from cold; however some people especially older in age and other evidence of thickening of blood vessels are more prone to it.
The best way to avoid it is to keep the exteremities as much covered and warm as possible.
I would not suggest any specific drugs for it.
Name
Susan
- Australia
Profession
Question
Hello Doctor...I wanted to ask about the side effects of blood transfusion. Are there any reasons for a person not to donate blood? What are the contraindications to donating blood? If my blood pressure is a little bit low, can I still donate? And does donating blood really cause replenishment of the blood as we are told? How can I make sure that I don't faint after donating?
Answer
Dear Susan,
If the blood is not properly cross-matched then there could be severe reaction by way of shock, allergy etc.
Quite often there is shivering and fever and itchy rash all over the body.
There could even be jaundice due to breakdown of red cells. Persons with a history of hepatitis, especially B& C, malaria, and HIV should not donate blood.
Weak persons with low hemoglobin and very low blood pressure are advised not to donate blood.
A healthy individual can donate blood every three months as the blood recovers back.
The best way to avoid fainting is to keep lying down for half an hour after donation and then get up slowly. Also take a drink soon therafter.
Name
Sameer
-
Profession
Question
Is it true dear Doctor Jafary that garlic is good for the heart? Can it be used in treatment just like Digitalis is for heart failure? Or is it just good as a preventive measure?
Answer
Garlic is good in that it can reduce cholestrol. But one has to keep in mind that the reduction in cholesterol is modest (about 10%). Garlic is meant more as a protective measure than as a treatment like digitalis.
If the cholesterol is moderately high (250 mg or so), then it is better to be careful with diet, also exercise and if necessary use lipid lowering drugs.
Name
Maqbool
-
Profession
Question
My father who is 65 years old had severe aortic stenosis and as a result did replacement surgery of his aortic valve. The operation was done about two months ago. How long does it take for complete recuperation from the operation? He is a professor at the university and gives lectures to students, and I am worried that this might be too much for his health.
Answer
Usually 2-3 months of recuperation is sufficient after the valve surgery.
It is ok for him to take up lectures. Make sure that he continues to attend rehabilitation program in the hospital which involves various types of exercises.
Name
Bothina
-
Profession
Question
Dear Sir,
I have a problem for two years now, the problem is in some days specialy before my monthly period I feel a very fast heart beat and my blood pressure is low. I don't have reasons why this happen..do you have any?
Answer
It is certainly not serious. These symptoms are related with overactivity of the nervous system, contributed by hormonal changes during this period.
You could take a small dose of minor tranquillisers.
Name
Nancy
- Lebanon
Profession
Question
My husband has high blood pressure. His father also has high blood pressure. My husband's aunt also had high blood pressure. She recently died from a sudden attack. If high blood pressure runs in the family, is there any reason to worry about my husband's health if he makes sure to control his blood pressure with medicine and by decreasing salt in his diet.
Answer
Blood pressure usually runs in the family as in your husband's case.
As long as blood pressure is kept under control with medication, diet and exercise, there is nothing to worry about health. The secret is to keep a regular ckeck and exercise to the routine of your husband's activities.
Name
Hisham
-
Profession
Question
Are decongestant drugs bad for people with high blood pressure? If so, then what alternative do we have to decongestants? Is there anything natural or even regular medication that do not have the same side effects?
Answer
Yes, decogestants can raise the blood pressure and better to be avoided in the presence of high BP.
The alternatives could be to use antihistamines with drying effect eg., chlrpheneramine.
Name
Amal
-
Profession
student
Question
assalamu alaikum docter,
I am 25 years old and since I was a teenager I have always had a very fast heartbeat. I have had my heart checked several times but nothing has been found. I also made sure that I do not suffer from hyperthyroid disease. Can there be other causes for this fast pulse and can it be damaging in the long run?
Thank you
Answer
You have done the right thing to have your heart and thyroid checked.
The next common cause is anxiety or overcativity of the nervous system which is likely in your case.
Under the advice of your physician you could take a small dose of drug category called beta-blockers.
Name
noorah
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu Alikum wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
The day before yesterday my 56 year old mother was taken in an ambulance to hospital. The Doctor said that she had insufficient potassium in her blood and an irregular heartbeat.
They put her on a potassium drip and the next day sent her home.
Please can you tell me how serious this is? And what can we do to help her?
Thank you
Answer
The main question is as to why did your mother have low potassium. Did she have vomiting or diarrhoea?
As long as potassium is replaced, there is no problem and on its own it is not a serious issue.
Please have her investigated for the cause of low potassium.
Name
Ali
- Saudi Arabia
Profession
Question
Doctor..I will be giving a presentation in an international conference soon. I am known to suffer from stage fright. Any time I speak in front of many people, my heart rate goes up to very high levels. It affects the smoothness of my speech. Is there any way to control my heart rate so that this does not happen?
Answer
You can be helped with a small dose of a beta-blocker eg., propranolol 10-20 mg half to one hour before going on stage. Dose can be adjusted according to your response.
Name
Ghousoon
-
Profession
Question
Salam Alaikum Doctor.
Is the incidence of heart disease greater in the developing world due to lack of knowledge or poverty or is the Western lifestyle like fast food resturants a greater health risk?
How can we prevent heart disease from spreading in the developing world? How can we educate people about certain health risks?
Thanks
Answer
Two big factors these days relevant to developing world are lack of care about diet, rising incidence of obesity and lack of exercise. Western junk food has certainly added fuel to fire.
Public education through media can play a positive role.
Name
Mera
-
Profession
Question
Are diabetics patients more prone to developing heart conditions than other people? Why?
Answer
Yes indeed, diabtetics are more prone for cardiovascular disease. Diabetes is a metabolic disease which brings about significant chemical changes including disturbances of lipids and upset of the functions of the inner lining of blood vessls. It contributes to the early development of atherosclerosis (thickening of arteries) with more episodes of heart attacks, stroke etc.
Name
Maryam
- South Africa
Profession
Question
I have heard a lot about vegetable oils, vegetable fats, and animal fats. Some people say it's best to cook with oil, others say vegetable fats, others still say vegetable fat is not safe because they put artificial substances in it. Some others say the best to cook with is animal fat. What is the best to cook with so that we don't have too much cholesterol in the blood?
Answer
It is best to use vegetable oils as they contain poly and mono-unsaturated fats. Animal fats have saturated fat which have high cholestrol contents.
Vegetable oils, which stay liquid are better than those which solidify. Solidified vegetable oils are even worse than animal fats as they contain trans-fatty acid which develop due to processing.
Name
Um Aysha
-
Profession
Question
Bism Allah
Asalamu Alaykum
My mother is a heart patient. She experiences something very strange at night though that no one could fully explain. She feels restless and can't breathe properly. She tosses and turns for hours before she can sleep sometimes. She feels a pressing need to keep on jerking her limbs up and down on the mattress. What could that be?
Jazakum Allah Khayr
Answer
There are a few possible explanations.
One, unable to breathe properly on lying down and restlessness could be a sign of incipient heart failure. Proper investigations like chest xray and echocardiogram can help.
Electrolyte imbalance is another possibilty and simple blood tests can help.
Please check with your physician.
Name
R
-
Profession
Question
Bism Allah
Asalamu Alaykum Doctor,
My niece who is 16 years old has a heartbeat that is 3 times faster than normal. What is the cause of that and is it serious?
Answer
Your niece obviously needs investigations to rule out a few causes eg.,anemia, thyroid disease, anxiety etc.
