Question 1

Is atrial flutter something that can actually be cured? Is catheter ablation the best solution for someone like me? I'm worried because I had mitral valve replacement surgery about six months ago and was doing fine until I got this bad cough. Suddenly, my heart rate shot up to 150 and it just won't come down. Now I've got a clot and I'm on blood thinners. Is there any hope for me or is this really serious?

Accepted Answer

Atrial flutter can be managed effectively with treatments such as catheter ablation. Catheter ablation is considered one of the best solutions for atrial flutter, especially when medications are not effective or not well tolerated. Atrial flutter may not go away on its own and often requires intervention. Given your history of MVR and the development of a high heart rate along with a clot, it is important to continue with the thinners as prescribed to prevent further complications. It is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. There is hope for you, and the outcome will depend on various factors including the underlying cause of the atrial flutter, your overall health, and how well you respond to treatment. It is important to stay proactive in managing your condition and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations closely.

Question 2

I recently recovered from COVID and it's been about 20 days since my first symptoms with all my reports coming back negative. I'm only dealing with some post-COVID weakness now. I've noticed that when I'm resting, my heartbeat is typically between 60 and 80 bpm, and sitting it's around 75 to 90 bpm. But when I climb stairs, it jumps to about 145 to 150, and while walking, it's around 125 to 130. Is this normal after recovering from COVID because of the weakness I have? I had an ECG and a TMT last month as part of a regular check-up before COVID, and the TMT was normal even when my heartbeat reached 196. Everything was fine back then. Should I be concerned now?

Accepted Answer

Your increased heart rate while climbing stairs (145-150) and walking (125-130) after recovering from COVID-19 can be attributed to post-COVID-19 fatigue, dehydration, and reduced cardiovascular endurance, but given your recent normal ECG and TMT results, it's likely a temporary condition; however, to alleviate concerns, consider consulting your doctor or a cardiologist for a follow-up evaluation, and in the meantime, stay hydrated, gradually increase physical activity, and monitor your heart rate and overall health.

Question 3

I've been smoking for a few years, and I've recently started feeling this mild pain in my heart, especially when I'm lying down. I'm pretty sure it's connected because I've been smoking more than usual this week. Do you think this is just a temporary thing, or could there be a more serious condition going on? Also, should I be getting any specific tests done, like a cancer screening or something? I really want to quit smoking, but I can't handle gums, and patches just don't seem to work for me. What should my next steps be?

Accepted Answer

quit smoking and do regular breathing exercises

I'm feeling like there's a weight on my chest, and every so often, it really hurts. I've had COVID twice but I'm on the mend now. I was thinking of getting a chest x-ray, but I noticed there are different kinds, like AP view and lateral view. I'm not sure which one I should go for. Can you help?

Patient is advised complete blood count,esr,C-reactive protein and chest x-ray pa view.

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