Asked and Answered
3 Seasons
General and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Alexander Postalian answers patient questions related to cardiovascular health.
Submit your questions in the comment section to be featured in the next episode of Asked and Answered.
Read more about our specialties: www.texasheartmedical.org/edu
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My dad had a heart attack in his 50s. I am 27. When should I get checked?
Episode 1
"While we should always pay attention to our health, you should probably start having a closer look at your cardiovascular status after age 30."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
Read More: https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/...
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I was told I had a heart attack years ago. How low should my cholesterol be?
Episode 2
"The LDL (“bad”) cholesterol should be under 100 mg/dL for most people. But under 70 mg/dL (and perhaps under 55 mg/dL) for patients with history of heart attacks."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
Read More: https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-inform...
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I had labs and I saw that my lipoprotein(a) was elevated. Should I be freaking out?
Episode 3
" Lp(a) increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues such as aortic stenosis. We are still learning about it. If it is high, your doctor might start paying closer attention to your risk factors and start treatment earlier."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and ...
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My husband snores like a rhino on steroids, and sometimes stops breathing at night.
Episode 4
"This is probably obstructive sleep apnea, which can have negative effects in your cardiovascular system. A sleep study is probably a good idea."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
Read More: https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics...
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I am a 62 year-old woman trying to live healthier in general. How much am I supposed to exercise?
Episode 5
"The official recommendation is 150 minutes of exercise per week. Moderate activity such as brisk walking, walking on an incline, light jogging, cycling, elliptical, and some weight training."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
Read More: https://www.texasheart.o...
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I want to take the injection Amy Schumer used to lose weight – how do I get it, and is it safe?
Episode 6
"This likely refers to GLP1 agonists. The medications are generally safe. The most frequent side effects is gastrointestinal “upset” stomach. Unfortunately, they can be expensive and are in short supply."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
Read More: https://www....
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Is there such a thing as too much exercise? I heard that marathons are not good for you.
Episode 7
"Going past your limits for prolonged periods of time (such as marathons and triathlons) is probably not good for your heart and joints. Be as active as you can, without overdoing it."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
Read More: https://www.texasheart.org/heart...
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My blood pressure is all over the place – Do I need to be doing something differently?
Episode 8
"Blood pressure varies a lot during the day. We care about the average numbers over a period of days and weeks."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
Read More: https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/high-blood-pressure-hypertension...
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What do people really mean by healthy diet?
Episode 9
"Avoid simple carbohydrates (sweets, sodas, rice, pasta, potatoes, tortillas, arepas…) and “bad” fats (butter, bacon – animal fat). Favor lean protein (grilled fish, chicken) and vegetables. Watch the salad dressings as well."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
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I feel a weird sensation in my chest, I was told it could be atrial fibrillation.
Episode 10
"Atrial fibrillation is a very common arrhythmia that increases the risk for having fast heart rate and strokes, hence we use medications to prevent both. Using procedures to treat it is also an option."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
Read More: https://www.t...
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My coronary calcium score was 232. Do I need to have a stent placed in my arteries?
Episode 11
"The coronary calcium score is a marker of plaque in the arteries of your heart. It helps us know how aggressive we need to be with medication or lifestyle changes but does not help us decide if you need procedures performed."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
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