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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I had a calcium score of 732, and my nuclear stress test was apparently “normal”. I feel nothing. What’s going on?
Episode 1
"A calcium score shows the amount of calcified cholesterol plaque in the arteries of your heart, a nuclear perfusion study tells us if that plaque is obstructing blood flow to your heart muscle." - Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional Cardiologist
Read More: https://www.texasheart...
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My doctors checked my lipoprotein(a) and it was SKY HIGH. What does this mean?
Episode 2
"Lipoprotein (a) is a type of “bad” cholesterol that does not show up during usual lab work. Meds to treat it are coming, but for now we just focus on reducing other risk factors."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional CardiologistRead More: https://www.texasheart.org/heart-hea...
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I have severe aortic stenosis due to a bicuspid aortic valve, can I have the replacement through my groin?
Episode 3
"While we are very good at doing aortic valve replacements through the groin, this is still not the current strategy for patients under the age of 60. Maybe in the future."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional CardiologistRead More: https://www.texasheartmedical.org/our-specia...
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I feel my heart “jumping” inside my chest every now and then. Whenever I get an ECG, I am told it is normal. Do I need to worry?
Episode 4
"The most common reason for this is your heart “skipping beats”, which is benign. However, dangerous arrhythmias can be ruled by performing rhythm monitoring with a patch."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional CardiologistRead More: https://www.texasheartmedical.org/our-specia...
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I was told I have mitral valve prolapse, but a recent echocardiogram showed nothing – who’s messing up here?
Episode 5
"Mitral valve prolapse has varying severity, and different thresholds to call it such depending on the reader. The likelihood is that your valve is (mostly) normal."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional CardiologistRead More: https://www.texasheartmedical.org/our-specialties/h...
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I have high cholesterol and DO NOT want to take statin poison, how can I get the cholesterol shots?
Episode 6
"Statins are beneficial and harmless to most patients. In patients that cannot take them, or if the numbers are bad despite being on them, many alternatives exist – including multiple types of injections."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional CardiologistRead More: https://www...
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My blood pressure is always higher when I go to the doctor or dentist, but normal at home. Do I need to worry?
Episode 7
"What matters most is your average blood pressure, not occasional (small peaks). However, sometimes medication is needed if you are deemed to be at high risk of intermittent elevation."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional CardiologistRead More: https://www.texasheartmedical.o...
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Do I need open heart surgery after a heart catheterization?
Episode 8
"Some patients only need stents, some absolutely can only get bypass surgery, and there is a large gray area – talk to your doctor (or multiple doctors if needed)."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional CardiologistRead More: https://www.texasheartmedical.org/our-specialties/ca...
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How long does it take to become a cardiologist? Maybe I can do it.
Episode 9
"4 years of college, 4 years of med school, 3 years of internal medicine, 3 years of cardiology, 1-2 years of subspecialty training. Yes, you can do it."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional CardiologistRead More: https://www.texasheart.org/education-professionals/
Submit yo...
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I pass out many times a year, usually when it is hot outside or if I must stand for a long time. What’s wrong with me?
Episode 10
"The most likely cause is a degree of “dysautonomia” – most of the time this is benign. Sometimes, we can use medications to help out during flare-up periods."
- Dr. Alexander Postalian, General and Interventional CardiologistRead more about our specialties: hhttps://www.texasheartmedical.org...
