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When to seek urgent medical care when I have Supraventricular tachycardia ? | Call your health care provider if:
You often have a sensation of feeling the heart beat quickly and symptoms do not end on their own in a few minutes. You have a history of PSVT and an episode does not go away with the valsalva maneuver or by coughing, or other symptoms occur with the rapid heart rate. Symptoms return often New symptoms develop | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Supraventricular tachycardia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | PSVT is generally not life threatening. If other heart disorders are present, it can lead to congestive heart failure or angina. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Syncope? | Syncope itself is a symptom. Patients with syncope may feel:
Temporary loss of consciousness Blacking out Light-headedness Dizziness Grogginess, feeling unsteady or weak when standing, even falling
Similar symptoms may be seen in other diseases such as:
Dizziness Seizure Vertigo Coma Shock | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Syncope? | Cardiac causes
Arrhythmia, such as ventricular tachycardia, sick sinus syndrome, long Q-T syndrome Abnormal cardiovascular structure, such as aortic stenosis, aortic dissection, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertension
Brain causes
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) Stroke
Vasovagal syncope: This is the most frequent and benign cause of syncope.
Cough syncope Defecation syncope Micturition syncope Swallow syncope Carotid sinus hypersensitivity
Orthostatic hypotension Hypoglycemia | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Syncope ? | Syncope is a sign of temporary loss of consciousness and many patients may recover after several minutes to hours. Once recovered, the patient should be sent to the hospital to confirm the causes. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Syncope (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Prognosis of syncope depends on:
Underlying causes: Syncope caused by cardiovascular diseases may be life-threatening. Prognosis of vasovagal syncope is relatively better. Whether the patient is associated with severe complications, such as falling, can lead to a cerebral hemorrhage. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot? | Tetralogy of Fallot symptoms vary, depending on the extent of obstruction of blood flow out of the right ventricle and into the lungs. Signs and symptoms may include:
A bluish coloration of the skin caused by blood low in oxygen (cyanosis) Shortness of breath and rapid breathing, especially during feeding Loss of consciousness (fainting) Clubbing of fingers and toes — an abnormal, rounded shape of the nail bed Poor weight gain Tiring easily during play Irritability Prolonged crying A heart murmur Tet spells Sometimes, babies with tetralogy of Fallot will suddenly develop deep blue skin, nails and lips after crying, feeding, having a bowel movement, or kicking his or her legs upon awakening. These episodes are called "Tet spells" and are caused by a rapid drop in the amount of oxygen in the blood. Toddlers or older children may instinctively squat when they are short of breath. Squatting increases blood flow to the lungs. Tet spells are more common in young infants, around 2 to 4 months old. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the causes of Tetralogy of Fallot? | Tetralogy of Fallot is classified as a cyanotic heart defect because the condition causes low oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple color to the skin). The classic form of tetralogy includes four related defects of the heart and its major blood vessels:
Ventricular septal defect (hole between the right and left ventricles) Narrowing of the pulmonary outflow tract (the valve and artery that connect the heart with the lungs) Overriding aorta (the artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body) that is shifted over the right ventricle and ventricular septal defect, instead of coming out only from the left ventricle A thickened muscular wall of the right ventricle (right ventricular hypertrophy) At birth, infants may not show signs of cyanosis. However, later they may develop sudden episodes (called "Tet spells") of bluish skin from crying or feeding.
Tetralogy of Fallot is rare, but it is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. Patients with tetraology of Fallot have a higher incidence of major non-heart congenital defects. The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Many factors seem to be involved. Factors that increase the risk for this condition during pregnancy include:
Alcoholism in the mother Diabetes Mother who is over 40 years old Poor nutrition during pregnancy Rubella or other viral illnesses during pregnancy There is a high incidence of chromosomal disorders in children with tetralogy of Fallot, such as Down syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome (a condition that causes heart defects, low calcium levels, and immune deficiency). | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Tetralogy of Fallot ? | While the exact cause of Tetralogy of Fallot is unknown, several factors may increase the risk of a baby being born with this condition. These include:
A viral illness in the mother, such as rubella (German measles), during pregnancy Maternal alcoholism Poor nutrition A mother older than 40 A parent with tetralogy of Fallot Babies who are also born with Down syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome | Answer this question truthfully |
How to know you have Tetralogy of Fallot? | If you or you're baby have any of the symptoms listed above. Contact your doctor if you are unsure. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot? | Clubbing of fingers (skin or bone enlargement around the fingernails) Cyanosis, which becomes more pronounced when the baby is upset Difficult feeding (poor feeding habits) Failure to gain weight Passing out Poor development Squatting during episodes of cyanosis | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Tetralogy of Fallot? | Tetralogy of Fallot is classified as a cyanotic heart defect because the condition causes low oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple color to the skin).
The classic form of tetralogy includes four related defects of the heart and its major blood vessels:
Ventricular septal defect (hole between the right and left ventricles) Narrowing of the pulmonary outflow tract (the valve and artery that connect the heart with the lungs) Overriding aorta (the artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body) that is shifted over the right ventricle and ventricular septal defect, instead of coming out only from the left ventricle A thickened muscular wall of the right ventricle (right ventricular hypertrophy)
At birth, infants may not show signs of cyanosis. However, later they may develop sudden episodes (called "Tet spells") of bluish skin from crying or feeding.
Tetralogy of Fallot is rare, but it is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. Patients with tetraology of Fallot have a higher incidence of major non-heart congenital defects.
The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Many factors seem to be involved.
Factors that increase the risk for this condition during pregnancy include:
Alcoholism in the mother Diabetes Mother who is over 40 years old Poor nutrition during pregnancy Rubella or other viral illnesses during pregnancy | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Tetralogy of fallot ? | There is a high incidence of chromosomal disorders in children with Tetralogy of Fallot, such as Down syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome (a condition that causes heart defects, low calcium levels, and immune deficiency). | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Tetralogy of fallot ? | Call your health care provider if new unexplained symptoms develop or the patient is having an episode of cyanosis (blue skin).
If a child with tetralogy of Fallot becomes blue, immediately place the child on his or her side or back and put the knees up to the chest. Calm the baby and seek medical attention immediately. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Tetralogy of fallot (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Most cases can be corrected with surgery. Babies who have surgery usually do well. Ninety percent survive to adulthood and live active, healthy, and productive lives. Without surgery, death usually occurs by the time the person reaches age 20.
Patients who have continued, severe leakiness of the pulmonary valve may need to have the valve replaced.
Regular follow-up with a cardiologist to monitor for life-threatening arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) is recommended. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Tetralogy of Fallot? | Patients with ventricular septal defects may not have symptoms. However, if the hole is large, the baby often has symptoms related to heart failure.
The most common symptoms include:
Clubbing of fingers (skin or bone enlargement around the fingernails) Cyanosis, which becomes more pronounced when the baby is upset Difficult feeding (poor feeding habits) Failure to gain weight Passing out Poor development Squatting during episodes of cyanosis
{{#ev:youtube|AywUO2TLbYs}} | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Tetralogy of Fallot? | The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown. Many factors seem to be involved.
Factors that increase the risk for this condition during pregnancy include:
Alcoholism in the mother Diabetes Mother who is over 40 years old Poor nutrition during pregnancy Rubella or other viral illnesses during pregnancy
There is a high incidence of chromosomal disorders in children with tetralogy of Fallot, such as Down syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome (a condition that causes heart defects, low calcium levels, and immune deficiency). | Answer this question truthfully |
Possible Complications? | Delayed growth and development Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) Seizures during periods when there is not enough oxygen. Death | Answer this question truthfully |
When to Contact a Medical Professional? | Most often, this condition is diagnosed during routine examination of an infant. Call your infant's health care provider if the baby seems to be having difficulty breathing, or if the baby seems to have an unusual number of respiratory infections. | Answer this question truthfully |
A quick guide: How to read a guideline? | Conditions for which there is evidence and/or general agreement that a given procedure or treatment is beneficial, useful, and effective.
v t e Cardiovascular disease (heart) Ischaemic Coronary disease Coronary artery disease (CAD) Coronary artery aneurysm Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) Coronary thrombosis Coronary vasospasm Myocardial bridge Active ischemia Angina pectoris Prinzmetal's angina Stable angina Acute coronary syndrome Myocardial infarction Unstable angina Sequelae hours Hibernating myocardium Myocardial stunning days Myocardial rupture weeks Aneurysm of heart / Ventricular aneurysm Dressler syndrome Layers Pericardium Pericarditis Acute Chronic / Constrictive Pericardial effusion Cardiac tamponade Hemopericardium Myocardium Myocarditis Chagas disease Cardiomyopathy Dilated Alcoholic Hypertrophic Tachycardia-induced Restrictive Loeffler endocarditis Cardiac amyloidosis Endocardial fibroelastosis Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia Endocardium / valves Endocarditis infective endocarditis Subacute bacterial endocarditis non-infective endocarditis Libman–Sacks endocarditis Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis Valves mitral regurgitation prolapse stenosis aortic stenosis insufficiency tricuspid stenosis insufficiency pulmonary stenosis insufficiency Conduction / arrhythmia Bradycardia Sinus bradycardia Sick sinus syndrome Heart block: Sinoatrial AV 1° 2° 3° Intraventricular Bundle branch block Right Left Left anterior fascicle Left posterior fascicle Bifascicular Trifascicular Adams–Stokes syndrome Tachycardia (paroxysmal and sinus) Supraventricular Atrial Multifocal Junctional AV nodal reentrant Junctional ectopic Ventricular Accelerated idioventricular rhythm Catecholaminergic polymorphic Torsades de pointes Premature contraction Atrial Junctional Ventricular Pre-excitation syndrome Lown–Ganong–Levine Wolff–Parkinson–White Flutter / fibrillation Atrial flutter Ventricular flutter Atrial fibrillation Familial Ventricular fibrillation Pacemaker Ectopic pacemaker / Ectopic beat Multifocal atrial tachycardia Pacemaker syndrome Parasystole Wandering atrial pacemaker Long QT syndrome Andersen–Tawil Jervell and Lange-Nielsen Romano–Ward Cardiac arrest Sudden cardiac death Asystole Pulseless electrical activity Sinoatrial arrest Other / ungrouped hexaxial reference system Right axis deviation Left axis deviation QT Short QT syndrome T T wave alternans ST Osborn wave ST elevation ST depression Strain pattern Cardiomegaly Ventricular hypertrophy Left Right / Cor pulmonale Atrial enlargement Left Right Athletic heart syndrome Other Cardiac fibrosis Heart failure Diastolic heart failure Cardiac asthma Rheumatic fever
v t e Electrocardiography Overview History of the EKG • EKG interpretation basics • Normal sinus rhythm EKG Complexes P wave • QRS complex • ST Segment • T wave • T wave alternans • Tombstone T wave • U wave Osborn wave • H wave • K wave • Delta wave NSSTW changes EKG Intervals PR Interval • QRS Interval • ST Interval • QT Interval Conduction System & Bradycardia Cardiac pacemaker • SA node • AV node • Bundle of His • Purkinje fibers • Sinus bradycardia • First Degree AV Block • Second Degree AV Block • Complete or Third-Degree AV Block • Concealed conduction • AV Junctional Rhythms • LBBB • LAHB • LPHB • RBBB • Trifascicular block Atrial Arrhythmias Sinus tachycardia • Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs) • Ectopic Atrial Rhythm • Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia (PAT) • Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia (PAT) with Block • Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) • Atrial Flutter • Atrial Fibrillation • Wandering atrial pacemaker Ventricular Arrhythmias Differential Diagnosis of Tachycardia with a Wide QRS Complex • Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm • Ventricular Parasystole • Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) • Ventricular tachycardia • Ventricular Fibrillation • Sudden cardiac death EKG Abnormalities in Disease States Hypertrophy & Dilatation • Right atrial enlargement • Left atrial enlargement • Biatrial enlargement • Left Ventricular Hypertrophy • Right Ventricular Hypertrophy • Biventricular Hypertrophy • Acute myocardial infarction • NSTEMI • STEMI • Tombstone ST elevation • Right ventricular myocardial infarction • Atrial infarction Pre-excitation Syndromes • Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome • Lown Ganong Levine Syndrome • Mahaim Type Preexcitation Cardiomyopathies • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia • Dilated Cardiomyopathy • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Drug Effects on the EKG • Adenosine • β-blockers • Digitalis • Quinidine • Procainamide • Disopyramide • Lidocaine • Tocainide and Mexiletine • Phenytoin • Encainide, Flecainide and Propafenone • Amiodarone • Bretylium • Ca Channel Blockers • Phenothiazines • Tricyclic Antidepressants • Lithium Congenital Heart Disease • Dextrocardia • Atrial Septal Defect • Ventricular Septal Defect • Tetralogy of Fallot • Conjoined Twins or Siamese Twins • Congenital heart block Electrolyte Disturbances • Hyperkalemia • Hypokalemia • Hypercalcemia • Hypocalcemia • Nonspecific Changes Other Heart Diseases • Pericarditis • Myocarditis • Tamponade • Heart Transplantation • Sick Sinus Syndrome • Long QT Syndrome Inherited Disease • Brugada Syndrome Systemic Diseases • CNS Disease • Cardiac Tumors Heart Transplantation • EKG Changes in patient with Heart Transplantation Exogenous Effects • Hypothermia • Chest Trauma • Insect Bites • Electric Injuries Technical Issues and Potential Errors in Interpretation Artifacts • Lead Placement Errors • The EKG in a Patient with a Pacemaker • EKG in athletes
Template:WikiDoc Sources | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Heart block? | Symptoms depend on the type of heart block you have.
First-degree heart block rarely causes symptoms.
Symptoms of second- and third-degree heart block include:
Chest pain Dizziness Fainting Fatigue Heart failure symptoms Light-headedness Pre-syncope Shortness of breath Syncope | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Heart block? | Heart block has many causes. Some people are born with the disorder (congenital), while others develop it during their lifetimes (acquired).
One form of congenital heart block occurs in babies whose mothers have autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. People who have these diseases make proteins called antibodies that attack and damage the body's tissues or cells.
In pregnant women, antibodies can cross the placenta. (The placenta is the organ that attaches the umbilical cord to the mother's womb.) These proteins can damage the baby's heart and lead to congenital heart block.
Congenital heart defects also may cause congenital heart block. These defects are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth. Often, doctors don't know what causes these defects.
Many factors can cause acquired heart block. Examples include:
Damage to the heart from a heart attack. This is the most common cause of acquired heart block. Coronary heart disease, also called coronary artery disease. Myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle. Heart failure. Rheumatic fever. Cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle diseases. Sarcoidosis Degenerative muscle disorders Lev's disease and Lenegre's disease. Certain types of surgery also may damage the heart's electrical system and lead to heart block. Exposure to toxic substances and taking certain medicines - including digitalis, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers - also may cause heart block. Doctors closely watch people who are taking these medicines for signs of problems. Some types of heart block have been linked to genetic mutations (changes in the genes). An overly active vagus nerve also can cause heart block. You have one vagus nerve on each side of your body. These nerves run from your brain stem all the way to your abdomen. Activity in the vagus nerve slows the heart rate.
In some cases, acquired heart block may go away if the factor causing it is treated or resolved. For example, heart block that occurs after a heart attack or surgery may go away during recovery.
Also, if a medicine is causing heart block, the disorder may go away if the medicine is stopped or the dosage is lowered. Always talk with your doctor before you change the way you take your medicines. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Third degree AV block ? | Elderly, particularly those with ischemic heart disease, and patients with certain disorders such as Lyme disease are at increased risk of developing complete heart block (CHB). | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Third degree AV block ? | Any syncope, loss of consciousnesses in a patient with known risk factors of heart disease calls for urgent medical care. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Third degree AV block (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The prognosis of patients with complete heart block is generally poor without therapy. Patients with 1st and 2nd degree heart block are usually asymptomatic. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Third degree AV block? | People with third-degree AV block typically experience severe bradycardia (an abnormally low measured heart rate), hypotension (decreased blood pressure), and at times, hemodynamic instability and syncope. They may faint, or complain of dizziness or simply feel week. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Third degree AV block? | Third-degree atrioventricular block (AV block) is a medical condition in which the nerve impulse generated in the sinoatrial node (SA node) in the atrium of the heart can not propagate to the ventricles.
Many conditions can cause third-degree heart block, but the most common cause is coronary ischemia. Progressive degeneration of the electrical conduction system of the heart can lead to third-degree heart block. This may be preceded by first-degree AV block, second-degree AV block, bundle branch block, or bifascicular block. In addition, acute myocardial infarction may present with third-degree AV block.
An inferior wall myocardial infarction may cause damage to the AV node, causing third-degree heart block. In this case, the damage is usually transitory. Studies have shown that third-degree heart block in the setting of an inferior wall myocardial infarction typically resolves within 2 weeks. The escape rhythm typically originates in the AV junction, producing a narrow complex escape rhythm.
An anterior wall myocardial infarction may damage the distal conduction system of the heart, causing third-degree heart block. This is typically extensive, permanent damage to the conduction system, necessitating a permanent pacemaker to be placed. The escape rhythm typically originates in the ventricles, producing a wide complex escape rhythm.
Third-degree heart block may also be congenital and has been linked to the presence of lupus in the mother. It is thought that maternal antibodies may cross the placenta and attack the heart tissue during gestation. The cause of congenital third-degree heart block in many patients is unknown. Studies suggest that the prevalence of congenital third-degree heart block is between 1 in 15,000 and 1 in 22,000 live births.
Hyperkalemia in those with previous cardiac disease and Lyme disease can also result in third-degree heart block. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of a Thoracic aortic aneurysm? | Aneurysms develop slowly over many years. Most patients have no symptoms until the aneurysm begins to leak or expand. Chest or back pain may mean sudden widening or leakage of the aneurysm. Symptoms often begin suddenly when:
The aneurysm grows quickly The aneurysm tears open (called a rupture) Blood leaks along the wall of the aorta (aortic dissection)
If the aneurysm presses on nearby structures, the following symptoms may occur:
Hoarseness Swallowing problems High-pitched breathing (stridor) Swelling in the neck
Other symptoms may include:
Chest pain and / or back pain Clammy skin Nausea and vomiting Rapid heart rate Low blood pressure | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Thoracic aortic aneurysm? | The most common cause of a thoracic aortic aneurysm is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition is more common in people with high cholesterol, long-term high blood pressure, or who smoke. Other risk factors for a thoracic aneurysm include:
Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome Inflammation of the aorta Syphilis Trauma such as falls or motor vehicle accidents | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Thoracic aortic aneurysm ? | Tell your doctor if you have:
A family history of connective tissue disorders Chest pain or back discomfort | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Thoracic aortic aneurysm (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The long-term prognosis for patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm is determined by other medical problems such as heart disease and diabetes, which may have caused or contributed to the condition. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Thoracic outlet syndrome? | Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome may include:
Pain, numbness, and tingling in the last three fingers and inner forearm Pain and tingling in the neck and shoulders (carrying something heavy may make the pain worse) Signs of poor circulation in the hand or forearm Weakness of the muscles in the hand | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Thoracic outlet syndrome? | Thoracic outlet syndrome is a rare condition.
Blood vessels and nerves coming from the spine or major blood vessels of the body pass through a narrow space near the shoulder and armpit on their way to the arms. As they pass by or through the collarbone (clavicle) and upper ribs, they may not have enough space. Pressure (compression) on these blood vessels or nerves can cause symptoms in the arms or hands. Problems with the nerves account for almost all cases of thoracic outlet syndrome.
Compression can be caused by an extra cervical rib (above the first rib) or an abnormal tight fibrous band connecting the spinal vertebra to the rib. Patients often have a history of injury to the area or overuse of the shoulder. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Thoracic outlet syndrome ? | People with long necks and droopy shoulders may be more likely to develop this condition because of extra pressure on their nerves and blood vessels. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Thoracic outlet syndrome (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Having the fibrous band removed may eliminate symptoms if patients are selected carefully. Surgery can be successful in 50% to 80% of patients. Conservative approaches using physical therapy are helpful for many patients. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection? | Symptoms vary widely. Sometimes no symptoms may be present in infancy or early childhood. Sometimes signs may display critically like the following:
Cyanosis Lethargy Frequent respiratory infections Poor feeding and growth Rapid breathing
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection ? | The cause of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is not clear. Some patients have other congenital heart disease. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection ? | Call your health care provider as soon as possible if your baby has symptoms of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Prognosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous depends on whether the surgery has been done with the patient. Without surgery, death may occur by age one in babies with more severe defects. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Transient ischemic attack? | Symptoms begin suddenly, last only a short time (from a few minutes to 1 - 2 hours), then disappear completely. They may occur again at a later time. Symptoms usually occur on the same side of the body if more than one body part is involved.
A TIA is different from a stroke. However, the symptoms of TIA are the same as the symptoms of a stroke and include the sudden development of:
Muscle weakness of the face, arm, or leg (usually only on one side of the body) Numbness or tingling on one side of the body Trouble speaking or understanding others who are speaking Problems with eyesight (double vision, loss of all or part of vision) Changes in sensation, involving touch, pain, temperature, pressure, hearing, and taste Change in alertness (sleepiness, less responsive, unconscious, or coma) Personality, mood, or emotional changes Confusion or loss of memory Difficulty swallowing Difficulty writing or reading Lack of coordination and balance, clumsiness, or trouble walking Abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo) or dizziness Lack of control over the bladder or bowels Inability to recognize or identify sensory stimuli (agnosia) | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Transient ischemic attack? | A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is caused by temporary disturbance of blood supply to an area of the brain. This results in a sudden, brief decrease in brain function. (A decrease in brain function is called a neurologic deficit.)
A TIA is different from a stroke. Unlike a stroke, a TIA does not cause brain tissue to die. The symptoms of TIAs do not last as long the symptoms of a stroke. TIAs also do not show changes to the brain on CT or MRI scans. (Strokes usually show changes on such tests.)
The temporary loss of blood flow to the brain can be caused by:
A blood clot within an artery of the brain A blood clot that travels to the brain from somewhere else in the body (for example, the heart) An injury to blood vessels Narrowing of a blood vessel in the brain or leading to the brain
For instance, the temporary disruption in blood flow could be due to a blood clot that occurs and then dissolves. The blockage breaks up quickly and dissolves.
Less common causes of TIA include:
An irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation Certain blood disorders, including polycythemia, sickle cell anemia, and syndromes where the blood is very thick Conditions that cause blood vessels problems such as fibromuscular dysplasia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and syphilis Inflammation of the arteries such as arteritis, polyarteritis, and granulomatous angiitis Spasm of the small arteries in the brain
Atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries") is a condition where fatty deposits occur on the inner lining of the arteries. This condition dramatically increases the risk for both TIAs and stroke. About 80 - 90% of people who have a stroke due to atherosclerosis had a TIA episode before. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Transient ischemic attack ? | Risks for TIA include:
High blood pressure Heart disease Migraine headaches Smoking Diabetes Increasing age. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Transient ischemic attack ? | A TIA is a medical emergency. Call 911 or another local emergency number immediately. Do not ignore symptoms just because they go away. They may be a warning of a future stroke. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Transient ischemic attack (Outlook/Prognosis)? | TIAs do not cause lasting damage to the brain.
However, they are a warning sign that you may have a true stroke some day. Over 10% of people who have a TIA will have a stroke within 3 months. Half of these strokes happen during the 48 hours after a TIA. The stroke may occur that same day or at a later time. Some people have only a single episode, and some have recurrent episodes.
Your chances of a future stroke can be reduced by close follow-up with your health care provider to manage risk factors. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Transposition of the great vessels? | Blueness of the skin Clubbing of the fingers or toes Poor feeding Shortness of breath | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Transposition of the great vessels? | The cause of most congenital heart defects is unknown.
Transposition of the great vessels is a cyanotic heart defect. This means there is decreased oxygen in the blood that is pumped from the heart to the rest of the body. Low blood oxygen leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple color to the skin) and shortness of breath. In normal hearts, blood that returns from the body goes through the right side of the heart and pulmonary artery to the lungs to get oxygen. The blood then comes back to the left side of the heart and travels out the aorta to the body. In transposition of the great vessels, the blood goes to the lungs, picks up oxygen, and then goes right back to the lungs without ever going to the body. Blood from the body returns to the heart and goes back to the body without ever picking up oxygen in the lungs. Symptoms appear at birth or very soon afterward. How bad the symptoms are depends on the type and size of heart defects (such as atrial septal defect or patent ductus arteriosus) and how much oxygen moves through the body's general blood flow.
The condition is the second most common cyanotic heart defect. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Transposition of the great vessels ? | Factors in the mother that may increase the risk of this condition include:
Age over 40 Alcoholism Diabetes Poor nutrition during pregnancy (prenatal nutrition) Rubella or other viral illness during pregnancy | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Transposition of the great vessels ? | Most often, this condition is diagnosed during routine examination. This condition can also be diagnosed before birth using a fetal echocardiogram. If not, it is usually diagnosed soon after a baby is born. Call your infant's health care provider if the baby seems to be having difficulty breathing, if your baby's skin develops a bluish color, especially in the face or trunk. or if the baby seems to have an unusual number of respiratory infections.
Contact your health care provider if your baby has this condition and new symptoms develop, get worse, or continue after treatment. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Transposition of the great vessels (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The child's symptoms will improve after surgery to correct the defect. Most infants who undergo arterial switch do not have symptoms after surgery and live normal lives. If corrective surgery is not performed, the life expectancy is months. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Tricuspid atresia? | Patients with ventricular septal defects may not have symptoms. However, if the hole is large, the baby often has symptoms related to heart failure.
The most common symptoms include:
Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) Easily fatigued Shortness of breath (dyspnea) Fast breathing (tachypnea) Poor growth | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Tricuspid atresia? | Tricuspid atresia is an uncommon form of congenital heart disease that affects about 5 in every 100,000 live births. 20% of patients with this condition will also have have other heart problems.
Normally, blood flows from the body into the right atrium, then through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle and on to the lungs. If the tricuspid valve does not open, the blood cannot flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle. Blood ultimately cannot enter the lungs, where it must go to pick up oxygen (become oxygenated).
Infants with tricuspid atresia generally are cyanotic (bluish discoloration of skin) and easily become short of breath. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Tricuspid atresia ? | As with all congenital heart diseases, families with a history of tricuspid atresia run a higher risk of passing it onto their children. Other potential factors include access to prenatal care and the mother's behavior during pregnancy (i.e. alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, etc). | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Tricuspid atresia ? | If your infant has new changes in breathing patterns, eats less (decreased feeding), or has skin or mucous membranes that are turning blue (cyanotic), contact your health care provider immediately. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Tricuspid atresia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Improvement can be expected with most surgical procedures. Unexpected death may occur with heart arrhythmias. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Tricuspid prolapse? | The symptoms of tricuspid prolapse include:
Weakness Fatigue Irregular heart beats (atrial fibrillation) Strong pulse in your neck Swelling of the liver Abdominal pain Swelling in your legs | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Tricuspid prolapse? | The tricuspid valve separates the right lower heart chamber (the right ventricle) from the right upper heart chamber (right atrium).
The most common cause of tricuspid prolapse is swelling of the right ventricle. Such swelling may be a complication of any disorder that causes failure of the right ventricle, such as rheumatic fever, lung diseases such as emphysema.
Tricuspid prolapse may be found in those with infections, birth defects that cause the valves to be floppy and not function correctly.
Degenerative process in the valve can also cause the valve to slip out of place and not function properly. | Answer this question truthfully |
How to know you have a Tricuspid prolapse? | The doctor will perform a physical exam and use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs. The doctor may hear a heart murmur ("midsystolic murmur"). The physical exam may reveal swelling of the liver.
Tests that are done include:
ECG, Chest X-ray, Echocardiogram may show swelling of the right side of the heart, Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), CT scan of the chest | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation? | Tricuspid regurgitation may not cause any symptoms if the patient does not have pulmonary hypertension. If pulmonary hypertension and moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation exist together, the following symptoms may result:
Active pulsing in the neck veins Decreased urine output Fatigue, tiredness General swelling Swelling of the abdomen Swelling of the feet and ankles Weakness | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes tricuspid regurgitation? | The tricuspid valve separates the right lower heart chamber (the right ventricle) from the right upper heart chamber (right atrium). The most common cause of tricuspid regurgitation is swelling of the right ventricle. Such swelling may be a complication of any disorder that causes failure of the right ventricle. Tricuspid regurgitation may also be caused by or made worse by valve disease on the left side of the heart such as mitral regugitation and mitral stenosis. Other diseases can directly affect the tricuspid valve. The most common of these is rheumatic fever, which is a complication of untreated strep throat infections. Tricuspid regurgitation may be found in those with a type of congenital heart disease called Ebstein's anomaly.
Other infrequent causes of tricuspid regurgitation include:
Carcinoid tumors, which release a hormone that damages the valve Marfan syndrome Injury Rheumatoid arthritis Radiation therapy
Another important risk factor for tricuspid regurgitation is use of the diet medications called "Fen-Phen" (phentermine and fenfluramine) or dexfenfluramine. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Tricuspid regurgitation ? | Call your health care provider if symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation are present. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Tricuspid regurgitation (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Treatment of any underlying conditions, especially high blood pressure in the lungs and swelling of the right lower heart chamber, may correct the disorder. Surgical valve repair or replacement usually provides a cure. However, persons with severe tricuspid regurgitation that cannot be corrected may have a poor prognosis. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Tricuspid stenosis? | Symptoms include:
Fatigue Swelling over different parts of the body Abdominal discomfort due to swelling. Patients may complain about prominent pulsations in the neck. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Tricuspid stenosis? | It is commonly caused by rheumatic fever and can be accompanied by mitral stenosis. Other causes include carcinoid syndrome, endocarditis, endomyocardial fibrosis, lupus erythematosus, right atrial myxoma and congenital tricuspid atresia. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Tricuspid stenosis ? | Rheumatic fever is one the risks factor. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Tricuspid stenosis ? | Patient who have symptoms like fatigue, swelling over body, breathlessness, racing of heart etc then a medical professional should be contacted. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Unstable angina / Non ST-elevation myocardial infarction? | Symptoms include:
Sudden chest pain that may also be felt in the shoulder, arm, jaw, neck, back, or other area Pain that feels like tightness, squeezing, crushing, burning, choking, or aching Pain that occurs at rest and does not easily go away when using medicine Shortness of breath
If you have stable angina, you may be developing unstable angina if the chest pain:
Starts to feel different Lasts longer than 15 - 20 minutes Occurs at different times | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Unstable angina / Non ST elevation myocardial infarction? | Coronary artery disease due to atherosclerosis is by far the most common cause of unstable angina. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty material called plaque along the walls of the arteries. This causes arteries to become less flexible and narrow, which interrupts blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain.
At first, angina may be considered stable. The chest pain only occurs with activity or stress. The pain does not become more frequent or severe over time.
Unstable angina is chest pain that is sudden and gets increasingly worse. The chest pain:
Occurs without cause (for example, it wakes you up from sleep) Lasts longer than 15 - 20 minutes Responds poorly to a medicine called nitroglycerin May occur along with a drop in blood pressure or significant shortness of breath People with unstable angina are at increased risk of having a heart attack.
Coronary artery spasm is a rare cause of angina. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for non ST elevation myocardial infarction ? | Risk factors for coronary artery disease include:
Diabetes Family history of coronary heart disease before age 50 High blood pressure High LDL cholesterol Low HDL cholesterol Male gender Not getting enough exercise Obesity Older age Smoking | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have non ST elevation myocardial infarction ? | Seek medical attention if you have new, unexplained chest pain or pressure. If you have had angina before, call your doctor.
Call 911 if your angina pain:
Does not go away after 15 minutes Does not go away after three doses of nitroglycerin Is getting worse Returns after the nitroglycerin helped at first
Call your doctor if:
You are having angina symptoms more often. You are having angina when you are sitting. This is called'rest angina'. You are feeling tired more often. You are feeling faint or light-headed, or you pass out. Your heart is beating very slowly (less than 60 beats a minute) or very fast (more than 120 beats a minute), or it is not steady. You are having trouble taking your heart medicines. You have any other unusual symptoms. If you think you are having a heart attack, seek immediate medical treatment. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have non ST elevation myocardial infarction (Outlook/Prognosis)? | How well you do depends on many different things, including:
The severity of coronary artery disease The severity of the most current unstable angina attack Whether you've ever had a heart attack The medicines you were taking when the angina attack started How well your heart muscle is pumping Arrhythmias and heart attacks can cause sudden death. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of (Valvular heart disease)? | Symptoms depend on the patient and the type and severity of valve disease. Some patients have no symptoms at all. In other cases, valve disease may take its toll over many years. In time, patients may develop congestive heart failure. Also, valve disease may lead to heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and blood clots. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes (Valvular heart disease)? | Before doctors started giving their patients antibiotics, rheumatic fever was the single biggest cause of valve disease. Today, the cause of valve disease is most likely linked to one of the following:
A weakening of the valve tissue caused by energy changes in the body. This is called myxomatous degeneration. It happens most often in elderly patients and commonly affects the mitral valve.
A buildup of calcium on the aortic or mitral valves, which causes the valves to thicken. This is called calcific degeneration.
An irregularly shaped aortic valve or a narrowed mitral valve. This is usually a congenital defect, which means that most people who have it were born with it.
Use of the anti-obesity medicines fen-phen and Redux, which were removed from the market after being linked to heart valve disease.
An infection in the lining of the heart's walls and valves (the endocardium). This is called infective endocarditis.
Coronary artery disease.
Heart attack. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of vascular ring? | Some children with vascular ring never develop symptoms. However, other cases may show breathing and digestive problems caused by the pressure on the windpipe and esophagus.
High-pitched cough Wheezing Respiratory infections Dysphagia Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) Slow breast or bottle feeding Vomiting | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes vascular ring? | Vascular ring is rare. It accounts for less than 1% of all congenital heart problems. The condition occurs as often in males as females. Some infants with vascular ring also have another congenital heart problem. Vascular ring occurs very early in the baby's development in the womb. Normally, the aorta develops from one of several curved pieces of tissue (arches). The body breaks down some of the remaining arches, while others form into arteries. Some arteries that should break down do not; this forms vascular rings.
With vascular ring, some of the arches and vessels that should have changed into arteries or disappeared are still present when the baby is born. These arches form a ring of blood vessels, which encircles and presses down on the windpipe (trachea) and esophagus.
Several different types of vascular ring exist. In some types, the vascular ring only partially encircles the trachea and esophagus, but it still can cause symptoms. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Vascular ring ? | Although the cause of vascular ring is not clear, studies have demonstrated that it is associated with chromosome deletion. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Vascular ring ? | Call your health care provider if your baby has symptoms of vascular ring. Getting diagnosed and treated quickly can prevent serious complications such as damage to the trachea and even death. If one emerges the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible:
Persisting wheezing Dyspnea | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Vascular ring (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Prognosis of vascular ring depends on:
The pressure of the vascular ring putting on the esophagus and trachea. How quickly the infant is diagnosed and treated when symptoms appear. Whether the surgery has been performed or not. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Ventricular fibrillation? | A person who has a VF episode can suddenly collapse or become unconscious, because the brain and muscles have stopped receiving blood from the heart.
The following symptoms may occur within minutes to 1 hour before the collapse:
Chest pain Dizziness Nausea Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Ventricular fibrillation? | Fibrillation is an uncontrolled twitching or quivering of muscle fibers (fibrils). When it occurs in the lower chambers of the heart, it is called ventricular fibrillation. During ventricular fibrillation, blood is not pumped from the heart. Sudden cardiac death results. The most common cause of VF is a heart attack. However, VF can occur whenever the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Ventricular fibrillation ? | Conditions that can lead to VF include:
Electrocution accidents or injury to the heart Heart attack Heart disease that is present at birth (congenital heart disease) Heart muscle disease, including cardiomyopathies Heart surgery Narrowed coronary arteries Sudden cardiac death (commotio cordis), typically occurring in athletes after an injury over the surface of the heart.
Most people with VF have no history of heart disease. Yet they often have risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Ventricular fibrillation ? | Ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately to save a person's life. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Ventricular fibrillation (Outlook/Prognosis)? | VF will lead to death within a few minutes unless it is treated quickly and effectively. Even then, long-term survival for people who live through a VF attack outside of the hospital is between 2% and 25%.
People who have survived VF may be in a coma or have long-term damage. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Ventricular septal defect? | Patients with ventricular septal defects may not have symptoms. However, if the hole is large, the baby often has symptoms related to heart failure.
The most common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath Fast breathing Hard breathing Paleness Failure to gain weight Fast heart rate Sweating while feeding Frequent respiratory infections | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Ventricular septal defect? | Before a baby is born, the right and left ventricles of its heart are not separate. As the fetus grows, a wall forms to separate these two ventricles. If the wall does not completely form, a hole remains. This hole is known as a ventricular septal defect, or a VSD.
Ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital heart defects. The baby may have no symptoms, and the hole can eventually close as the wall continues to grow after birth. If the hole is large, too much blood will be pumped to the lungs, leading to heart failure. The cause of VSD is not yet known. This defect often occurs along with other congenital heart defects.
In adults, ventricular septal defects are a rare but serious complication of heart attacks. These holes are related to heart attacks and do not result from a birth defect. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Ventricular septal defect ? | Like most congenital heart defects, it is unclear exactly why certain babies are born with atrial septal defects. There is evidence to suggest that families with a history of genetic problems and other congenital heart disease may be at an increased risk for carrying and expressing the trait. Genetic testing may be performed to assist you in estimating the likelihood that any future children may be born with an atrial septal defect.
During pregnancy, drug and alcohol exposure can also harm the fetus during development and result in potential birth defects. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Ventricular septal defect ? | Most often, this condition is diagnosed during routine examination of an infant. Call your infant's health care provider if the baby seems to be having difficulty breathing, or if the baby seems to have an unusual number of respiratory infections. {{#ev:youtube|aOKMka18Xto}} | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Ventricular septal defect (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Many small defects will close on their own. For those defects that do not spontaneously close, the outcome is good with surgical repair. Complications may result if a large defect is not treated.
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What are the symptoms of Ventricular tachycardia? | If the heart rate during a ventricular tachycardia episode is very fast or lasts longer than a few seconds there may be symptoms such as:
Chest discomfort (angina) Fainting (syncope) Light-headedness or dizziness Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations) Shortness of breath
Note: Symptoms may start and stop suddenly. In some cases, there are no symptoms. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Ventricular tachycardia? | Ventricular tachycardia is a pulse rate of more than 100 beats per minute, with at least three irregular heartbeats in a row.
The condition can develop as an early or late complication of a heart attack. It may also occur in patients with:
Cardiomyopathy Heart failure Heart surgery Low magnesium levels Low potassium levels Myocarditis Valvular heart disease
Ventricular tachycardia can occur without heart disease.
Scar tissue may form in the muscle of the ventricles days, months, or years after a heart attack. This can lead to ventricular tachycardia.
Ventricular tachycardia can also be caused by:
Anti-arrhythmic medications Changes in blood chemistry (such as a low potassium level) Changes in pH (acid-base) Lack of enough oxygen
Torsade de pointes is a form of ventricular tachycardia that is often due to congenital heart disease or the use of certain medications such as clarithromycin, erythromycin and claritin. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Ventricular tachycardia ? | Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a rapid, irregular pulse, faint, or have chest pain. All of these may be signs of ventricular tachycardia. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Ventricular tachycardia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The outcome depends on the heart condition and symptoms. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Vertebrobasilar insufficiency? | Difficulty keeping your balance Difficulty swallowing Difficulty walking Double vision or vision loss Headache Hearing loss Nausea and vomiting Neck ache Numbness or tingling Poor coordination Sleepiness or even apparent sleep from which the person can not be awakened Slurred speech Stroke or transient ischemic attack Vertigo (sensation of things spinning around) | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Vertebrobasilar insufficiency? | The vertebrobasilar system is also called the back (posterior) circulation of the brain. Three main blood vessels provide blood flow to the back of the brain:
One basilar artery Two vertebral arteries
The back of the brain contains structures that are crucial for keeping a person alive. For instance, the brainstem controls breathing and swallowing, among other things. Parts of the brain help with vision (occipital lobes) and movement coordination (cerebellus) are also located in the back of the brain.
Many different conditions may cause blood flow in the back part of the brain to be reduced or stopped. The most common cause is a stroke due to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Vertebrobasilar vascular disorders may also be caused if a tear (dissection) in an artery wall leads to the release of a clot that blocks blood flow. Dissection can be caused by clogged arteries, conditions such as fibromuscular dysplasia, or injuries such a car accident. It may even be caused by manipulations of the neck by a chiropractor, or during massage. However, most of the time, no apparent cause of dissection can be identified. When vertebrobasilar disease is present in a younger person, dissection of one of the arteries is often the cause.
Other less common causes of vertebrobasilar vascular disorders include connective tissue diseases and vasculitis. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Vertebrobasilar insufficiency ? | Call 911 or your local emergency number, or get to the emergency room if you have any symptoms that may suggest a vertebrobasilar insufficiency. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The outlook depends in part on the underlying cause. Strokes are potentially life-threatening, and require urgent medical care. Age and the person's overall health are taken into consideration when determining one's outlook for recovery. A substantial recovery can be expected in younger patients who have no significant medical problems.
Recovery also depends on the area of the brain that has been affected. The outlook is very poor when the patient is in a coma or cannot move both arms and legs. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who should not take Vytorin? | Do not take Vytorin:
If you are allergic to ezetimibe or simvastatin, the active ingredients in Vytorin, or to the inactive ingredients. For a list of inactive ingredients, see the “ Inactive ingredients” section at the end of this information sheet. If you have active liver disease or repeated blood tests indicating possible liver problems. If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, or planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding.
Vytorin is not recommended for use in children under 10 years of age. | Answer this question truthfully |
What should I tell my doctor before and while taking Vytorin? | Tell your doctor right away if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. This is because on rare occasions, muscle problems can be serious, including muscle breakdown resulting in kidney damage.
The risk of muscle breakdown is greater at higher doses of Vytorin.
The risk of muscle breakdown is greater in patients with kidney problems.
Taking Vytorin with certain substances can increase the risk of muscle problems. It is particularly important to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
cyclosporine danazol antifungal agents (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole) fibric acid derivatives (such as gemfibrozil, bezafibrate, or fenofibrate) the antibiotics erythromycin, clarithromycin, and telithromycin HIV protease inhibitors (such as indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir) the antidepressant nefazodone amiodarone (a drug used to treat an irregular heartbeat) verapamil (a drug used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain associated with heart disease, or other heart conditions) large doses (≥1 g/day) of niacin or nicotinic acid large quantities of grapefruit juice (>1 quart daily)
It is also important to tell your doctor if you are taking coumarin anticoagulants (drugs that prevent blood clots, such as warfarin).
Tell your doctor about any prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking or plan to take, including natural or herbal remedies.
Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including allergies.
Tell your doctor if you:
drink substantial quantities of alcohol or ever had liver problems. Vytorin may not be right for you. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not use Vytorin if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Vytorin, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. are breast-feeding. Do not use Vytorin if you are breast-feeding.
Tell other doctors prescribing a new medication that you are taking Vytorin. | Answer this question truthfully |
How should I take Vytorin? | Your doctor has prescribed your dose of Vytorin. The available doses of Vytorin are 10/10, 10/20, 10/40, and 10/80. The usual daily starting dose is Vytorin 10/20.
Take Vytorin once a day, in the evening, with or without food. Try to take Vytorin as prescribed. If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose. Just resume your usual schedule. Continue to follow a cholesterol-lowering diet while taking Vytorin. Ask your doctor if you need diet information. Keep taking Vytorin unless your doctor tells you to stop. If you stop taking Vytorin, your cholesterol may rise again. | Answer this question truthfully |
What should I do in case of an overdose? | Contact your doctor immediately. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the possible side effects of Vytorin? | See your doctor regularly to check your cholesterol level and to check for side effects. Your doctor may do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking Vytorin and during treatment.
In clinical studies patients reported the following common side effects while taking Vytorin: headache and muscle pain (see What should I tell my doctor before and while taking Vytorin?).
The following side effects have been reported in general use with either ezetimibe or simvastatin tablets (tablets that contain the active ingredients of Vytorin):
allergic reactions including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing (which may require treatment right away), rash, hives; joint pain; muscle pain; alterations in some laboratory blood tests; liver problems (sometimes serious); inflammation of the pancreas; nausea; dizziness; tingling sensation; depression; gallstones; inflammation of the gallbladder.
Tell your doctor if you are having these or any other medical problems while on Vytorin. This is not a complete list of side effects. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist. | Answer this question truthfully |