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Dr. Kenneth L. Franco, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Dr. Kenneth L Franco MD is a top Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Atlanta, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Kenneth L Franco MD is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Kenneth L Franco MD is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Kenneth L Franco MD is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Atlanta, GA, Dr. Kenneth L Franco MD is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Kenneth L. Franco, MD
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Accepting new patients

Can medication help with heart palpitations?

I would suggest you see a cardiologist so he or she can obtain the necessary tests to confirm what the palpitations mean and if treatment is indicated. Yesmedications can be helpful READ MORE
I would suggest you see a cardiologist so he or she can obtain the necessary tests to confirm what the palpitations mean and if treatment is indicated. Yesmedications can be helpful for certain conditions.

Can you feel chest pain after heart transplant?

Chest pain related to your incision is common after surgery.  angina (chest pain) related toblockages in the coronary arteries is unusual 4 weeks after surgery but your physician READ MORE
Chest pain related to your incision is common after surgery.  angina (chest pain) related toblockages in the coronary arteries is unusual 4 weeks after surgery but your physician canevaluate your pain if necessary in a number of ways.

How serious is a 60 percent artery blockage?

I do not know which artery in the body has a 60% blockage.  Treatment of any artery blockagedepends on the % stenosis, do other arteries have blockages, the diameter of the artery,does READ MORE
I do not know which artery in the body has a 60% blockage.  Treatment of any artery blockagedepends on the % stenosis, do other arteries have blockages, the diameter of the artery,does the patient have symptoms, etc.  Treatment can consist of medications, balloon angioplasty,stents and surgery.

Aortic aneurysm?

The symptoms could vary based on where in the aorta the aneurysm is located.  Some patientshave no symptoms and the aneurysm if found on imaging studies for other reasons.  Somepatients READ MORE
The symptoms could vary based on where in the aorta the aneurysm is located.  Some patientshave no symptoms and the aneurysm if found on imaging studies for other reasons.  Somepatients develop chest pain or back if there is a dissection of the aneurysm wall and at othertimes if the aneurysm ruptures the patient may collapse and die from blood loss.

Which surgery is best for heart blockage?

Treatment for blockages in the coronary arteries depends how many vessels are involved, the severityof the blockages, the degree of LV dysfunction, previous surgery or stents etc. READ MORE
Treatment for blockages in the coronary arteries depends how many vessels are involved, the severityof the blockages, the degree of LV dysfunction, previous surgery or stents etc.  This is usually discussedwith an interventional cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon to decide which is best for you.

What causes A Fib and how can it be effectively treated?

Atrial fibrillation is caused by disorganized electric circuits in the atrial chambers of the heart.It can be treated with medications, possible cardioversion and percutaneous READ MORE
Atrial fibrillation is caused by disorganized electric circuits in the atrial chambers of the heart.It can be treated with medications, possible cardioversion and percutaneous or surgicalablation.

Which is the safest hypertension medication?

Hypertension should only be treated in conjunction with a physician.  There are many medicationoptions but an individual needs to have follow-up to make sure the BP has responded, READ MORE
Hypertension should only be treated in conjunction with a physician.  There are many medicationoptions but an individual needs to have follow-up to make sure the BP has responded, the BP isnot to low and side effects of the meds are addressed so dosages can be adjusted or new meds can be added.

What are the disadvantages of heart stents?

Heart stents can be very helpful in treating localized blockages in the coronary arteries. Sometimesthey can narrow over time and even clot.  It is important to take the anti-platelet READ MORE
Heart stents can be very helpful in treating localized blockages in the coronary arteries. Sometimesthey can narrow over time and even clot.  It is important to take the anti-platelet drugs after a stentis placed.  Your cardiologist will help with your care during and after the stent procedure.

What medications are used for arrhythmia?

There are many types of arrhythmias and treatment will depend on their location in theheart.  Any arrhythmia treatment will require your working with a cardiologist or a specialistlike READ MORE
There are many types of arrhythmias and treatment will depend on their location in theheart.  Any arrhythmia treatment will require your working with a cardiologist or a specialistlike an electrophysiologist.  You can not treat them on your own.

Heart arrhythmia pvcs skipped beats?

You need to see an experienced electrophysiologist (cardiologist who specializes in arrhythmia),who will be able to sort out your issues.  If you have seen one already get a second READ MORE
You need to see an experienced electrophysiologist (cardiologist who specializes in arrhythmia),who will be able to sort out your issues.  If you have seen one already get a second opinion.if never hurts to have someone else review the problem.

What is the best treatment for bradycardia?

You should see a cardiologist to determine the cause and possible treatment for the bradycardia.It could be related to CAD, medications etc. and you may or may not need a pacemaker. READ MORE
You should see a cardiologist to determine the cause and possible treatment for the bradycardia.It could be related to CAD, medications etc. and you may or may not need a pacemaker.

Is it safe to exercise with high blood pressure?

You should see your doctor whether it is an internist or cardiologist and confirm youhave high blood pressure and develop a treatment plan to lower your BP.  While youhave this READ MORE
You should see your doctor whether it is an internist or cardiologist and confirm youhave high blood pressure and develop a treatment plan to lower your BP.  While youhave this in place you can be exercising but avoid very strenuous exercise like weightlifting etc.

What are the treatment options for heart damage after COVID?

That will depend on the kind of heart problem have you developed since having Covid 19.  Youneed to see a cardiologist who can assess the problem and decide if treatment is indicated READ MORE
That will depend on the kind of heart problem have you developed since having Covid 19.  Youneed to see a cardiologist who can assess the problem and decide if treatment is indicated andwhat the treatment would be.

Do you have to take blood medications after a stent?

Yes usually your cardiologist wants you to take anti-platelet meds for awhile after the stent is placed.

Can COVID infection cause heart inflammation?

Yes it can affect the heart muscle and the pericardial sac in which the heart sits.

Can heart blockage be fixed without surgery?

Need to determine the % blockage of all arteries need good medical therapy stents possible.

Will my chest hurt after open-heart surgery?

If your have a standard median sternotomy (split the breastbone) there is some discomfort but not nearly as much if you have an incision on the side of your chestbetween the ribs. READ MORE
If your have a standard median sternotomy (split the breastbone) there is some discomfort but not nearly as much if you have an incision on the side of your chestbetween the ribs.  Usual pain medication will help and many patients do not havemuch pain after a week or so.

How do you prevent cardiac arrest?

A patient can have a cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias, coronary artery disease or heart failure. The best way to avoid a major medical problem would be to see your doctor regularly READ MORE
A patient can have a cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias, coronary artery disease or heart failure. The best way to avoid a major medical problem would be to see your doctor regularly and make sure you follow his or her recommendations with regards to controlling or making changes to any heart disease risk facts you may have or that exist in your family's history. Hopefully you will remain healthy or, if you develop a problem, it can be addressed early so it does not progress and put you at risk for a cardiac arrest.

Does a previous heart transplant make it more dangerous to contract coronavirus?

Not knowing all the issues related to your heart transplant before or after the surgery, the biggest risk for you is that your immune system is compromised from the immunosuppressive READ MORE
Not knowing all the issues related to your heart transplant before or after the surgery, the biggest risk for you is that your immune system is compromised from the immunosuppressive drugs you take, plus these drugs have side effects as I am sure you know. Be very careful.

Do babies get anesthesia for heart surgery?

Any baby or child who undergoes open heart surgery will be under anesthesia for their operation.