EXPERT
Dana Weisshaar, MD
Cardiologist
<p>Dr. Dana Weisshaar is a heart failure and transplant cardiologist who recently retired from The Permanente Medical Group after over two decades of practice within Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Dr. Weisshaar specializes in the care of patients with heart failure, cardiomyopathy and amyloid heart disease as well as those who have received a heart transplant.</p>
<p>In additon to being a dedicated clinician, Dr. Weisshaar is a passionate educator. She teaches physcians, nurses, allied health professionals, patients and students.</p>
<p>In additon to being a dedicated clinician, Dr. Weisshaar is a passionate educator. She teaches physcians, nurses, allied health professionals, patients and students.</p>
40 years
Experience
Dana Weisshaar, MD
- Los Gatos, CA
- The Ohio State University
- Accepting new patients
No results found
What are your thoughts on the use of wearable technology for monitoring heart health?
Wearables are becoming ever more popular and reliable. The most important factors impacting heart health are age, gender, ethnicity, family history, tobacco use, diabetes, high READ MORE
Wearables are becoming ever more popular and reliable. The most important factors impacting heart health are age, gender, ethnicity, family history, tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Some of these cannot be modified (e.g. age, ethnicity and family history). Others (like tobacco use and obesity) don't need wearables to track their control. I'm not aware of a reliable wearable to monitor blood pressure or cholesterol, but would love to see one developed. So, using wearables that can track sleep, activity, heart rate and blood sugar all can give a sense of one's heart health. Some of the heart rate trackers can provide an alert for an abnormal rhythm and some can even display a short rhythm strip (a short image of the electrical signal - like an EKG).
How can high cholesterol affect my heart health?
Elevated cholesterol, particularly elevated LDL cholesterol, can lead to atherosclerosis (plaque deposition in the arteries) which can lead to heart attack, stroke or claudication READ MORE
Elevated cholesterol, particularly elevated LDL cholesterol, can lead to atherosclerosis (plaque deposition in the arteries) which can lead to heart attack, stroke or claudication depending on which arteries are most affected. Controlling your cholesterol, along with aerobic exercise, blood sugar control, blood pressure control, avoiding nicotine products and maintaining a healthy weight are all part of a heart healthy lifestyle to reduce those risks.
Are there any specific lifestyle changes I should be aware of to ensure the success of my heart stent?
A heart healthy lifestyle includes a primarily plant-based whole food diet, regular exercise (at least 150 minutes/week), maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of sleep, READ MORE
A heart healthy lifestyle includes a primarily plant-based whole food diet, regular exercise (at least 150 minutes/week), maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of sleep, and abstinence from tobacco and recreational drugs.
How long do the effects of a heart stent last?
A stent in the coronary artery (which supplies blood to part of the heart muscle) can last a lifetime. There is a 2-3% chance of re-narrowing (called restenosis) within the first READ MORE
A stent in the coronary artery (which supplies blood to part of the heart muscle) can last a lifetime. There is a 2-3% chance of re-narrowing (called restenosis) within the first 6-9 months. And there is a risk of thrombosis (clotting) which is why your cardiologist will recommend you take two antiplatelet medications for 6-12 months after your stent is placed. In order to reduce the risk of restenosis or worsening of plaque in the remainder of the arteries to the heart, your cardiologist will also recommend several things: 1. lowering your LDL cholesterol to <70, 2. good blood pressure and blood sugar control, 3. exercise, 4. maintaining a healthy weight and 5. abstinence from tobacco.
Is it normal to hear your heartbeat when exercising?
Its not unusual to hear your heart beat when you have something covering your ear. The carotid artery runs near the ear canal, so it makes sense that you can hear the heartbeat READ MORE
Its not unusual to hear your heart beat when you have something covering your ear. The carotid artery runs near the ear canal, so it makes sense that you can hear the heartbeat when the EarPods are in
Sore throat
Yes
chest pain
In light of the stuffy nose, you most likely have a respiratory infection which is causing your chest tightness when you breathe. Please test for COVID. Most viral infections resolve READ MORE
In light of the stuffy nose, you most likely have a respiratory infection which is causing your chest tightness when you breathe. Please test for COVID. Most viral infections resolve over 7-10 days. If your symptoms worsen or you become short of breath, see your local physician.
Is this an emergency
Blood pressure that high needs to be treated. It may be a side effect of the vyvanse. Talk to your doctor about stopping or changing meds and monitoring your blood pressure
Heart rate
A resting heart rate of 53bpm indicates good cardiovascular health. Getting your heart rate up to 155bpm during exercise is perfectly normal.
Resting Heart rate below 60
A resting heart rate less than 60 is perfectly normal and a sign of your cardiovascular fitness. Continue your excellent exercise regimen.
Restarting interrupted high blood pressure medications
A week should be sufficiently long for the medications to take maximal effect.
Heart rate
A resting heart rate in the 50s is perfectly normal for someone taking metoprolol. No reason to worry.
Myxomatous Mitral Valve
Thanks for asking. I agree with your doctor. Your symptoms are likely not related to your myxomatous valve which has only trace regurgitation. It will be appropriate for you to READ MORE
Thanks for asking. I agree with your doctor. Your symptoms are likely not related to your myxomatous valve which has only trace regurgitation. It will be appropriate for you to get a follow-up echocardiogram every 3-5 years. As you get older the mitral valve may degenerate and require intervention. Good blood pressure control may help slow the progression. Be well.
Cardiac arrest and brain function
I am so sorry to hear about your girlfriend's cardiac arrest. That must have been extremely traumatic for you. By providing chest compressions during those precious minutes before READ MORE
I am so sorry to hear about your girlfriend's cardiac arrest. That must have been extremely traumatic for you. By providing chest compressions during those precious minutes before EMS arrived you have given her brain the best chance of recovery. Unfortunately, only time will tell how much brain recovery. 48 hours is still early. Hang in there. I'm praying for her recovery.
Is sex safe for me if I have heart failure and heart palpitations
Yes. Absolutely. Sex is safe for patients with heart failure and palpitations. In fact, you can think of it as a form of exercise. Cardiovascular exercise (in which your heart READ MORE
Yes. Absolutely. Sex is safe for patients with heart failure and palpitations. In fact, you can think of it as a form of exercise. Cardiovascular exercise (in which your heart rate goes up) is great for general heart health as well as for anxiety.
How long will I have to follow diet restrictions after heart stent surgery?
After receiving a stent for coronary artery disease, it is advisable to modify your diet life-long. Doing so can reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and need for additional READ MORE
After receiving a stent for coronary artery disease, it is advisable to modify your diet life-long. Doing so can reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and need for additional stent procedures. A plant based whole food (not processed) diet is the healthiest choice. Not everyone can stick to a strict plant-based (Vegan) diet for life. So, I recommend trying to increase daily intake of vegetables, reduce animal products (specifically limiting beef & pork to 1-2 servings per month) and minimize eating fried foods. Be well.
