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Gerald Lewis

Cardiologist

Dr. Gerald Lewis is a top Cardiologist in Taupo, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Gerald Lewis is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Gerald Lewis is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Gerald Lewis is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Taupo, Wa, Dr. Gerald Lewis is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Learn More About Me
Gerald Lewis
  • Taupo, NZ
  • University of Otago
  • Accepting new patients

What tests will I have at my cardiology follow up?

Probably a chest X-ray and ECG are all you need. If they are happy with you clinically, they may not even do these.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Does arrhythmia in childhood affect adulthood?

The heart often races with a temperature and does not mean anything, certainly not heart disease. If you have no symptoms now, then don't worry.   Regards, Gerald Lewis, READ MORE
The heart often races with a temperature and does not mean anything, certainly not heart disease. If you have no symptoms now, then don't worry.  

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Can you die from an irregular heartbeat?

Almost never. Atrial fibrillation can cause clots and needs anticoagulants, but most other rhythm irregularities are not fatal.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Can caffeinated drinks trigger heart palpitations?

Yes, they can slightly increase palpitations, especially atrial fibrillation, but in most cases, they are quite safe.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

How can the common cold affect congestive heart failure?

It usually has no effect, but if the cold becomes infected, colored sputum, then you may need antibiotics.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Are heart rhythm problems a sign of heart disease?

It depends on the rhythm problem, for example atrial fibrillation can suggest a heart problem, not necessarily severe, but occasional palpitations and dropped beats are very common READ MORE
It depends on the rhythm problem, for example atrial fibrillation can suggest a heart problem, not necessarily severe, but occasional palpitations and dropped beats are very common and don't necessarily mean underlying disease. 

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Why does stress affect heart rate?

Yes, it does, as does exercise. It is not harmful.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Do I need a stent consultation?

Your cardiologist will have seen your angiogram, and from the results will see if a stent will help you. The only decision can be made from the angiogram and your clinical situation. Regards, Gerald READ MORE
Your cardiologist will have seen your angiogram, and from the results will see if a stent will help you. The only decision can be made from the angiogram and your clinical situation.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Are high HDL cholesterol levels dangerous?

HDL is the good cholesterol, so high levels are very good.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

My son has congestive heart failure. What kind of lifestyle changes we can make to help my son?

I suspect he has some congenital heart condition, or a cardiomyopathy. First of all, the best treatments need to be done, and then he has a number of options that can help him, READ MORE
I suspect he has some congenital heart condition, or a cardiomyopathy. First of all, the best treatments need to be done, and then he has a number of options that can help him, especially CoEnzyme Q10. You might like to look at the heart failure page on my website which goes into it in quite detail:   

https://www.drgeraldlewis.com/heart-failure/

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

What is open heart surgery?

To open the chest to see the heart, put him on a heart lung bypasss machine, and then bypass any blockages with either arteries or veins.  He of course will be completely asleep READ MORE
To open the chest to see the heart, put him on a heart lung bypasss machine, and then bypass any blockages with either arteries or veins. 

He of course will be completely asleep and know nothing about it. It is a big operation and it does take some weeks sometimes months to recover completely, but this type of surgery is very common these days, and people feel so much better when it is all over.

How does a heart attack affect the body?

It depends on the size of the heart attack. A small one can have little effect at all, larger ones may result in breathlessness or some chest pain, but with modern treatments, READ MORE
It depends on the size of the heart attack. A small one can have little effect at all, larger ones may result in breathlessness or some chest pain, but with modern treatments, most people recover and go on to lead an active life. You need to make sure you don't have another one. Have a look at my https://www.drgeraldlewis.com/heart-attack/ which can give you more details. 

Regards,





Gerald Lewis MD



New Zealand

mob 021 443 779

What makes one's heart skip a beat?

Almost everyone has what we call ectopic beats - extra heart beats, and these can feel as if the heart has dropped a beat, but it is an extra one. We feel these more at night when READ MORE
Almost everyone has what we call ectopic beats - extra heart beats, and these can feel as if the heart has dropped a beat, but it is an extra one. We feel these more at night when we are lying still, the more scared you have the more you will get - but they are completely harmless, and don't worry about them at all. They have nothing to do with heart disease.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

What is ischemic heart disease?

it means that he has some a narrowing in his coronary arteries. This has many effective treatments.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Can I drink coffee before my echocardiogram?

Just have no coffee on the day. No other things you need to avoid.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

How does high blood pressure cause a stroke?

The high BP puts more stress on the carotid and other arteries going to the brain. This can accelerate the development of blockages (plaque), which can fly off and cause a stroke. If READ MORE
The high BP puts more stress on the carotid and other arteries going to the brain. This can accelerate the development of blockages (plaque), which can fly off and cause a stroke. If the BP is very high, sometimes the arteries in the brain can burst, causing a cerebral hemorrhage type of stroke, but this is rare. 

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

How does an ECG diagnose atrial fibrillation?

If her pulse is irregular she needs an ECG to see why.   The most common cause is atrial fibrillation, which can be seen on the ECG trace

What questions should I ask my cardiologist during my first visit?

First you need to relax and arrive at the appointment early as rushing and stress puts the BP up. Ask if there is any cause for the high BP, does it need treatment, what about READ MORE
First you need to relax and arrive at the appointment early as rushing and stress puts the BP up. Ask if there is any cause for the high BP, does it need treatment, what about weight loss, meditation, supplements - magnesium and fish oils, and if you are going to be on treatment long-term. 

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Leaky heart valve discovered in adulthood. Why was it discovered so late?

She probably has a bicuspid aortic valve. This is often silent for many years until the valve either leaks or becomes narrowed. Before then, there are no signs that there is any READ MORE
She probably has a bicuspid aortic valve. This is often silent for many years until the valve either leaks or becomes narrowed. Before then, there are no signs that there is any problem. 

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

What are the symptoms of a heart attack in women?

Usually, men and women have the same symptoms, but in some cases in women, the pain can be less and more of a simple pressing feeling in the chest and throat than definite pain.  Gerald READ MORE
Usually, men and women have the same symptoms, but in some cases in women, the pain can be less and more of a simple pressing feeling in the chest and throat than definite pain. 

Gerald Lewis, MD