Heart Disease

Where can I find a dietitian who works with people who have high triglycerides? The Medical Nutrition and Nutrition Entrepreneurs dietetic practice groups of the American Dietetic Association provide medical nutrition therapy based on your diagnosis. They can take your food history and make recommendations to lower your triglycerides. Dietitians often have their own private...

I eat a balanced diet except I concentrate on the fat content. If it's available in non-fat such as milk or cheese, that's what I buy and eat. My fat intake is typically between 5 and 10% of my calories. I do weight train and do cardio workouts three times a week. Is my...

I've recently been diagnosed with a mild case of mitral valve prolapse. My doctor prescribed 50 milligrams of beta-blockers and a caffeine-free diet. The only things she mentioned to avoid were coffee, tea, caffeinated sodas and anything containing chocolate. Are there other foods that contain caffeine or is my list above complete? Thank you....

I've been using a salt substitute, but it leaves a bitter aftertaste in my mouth. Can you recommend the best tasting salt substitute? Salt substitutes usually contain potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride as found in salt. The salt substitute makes you produce saliva much in the same way salt does. However, the potassium does...

My question was over 1 1/2 years ago my doctor put me on medication because of my high cholesterol. It was 347. The doctor put me on Mevacor. It brought my cholesterol down to 189 along with going on a low-fat diet. Then the doctor changed my pills to Lescol and each time he...

What is the recommended amount of caffeine for a person with a ventricular tachycardia? Caffeine is not recommended for people with a fast heart rhythm (tachycardia) that is focused in the lower heart (ventricles). Caffeine makes your heart beat harder which you don't need. Decaffeinated coffee, decaffeinated tea, and decaffeinated carbonated beverages may still contain 1...

I'm in the process of applying for life insurance. I just received the blood test results back and there are 3 elevated items. I read your information on triglycerides which was very helpful. However, mine is at 545 mg/dl. You mentioned that 150 was at the high end of normal. My cholesterol is at...

What do excessive amounts of salt do to the body? It would depend on how much excess salt (or salty foods) you ate in how much time and how well your kidneys functioned. Salt is a compound containing 2 minerals, sodium, and chloride and it attracts water. When the salt content of your blood goes up,...

I have a question about my hands swelling up at night. I even have a ring mark on my right hand from my fingers swelling up. Some of this swelling is heredity. I do know that because my hands swell form anything with too much salt, pork and certain hams. Is there anything that...

I am looking for a dietitian who works with patients who have heart disease or high cholesterol. Where can I find one in my area? If you are looking for a dietitian with expertise in cardiovascular (heart) disease go to Find a Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionist (SCAN) and click on your state on the...