Ask An Expert: Heart Disease

For the past two months I have experienced increased shortness of breath. I have chronic asthma, but there's concern the shortness of breath could be caused by a blockage in heart. I have experienced difficulties in the past when anesthetized. Is there an effective alternative to heart catheterization? I've read about a new CT scan — is it recommended?

What is rheumatic heart disease? What are the signs or symptoms?

How serious is premature ventricular contraction?

I am taking clopidogrel (Plavix) and also an aspirin regimen (325 mg). Can I take a multivitamin that contains vitamin K?

I recently had an aortic valve replacement and bypass. The valve is a tissue valve (from a pig). How long do these typically last? I understand that it could last five to ten years, but someone told me it could go in two years.

I heard that using Nexium may reduce the effect of Plavix and that this can increase the chance of another heart attack. Is this correct?

My boyfriend (age 50) has rhabdomyolysis from taking statin drugs. Is there any therapy for his destroyed muscles? His kidneys are OK but he has terrible pain in all muscles. His doctors just say to give it time. Is there some kind of physical therapy that would help?

My 60-year-old brother recently died of a massive heart attack. He seemed healthy. He was not overweight, he exercised daily and ate well, he took his cholesterol medication and he saw his doctor regularly. Others in my family have died of sudden heart attacks. Is there any genetic test that I (and my siblings) should undergo to see if we are at risk for sudden heart attack?

My grandmother is going to be flying on a four-hour flight. She has glaucoma and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Could flying have an effect?

What makes a mechanical heart valve go bad? Is it possible to have one that is too small?