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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 you have heart attacks after stents?

I suspect you are having a stent placed because you have one or more blockages in your coronary arteries. After the stent is placed, you will be on medications to help keep the READ MORE
I suspect you are having a stent placed because you have one or more blockages in your coronary arteries. After the stent is placed, you will be on medications to help keep the stent open. Your cardiologist will discuss the possibility of the stent having problems in the short and long term. A heart attack could happen, but your cardiologist will help prevent that from happening.

How long does it take to recover from a pacemaker surgery?

You will probably be discharged the same day or the following day from surgery. Recovery is usually very routine. The main concern is wearing a sling to prevent too much movement READ MORE
You will probably be discharged the same day or the following day from surgery. Recovery is usually very routine. The main concern is wearing a sling to prevent too much movement of the shoulder on the side where the pacemaker is placed.

How long do you wait for a new heart?

The waiting time for a heart donor can be variable depending on where you live in the USA, how sick you are, where you are on the waiting list, your weight and blood type, etc. READ MORE
The waiting time for a heart donor can be variable depending on where you live in the USA, how sick you are, where you are on the waiting list, your weight and blood type, etc. Your heart failure team where you are listed for transplantation should be able to tell you more.

Can too much sugar cause tachycardia?

There are many causes for fast heart rate. Not sure if too much sugar is on the list. I would recommend you see a cardiologist for an evaluation so he or she can sort out the cause READ MORE
There are many causes for fast heart rate. Not sure if too much sugar is on the list. I would recommend you see a cardiologist for an evaluation so he or she can sort out the cause for your tachycardia.

Can anxiety cause arrhythmias?

There are many reasons for patients to have arrhythmias. I would check with aEP cardiologist (electrophysiologist) who could provide a better answer for you. I suppose it is possible, READ MORE
There are many reasons for patients to have arrhythmias. I would check with aEP cardiologist (electrophysiologist) who could provide a better answer for you. I suppose it is possible, but I believe there may be other factors involved as well.

What is the main cause of heart failure?

There are many causes of heart failure, but the most common is coronary heart disease.

What causes bradycardia?

There can be many causes of bradycardia, so you should see a cardiologist so he or she can do an appropriate work-up and see if and when treatment may be needed.

Can you live a long life with coronary artery disease?

You need to see a cardiologist who can help you with managing the risk factors, which can make CAD worsen. Also, if and when you need treatment they will know your history and READ MORE
You need to see a cardiologist who can help you with managing the risk factors, which can make CAD worsen. Also, if and when you need treatment they will know your history and decide on best options. I cannot guarantee you will live a long time, but if you do not seek care with a cardiologist, your life could be shorter than you would like.

When should I be worried about palpitations?

There are variety of causes for your palpitations. You should see a cardiologist so he or she can help you figure out the cause and what treatment, if any, is needed.

Should I exercise with heart palpitations?

See a cardiologist for a work-up to address possible causes and treatment if needed of the palpitations. You should be able to exercise.

Is open heart surgery very painful?

Overall, I do not feel open heart surgery is painful, but the key will be the type of incision. Will it be a median sternotomy (cutting the entire breastbone), partial sternotomy, READ MORE
Overall, I do not feel open heart surgery is painful, but the key will be the type of incision. Will it be a median sternotomy (cutting the entire breastbone), partial sternotomy, or small thoracotomy.  

Do I see a cardiothoracic surgeon for congestive heart failure?

If you have congestive heart failure, you should see a cardiologist who specializes in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Depending on what the work-up shows, he/she may READ MORE
If you have congestive heart failure, you should see a cardiologist who specializes in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Depending on what the work-up shows, he/she may refer you to a CT surgeon or stabilize you with medical therapy, etc.

Is it safe to go swimming 4 weeks after a heart attack?

He should see his cardiologist before starting an exercise program of any kind, including swimming.

How to treat a heart valve defect?

Not sure what you mean by a heart valve defect. Diseased heart valves can usually be repaired or replaced by standard surgical techniques, minimally invasive surgical techniques READ MORE
Not sure what you mean by a heart valve defect. Diseased heart valves can usually be repaired or replaced by standard surgical techniques, minimally invasive surgical techniques or transcatheter methods. Your cardiologist should be able to help you with your problem.

What will happen at my bypass surgery consultation?

The surgeon will evaluate your medical history, physical exam, labs, and test results. He will discuss the coronary bypass operation with you including the details of the procedure, READ MORE
The surgeon will evaluate your medical history, physical exam, labs, and test results. He will discuss the coronary bypass operation with you including the details of the procedure, the risks, and what to expect post-op and after discharge to home. They will answer any questions you or your family may have. 

How should I prepare for my bypass consultation?

Your cardiologist should have you prepared for when you see the cardiac surgeon to discuss the bypass operation. You also might want to talk to another patient who has had the READ MORE
Your cardiologist should have you prepared for when you see the cardiac surgeon to discuss the bypass operation. You also might want to talk to another patient who has had the same operation. There are also booklets available which outline in detail what you need to know about bypass surgery.

How long does a heart transplant surgery take?

The length of the operation will depend if patient has had previous open heart surgery and whether anticoagulants were part of his or her medications, which can increase the risk READ MORE
The length of the operation will depend if patient has had previous open heart surgery and whether anticoagulants were part of his or her medications, which can increase the risk for bleeding. If no previous surgery was performed, the operation may take 3+ hours, assuming the new heart works well.

How long do new heart valves last?

Difficult question to answer as I know very little of his medical history and what kind of heart valve he had implanted. Tissue valves may last 10+ years or so depending on the READ MORE
Difficult question to answer as I know very little of his medical history and what kind of heart valve he had implanted. Tissue valves may last 10+ years or so depending on the patient's age and medical problems. Mechanical valves last much longer, but you need to be on a blood thinner for life.

Will I need heart surgery?

It is a complicated question which you need to discuss with your cardiologist. Do you have a patent foramen ovale (PFO)? If you do, it could increase your risk of stroke even though READ MORE
It is a complicated question which you need to discuss with your cardiologist. Do you have a patent foramen ovale (PFO)? If you do, it could increase your risk of stroke even though I suspect you are on anticoagulants for your a-fib. Sometimes the PFO can be closed percutaneously with a device by an interventional cardiologist, but he or she would need to review your echo.

What side effects should I report after heart valve surgery?

You should discuss any symptoms you may have with your cardiologist. They will know your history and the specifics about your valve surgery and order any tests they feel are needed. READ MORE
You should discuss any symptoms you may have with your cardiologist. They will know your history and the specifics about your valve surgery and order any tests they feel are needed.