EXPERT
Mark Rasak
Cardiologist
<p>Mark Rasak, DO, specializes in providing a full range of services in preventative as well as interventional cardiology. A graduate from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa, Dr. Rasak completed his post-graduate training at Botsford Hospital and his fellowship in interventional cardiology at the University of Michigan Hospital where he also served as Clinical Instructor. Dr. Rasak is affiliated with Botsford, Oakwood, Providence and Sinai-Grace Hospitals.</p>
Mark Rasak
- Iowa
- Accepting new patients
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What medications are used for arrhythmia?
Your question is too broad. There are different drugs for different rhythms. If you have a specific condition in mind then re-ask the question and ill be glad to answer.
Do heart stents last forever?
Mine do! Just kidding. The new drug coated stents are very good. The bigger the stent placed the better the longevity. Other factors that may cause stents to close is smoking, READ MORE
Mine do! Just kidding. The new drug coated stents are very good. The bigger the stent placed the better the longevity. Other factors that may cause stents to close is smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, non-compliance with blood thinners etc. the longer a stent stays open the more likely it will be fine long term.
Is physical therapy good after a heart attack?
Actually cardiac rehab is what is needed. Yes its helpful and been shown to help prevent patients from being re-hospitalized and decreased the chance a patient will die in the READ MORE
Actually cardiac rehab is what is needed. Yes its helpful and been shown to help prevent patients from being re-hospitalized and decreased the chance a patient will die in the 5 years post heart heart attack by 35%.
Blood pressure is high?
Secondary causes need to be evaluated. Certain minority groups respond differently to different types of medication groups. So you can start by limiting your salt intake and losing READ MORE
Secondary causes need to be evaluated. Certain minority groups respond differently to different types of medication groups. So you can start by limiting your salt intake and losing weight. But you need to see your doctor for a full and thorough history and physical
Angiogram after stress test?
It could be. The stress testing especially with nuclear imaging can be very sensitive and cause false positive results. It has recently been shown in a study called the ISCHEMIA READ MORE
It could be. The stress testing especially with nuclear imaging can be very sensitive and cause false positive results. It has recently been shown in a study called the ISCHEMIA trial that even with a moderately abnormal stress test in a patient with good heart function and no active symptoms do just as well with medication as a catheter procedure/stent. So I would need more information but you are correct if it was critical to get it done it would have already been done!
What is causing my heartburn?
You probably need to take your omeprazole twice a day. Follow a bland diet raise the head of your bed and stop smoking weed. If no better after 4-6 weeks then an upper scope would READ MORE
You probably need to take your omeprazole twice a day. Follow a bland diet raise the head of your bed and stop smoking weed. If no better after 4-6 weeks then an upper scope would be needed.
How can I fix my irregular heartbeat?
I guess it would depend on the type of arrhythmia, timing of the arrhythmia, and its triggers. A thorough history and physical labs and a 2nd Echo to check the heart’s structure READ MORE
I guess it would depend on the type of arrhythmia, timing of the arrhythmia, and its triggers. A thorough history and physical labs and a 2nd Echo to check the heart’s structure and function is also a good idea.
Side effect after vaccine?
Anything is possible. You're not the typical demographic as it was most frequently found in males 15 to 30 year old. Simple to check out. An ecg and a 2nd Echo to confirm or rule READ MORE
Anything is possible. You're not the typical demographic as it was most frequently found in males 15 to 30 year old. Simple to check out. An ecg and a 2nd Echo to confirm or rule this out.
Does arrhythmia show up on ECG?
Maybe, it may take a longer time period such as a holter or event recorder.
How should I treat burning chest pain?
Go to ER to be checked out
Palpitations after lunch?
Obviously, you are well educated and well versed in medical terminology. I have to assume you went to Google, a doctor, etc. Obviously, your ADHD medication is a stimulant and READ MORE
Obviously, you are well educated and well versed in medical terminology. I have to assume you went to Google, a doctor, etc. Obviously, your ADHD medication is a stimulant and triggers tachycardia. Certain foods can cause tachycardia such as those with caffeine, spices, simple sugars, etc. Patients with underlying issues such as POTS, hypoglycemia, and insulin resistant syndrome are more susceptible. When blood is diverted to the GI tract to digest food, certain cardiac patients will have symptoms. These should be easy to check with such tests as a 5-day patch holter, tilt table test, labs, glucose tolerance testing. An echocardiogram to assess structure and function is reasonable. If no source can be found, then may fall into a category called Idiopathic Postprandial Syndrome (IPS).
Heart related?
Sotalol can cause a cough in certain patients with reactive lung disease, i.e., asthma, otherwise not a common side effect. Other causes should be investigated such as reflux, READ MORE
Sotalol can cause a cough in certain patients with reactive lung disease, i.e., asthma, otherwise not a common side effect. Other causes should be investigated such as reflux, allergies, and CHF. Some patients may go into a-fib and that triggers a reflex to cough in an attempt to restore normal sinus rhythm. Need a thorough systematic work-up for your cough before stopping any medication.
Is my mom's condition serious and is it reversible?
Not serious and yes reversible. Blood pressure needs to be optimally controlled ie less than 130/80 consistently. If she is over weight then weight loss would also help reduce READ MORE
Not serious and yes reversible. Blood pressure needs to be optimally controlled ie less than 130/80 consistently. If she is over weight then weight loss would also help reduce stress on the heart and decrease the thickness of the heart.
Severe heartburn?
Usually if it were cardiac your condition would have resolved or progressed to become a heart attack. You need to get an EKG. If negative during your pain then again probably not READ MORE
Usually if it were cardiac your condition would have resolved or progressed to become a heart attack. You need to get an EKG. If negative during your pain then again probably not your heart. Besides labs, a breath test to check for H. Pylori should be done. You likely will need a scope to check your stomach and esophagus
How long is the hospital stay for angioplasty?
Usually one day. Some places have sent patients home the same day if the patient's procedure is straightforward. With the COVID-19 spike, more patients are being sent home same READ MORE
Usually one day. Some places have sent patients home the same day if the patient's procedure is straightforward. With the COVID-19 spike, more patients are being sent home same day.
I have bad stomach acid problems after second COVID vaccine Pfizer?
Your issues are not uncommon in pfizer vaccine patients. Would get on protonix 20 mg twice a day and see if this helps. If it does, then stay on it for 6 weeks and see if the symptoms READ MORE
Your issues are not uncommon in pfizer vaccine patients. Would get on protonix 20 mg twice a day and see if this helps. If it does, then stay on it for 6 weeks and see if the symptoms return when you stop the medication. If it comes back then need to see GI doctor.
Chest pains?
Not your heart. I assume you have no significant cardiac risk factors or you would have mentioned it. So at your age and atypical symptoms NOT your heart.
How long do you stay in the hospital after a heart ablation?
Usually one day.
Pulse rate question?
If you're asymptomatic and it's been a chronic issue, then no need to be concerned. A 5-day holter and an echo along with labs should be done as well.
Chest pain?
You need a thorough history and physical. Labs and ecg need to be done. A heart echo and chest x-ray should be done. Otherwise your symptoms and complaints are pretty broad and READ MORE
You need a thorough history and physical. Labs and ecg need to be done. A heart echo and chest x-ray should be done. Otherwise your symptoms and complaints are pretty broad and beyond the scope of this venue.
