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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.
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Gerald Lewis
  • Taupo, NZ
  • University of Otago
  • Accepting new patients

How successful are heart transplant surgeries?

They are only done as a last resort; some are not as successful as others, depending on the match, but many people live for decades with a good quality of life after a transplant. And READ MORE
They are only done as a last resort; some are not as successful as others, depending on the match, but many people live for decades with a good quality of life after a transplant. And in 10 years, we will have so many more ways of treating heart disease. 
Best wishes.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

How is congestive heart failure treated?

Unless there is a valve problem that needs surgery, mostly congestive failure is treated by drugs - fluid pills, ACE inhibitors and sometimes beta blockers. It can be very effectively READ MORE
Unless there is a valve problem that needs surgery, mostly congestive failure is treated by drugs - fluid pills, ACE inhibitors and sometimes beta blockers. It can be very effectively managed.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

How can I manage high blood pressure naturally?

Lose weight to your ideal, regular exercise, reduce stress, and supplements magnesium (800mg) and fish oils (1-3grams) daily can help. 

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Is arrhythmia curable?

There are many types of irregular heart beats (arrhythmia). Most are benign, and at your age, if treatment is needed, then they can be cured, but most don't need treatment and READ MORE
There are many types of irregular heart beats (arrhythmia). Most are benign, and at your age, if treatment is needed, then they can be cured, but most don't need treatment and go away by themselves. 

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Can stress cause chest pain?

Yes, it can. Usually a sharp pain, but there are many other causes of chest pain, some benign, some serious.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Are you awake during an angiogram?

Not usually, but they do give you a sedative.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Can ECG detect heart disease?

An ECG can detect some heart conditions - rhythm changes, old heart attack or damage, wall thickening - and is always done as the first test for cardiac conditions.  Regards, Gerald READ MORE
An ECG can detect some heart conditions - rhythm changes, old heart attack or damage, wall thickening - and is always done as the first test for cardiac conditions. 

Regards,

Gerald Lewis MD

Are sweaty palms common with high blood pressure?

Not really, I cannot see them being related.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Can people with arrhythmia lead a full life without treatment?

There are many types of arrhythmia which simply means irregular heart beats. Most are quite benign and cause no problems, but some do need drugs if the heart is beating too fast READ MORE
There are many types of arrhythmia which simply means irregular heart beats. Most are quite benign and cause no problems, but some do need drugs if the heart is beating too fast or for other reasons. But none should affect your ability to lead a full life. 

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

What is heart disease?

There are many forms of heart disease - heart attacks, heart rhythm disorders, valve abnormalities, etc. Usually, when it runs in families it suggests heart attack, but you will READ MORE
There are many forms of heart disease - heart attacks, heart rhythm disorders, valve abnormalities, etc. Usually, when it runs in families it suggests heart attack, but you will know best from your own family history. 

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Is heart murmur serious?

There are a number of causes for a heart murmur, most are quite benign, but some do need further investigation. I would ask your doctor what sort of murmur it is and if any further READ MORE
There are a number of causes for a heart murmur, most are quite benign, but some do need further investigation. I would ask your doctor what sort of murmur it is and if any further tests are needed. As I said, most are not important, but for your peace of mind, you need to know what it is. 

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Is my aunt too young for a pacemaker?

Anyone of any age can get a pacemaker. In her case, it is not because of heart block, the usual age reason; it is to stop the episodes of a fib. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Anyone of any age can get a pacemaker. In her case, it is not because of heart block, the usual age reason; it is to stop the episodes of a fib.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Does getting a pacemaker require major surgery?

Nope, it is a relatively small procedure done under conscious sedation, the pacemaker is tucked just under the muscles in the breast bone area. It is not major surgery. Regards, Gerald READ MORE
Nope, it is a relatively small procedure done under conscious sedation, the pacemaker is tucked just under the muscles in the breast bone area. It is not major surgery.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD



Should I be careful about medications with mitral valve prolapse?

Most medications do not affect valve prolapse, but it is good to have well-controlled blood pressure.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

How long can a stent stay in?

They are part of you forever.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

How are holes in the heart closed?

There are a number pf holes, which can be big or small. Of your cardiologist wants to close it, then I would suggest it is probably worth doing. If it is an atrial septal defect READ MORE
There are a number pf holes, which can be big or small. Of your cardiologist wants to close it, then I would suggest it is probably worth doing. If it is an atrial septal defect it can be closed with a small umbrella fed in through a vein in the leg, others may need surgery.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

What age should you see a cardiologist?

You don't need to see one unless there is a heart problem. Keep seeing your GP.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Does vaping cause heart issues in children?

As fare as I know, vaping should do no damage to the heart.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

Can people with arrhythmia lead a healthy life without drug therapy?

Arrhythmia merely means an irregular heart beat. Most people do have additional beats, but also they can be prolonged and the most usual one is atrial fibrillation. This does need READ MORE
Arrhythmia merely means an irregular heart beat. Most people do have additional beats, but also they can be prolonged and the most usual one is atrial fibrillation. This does need treating, but most other arrhythmias do not require treatment and have little if any effect on longevity.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD

What is angina?

I am surprised that at 30 you have angina. I presume you have had an exercise ECG or angiogram to confirm this. There are a number of treatments including drugs, but angioplasty READ MORE
I am surprised that at 30 you have angina. I presume you have had an exercise ECG or angiogram to confirm this. There are a number of treatments including drugs, but angioplasty and stenting are also often used.

Regards,

Gerald Lewis, MD