
Gerald Lewis
Cardiologist | Cardiovascular Disease
153 Palmer Mill Rd, RD 4 RD 4 Taupo NZ, 3384About
Gerald R. Lewis, MBChB, FRACP, FRCP(UK), MD, works at GRJ Lewis LTD in Taupo, New Zealand . I am a General Physician and Cardiologist. I see patients at my rooms in Taupo, but also give on line consultations on any medical topic or condition
Education and Training
University of Otago
Provider Details

Gerald Lewis's Expert Contributions
The New Information on Aspirin
Should we be taking aspirin?Even though doctors have been recommending for patients to take aspirin for many decades, there is still considerable uncertainty on whether we should be making this recommendation, and if so to whom, and what dose?A recent study suggested that perhaps when people were...
Does exercise help lower blood pressure?
Yes, regular mild to moderate exercise walking, swimming, riding does lower the BP. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Is the heart permanently damaged after a heart attack?
The area where there was the attack (no blood supply), forms a scar so does not beat as strongly. The amount of damage depends on the size of the heart attack, and that can be seen by echocardiogram or scans. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
What is the best exercise for heart health?
Regular modest exercise, walking and jogging just to make you puff, cycling, swimming, etc. Very hard exercise gives an extra benefit. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
How can you improve your heart health?
Good diet - Mediterranean is best, mild regular exercise, done be overweight, take supplements - a good multi, menage fish oils at least 3 grams per day, and calcium and magnesium 500mg daily is what I tell my patients to do. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
How do I lower my heart rate?
Heart rate can depend on fitness, sometimes due to too high thyroid hormone, some rhythm disorders, but also it can vary quite normally from 60 to 80-90 and still be normal. There is nothing you can do to slow it down unless there is a cause and see your doctor to discuss this. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Is exercise good for an irregular heartbeat?
It depends on the type of irregularity. If it is atrial fibrillation then you need to be on slowing down drugs, but if the irregularity is simple ectopic beats (atrial or ventricular) and they don't worsen with exercise, then mild to moderate exercise is fine. Really hard exercise - iron man marathons are not good for the heart, no matter how fit it is. Best discuss with your doctor on what you have. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Can you lift weights with a pacemaker?
Yes, you can, I can't see any problem with it. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Which medicine is best for chest pain?
There are so many types and causes for chest pain, most of them benign, that I just cannot even start to answer this question. Go and see your doctor. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Can you die from angina?
Angina means you have a narrow artery in the many going to your heart. Depending on which artery is involved, how severe the angina pain is, and when it comes on does make a difference, and you really should see a cardiologist. There is much we can do to CURE this condition. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Can sinus tachycardia damage your heart?
No, it can't, unless there is some other cause for it. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
What are the risks of a heart transplant?
There are many risks and benefits of a transplant, it is a huge operation. Depending on the reason for having it affects the risks, but no one has a transplant without absolutely needing - it is an end-of-the-line operation. You really need to talk to your cardiologist and surgeon about these. You will be on rejection drugs also for the rest of your life. Best wishes, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Can tachycardia go away by itself?
Many women at menopause time have palpitations and tachycardia. Most are completely harmless and go away. Have a chat with your doctor and see if you can capture one of the tachycardias and see is any treatment is necessary. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Do I need a heart transplant?
Absolutely not, there are many causes for irregular heart beats, most don't even need to be treated, but there are many therapies as well. Certainly heart transplant is not one of these. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
What can cause an irregular heartbeat?
Most people's heart never beat completely regularly. Almost everyone has additional beats called ectopics, which are quite benign, and the more you worry about them, the more you get, but they do no harm at all and rarely are related to any heart problem. Sometimes the heart can develop atrial fibrillation, which can only be detected by an ECG. This does require some heart tests, and often drugs, including anticoagulants, are needed. But most irregular heart beats are quite benign. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
What can I do about my chest pains?
There are many causes of chest pain, most of them benign. If they are only associated with exercise, then they could be related to your heart, but we have lungs, pleura, muscles, and other tissues, all of which can cause chest pain as can some forms of indigestion. I think you need to see a doctor about it if it is worrying you. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
What are the complications of a heart transplant?
You really need to discuss this with your transplant team - there can be problems with the operation (depending on why you are having the transplant), compatibility of the tissues, and also the drugs you will require. If it is necessary however, transplant can make a huge improvement in the quality and duration of your life. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
What foods are bad for your heart?
There is huge debate on heart and the diet. Doctors for years have said that saturated fats are bad, but there is not a lot of evidence for this, and some are even suggesting the ketogenic diet which is high fats. What you need to avoid are trans fats (found in many processed food), and most other food taken in moderation do not damage the ehart or its arteries at all. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
How can I treat high blood pressure naturally?
Eat a good diet, high in vegetables and fruits. Supplements which can make a difference are magnesium (500-1000mg per day), and fish oil 2-3 grams per day. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Why are my hands always cold?
If it is just your fingers, then there is a condition called Raynauds phenomena, which is due to spasm of the small arteries and is often hereditary, and nothing to worry about. Some people just have cold hands, but at 21, I doubt if it is a circulation issue. See your doctor and ask him to check your arm pulses if you are worried. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
My child has chest pains after running?
No, it is not normal, it could just be a form of the stitch, but he really should see his doctor and perhaps an exercise ECG if the doctor feels it is necessary. Regards, Gerald Lewis, MD READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Professional Memberships
- Fellow Royal Australasian College of Physicians
- Fellow Royal College of Medicine
Internships
- Crest Hospital
Professional Society Memberships
- Cardiac Society of New Zealand
Articles and Publications
- Has been Published
What do you attribute your success to?
- Keeping up to Date on Medical Charges
Hobbies / Sports
- Golf, Reading
Gerald Lewis's Practice location
Dr Gerald Lewis
153 Palmer Mill Rd, RD 4 RD 4 -Taupo, NZ 3384Get Direction
Gerald Lewis's reviews
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