Ask An Expert: Heart Disease

What exactly is the CryoMAZE procedure?

Do you have to take antibiotics whenever you have any dental work done if you have mitral valve prolapse? What about work such as scaling around the teeth; is anything that would make your gums bleed a risk?

If a drug-coated stent is put into an artery, and within two months the same symptoms occur that led to its placement, such as shortness of breath, has the stent likely collapsed or the artery re-blocked?

What is considered a normal pulse rate?

Do foods containing lots of potassium or potassium supplements alter the effectiveness of the beta-blocker atenonol?

Are CHF and CAD the same thing?

My father had a blood test called a "BNP." The results showed the possibility of some type of heart failure. What is a BNP test?

Can aspirin and clopidogrel be prescribed together in a patient with coronary disease?

My father had a pacemaker implanted five years ago. He wants to purchase a new 5.8 GHz cordless phone. I have heard the cellular phones have had some interference with pacemakers; is this also true of digital cordless phones at this frequency?