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ACCELERATED HEARTBEAT

Q I think I have a problem with my heart, and it just scares me to death every time it happens to me. Without warning, my heart sometimes beats so fast that I think it's coming out of my chest. Thankfully, this is not a frequent occurrence, happening about three times a year. As far as I know, there is no heart disease in my family and I don't know what the problem could be. I'm scared. What could be causing my heart to beat so fast? L.E., Los Angeles

A There is an understandable degree of fear whenever there appears to be a problem with the heart. You should take immediate steps to see your physician for a complete examination to determine the extent of your problem. The situation may not be as dire as you suspect, but you shouldn't take the chance by not having your heart checked immediately.

Doctors say there are several causes of a rapid heartbeat, ranging from serious medical conditions to other less-serious stimuli, including anxiety, some medications and caffeine (that can be found in such items as coffee and chocolate).

Tachycardia, a frequently used term that describes a number of conditions in which the heart beats at an abnormally fast rate (more than 100 beats per minute), occurs when the electrical system of the heart sends electrical impulses to the ventricles too fast, prompting the heart to beat too quickly.

In many cases, a temporary, accelerated heartbeat is not medically significant by itself, doctors say. But it is not a condition to be overlooked.

DONATING BLOOD FOR YOURSELF

Q In the next couple of months, I have to have some surgery and I was wondering how common it is for people to donate blood for themselves before the surgery. I am so afraid that, if I need blood during the surgery, I could possibly get a donation of HIV-tainted blood. Is it a good idea to donate blood for myself so that I will have one less worry before the surgery? D.A., Atlanta

A Although the risk of receiving tainted blood during a transfusion is considered to be "minimal," a number of people who are scheduled for nonemergency surgery in which additional blood may be necessary still choose to donate some of their own blood for themselves.

Taking such a step gives the preoperative patient peace of mind, knowing that, if necessary, he or she will receive a disease-free blood donation. The

process is generally known as an autologous transfusion, in which a person might give one unit of blood each week for up to six weeks before the date of the elective surgery (most likely on bones, urinary tract, heart and blood vessels). Doctors say recent data reveal that autologous donations account for 4.6 percent of all blood donations.

Donors have to be medically stable and free of infection. There is no age limit for the donor, but the decision to make an autologous donation, medical experts say, should be made in conjunction with your doctor.

ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE

Q For the past two years I have been working out regularly to try to stay in shape. One of my friends, who like me is 43 years old, ruptured his Achilles tendon playing basketball and will have to be in a cast for two months. What can I do to avoid this kind of injury? N.S., St. Louis

A Injuries involving the Achilles tendon, the fibrous band that connects the calf muscle to the heel, are common among "middle-aged" sports enthusiasts. These injuries usually cause pain in the back of the calf and may result in a rupture of the tendon. As we age, the tendon degenerates and becomes weaker and more susceptible to injury. Many fitness experts strongly suggest that before participating in strenuous physical activity, you should go through a thorough warm-up routine, including several minutes of stretching the tendon.

# posted by Medical Information : 6:25 AM