Through a collection of video clips, CRY myheart cardiologist Dr Michael Papadakis has answered some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about living with a potentially life threatening heart condition or an ICD.
These questions are split into sections below. Click on any question to open a new window where you can hear Dr Papadakis’ response. Also listed are videos recorded by members of the myheart network where they have shared their experiences of having different tests and treatments.
I’ve just been diagnosed with Brugada Syndrome. I have two young children between the ages of four-and ten-what does this mean for them?
What does it mean if my children are gene positive but they-have a normal ECG and they have Brugada Syndrome?
If a diagnosis has been made, how often-should someone be re-tested?
What is the next stage after someone has been diagnosed with WPW?
Do inherited cardiac conditions get worse?
If a young person with an ASD was required to have an operation would they have to have open heart surgery?
Why is it important to monitor atrial septal defects?
What are the advantages of both the-Subcutaneous ICD and ICD?
I’ve been told I need an ICD, but I don’t want one. What else can I do to reduce my risk of a cardiac arrest?
Why are you advised against playing contact sports if you have an ICD?
What are the limitations of an ICD?
Are there certain sports you should avoid with an ICD and others you can engage in?
Will an ICD always protect me from having a cardiac arrest?
I have an ICD fitted. Should I tell my university and work etc?
Does everyone with a condition need an ICD or a pacemaker?
Why is it important to get the settings of an ICD right?
Debate between Dr Papadakis and myheart members, Paula and Joseph about exercising with an ICD
What are the arguments for and against ablation?
If someone is offered a catheter ablation for their Wolff Parkinson White, does it mean the condition is more pronounced than in someone offered other options?
Does a catheter ablation weaken the heart in anyway?
Can the accessory pathway return after a successful ablation procedure?
How is it possible for a patient with Wolff Parkinson White to still have the characteristic delta wave after ablation, and after being tested with adenosine to check for any remaining pathways?
Ablation and pregnancy: After a successful ablation for Wolff Parkinson White, is there an increased risk the condition will return during pregnancy? Is there an increased risk that the baby will have the same condition?
Why would you need to repeat an ablation?
Will the diagnosis affect my travel insurance?
Can I continue to drive after being diagnosed with a condition?
Can I get pregnant after being diagnosed with a cardiac condition?
What should you avoid if you have an ion-channel disease?
What should you avoid when you have a cardiomyopathy?
I have been diagnosed with a cardiac condition-will it affect my sex life?
Do young individuals with cardiac conditions need to worry about going skiing?
I’ve recently been told I am gene positive for Long QT. Should I have my children tested?
I’ve just been diagnosed with an inherited cardiac condition. Who else in my family needs to be screened?
If there is an inherited condition in a family, at what age can the children be screened?
I have an inherited cardiac condition. Do I need to be concerned about my grandchildren?
What happens during an ajmaline test?
What does the input of ajmaline ‘mimic’ in terms of lifestyle?
How do we know if ajmaline just happens to produce an ECG change that only looks like Brugada?
Why don’t we do ajmaline tests on younger children?How long do the tests take?
Do I need gene testing for inherited cardiac conditions?
Why is it important to identify problems with heart valves?
If you have a question about your cardiac condition, please fill in the form. These questions will be included next time we film with CRY’s myheart cardiologist, Dr Michael Papadakis. If your query is urgent, please email your question to myheart@c-r-y.org.uk.
Through a collection of video clips, Former ICD and Pacing Manager, St George’s Hospital, Sue Jones, will answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about ICDs. Please post any general question you have on ICDs through the form below. If your query is urgent, please email your question to myheart@c-r-y.org.uk
Please note that these queries are held in strict confidentiality and your name would nowhere be mentioned in the videos.
