Article
When Life Leaves You Breathless
A 39-year-old man's dyspnea has increased in severity over the past 6 months, to the point that he can barely exercise. What's the reason for his...
Article
Just Ride It Out?
During a 25-mile bike ride, a 61-year-old avid cyclist developed chest discomfort. Will pushing through the pain make it worse?
Article
One Heck of a Check-up
A 63-year-old man with significant cardiac history reports that lately, his heart rate has been slow and skipping beats. What does his semi-annual...
Article
Woman’s Pain is Per-cyst-ent
A 58-year-old woman presents for preoperative assessment prior to the removal of an ovarian cyst, which has been causing pain and abnormal...
Article
This Evaluation Is a Heart-stopper
A 79-year-old man presents for preoperative evaluation with extensive symptomology: worsening shortness of breath, dyspnea on exertion, chest...
Article
When “Different” Is Not OK
For four days, a 66-year-old man has been short of breath. He has a history of hospitalizations due to his congestive heart failure, but this time...
Article
Breaking More Than the Fall
A 74-year-old woman became dizzy and slipped in the shower—fracturing her forearm while breaking her fall. Preoperative assessment uncovers an...
Article
Once Retired, Now Just Tired
A 72-year-old man has experienced fatigue, lethargy, and shortness of breath for three weeks. Is he just "slowing down," or is there another...
Article
A (Not So) Humerus Situation
A 44-year-old man suspects that he fractured his humerus from a fall. His arm is the primary complaint, but how's his heart handling the weight?...
Article
From 5K to … the End of the Driveway
This 74-year-old man used to walk three miles a day, but now shortness of breath forces him to stop before he can reach the end of his driveway....
Article
Taking One for the Team
Each year, the student athletes of a local university have an ECG performed to detect potential cardiac abnormalities. This time, it's the coach's...
Article
Total Eclipse of the Heart
A 72-year-old man has experienced intermitten dyspnea on exertion for two months—but now it's interfering with his daily activities. Does an ECG...
Article
The Ups and Downs of One Man’s Life
The 58-year-old man has a history of coronary atherosclerosis and current symptoms of intermittent chest pain and shortness of breath. Has his...
Article
Knee Pain, Heart Strain?
A 47-year-old man scheduled for knee surgery presents for his preoperative exam. He's a real "weekend warrior"—but at what cost to his heart?
Article
Can His Heart Handle a Hip Operation?
A 62-year-old man is scheduled for a hip replacement. But his preoperative assessment exposes concerning cardiac findings. See waht the ECG shows...