DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent column about the 30-year-old pregnant woman who had a “heart attack” while working out in a spin class. She fell into a coma and was found to have a “congenital heart defect.” It seems to me that she likely has myocardial bridging, a congenital condition with the heart […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have an enlarged prostate and an overactive bladder. My doctor says not to drink coffee. Can you tell me why not? — Anon. ANSWER: From the standpoint of your prostate, there is pretty good evidence that coffee tends to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but there is also weak and […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 73-year-old female. A recent blood test returned an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) of 59. My physician’s nurse told me that the test was normal. When I asked her about the eGFR, she said that she didn’t know what that was, but the doctor said that the results were […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a male in my late 50s and have recently been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and high blood pressure. A cardiac catheterization procedure revealed four blockages in my arteries, with blockage percentages of 40% to 60%. I was informed that stents were not necessary and that my condition […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 86-year-old male in excellent health, except for high blood pressure, which is well-controlled. However, a few months ago, I was hospitalized with periorbital cellulitis as well as a shingles outbreak over the eye. The rash was definitely asymmetrical and confined to the right side of my head. I started […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I watched a show that described how a virus invades a cell and found it fascinating. What is the difference between a virus and a bacterial infection? — G.D. ANSWER: Viral infections start by using a cell receptor to gain entry into the cell. This receptor depends on the virus; for example, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 87 and have been jogging/running for 35 years. I recently had a major upper-gastrointestinal bleed after collapsing and losing consciousness. The problem was found and corrected. Following this episode, my hemoglobin level was 84 g/L, and my blood pressure dropped to 88/38 mm Hg. Since that time, my average blood […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My daughter and her friend went to a concert and had to climb stairs, walking about 2.5 miles in total. After returning home, my daughter had severe pain in both of her feet and was unable to stand or walk on them. She said it felt like someone was crushing them. The […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 90-year-old male on glipizide for Type 2 diabetes and finasteride for an enlarged prostate. I take daily walks and follow a careful but not strict diet. Lately, the frequency of my urination has increased to every two hours throughout the day and night. Is a change in medication indicated? […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: For two years now, I have totally lost all of my libido. Please help provide an explanation and a pathway to a cure. I am 76 years old now and in very good health. I’m 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weigh 182 pounds. I am married and have a good relationship […]