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Ask Dr. Gott 2/24
Possible 'silent heart attack' worries reader
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DEAR DR. GOTT: Last year, I experienced what I thought might be a "silent heart attack." I had chest pain that extended up to my jaw and ears with a feeling of pressure, etc., that lasted for about two minutes. After another bout of the same thing a week later, I went to my family doctor, who did an EKG and ordered a barium swallow. The final diagnosis was "esophageal spasms," and nothing else was said or done. It seemed to go away for a while, but the other day, it happened again, and it scares me. I was wondering what causes this, and is there anything that can be done to eliminate this occurrence?
DEAR READER: Recurring chest and jaw pain should be a red flag for any physician because such a symptom could reflect angina (heart-muscle pain from an inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood). The fact that you had a normal cardiogram does not rule out the possibility of significant coronary disease that should be addressed by a stress test. Perhaps your pain is secondary to esophageal spasm, but I believe that further cardiac testing is appropriate.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Coronary Artery Disease." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am very concerned for my son, who has psoriasis. He has seen several dermatologists and none have helped. He has had shots, pills and creams, and nothing has helped him. The itching is getting worse, and dry skin falls off on his clothes, in a chair or on the floor. Can you offer any help?
DEAR READER: I am not aware of any new medical breakthrough in the treatment of psoriasis. However, several readers have had success using Vicks VapoRub. It won't hurt to try it.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I have always purchased bottled water. However, recently we purchased a new refrigerator in which water and ice are available on the outside of the door. We will change the filters as recommended. We live in Florida and are in our early 60s. Is this water as safe to drink as bottled water, and which is best for you?
DEAR READER: In my opinion, bottled water is not a necessary substitute for tap water, especially if the tap water is supplied through a municipal source. And tap water is less expensive than the bottled brands that are so popular today.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am an 82-year-old widow in good health, but I have hemorrhoids that are hanging from my anus. They don't hurt or itch, but they are annoying. Is there something that will shrink them? If I tie them up, will they fall off?
DEAR READER: If your hemorrhoids have ballooned out of your anus, you could certainly consider ligation (tying them off), a painless procedure that is usually more successful than are creams and notions. See a surgeon to obtain a second opinion.
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Astrograph 11/7
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    Organization and proper planning will greatly strengthen your possibilities for success in the year ahead, and they will be the major reasons for you making such leaps and bounds in both your personal and work-related life.
    SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Make plans to engage in a recreational activity with friends or family. Getting your mind off all the serious things in life will do wonders for your outlook.
    SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) This is an excellent day to gather the information you need on a matter of importance, whether it is work-related, personal or homework. You'll have an easier time doing so than usual.
    CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Quality, not flamboyance, is what you should be looking for in companions. A comfortable, compatible friendship will be more enjoyable and fulfilling than spending time with garish, flashy people.
    AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) If you have to make a choice between profit and pride of accomplishment, choose the latter. Acquiring self-esteem will be more valuable and long lasting than procuring material wealth.
    PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) One of your better assets is your ability to communicate effectively. You're not only good at gathering facts but also at disseminating them to those who will put them to fruitful uses.
    ARIES (March 21-April 19) By remaining optimistic and keeping your expectations within realistic bounds, you will gradually gain ground on your goals. Because you don't expect more than you should, you won't give up.
    TAURUS (April 20-May 20) One of your best assets is being a good listener, and this will prove to be an advantageous trait. You will learn about something that you'll put to good use at this time.
    GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Keep your goals and desires in proportion to your abilities, and you will have more possibilities for success than most people do, regardless of your field of endeavor.
    CANCER (June 21-July 22) You have what it takes to accomplish your goals. You'll not only be an efficient worker; you'll also know how to interact with others to make them effective as well.
    LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Handling small details could be more significant than usual, particularly in domestic matters. Paying attention to even meaningless family activities will greatly please your loved ones.
    VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Associates, friends and family will be more willing to listen to what you have to say if you keep your conversations brief. The absence of boring small talk will make what you say far more interesting.
    LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Even a small, minor development can turn out to be profitable if done in conjunction with what is already on the table. You will have many good things going for you at this time.
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