Writing & Notes
From the clinic.
Essays, observations, and notes from a cardiology practice in Encinitas — written in plain language, refreshed when the evidence changes.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): A Cardiologist's Complete Patient Guide
Diagnosed with atrial fibrillation? Dr. Damian Rasch explains AFib symptoms, causes, stroke risk, treatment options including ablation, and how to manage AFib long-term.
Read the essayHeart Palpitations: A Cardiologist's Guide to Causes, Concerns, and Care
Feeling your heart race or flutter? Cardiologist Dr. Damian Rasch explains heart palpitation causes, when they're harmless vs. concerning, and when to see a doctor.
ReadProtecting Your Heart While Fighting Breast Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know This October
Breast cancer treatments can put stress on the heart. Dr. Damian Rasch on cardiotoxicity, GLS imaging, and how to protect both your life and your heart.
ReadArchive
2025
- Aug 14 Side Effect Spotlight: Amlodipine and Swollen Ankles The surprising truth about why your heart medication is making your ankles puffy (and what you can do about it). Dr. Damian Rasch explains.
- Aug 6 FDA Breaks New Ground: Leqvio Now Approved as First-Line Cholesterol Treatment FDA approves statin-free, pill-free cholesterol control that simply restores your natural LDL-clearing ability. Dr. Damian Rasch on the Leqvio first-line label update.
2019
- May 28 Do Statins Actually Cause Diabetes? Separating Medical Facts from Internet Fear Worried about statin-induced diabetes? Dr. Damian Rasch explains the real numbers behind statin diabetes risk and why this medication still saves lives.
- May 28 Understanding Your Ejection Fraction: What Those Numbers Really Mean That 55% on your heart test doesn't mean your heart is only half-working. Dr. Damian Rasch explains what ejection fraction really measures.
- May 28 So What's the New Deal with HDL Cholesterol? Doctors used to say high HDL cancels out bad cholesterol. We were wrong. Dr. Damian Rasch on why HDL is no longer a treatment target.