Understanding Low HDL Cholesterol and Its Impact on Anxiety and Heart Health
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol Thank you, Director. After each consultation with you, my panic and anxiety tend to improve significantly. Is there a way to recover from this autonomic nervous system disorder? I really don't want to live in such hardship for the r...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, having a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level of 34-35 is generally not a cause for concern; just focus on exercising more. In terms of diet, choose healthy fats, such as those found in nuts and fatty fish, avocados, and olive oil, which are high in monounsatur...[Read More] Understanding Low HDL Cholesterol and Its Impact on Anxiety and Heart Health
Understanding Your Exercise ECG Report: Key Insights for Heart Health
Exercise Electrocardiogram Report SUMMARY OF EXERCISE TEST: PROTOCOL: TREADMILL STANDARD BRUCE MHR-PREDICTED: ABOVE 90% EXERCISE TIME: 9’36” MAX SPEED: 6.7 MPH MAX GRADE: 16.0% METS ACHIEVED: 12.0 PEAK HEART RATE: 162 bpm % MAX HEART RATE: 94% RESTING BLOOD PRES...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The interpretation of an exercise electrocardiogram requires examining the waveform changes in the exercise center's ECG. Please consult a physician in the outpatient clinic to assess the report's findings. If necessary, a computed tomography scan can be performed to ev...[Read More] Understanding Your Exercise ECG Report: Key Insights for Heart Health
Understanding Sinus Arrhythmia: Managing Anxiety and Heart Health
Sick sinus syndrome Hello, Doctor. Today during my follow-up visit to the cardiology department, I suddenly experienced a rapid heartbeat. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus arrhythmia with a heart rate of 148. The ECG room recorded this: https://lurl.cc/jlyuB. I am very con...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the electrocardiogram (ECG) room is this https://lurl.cc/jlyuB. Your heart rate is normal and elevated, but the ECG results are good. Your condition does not indicate any serious arrhythmia, so there's no need to worry. Just enjoy life! Changhua Hospital cares about y...[Read More] Understanding Sinus Arrhythmia: Managing Anxiety and Heart Health
Understanding Heart Palpitations and Low Heart Rate: When to Seek Help
Skipped heartbeats and bradycardia? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been experiencing irregular heartbeats almost every day, both during the day and at night. When I check my pulse, I often notice skipped beats. Previously, I measured my blood pressure and found it to be on...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, if you are feeling well, there is no need to seek medical examination; it is sufficient to observe your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations and Low Heart Rate: When to Seek Help
Understanding Post-Exercise Palpitations: Causes and Solutions
Palpitations after exercise Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask for your advice. Recently, after my morning runs, my heart rate tends to be elevated throughout the morning, ranging from 90 to 100 beats per minute. My hands feel cold, and my body seems t...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, please make sure to rehydrate first. After having breakfast, you can observe your condition. If you still have concerns, you can follow up at the outpatient clinic. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Post-Exercise Palpitations: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Blood Pressure Spikes: Causes, Timing, and Medication Effects
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a response to that request? Dear Dr. He, Thank you very much for your professional responses and suggestions in the inquiries regarding medication #194653 and #194617. My mother expresses her heartfelt gratitude to you. However, we still have...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, Q1 and Q2: Any discomfort may lead to a spike in blood pressure. If there is gastrointestinal discomfort, consider whether it might be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Q3: Labetalol has autonomic nervous system relaxing properties, and it is very likely that your an...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Spikes: Causes, Timing, and Medication Effects
Understanding Echocardiogram Results and Cholesterol Management
Echocardiogram and Cholesterol Hello Doctor, could you please help me interpret the echocardiogram results? Thank you. Echocardiogram findings: - Normal left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) size - Good LV contractility (LVEF: 73% by M-mode) - Mild mitral regurgitation (MR)...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the ultrasound results are normal. Your low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is 195. You can either continue taking cholesterol-lowering medication, reduce the dosage by half, or switch to dietary control. Please monitor your progress regularly to see how it goes. Changhua ...[Read More] Understanding Echocardiogram Results and Cholesterol Management
Understanding Ventricular Early Repolarization: When to Consider Ablation?
Ventricular early depolarization Hello, I was referred to the hospital for further examination due to arrhythmia. The static electrocardiogram report is as follows: 9150 ** abnormal ECG ** 1100 Sinus rhythm 1474 with frequent supraventricular premature complexes 3434 Septal myoca...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If medication is unable to effectively control the symptoms, electrocautery may be considered.[Read More] Understanding Ventricular Early Repolarization: When to Consider Ablation?
Can Patients with Sinus Rhythm Work Night Shifts? Expert Insights
Can a person with sinus rhythm work night shifts? Hello, Doctor. Regarding the EKG from my physical examination: it shows sinus rhythm and low voltage (limb leads). Can I ask the doctor to issue a certificate stating that I cannot work night shifts? Or is it acceptable to work ni...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, sinus rhythm means a normal heart rhythm. A certificate stating that you cannot work night shifts cannot be issued. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Can Patients with Sinus Rhythm Work Night Shifts? Expert Insights
Understanding Aortic Atherosclerosis: Causes and Concerns at 34
Atherosclerosis of the aorta Hello, doctor. I recently underwent a health check-up, which included a chest X-ray. The report indicated that I have atherosclerosis. However, my blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar, and both high-density and low-density cholesterol levels are ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, observation may sometimes just be a descriptive term in the report and does not necessarily indicate a problem. If you are concerned, I recommend visiting a cardiology clinic for further evaluation. I believe everything should be fine. Take care from Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Aortic Atherosclerosis: Causes and Concerns at 34
Understanding Heart Health: Addressing Anxiety After Cardiac Tests
Cardiac examination issues? Doctor, on March 23rd, I experienced shortness of breath and called an ambulance to the hospital. Afterward, the ECG and chest examinations showed no issues, but I have been feeling anxious and worried about the possibility of having an acute myocardia...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Due to your young age and absence of chronic diseases, your risk of developing heart disease is low. Many factors in daily life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable...[Read More] Understanding Heart Health: Addressing Anxiety After Cardiac Tests
Declining LVEF: What It Means for Your Heart Health
The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is decreasing year by year? Due to mitral valve prolapse, I have been undergoing annual echocardiograms for the past three years. I am particularly concerned that my left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 73.4% in 2021, decreas...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
An LVEF (Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction) of over 60% is considered within the normal range. The timing of measurement and the individual performing the measurement can introduce variability, so a decrease in this value may not be significant.[Read More] Declining LVEF: What It Means for Your Heart Health
Understanding Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Insights and Interpretations
Ultrasound echocardiogram report inquiry (including single-sided and double-sided)? Hello Doctor, I previously had an ultrasound examination because I often experience brief sharp pains in my heart that do not last long. When it occurs, bending down gives me a sensation as if my ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, mild grade 2 mitral valve prolapse is not a concern and is unrelated to your symptoms. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Insights and Interpretations
Understanding Aortic Atherosclerosis: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Atherosclerosis of the aorta Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up, which included a chest X-ray. The report indicated that I have atherosclerosis. However, my blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar, and both high-density and low-density cholesterol levels are all no...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, observation may sometimes just be a descriptive term in the report and does not necessarily indicate a problem. If you are concerned, I recommend visiting a cardiology outpatient clinic for further examination. I believe everything should be fine. Take care from Changhua H...[Read More] Understanding Aortic Atherosclerosis: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Managing Hypertension: Questions on Medication for My Mother
Follow-up Question #194617: Inquiry about Medication Usage Dear Dr. He, Thank you very much for your response and explanation in the consultation regarding medication inquiry #194617. My mother also asked me to express her gratitude to you. I have some additional questions I wou...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, if you are not taking antihypertensive medication and your systolic blood pressure is between 130 and 140 and diastolic pressure is 80, it may be reasonable to observe without medication. We are treating hypertension as a condition, not just focusing on the numbers, which ...[Read More] Managing Hypertension: Questions on Medication for My Mother
Understanding Aortic Atherosclerosis: Causes and Health Implications at 34
Atherosclerosis of the aorta Hello, doctor. I recently underwent a health check-up, which included a chest X-ray. The report indicated that I have atherosclerosis. However, my blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar, and both high-density and low-density cholesterol levels are ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, sometimes "observation only" is just a descriptive term in the report and may not indicate any issues. If you're concerned, I recommend visiting a cardiology clinic for further evaluation. I believe everything should be fine. Changhua Hospital cares about yo...[Read More] Understanding Aortic Atherosclerosis: Causes and Health Implications at 34
Consultation on Medication Concerns for Hypertension Management
Medication Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. He, Hello. I am inquiring on behalf of my mother, who is 68 years old and does not use the internet. Recently, she has been experiencing high blood pressure (systolic pressure exceeding 200 mmHg). After visiting a cardiologist, she was pr...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, my opinion is that if the systolic blood pressure exceeds 200, the focus should not be solely on treatment. It is important to first understand what the average blood pressure is. Diovan 160mg is not that strong and is unlikely to reduce blood pressure from 200 to 90. I wo...[Read More] Consultation on Medication Concerns for Hypertension Management
Medications to Avoid Before Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Myocardial perfusion imaging... which medications need to be discontinued? Good morning, Dr. Wu! I apologize for the interruption. My grandfather is scheduled for a cardiac perfusion scan on March 28, and the consent form states that he should not take his hypertension and cardia...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Kanken[Read More] Medications to Avoid Before Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Treatment Options and Concerns
Atrial Fibrillation Issues Hello, Doctor: I have been suffering from atrial fibrillation for about 10 years and am currently under continuous monitoring at a cardiology clinic. I take 5 mg of Concor (bisoprolol) daily and 2.5 mg of Eliquis (apixaban) as an anticoagulant. However,...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If atrial fibrillation is not effectively managed with medication and symptoms persist, catheter ablation may be considered as a treatment option. It is recommended to consult a cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology.[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatments, and Surgical Options
Valvular insufficiency Hello Doctor, my mother is nearly 60 years old. Recently, she experienced heart discomfort and was diagnosed with moderate mitral valve prolapse (regurgitation + blood flow reversal) and mild tricuspid valve prolapse, with slight cardiac enlargement. The fi...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Moderate mitral valve regurgitation does not require surgery; medication management and regular follow-up are sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatments, and Surgical Options