Understanding Atrial Premature Contractions: Treatment and Lifestyle Tips
Atrial Premature Contraction (APC) Hello, Doctor: About two years ago (at the age of 21), I discovered that I have arrhythmia and went to the hospital for a 24-hour ECG, which showed that I experience six to seven thousand APCs daily, approximately 6-7%. The previous doctor advis...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, 1. Have you noticed any significant changes? If you weren't feeling unwell to begin with and have no palpitations, you probably wouldn't feel anything from taking the medication. 2. Medication can only help manage heart rhythm; it cannot completely resolve the...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Premature Contractions: Treatment and Lifestyle Tips
How to Manage Palpitations: Insights from Cardiovascular Specialists
How to improve palpitations? Thank you very much, Doctor, for taking the time to assist with my concerns. I have been experiencing palpitations, anxiety, and discomfort in my neck, throat, and chest for over three months. In the past month, I underwent an echocardiogram, an exerc...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, all tests are normal. There is no need for cardiac catheterization. You can manage autonomic dysregulation with medication. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] How to Manage Palpitations: Insights from Cardiovascular Specialists
Understanding Arrhythmias: When to Worry About Your Heartbeat
Arrhythmia I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing palpitations and had to visit the emergency room again. In the car, you felt a few skipped heartbeats, but your heart rate was normal at over 70 beats per minute. You used your Apple device to measure your elect...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, the Apple ECG monitor shows waveforms that are likely due to noise and interference, which cannot be definitively classified as arrhythmia. This is a common occurrence with wearable devices, as they tend to be less stable and may not provide accurate readings. You should n...[Read More] Understanding Arrhythmias: When to Worry About Your Heartbeat
Does Monacolin K from Red Yeast Rice Share Statin Side Effects?
Questions regarding the health supplement Monacolin K (red yeast rice)? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions about lowering blood lipids. I have read online that the main active component of red yeast rice, Monacolin K, has the effect of inhibiting cholesterol sy...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, similar does not mean the same; the two are completely different things. The efficacy can vary significantly, and regarding side effects, it is even more difficult to determine as they can differ from person to person. One cannot say that taking red yeast rice will have th...[Read More] Does Monacolin K from Red Yeast Rice Share Statin Side Effects?
Understanding Slow Heartbeat and Discomfort: When to Seek Cardiology Care
Recently, I have been feeling discomfort in my heart, accompanied by a slower heartbeat? Hello Doctor, I have hyperthyroidism (my levels are normal after medication and I have stopped taking it under the doctor's advice) and hypertension. I am currently taking 80 mg of Amlod...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, it is recommended to visit the cardiology outpatient clinic for further examination. Pingan Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Slow Heartbeat and Discomfort: When to Seek Cardiology Care
Understanding Heart Health: Implications of ECG Findings and Next Steps
Consultation for examination Hello Dr. He: Recently, I experienced chest tightness and a sensation of missed heartbeats, so I visited a cardiologist. I underwent an X-ray and an electrocardiogram (ECG), and the physician said everything looked fine. I reviewed my health records, ...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
If you're unsure and feeling anxious about any abnormalities, it's best to visit a cardiology outpatient clinic for a cardiac ultrasound examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.[Read More] Understanding Heart Health: Implications of ECG Findings and Next Steps
Anxiety, Arrhythmia, and Medication: Understanding the Connection
Anxiety, arrhythmia, and medication issues? Hello, Director. I have a history of anxiety disorder and, with my doctor's consent, stopped my medication about a year ago. Recently, I seem to be experiencing signs of a relapse, and I have also noticed an increase in the frequen...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, anxiety during seasonal changes can lead to autonomic nervous system instability, resulting in increased palpitations. Anxiety and arrhythmias are related; however, arrhythmias do not necessarily indicate a heart problem. Regarding autonomic nervous system testing, I belie...[Read More] Anxiety, Arrhythmia, and Medication: Understanding the Connection
Anxiety, Arrhythmia, and Medication: Understanding the Connection
Anxiety, arrhythmia, and medication issues? Hello, Director. I have a history of anxiety disorder and, with my doctor's consent, I stopped taking medication about a year ago. Recently, it seems that there are signs of a relapse; I also feel that the frequency of palpitations...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, anxiety can often be exacerbated by seasonal changes, leading to instability in the autonomic nervous system and increased palpitations. Anxiety and arrhythmias are indeed related; however, arrhythmias do not necessarily indicate a heart problem. Regarding autonomic nervou...[Read More] Anxiety, Arrhythmia, and Medication: Understanding the Connection
Sudden Heart Rate Spike: Should You Worry About Atrial Fibrillation?
Sudden increase in heart rate? Hello doctor, I have a habit of using my Apple Watch to monitor my heart rate, which is usually recorded automatically. I noticed that this morning, my heart rate suddenly jumped from 83 beats per minute to 173 beats per minute, and after a few seco...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, this type of external recording often distorts the likelihood of atrial fibrillation or other malignant arrhythmias. If there are no discomforts, it is advisable to simply observe. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Sudden Heart Rate Spike: Should You Worry About Atrial Fibrillation?
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Management, Risks, and Lifestyle Tips
Atrial fibrillation Hello Doctor, I have been troubled by palpitations for a long time. I previously underwent an echocardiogram and a 24-hour Holter monitor, which only detected a very small number of premature beats. However, two years ago, my Apple Watch alerted me to a possib...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, you are too young, and wearable devices may not be accurate; it's best to have an electrocardiogram (ECG) for confirmation. If you have no risk factors, there is no need for anticoagulant medication; managing your heart rhythm should suffice. The likelihood of having ...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Management, Risks, and Lifestyle Tips
Can I Reduce or Stop Hypertension Medication After Years of Control?
Issues with hypertension medication, specifically regarding dose reduction? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about the issue of reducing medication for high blood pressure. I have been taking antihypertensive medication for several decades, but in recent years, with dietary con...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, you may want to reduce the dosage to half and monitor your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Can I Reduce or Stop Hypertension Medication After Years of Control?
Understanding Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Insights and Cholesterol Links
Echocardiogram Hello, due to discomfort in the chest, I underwent a cardiac ultrasound. Below are the report details, and I would like to understand what to pay attention to in the report. Recently, my health check showed elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; is the...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, upon initial examination, there seem to be no significant abnormalities. Observation should suffice. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Insights and Cholesterol Links
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes and Risks Explained
Palpitations or sensation of heart stoppage? Hello, doctor. I previously underwent a 24-hour Holter monitor which detected some minor premature ventricular contractions. However, recently I have been experiencing a sensation of my heart pausing. I had an echocardiogram and anothe...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, the probability of sinus pauses is low, and a pause must last more than 3 seconds to be significant. At 22 years old, the risk is very low and not life-threatening, so don't scare yourself. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes and Risks Explained
Understanding Potential Heart Conditions: Symptoms and Next Steps
Are there any underlying heart diseases? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to address some of my concerns. This year, I was diagnosed with right bundle branch block during my military examination, which led to my exemption. I also previously had mitral valve prolapse d...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, jogging for an hour is fine for your heart. These symptoms are not related to your heart. If you're still concerned, please visit a family medicine clinic for an examination. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Potential Heart Conditions: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Heart Valve Surgery Options: Animal vs. Catheter Replacement
Surgical issues Hello Doctor, I have a question that may seem a bit naive. I have moderate mitral regurgitation and I anticipate that I may need surgery in the future. If the doctor determines that I need surgery, is it possible for me to choose to have an animal valve replacemen...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, don't overthink it. Just discuss your concerns with your doctor when it's time for the surgery. There may be new techniques available by then. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Heart Valve Surgery Options: Animal vs. Catheter Replacement
Understanding Why Ventricular Premature Contractions May Not Resolve
Why do premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) not resolve? Hello Doctor, two years ago I suddenly started experiencing premature contractions, about 200 times a day. Sometimes these contractions occur in a row, and I can't even tell how my heart is beating during those 6-...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, to achieve a complete cure, we can only use electrocautery to directly address the areas where there is abnormal electrical activity. Unless you undergo additional 24-hour Holter monitoring to identify a more serious issue, having 200 premature beats in a day is generally ...[Read More] Understanding Why Ventricular Premature Contractions May Not Resolve
Understanding Sleep Heart Rate Spikes: Insights from Cardiac Tests
Irregular sleep detected with heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute (accompanied by echocardiogram and 24-hour electrocardiogram recording)? Hello, Doctor He. I am a patient who occasionally experiences a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute while sleeping. I underwent t...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, both tests came back normal. The results only show an increased heart rate during a specific time period, and it is not possible to determine if there is any arrhythmia. It is likely a problem related to the autonomic nervous system, so we will just need to observe for now...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Heart Rate Spikes: Insights from Cardiac Tests
Understanding Sleep Heart Rate Spikes in Kidney and Heart Disease Patients
Irregular sleep detected with heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute? Hello Doctor, I am a dialysis patient and also have ischemic heart disease. Last year, I was examined for the degree of coronary artery blockage, which showed 40% in one artery and 50% in another. I also hav...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, the imaging results are not conclusive. Last year, there was a 40% blockage in one artery and a 50% blockage in another, which should be manageable. Sleep apnea could potentially cause autonomic instability during sleep, leading to a heart rate exceeding 100, even reaching...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Heart Rate Spikes in Kidney and Heart Disease Patients
Understanding Electrophysiological Tests and Catheterization in Cardiology
Electrophysiological study and cardiac catheterization? Dear Dr. He, I apologize for bothering you again. My attending physician has many patients and doesn't allow me to ask questions; they just keep checking and prescribing medication. To find peace of mind, I keep asking...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, ventricular ectopic beats refer to premature ventricular contractions. Taking Isoptin (Verapamil) will not lead to irreversible hypotension. The use of Isoptin is not only for arrhythmias but also to prevent vascular spasms. There may be autonomic nervous system dysregulat...[Read More] Understanding Electrophysiological Tests and Catheterization in Cardiology
Understanding Electrophysiology Tests and Catheterization in Cardiac Care
Electrophysiological study and cardiac catheterization? Dear Director He: I apologize for bothering you again. My attending physician has many patients and doesn't allow me to ask questions; they just keep checking and prescribing medications. To find peace of mind, I keep a...
Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, ventricular ectopic beats should be referred to as premature ventricular contractions. Taking Isoptin (verapamil) will not lead to irreversible hypotension. The use of Isoptin is not only for arrhythmias but also to prevent vasospasm. Due to autonomic nervous system dysreg...[Read More] Understanding Electrophysiology Tests and Catheterization in Cardiac Care