Understanding Heart Palpitations and Breathing Issues in Seniors
Cardiovascular disease Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my grandfather's heart issues. He often experiences palpitations and shortness of breath when breathing. What could this possibly indicate?
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
There are many causes of shortness of breath, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and anemia. It is recommended to visit an outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations and Breathing Issues in Seniors
Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Cardiologist Help
excuse me? I often experience a sensation of my heart beating harder or skipping a beat, accompanied by a strong thump against my chest wall. At the same time, I can feel my carotid artery pulsing strongly, followed by two weaker beats. This occurs multiple times a day, lasting a...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Based on your symptoms, it appears you may have arrhythmia. The causes of arrhythmia can include hyperthyroidism, medications, emotions, and certain foods (such as tea and coffee). Correcting the underlying cause should improve the symptoms. If discomfort persists, you may consid...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Cardiologist Help
Understanding Myocarditis: When to Seek Medical Attention for Fast Heart Rate
Myocarditis Hello Dr. Huang! I would like to ask about a situation I experienced yesterday. I had symptoms similar to a cold (chills, runny nose, dry cough, and mild fever), but I also had tachycardia (heart rate: 100-110) without any other discomfort. I looked up information onl...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Causes of tachycardia include medications, food, emotions, fever, and hyperthyroidism. Based on your symptoms, tachycardia may be caused by a cold, unless there are symptoms of wheezing, in which case special attention is required.[Read More] Understanding Myocarditis: When to Seek Medical Attention for Fast Heart Rate
Understanding Heart Symptoms: When to Seek Further Cardiovascular Evaluation
Heart Hello Dr. Huang, I have been experiencing chest tightness and palpitations for the past 3 to 4 years. I underwent electrocardiograms, X-rays, and blood tests at Chang Gung and Keng Hsin, all of which showed no abnormalities. However, my symptoms have persisted over these ye...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: Angina can cause discomfort in the chest, but this discomfort typically occurs during physical activity or when going up and down stairs, lasting for a few minutes, and improves with rest. If your chest discomfort is similar to the symptoms described above, you may want to...[Read More] Understanding Heart Symptoms: When to Seek Further Cardiovascular Evaluation
Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Difficulties: Heart Health Insights
Shortness of breath? Hello, Dr. Huang. My father is about 60 years old and occasionally experiences difficulty breathing during sleep (sometimes feeling like he can't catch his breath). There is no phlegm or nasal congestion, and it tends to occur more when he is sleeping we...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
The causes of this condition may include sleep apnea syndrome, brain abnormalities, or heart failure. If there are any issues, you can visit the outpatient clinic for further examination to determine the cause.[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Difficulties: Heart Health Insights
Managing Arterial Calcification After Stent Placement: A Guide
Arterial calcification I would like to ask you: I underwent cardiac catheterization and stent placement at the end of March this year, but I am still experiencing chest tightness. In November, a CT scan revealed vascular calcification causing moderate obstruction. How should I ad...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: After the placement of a cardiac catheter stent, if there are symptoms of chest tightness, especially noticeable during exercise and improving at rest, it is important to suspect cardiovascular obstruction. A narrowing of the coronary arteries greater than seventy percent ...[Read More] Managing Arterial Calcification After Stent Placement: A Guide
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: High RBC and Low MCV Explained
My blood test? My blood test results show that my red blood cell count is 732, which is significantly high. The hematocrit is 52.2, also elevated. The mean corpuscular volume is 71.3, which is low. What could be the issue here? How can I improve this condition? Please help me wit...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: The elevated red blood cell count and increased red blood cell volume may indicate a hematological issue. It is advisable to visit a hematology clinic for further evaluation to determine the underlying cause.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: High RBC and Low MCV Explained
Can Heart Surgery Patients Safely Get the Flu Vaccine?
Can the flu vaccine be administered after surgery? Hello Dr. Huang, I underwent coronary artery bypass surgery in early September and have since returned to work. Recently, my company is offering flu vaccinations as part of employee benefits, and I am wondering if I can receive t...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: As long as there are no symptoms of a cold or allergies to the influenza vaccine at the time of vaccination, one can receive the flu shot. Generally, after undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), patients should be on antiplatelet medications (such as aspirin) r...[Read More] Can Heart Surgery Patients Safely Get the Flu Vaccine?
Understanding My Blood Pressure Concerns: A Journey Through Diagnosis
My hypertension issue? Last year during my physical examination, I struggled to pass the blood pressure test, but I barely managed to get through. Coincidentally, I extended my studies for another year, which led me to visit the hospital (National Defense Medical Center Songshan ...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Blood pressure can be easily influenced by external factors such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, discomfort, smoking, and irregular lifestyle. Therefore, it is recommended to rest for ten minutes before measuring blood pressure to minimize external disturbances. If the blood pressu...[Read More] Understanding My Blood Pressure Concerns: A Journey Through Diagnosis
High Red Blood Cell Count of 544: What to Do and Where to Seek Help?
The red blood cell count is 544, which is elevated? My son, who is in his first year of high school, has a high red blood cell count of 544 in his health check-up. What should I do? Where should I take him to see a doctor? I am in Tainan. Which department should I visit at the ho...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
If the red blood cell count is elevated, a repeat test can be conducted to check the red blood cell count again. If abnormalities persist, you can visit the hematology outpatient clinic at the hospital for further evaluation.[Read More] High Red Blood Cell Count of 544: What to Do and Where to Seek Help?
Understanding Ventricular Hypertrophy: Risks and Prevention Strategies
The issue of ventricular hypertrophy? Hello, I would like to ask about a health check report that shows ventricular hypertrophy. I am unsure if this could lead to heart disease or pose any health risks. How can I improve or prevent this condition? Please help me, thank you.
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Ventricular hypertrophy is a cardiac abnormality that increases the risk of arrhythmias. The causes of ventricular hypertrophy include hypertension, diabetes, aortic stenosis, genetics, and obesity. Controlling the factors that lead to ventricular hypertrophy is essential for imp...[Read More] Understanding Ventricular Hypertrophy: Risks and Prevention Strategies
Understanding Sinus Tachycardia: Causes, Effects, and Precautions
What is sinus tachycardia? What is sinus tachycardia? Will it affect daily life? What are the causes, and what should I pay attention to? I don't quite understand. Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
The causes of sinus tachycardia include exercise, fever, dehydration, anxiety, hyperthyroidism, medications, and certain foods. As long as the underlying cause is managed or eliminated, normal heart rate can be restored, and it will not affect daily life.[Read More] Understanding Sinus Tachycardia: Causes, Effects, and Precautions
Understanding Myocardial Infarction in Young Women: Causes and Recovery
About myocardial infarction? Hello Dr. Huang, I am 28 years old with a cholesterol level of 230. There is no history of heart disease in my family (my mother has hypertension controlled by medication, and my father has slightly elevated uric acid). However, I experienced a myocar...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: The recurrence of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is associated with graft occlusion, which can lead to symptoms of chest discomfort, particularly during physical activity, and tends to improve with rest. Postoperatively, it is important to take medications ...[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Infarction in Young Women: Causes and Recovery
Understanding Pacemaker Surgery for Heart Rhythm Issues in Seniors
Cardiac arrest for 2 seconds? My mother is 72 years old, taking medication for hypertension, and her blood pressure is well controlled. She experiences shortness of breath while walking, and her heart rate ranges from 45 to 55 beats per minute, with no other discomfort. An electr...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: A pacemaker can improve symptoms caused by a fast or paused heartbeat, such as dizziness and fainting. The placement of a pacemaker is generally quite safe, with only a few cases of complications such as damage to the heart vessels, pneumothorax, or wound infection. The in...[Read More] Understanding Pacemaker Surgery for Heart Rhythm Issues in Seniors
Can Viagra Cause High Blood Pressure in Patients with Adrenal Tumors?
Does taking Viagra cause high blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor: I am a patient who has undergone two surgeries for pheochromocytoma. I take one tablet each of Norvasc (5mg) and Labetalol (200mg) daily to control my blood pressure. For the past year, I have experienced erectile...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: Viagra works by dilating blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow to the penis and resulting in an erection. If used in combination with cardiac medications, it may cause a drop in blood pressure, so caution is advised. If you have erectile issues, you can visit a ur...[Read More] Can Viagra Cause High Blood Pressure in Patients with Adrenal Tumors?
Understanding Aortic Aneurysm and Atherosclerosis: Symptoms and Dietary Tips
Aortic dilation and atherosclerosis..? My mother's recent health check report indicated "aortic dilation and atherosclerosis." What does this signify? What symptoms might it present? What dietary and lifestyle considerations should be taken into account? Thank you ...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: The causes of aortic dilation and atherosclerosis include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and age. If atherosclerosis and aortic dilation are not severe, there are generally no symptoms. Aortic dilation and arteriosclerosis are phenomena of aging and can...[Read More] Understanding Aortic Aneurysm and Atherosclerosis: Symptoms and Dietary Tips
Understanding and Managing Mild Arrhythmia: When to Seek Treatment
Arrhythmia Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I underwent a pre-employment health check and was diagnosed with arrhythmia, with my heart rate being between 100 and 110 beats per minute. This heart rate was similar to what I experienced during my university health checks, and I initia...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: Based on your symptoms, it is likely caused by premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). PVCs are just a small part of arrhythmias. Generally, if the frequency of the arrhythmia is low or the duration is short, medication treatment or catheter ablation is not necessary, a...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Mild Arrhythmia: When to Seek Treatment
Understanding Aortic Regurgitation in Newborns: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment
Incomplete closure of heart valves in a 1.5-month-old newborn? 1. How does mitral valve insufficiency become more likely during pregnancy? 2. How long does it take to recover, what is the probability of recovery, and how can recovery be enhanced? 3. What is the difference bet...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: The causes of valvular insufficiency can be congenital, such as mitral valve prolapse, or acquired, such as infection, degeneration, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac enlargement. Once valvular insufficiency occurs, it does not revert to normal and tends to worsen with age....[Read More] Understanding Aortic Regurgitation in Newborns: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment
Understanding PVCs and Their Impact on Heart Health and Exercise
Arrhythmia Hello, Dr. Huang. I underwent catheter ablation for PSVT in July last year (2004), and the PSVT has not recurred. However, I later noticed that sometimes my heart would suddenly stop beating for a brief moment, then beat forcefully once before returning to a normal rhy...
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: Premature contractions are a phenomenon that most people experience, and they typically only cause irregular heartbeats or discomfort. They do not affect work, exercise, or life, as long as the frequency and duration of the premature contractions are not excessive. General...[Read More] Understanding PVCs and Their Impact on Heart Health and Exercise
Understanding Early Repolarization in the Heart: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Ventricular early repolarization What is ventricular early repolarization? What factors contribute to its occurrence? Are there any symptoms associated with it? What potential adverse effects can it have? How is it treated, or are there any medications that need to be taken?
Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology
Hello: The ventricles undergo depolarization and repolarization, with early repolarization of the ventricles primarily being a process of ventricular repolarization. This early repolarization can occur due to medications, myocardial ischemia, or electrolyte imbalances, leading to...[Read More] Understanding Early Repolarization in the Heart: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment