Understanding Renal Denervation: A Potential Solution for Uncontrolled Hypertension
Regarding renal denervation (RDN) for hypertension? Hello Doctor, my mother is 56 years old and is obese with a history of hypertension that has been treated for many years. Currently, her hypertension medication has been unstable, with episodes of tachycardia, elevated blood pre...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello Winnie: The causes of hypertension are believed by the academic community to involve three main physiological mechanisms: excessive sympathetic nervous system activation, salt/water retention, and the renin-angiotensin system. Antihypertensive medications target these mecha...[Read More] Understanding Renal Denervation: A Potential Solution for Uncontrolled Hypertension
Adjusting Blood Pressure Medications: Timing and Effectiveness Explained
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, Dr. Huang. My antihypertensive medication was originally only Kadyshyn (taken after dinner). However, the doctor mentioned that maintaining a blood pressure of 130-145 in the long term is not ideal, so they added Koyun (half a...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello Mr. Chang: In recent years, research on blood pressure treatment has consistently pointed towards achieving lower blood pressure targets, which can help reduce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks and delay the progression of kidney disease. This year, the guidelines fo...[Read More] Adjusting Blood Pressure Medications: Timing and Effectiveness Explained
Understanding Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Treatment Options and Success Rates
Acute Pulmonary Embolism During my hospitalization, I received the first medication that was supposed to be administered for five days, but it was completely ineffective for me. Later, I opted for a catheter, but the doctor said my right leg was filled with blood clots and remain...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: Surgical intervention for pulmonary embolism typically involves thoracotomy in more urgent situations, such as cardiogenic shock. Although the procedure is not difficult for cardiac surgeons, the severity of the patient's condition in emergency settings has led to a r...[Read More] Understanding Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Treatment Options and Success Rates
Post-Ablation Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding Complications and Treatments
Atrial Fibrillation - Post-Cryoablation Procedure My father underwent a cryoablation procedure on Tuesday, May 17, and has been experiencing irregular heartbeats post-surgery. The frequency of these irregularities is quite high, and he has not been discharged yet. On the morning ...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: It is quite common for patients to experience recurrent atrial arrhythmias within three months after catheter-based cryoablation for atrial fibrillation, with an incidence of about 40%. This is generally believed to be related to the inflammatory response of the atrial tis...[Read More] Post-Ablation Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding Complications and Treatments
Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scan Results in Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease, seeking advice on the results of a cardiac nuclear scan? Examination Item: Tl-201 Myocardial Perfusion Scan 1. Stress Imaging: The stress imaging following intravenous infusion of dipyridamole and the post-dipyridamole SPECT images revealed moderate hypo...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: The nuclear medicine examination shows moderate myocardial perfusion reduction, and the exercise electrocardiogram is also positive, indicating a certain degree of myocardial hypoxia, commonly associated with coronary artery stenosis (but these two tests cannot definitivel...[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scan Results in Coronary Artery Disease
Understanding Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Acute Pulmonary Embolism Routine chest CT without/with contrast enhancement revealed: 1. Obvious filling defects in bilateral pulmonary arteries (main trunks and their branches) with dilated right atrium/right ventricle noted. 2. No evident pleural effusion or pulmonary nodular l...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: The CT scan report indicates a significant pulmonary embolism, which is a condition where a blood clot obstructs the pulmonary artery, affecting blood circulation. Common symptoms include chest tightness and shortness of breath. The standard treatment involves hospitalizat...[Read More] Understanding Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Low MCV: Is It Iron Deficiency or Thalassemia?
The MCV is decreasing? Recently, I have been frequently visiting the emergency room and cardiology outpatient clinic due to heart issues, but no problems have been identified. Later, it was confirmed at the psychosomatic clinic that I have panic disorder. Below are the blood test...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: Low hemoglobin levels are referred to as anemia. MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) is the average volume of red blood cells. Anemia combined with low MCV indicates microcytic anemia, which is commonly associated with two conditions: iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. Thala...[Read More] Understanding Low MCV: Is It Iron Deficiency or Thalassemia?
Do You Really Need a Pacemaker After an 8.4-Second Heart Pause?
Is it necessary to immediately implant a cardiac pacemaker? On January 11, 2022, I had a two-week ePatch monitoring report that showed my heart stopped for 8.4 seconds. The doctor recommended that I get a pacemaker, but do I really need to have it implanted after just one test? I...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: The detection of a cardiac arrest lasting 8.4 seconds indicates a problem with the heart's rhythm mechanism. Common causes include aging or ischemic heart disease, and sometimes it can be influenced by medications or electrolyte imbalances. Unless a temporary and trea...[Read More] Do You Really Need a Pacemaker After an 8.4-Second Heart Pause?
Two Key Concerns About Pacemakers: Evaluation and Alternatives
Two issues related to cardiac pacemakers? Hello Dr. Huang, my family member has a pacemaker which has caused tricuspid regurgitation. The surgeon mentioned that observation and further tests are needed to assess whether surgery or other interventions are necessary. However, there...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello Mr. Wang: 1. The reason for the implantation of a permanent cardiac pacemaker is due to the discovery of bradycardia with risks of syncope or sudden cardiac death, or directly due to symptoms of syncope determined to be caused by bradycardia, and the underlying cause of t...[Read More] Two Key Concerns About Pacemakers: Evaluation and Alternatives
Do You Need to Take Atorvastatin for Life? Understanding Cholesterol Management
Do cholesterol-lowering medications like Atorvastatin need to be taken for a lifetime? Hello, Doctor. I have mild mitral valve prolapse and hyperlipidemia, and my family has a history of high cholesterol. My most recent tests (three months ago) showed low-density lipoprotein (LDL...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello James: Numerous large-scale studies on lipid-lowering have indicated that a reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 40 mg/dL can decrease cardiovascular risk (such as stroke and myocardial infarction) by approximately 20%. Therefore, current international ...[Read More] Do You Need to Take Atorvastatin for Life? Understanding Cholesterol Management
Post-Vaccine Heart Palpitations: Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Hello, Doctor Huang! I have a few questions for you, and I appreciate your time in answering them: Three weeks ago, I received my second dose of the BNT vaccine. A week later, I suddenly experienced palpitations in the morning, which improved ...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: A thorough examination is necessary to determine the cause of your condition, and I cannot provide you with a definitive diagnosis at this time. It is advisable to visit a cardiology outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Post-Vaccine Heart Palpitations: Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Are Visible Blood Vessels a Side Effect of Taking Birth Control Pills?
Vascular prominence? Hello Doctor: I started taking Diane contraceptive pills recently, which contain Cyproterone 2mg and Ethinylestradiol 0.035mg. After a few days, I noticed that my blood vessels have become more prominent all over my body (in my neck, arms, feet, calves, thigh...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: Hormonal contraceptives can increase the risk of thromboembolic diseases. However, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made based solely on your description without an examination, as allergies are also a possibility. Additionally, these symptoms may not necessarily be relate...[Read More] Are Visible Blood Vessels a Side Effect of Taking Birth Control Pills?
Understanding Echocardiogram Reports: Mitral Valve Prolapse and Pulmonary Hypertension
Interpretation of Echocardiogram Report Hello, I would like to ask about the report after my examination, where the doctor informed me of mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation. However, the report from the health insurance app indicates a possibility of pulmonary hypertension, ...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: Echocardiography can only provide a rough estimate of pulmonary artery pressure. To confirm a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, a right heart catheterization is necessary. Moderate mitral and tricuspid regurgitation may also require further investigation to determine th...[Read More] Understanding Echocardiogram Reports: Mitral Valve Prolapse and Pulmonary Hypertension
Post-Procedure Concerns: Ventricular Premature Contractions and Ablation
Catheter ablation for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)? Hello: I had radiofrequency ablation at Taichung Veterans General Hospital a week ago, and since the surgery, I still have not seen any improvement in my chest tightness and pain. The doctor initially mentioned that...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: A pacemaker is used for bradycardia, while a defibrillator is utilized for ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular premature contractions do not require a pacemaker or defibrillator. It is normal to experience some discomfort in the chest after radiofrequency ablation; howev...[Read More] Post-Procedure Concerns: Ventricular Premature Contractions and Ablation
Post-Ablation Chest Discomfort: Is Energy Drink Consumption Safe?
Radiofrequency ablation for premature ventricular contractions? I just underwent radiofrequency ablation, and I'm still experiencing some chest discomfort. However, the doctor mentioned that it's normal to have such discomfort after the procedure and that it will gradua...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: Atrial/ventricular premature contractions may occur, but other heart diseases are unlikely. If the symptoms persist, please return for an evaluation![Read More] Post-Ablation Chest Discomfort: Is Energy Drink Consumption Safe?
Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scan Results: A Guide for Patients
Stress and Redistribution Myocardial Perfusion Scan Report Results Dr. Huang: Hello! My mother is 70 years old and has low blood pressure (approximately 100+/60-70 mmHg; this has been her baseline). She has a history of hypercholesterolemia (most recent lab report on 9/30: total ...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: "Stress and Redistribution Myocardial Perfusion Imaging" is a type of nuclear medicine examination that uses radioactive tracers to assess blood flow to the heart muscle, allowing for a rough determination of regional perfusion deficits in the myocardium. Your mo...[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scan Results: A Guide for Patients
Can You Drink Coffee or Energy Drinks After Heart Rhythm Surgery?
Arrhythmia After undergoing catheter ablation for arrhythmia, is it safe to consume coffee or energy drinks? Will daily consumption increase the likelihood of recurrence?
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: These beverages do not have specific contraindications, but they can increase sympathetic nervous system activity, which may trigger palpitations or arrhythmias in some individuals. Although there is no direct relation to recurrence after electrocautery, it is advisable to...[Read More] Can You Drink Coffee or Energy Drinks After Heart Rhythm Surgery?
Post-Exercise Arrhythmia in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Arrhythmia after exercise As a dialysis patient, I often experience palpitations. After undergoing an examination by a cardiologist, I was diagnosed with atrial premature contractions and prescribed rhythm control medication along with anti-anxiety medication. After exercising, I...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: During the dialysis process, a large volume of blood is drawn out of the body and returned after dialysis, which can activate the sympathetic nervous system and lead to arrhythmias or fluctuations in blood pressure. Exercise, stress, or emotional changes can increase the o...[Read More] Post-Exercise Arrhythmia in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Understanding Dizziness and Fatigue: Insights from Cardiovascular Health
Dizziness and fatigue? Hello, doctor. A few years ago, I experienced shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting, which led me to undergo an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and tests for epilepsy and hyperthyroidism. The doctor diagnosed me with tricuspid regurgitation, but s...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: Given your age, unless you have a congenital heart condition, there shouldn't be any significant issues with your heart. Based on what you've described, it seems that you have undergone all the important examinations, and your symptoms may be related to autonomic...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Fatigue: Insights from Cardiovascular Health
Post-Ablation Symptoms: Understanding New Heart Rhythm Issues
New symptoms after electrocautery? Hello Doctor, I underwent catheter ablation surgery for Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome last November. During the procedure, it was discovered that there were bundles of Kent on both the left and right sides of the heart, which resulted in ...
Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: Ectopic atrial rhythm and VPCs are likely unrelated to the surgery. Chest pain symptoms can have various causes that need to be investigated. Three months after radiofrequency ablation, myocardial repair is more stable. If arrhythmias recur, you may consider undergoing ano...[Read More] Post-Ablation Symptoms: Understanding New Heart Rhythm Issues