Communicating with Doctors: Heart and Lung Function Tests for Hypertension
Cardiopulmonary function tests and cardiovascular diseases? Dear Dr. Ke, I have been suffering from hypertension for many years, and in the past, I also had hyperlipidemia, arrhythmia, gastric ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, urinary tract infections, and ureteral stones. ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Shih Ping-Ming: Our hospital (Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health) has been offering a cardiology education clinic every Tuesday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM since January of the 90th year. Dr. Po Shih-Chun will be available for consultations to provide you with de...[Read More] Communicating with Doctors: Heart and Lung Function Tests for Hypertension
Understanding Hypertension: Concerns About Blood Pressure Variability and Medication Effects
Hypertension Hello Doctor: Regarding hypertension, I am currently taking LOPID CAPSULES 300MG (GEMFIBROZIL). Are there any side effects associated with this medication? Additionally, I have been troubled by a persistent issue where the blood pressure readings I take in the mornin...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Leo: A person's blood pressure can fluctuate due to time, weather, emotions, and activity levels. If blood pressure varies significantly and remains consistently high (measure blood pressure after resting for more than ten minutes), it is necessary to switch to long-ac...[Read More] Understanding Hypertension: Concerns About Blood Pressure Variability and Medication Effects
Do Heart Medications Cause Harm? Understanding Risks and Benefits
Do heart disease medications cause harm to the human body? Three months ago, I was diagnosed with arrhythmia by my doctor, who advised me to take medication long-term. I'm not sure if my heightened awareness of the arrhythmia is causing me to feel discomfort in my heart when...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Jane: The severity and types of arrhythmias vary, and so do the medications and treatment durations. Currently, antiarrhythmic medications are generally safe, but discontinuing them without medical advice can lead to unpredictable issues. It is essential to follow up with a...[Read More] Do Heart Medications Cause Harm? Understanding Risks and Benefits
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Relief Strategies
Chest tightness? Hello, Dr. Ke; I have been experiencing this symptom since the fifth or sixth grade. Whenever I am under stress, overly fatigued, or consume sugary drinks (e.g., cola, iced tea), I feel a sense of tightness in my chest (which can be painful at times) and nausea (...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiao Li: This symptom may be due to dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Therefore, in addition to avoiding the aforementioned beverages, coffee, and strong tea, fried foods should also be avoided. Eat until you are about 80% full, engage in more physical ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and Relief Strategies
Understanding Post-Exercise Fainting: Causes and Concerns
Post-exercise syncope Hello Doctor: This is the second time I have experienced these symptoms. The last time was six months ago after playing basketball. While resting on the sidelines (standing), I suddenly felt dizzy, and my heart had a sensation of "not being able to catc...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Wu Bozhang: Arrhythmia (tachycardia after exercise) can lead to a drop in blood pressure and dizziness. It is recommended that you warm up before exercising and avoid prolonged activity. Additionally, it is advisable to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) examination at...[Read More] Understanding Post-Exercise Fainting: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Heart Murmurs: Essential Tests and Evaluations
There is a heart murmur? What kind of examination should be performed if there is a heart murmur?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Please go to the cardiology department for a cardiac ultrasound examination.[Read More] Understanding Heart Murmurs: Essential Tests and Evaluations
Understanding Heart Disease in Diabetic Patients: Symptoms and Solutions
Cardiovascular diseases Dear Dr. Ke, My mother has heart-related issues and has undergone examinations at the hospital, but the exact cause remains undetermined. She has diabetes, which is being managed appropriately. However, doctors often focus on the diabetes aspect, which, w...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ms. Yang: 1. Your symptoms may indicate myocardial ischemia or inadequate cardiac output. Please visit the cardiology outpatient clinic for an electrocardiogram examination. 2. The pain and swelling in your right shoulder are likely related to joint or tendon issues. Please...[Read More] Understanding Heart Disease in Diabetic Patients: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Recovery Tips
Leukopenia I am an intern teacher in Taipei. Last Friday, I felt unwell, experiencing symptoms similar to a cold, dizziness, and fever. After taking medication for three days without improvement, I had a poor appetite and felt very weak. On the fourth day, I was hospitalized, and...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, A-Jing: Generally, viral infections may cause a temporary decrease in white blood cell count (which can last for one to two weeks). If subsequent monitoring shows recovery to above 4000, there should be no major concerns. However, if the count remains persistently low, it ...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Recovery Tips
Persistent Cough After Cold: Causes and Remedies for Relief
Coughing Dear Doctor: I am asking on behalf of my wife. She is 30 years old. Recently, she caught a cold and has already seen a doctor three times. Most of her other symptoms have improved, but her cough just won't go away. What are some ways to alleviate it? Additionally, w...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Jimmy: It is normal for a cough to persist for a period of time (1-2 weeks) after a cold due to airway sensitivity. However, if the symptoms continue, it is necessary to see a pulmonologist for further examination and treatment.[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: Causes and Remedies for Relief
Understanding Mild Tricuspid Valve Prolapse and Its Implications for Heart Health
Tricuspid valve prolapse with regurgitation? Hello Dr. Ke: Does "mild tricuspid valve prolapse" indicate that there is a significant structural heart disease? Additionally, if it is associated with "trivial tricuspid regurgitation," does that imply there is a ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Gibya: Mild (minor) tricuspid valve prolapse and regurgitation do not require any treatment if there are no symptoms. (No symptoms of dyspnea correspond to NYHA class I.)[Read More] Understanding Mild Tricuspid Valve Prolapse and Its Implications for Heart Health
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Care for Arrhythmia and Thyroid Issues
Chest pain I have a condition of arrhythmia, along with thyroid enlargement and colon polyposis. I often experience a sudden rapid heartbeat upon waking up without getting out of bed, but it gradually returns to normal shortly after. This started about a year ago. Occasionally, I...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, anxiety, insomnia, and chest pain. Please visit the endocrinology clinic for a detailed examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Care for Arrhythmia and Thyroid Issues
Understanding Unexplained Fevers: Potential Causes and Solutions
Fever I have been experiencing fevers of unknown origin since I returned to Taiwan about two years ago. It is quite bothersome, as they do not resemble the fevers typically associated with a cold. They occur so frequently that I have begun to wonder if there is something wrong wi...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
There are many diseases that can lead to fever of unknown origin. These require thorough investigation and treatment. Please visit our outpatient clinic for blood tests and evaluation of the fever.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fevers: Potential Causes and Solutions
Can Epilepsy Be Cured? Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Can epilepsy be cured? I suddenly experienced symptoms when I was in middle school, but my identical twin brother does not have this condition. Does this mean I really have this illness? I have consulted several traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and they all said that m...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiao Zhong: Your symptoms are suggestive of epilepsy (petit mal seizures). Please visit a neurology clinic for consultation and undergo an EEG (electroencephalogram) test. There are now effective medications available for treatment.[Read More] Can Epilepsy Be Cured? Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Do I Have Thalassemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Do I have thalassemia? Hello Doctor, Recently, I underwent a health examination for school admission, and the results of my blood tests were quite concerning (as follows): WBC: 5.91 RBC: 5.95 Hb: 11.4 Hct: 39.6 MCV: 66.55 MCH: 19.16 MCHC: 28.79 Platelet: 359.3 ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, little one: Your blood test report shows that your red blood cells are smaller than normal, indicating mild anemia. It is possible that you have either thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Further tests for serum iron levels and hemoglobin electrophoresis are necessary. ...[Read More] Do I Have Thalassemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Mitral valve prolapse I experience sharp pain in my chest, located slightly to the upper left between my breasts. The frequency of the pain varies; sometimes it occurs when I change positions or move my body. The episodes can last for two to three days and have persisted for six ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Mild mitral valve prolapse may not be discernible with a standard stethoscope. It is recommended to follow up at a cardiology clinic and arrange for an echocardiogram for a more accurate assessment.[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Back Pain and Chest Tightness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Back pain and chest tightness? Dr. Ke, I have some questions to ask you: Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms such as nasal allergies, cold, and cough. Even after taking medication, I still feel unwell, with persistent dizziness, tightness in my neck, muscle stiffness and ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Lisa: Chronic hypertension and hyperlipidemia require long-term adherence to medication and regular outpatient follow-up for blood pressure monitoring and blood tests. If symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection occur, such as cough, dizziness, runny nose, and muscl...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain and Chest Tightness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Heart Enlargement: Causes, Effects, and Lifestyle Tips
What is cardiomegaly? Hello, Dr. Ke. I am 24 years old. Recently, during my company's annual health check-up, all the results came back normal, meaning that all the values were within the normal range without any elevated or decreased readings. However, the chest X-ray repor...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiao Wei: Young individuals with an enlarged heart generally require a thorough examination. Please follow up with a cardiology outpatient clinic for further evaluation, as it may also be normal. (Chest imaging is not entirely definitive.)[Read More] Understanding Heart Enlargement: Causes, Effects, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding White Sticky Stool: Causes and Black-Yellow Variations
Feces I have a whitish, viscous substance in my stool, and I'm not sure what it is. Why does my stool sometimes appear to have a mix of black and yellow colors?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ada: The color of stool can vary depending on food and digestion. A change to black may indicate the presence of iron, which can result from taking iron supplements, hemorrhoids, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, please follow up with a gastroenterologist for further...[Read More] Understanding White Sticky Stool: Causes and Black-Yellow Variations
Understanding Normal Blood Pressure: What Are the Standard Values?
Blood pressure Normal blood pressure is generally defined as a systolic pressure (the top number) of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of less than 80 mmHg. Based on the values you provided, with a systolic pressure of approximately 96 mmHg and a dia...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Zoe: Blood pressure includes systolic and diastolic pressure. The normal range for systolic pressure varies by gender and age, approximately 90-140 mmHg, while diastolic pressure ranges from 50-90 mmHg. Generally, young women tend to have lower blood pressure, as long as th...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Pressure: What Are the Standard Values?
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Chest pain? I experience sharp pain in my chest, located slightly to the upper left between my breasts. The frequency of the pain varies; sometimes it occurs when I change positions or move my body. The episodes can last for two to three days and have been ongoing for six years w...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Emma: If the chest X-ray and electrocardiogram are normal, the most likely conditions are neuralgia or mitral valve prolapse. Please visit a cardiologist for examination and treatment (echocardiogram).[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions