Understanding Drug Reactions: Why Are My Palms Turning Purple?
Drug allergy? Hello Dr. Lee: I have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and mild regurgitation of both the mitral and tricuspid valves. I have been prescribed the following medications: *Tenormin 50 mg, once daily, half a tablet each time; *Relifex 500 mg, twice daily, one ...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
I apologize for the late response! How long after starting these medications did you experience the side effects? Generally, these medications are commonly used and such side effects are rarely reported. I recommend monitoring the situation. If the side effects persist and are co...[Read More] Understanding Drug Reactions: Why Are My Palms Turning Purple?
Improving Low HDL and Managing High Cholesterol Through Diet
High cholesterol Hello Dr. Lee: My father is 57 years old, and during his health check-up, it was found that he has high cholesterol levels—specifically, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Additionally, his trigl...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
Do you know your father's cholesterol levels? If only the cholesterol is elevated while the triglycerides are normal or below normal, it is referred to as pure hypercholesterolemia. If HDL is low, there is a potential risk for vascular hardening. Management can be divided in...[Read More] Improving Low HDL and Managing High Cholesterol Through Diet
Understanding Aneurysms in the Coronary Arteries: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Arterial aneurysm Hello Dr. Li: My uncle is 69 years old and has been diagnosed with a vascular aneurysm located in the heart (specifically on the coronary artery), with a history of two ruptures (which he was unaware of). He has been hospitalized for two days, and the doctors ha...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
I'm not sure where your uncle's vascular tumor is located. Based on your description, there have been two recorded ruptures, but there is no mention of a myocardial infarction, and the patient's overall condition seems stable, which is less indicative of a coronary...[Read More] Understanding Aneurysms in the Coronary Arteries: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Understanding Chest Tightness and Rib Pain After an Accident
Chest tightness and rib pain? Hello, doctor. A few months ago, I was involved in a car accident that caused a chest impact, but I did not feel any pain at the time. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent chest tightness and pain below the left rib cage, which becomes more pr...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
If there are no obvious discomforts within a week after the car accident, then the recent chest tightness and pain under the left rib cage are likely to be significantly less related to the accident. Additionally, since you have noticed that the symptoms are more pronounced after...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Rib Pain After an Accident
Understanding Your Arrhythmia: Insights on Heart Health and Treatment
Heart disease What type of arrhythmia do I have? I have previously experienced shortness of breath and sought medical attention. I am currently managing it with medication, but since I was not treated by a cardiologist and considering the seriousness of heart disease, I would lik...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
"Arrhythmia" may not require treatment in mild cases, but severe cases can lead to hemodynamic abnormalities, which may necessitate the use of medications, catheter ablation, or pacemakers, depending on the type of arrhythmia. I apologize, but based on the information y...[Read More] Understanding Your Arrhythmia: Insights on Heart Health and Treatment
Is Arrhythmia a Serious Heart Condition? Safety of Surgical Treatments Explained
Arrhythmia can be considered a serious heart condition in the context of heart disease? Arrhythmia can indeed be a serious heart condition in the context of heart disease. Recently, I came across reports indicating that arrhythmias can be treated through surgical procedures. What...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
"Arrhythmia" is a broad topic that can be generally divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological arrhythmias are usually benign; however, pathological arrhythmias require treatment based on the individual's symptoms and hemodynamic stability. It...[Read More] Is Arrhythmia a Serious Heart Condition? Safety of Surgical Treatments Explained
Understanding Palpitations: Is It Ventricular Premature Contraction?
Palpitations Hello Dr. Lee: I previously consulted you about my palpitations and took your advice to record the occurrence times and seek medical attention. Thank you for your guidance. I have been experiencing irregular heartbeats for about a year, and in the past couple of mont...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
If your palpitations are clearly reflected as abnormalities on the electrocardiogram (ECG), and the frequency can reach over 2000 times a day, along with associated discomfort symptoms, this indicates a condition that requires treatment. Since I cannot see your ECG records, I can...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations: Is It Ventricular Premature Contraction?
Understanding Spleen Inflammation: Symptoms, Causes, and Care Tips
Questions about splenitis? Hello, Doctor: I have had stomach pain since I was young, and doctors have diagnosed me with chronic gastritis. Whenever I experience stomach pain, I take antacids. Recently, the frequency of my stomach pain has increased, and it has been severe enough ...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
I think you may have misheard; it should be pancreatitis rather than splenitis. The spleen is located on the left side of the body, towards the back, above the left kidney. It does not have sensory nerves, so it does not produce sensations; clinically, there are very few cases of...[Read More] Understanding Spleen Inflammation: Symptoms, Causes, and Care Tips
Understanding Cardiac Catheterization: Purpose, Risks, and What to Expect
Cardiac catheterization Hello Dr. Lee: I went for a check-up for heart disease, and in addition to an electrocardiogram and cardiac imaging, the doctor is now requesting that I be hospitalized for a cardiac catheterization. What is cardiac catheterization? Why is this test necess...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
In simple terms, cardiac catheterization or cardiac catheter therapy refers to the procedure of inserting a thin tube through the skin and into the blood vessels to reach the heart for further examination, evaluation, or treatment. From your description, it is understood that you...[Read More] Understanding Cardiac Catheterization: Purpose, Risks, and What to Expect
Does Zyloric Cause Kidney Stones in Gout Patients with High Uric Acid?
Zyloric Due to high uric acid levels and gout, the doctor prescribed Zyloric as a uric acid-lowering medication. Will taking Zyloric lead to the formation of kidney stones?
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
Elevated uric acid levels can easily trigger acute gout attacks and may lead to the deposition of uric acid in joint cavities, subcutaneous tissues, and the kidneys over time, resulting in what is known as "gouty tophi." Zyloric is used to inhibit the excessive producti...[Read More] Does Zyloric Cause Kidney Stones in Gout Patients with High Uric Acid?
Understanding Heart Issues: Risks and Considerations for Pacemaker Implantation
Cardiac issues Hello Dr. Lee! I often feel a tightness in my chest and have difficulty breathing. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor believes I have myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia. The doctor suggested that I get a pacemaker. Given my age, is there any ...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
Implanting a cardiac pacemaker is a very serious and significant recommendation, and this procedure is carried out through the collaboration of a team of cardiology specialists. Therefore, when you are advised to have a pacemaker implanted, you can trust that your physician has c...[Read More] Understanding Heart Issues: Risks and Considerations for Pacemaker Implantation
Understanding Allergic Hepatitis: Causes and Treatment Options
What is allergic hepatitis? What is allergic hepatitis, doctor? I’ve heard that the causes are quite complex; how is it treated?
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
The correct term should be "autoimmune hepatitis." Its etiology is relatively complex and is often considered only after excluding various types of hepatitis, such as viral and drug-induced hepatitis. The incidence is approximately 3 to 5 cases per 10,000 individuals. C...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Hepatitis: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver and Pancreas Issues: Interpreting Blood Test Results
Please ask questions related to the liver and pancreas? The individual has a relative with the following blood and biochemical reports: Biochemical tests: - G.O.T (AST): 444 - G.P.T (ALT): 533 - Total Protein: 7.4 - Albumin: 3.6 - Globulin: 3.8 - A/G Ratio: 0.9 - Alpha-Fetoprot...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
The GOP and GPT (liver enzyme) levels are elevated above 400, and the hepatitis C virus antibody test is positive (Anti-HCV(+)). The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is significantly above 40, and the A/G ratio is less than 1. These findings indicate that the patient is suffering fr...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Pancreas Issues: Interpreting Blood Test Results
Health Check Report: Key Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Health Screening Report Dr. Li: Hello, I had a health check-up last month, and the physician's overall assessment is as follows. Should I go for a follow-up at the hospital? Are there any specific concerns I should pay attention to? 1. Mild fatty liver, liver cysts, and gall...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
The recommendations are as follows: 1. For mild fatty liver, liver cysts, and gallbladder polyps, an ultrasound follow-up once a year is sufficient. 2. Schedule a repeat blood cell count for comparison; if abnormalities are confirmed, consult a hematologist for clarification. 3. ...[Read More] Health Check Report: Key Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
What to Do If Your HBsAg Test Is Positive: A Guide for Families
HBsAg (Hepatitis The health check results from a month ago showed a positive reaction for HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen). My mother is also a carrier of Hepatitis B. What should I be aware of?
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
A positive HBsAg test indicates that you have been infected with the hepatitis B virus, and your mother is no exception. Next, you should test your liver enzyme levels, specifically ALT (GPT) and AST (GOT), to check for the presence of active hepatitis. If the values are within t...[Read More] What to Do If Your HBsAg Test Is Positive: A Guide for Families
Understanding Palpitations: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
What is palpitations? Hello Dr. Lee, I have read some reports about palpitations in the newspaper, but they weren't very in-depth, so I'm not quite sure if my situation qualifies as palpitations. Recently, I often feel discomfort in my heart, seemingly due to sudden inc...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
What you are describing is known as "palpitations." Generally speaking, our heartbeats are a natural occurrence, so unless you consciously pay attention to it, you typically won't feel your heart beating. However, when a person becomes aware of their heartbeat, it ...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Right Atrial Enlargement and Right Axis Deviation in ECG
Electrocardiogram Issues I would like to ask a question regarding a previous electrocardiogram (ECG) I had at a public hospital. The report includes the following findings: RT. ATRIAL ENLARGEMENT (RAE) (33/3102) RIGHT AXIS DEVIATION (RAD) (-/ENTER). What does the "data"...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
RAE indicates right atrial enlargement, while RAD refers to right axis deviation of the cardiac vector axis. Generally speaking, these findings are for reference or research purposes and do not hold significant clinical meaning, as patients typically do not exhibit symptoms. As f...[Read More] Understanding Right Atrial Enlargement and Right Axis Deviation in ECG
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse and Its Impact on Heart Function
Mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation? Does "mitral valve prolapse" indicate a significant cardiac pathology? Additionally, if there is "mild regurgitation," does that suggest a "mild functional impairment" of the heart?
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
Mitral valve prolapse is a type of "structural heart disease." Mild "regurgitation" indicates a slight functional impairment, but the hemodynamics of the heart may not necessarily be abnormal, so there may not be any clinical symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse and Its Impact on Heart Function
Managing Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Next Steps
Could you please provide more details about the heart-related issues you would like to discuss with Dr. Lee? Hello Dr. Lee: I have a problem with mitral valve prolapse. Since October 3rd, I have been feeling unwell, experiencing dizziness that persists. When I feel dizzy, I often...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
There have been other individuals who have experienced mitral valve prolapse similar to yours (though not necessarily to the same degree) who have asked related questions. Most patients do not have bothersome symptoms, but some, like you, may experience discomfort that interferes...[Read More] Managing Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Causes, Implications, and Next Steps
The GPT index is too high? I had a health check-up at the health center, and my GPT (ALT) level was as high as 90. What does this mean? How is this index calculated? What could be causing this phenomenon? What should I do? What kind of tests should I undergo? Please reply promptl...
Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine
GPT and GOT are enzymes, translated as transaminases. Under normal circumstances, they are present in organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. However, both are commonly indicative of liver inflammation, which is why we refer to them as "hepatitis indices." Normall...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Causes, Implications, and Next Steps