Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Atrial fibrillation Hello, doctor. I previously had an electrocardiogram (ECG) screening at school, and the results indicated that I have atrial fibrillation. What does this condition mean? Additionally, I have a history of chest pain, although it doesn't occur very often. I...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: A 17-year-old female rarely has issues with atrial fibrillation, as this arrhythmia is more commonly seen in older individuals. In young people, it is important to rule out certain underlying causes such as thyroid dysfunction, drug use, or organic heart disease. It is rec...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Is My Heart Palpitations a Sign of Arrhythmia?
Is this a complication of arrhythmia? Hello Doctor: A year and a half ago, I underwent an echocardiogram at your hospital, which diagnosed me with mitral valve regurgitation (I can't remember if there was also prolapse). I often experience palpitations, chest tightness, and ...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: Based on your description, it does seem to be an arrhythmia; however, it is not uncommon for healthy individuals to experience occasional arrhythmias, especially during times of increased stress or when consuming stimulating foods. I recommend improving your lifestyle habi...[Read More] Is My Heart Palpitations a Sign of Arrhythmia?
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
The heart is beating very strongly? Hello Doctor: My symptoms started about 3-4 months ago with a feeling of chest tightness, which I did not have before. I later went for an examination and found that I have mitral valve prolapse and an atrial septal defect (ASD). For the past m...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: Having ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) at the age of 28 without significant heart failure symptoms suggests that your ASD is likely not very large. However, for safety's sake, it is advisable to visit a major hospital for a cardiac ultrasound to confirm this further. The s...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Can Myocarditis Recur? Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Will myocarditis recur? Hello Dr. Lin, two years ago in March, I suffered from myocarditis. Now, exactly two years have passed. After spending a week in the hospital, I recovered from myocarditis without any medication, but there was assistance from specialists to help me with so...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: The probability of developing myocarditis is already quite low, and the chance of recurrence is even lower. Your current symptoms are not indicative of a recurrence of myocarditis. Symptoms such as back pain and arm pain are not related to the heart. It is uncertain what m...[Read More] Can Myocarditis Recur? Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Understanding Arrhythmia: From Chest Pain to Weakness and Breathlessness
Arrhythmia Hello Dr. Lin: At the age of 18, I experienced chest pain and difficulty breathing, and after examination, the doctor diagnosed me with mitral valve prolapse and arrhythmia. Previously, my episodes were characterized by tightness in the chest, pain, and difficulty brea...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: Diagnosing arrhythmias is relatively straightforward; it can be confirmed by performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) during an episode. If arrhythmia is present, the diagnosis can be established immediately. The symptoms you mentioned can occur with arrhythmias, but if the E...[Read More] Understanding Arrhythmia: From Chest Pain to Weakness and Breathlessness
Chest Tightness and Diarrhea: Could It Indicate a Heart Attack?
Chest tightness and diarrhea? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about a news report I came across stating that "chest tightness and diarrhea may indicate a myocardial infarction." I have noticed that I experience similar symptoms. Occasionally, I feel a tightness in...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: Myocardial infarction can present with abdominal symptoms, typically due to excessive stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system caused by inferior wall infarction. The primary symptoms are usually nausea and vomiting, while diarrhea is less common and more frequent...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Diarrhea: Could It Indicate a Heart Attack?
Exploring Treatment Options for Aplastic Anemia: Beyond Transplants and Chemotherapy
Aplastic anemia Hello, Doctor: May I ask what treatment methods are available for aplastic anemia? Currently, I know of two therapies: bone marrow transplantation and chemotherapy. Are there any other treatment options? Additionally, can umbilical cord blood be used to treat this...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: This type of issue falls under hematology; however, for aplastic anemia, it is essential to first determine the underlying cause. If there is an autoimmune component, corticosteroids may be administered, and hormonal therapy can also be considered. The definitive treatment...[Read More] Exploring Treatment Options for Aplastic Anemia: Beyond Transplants and Chemotherapy
Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax and Mitral Valve Prolapse Connections
Pneumothorax, hemothorax, and mitral valve prolapse? Dear Doctor: In the past, I was hospitalized for spontaneous pneumothorax and underwent tube thoracostomy. Two years later, during treatment for a recurrence, the physician used a syringe for drainage. I would like to ask: 1. I...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. The correlation between the two conditions is not very strong; however, both are commonly seen in tall, slender patients, which suggests a possible issue with connective tissue. 2. Theoretically, using a fine needle for drainage should cau...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Pneumothorax and Mitral Valve Prolapse Connections
Understanding Nighttime Chest Tightness: Is It a Heart Issue?
Frequently waking up at night with chest tightness? Hello Doctor: I am a 30-year-old woman. In recent years, I often experience difficulty breathing, chest tightness, a feeling of pressure in my head, and a sensation of heat throughout my body about three to four hours after fall...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: Similar issues are quite common in outpatient clinics. After a simple cardiac examination to rule out other diseases, it can be confirmed as autonomic nervous system dysfunction. In the short term, this condition does not pose a life-threatening risk. Beta-blockers can be ...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Chest Tightness: Is It a Heart Issue?
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Neuromuscular or Cardiovascular?
Cardiac discomfort and pain? Hello, due to some distressing events in recent years, I have been experiencing significant emotional pain, which has led to multiple tender points from the center of my chest to my left shoulder (around five or six points). I often feel a dull ache a...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: There are many possible diagnoses for chest tightness and chest pain. Sometimes, serious chest pain issues can present with mild symptoms. Since you have a long trip ahead, it is advisable to visit a hospital for an examination. It would be more appropriate to determine th...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Neuromuscular or Cardiovascular?
Understanding Palpitations: The Link Between Tricuspid Valve Prolapse and Panic Disorder
Palpitations Dear Dr. Lin, Two to three years ago, I sought medical attention for palpitations, but doctors from Tzu Chi, Veterans General Hospital, and Christian Hospital all insisted that my heart was fine (I underwent an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and thyroid function...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: Panic disorder and mitral valve prolapse are two distinct conditions, but they can both affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to very similar clinical presentations. Individuals with panic disorder do not necessarily have mitral valve prolapse, but it is possible to...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations: The Link Between Tricuspid Valve Prolapse and Panic Disorder
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Increased heart rate? Sometimes my heart beats particularly fast (briefly), and this feeling is quite frightening. I often feel a heaviness in my chest, and previously I would experience sharp pains. After exercising, I feel dizzy and have an irregular heartbeat. Is this related ...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: Based on the information you provided, an objective diagnosis cannot be made. A fast heartbeat is a sensation. Accurate data (such as the number of beats per minute or whether the rhythm is regular) is needed to make a precise differential diagnosis. I recommend that you v...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Severe Mitral Valve Issues and Moderate Tricuspid Valve Dysfunction Explained
Severe mitral valve regurgitation and moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation? Dear Dr. Lin, Thank you for your enthusiastic response; I truly appreciate it. This week, I visited the cardiothoracic surgeon and underwent an echocardiogram. The doctor mentioned that my heart functi...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: The rupture of the chordae tendineae of the mitral valve has caused significant regurgitation, and spontaneous recovery is unlikely. Additionally, given the presence of symptoms and the gradual enlargement of the heart, I believe that valve repair or replacement would be a...[Read More] Severe Mitral Valve Issues and Moderate Tricuspid Valve Dysfunction Explained
Navigating Heart Valve Issues After Endocarditis: Treatment Options Explained
Endocarditis Hello Dr. Lin, Last month, I developed infective endocarditis due to a green streptococcal infection, which my doctor said was triggered by a dental procedure. This led to pulmonary edema, and I underwent four weeks of antibiotic treatment and have since been discha...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: Endocarditis is primarily a condition treated by internal medicine, with surgery required only in a few specific situations. During the acute phase, surgery may be necessary if there is heart failure, large bacterial vegetations, poor response to medication, septic emboli,...[Read More] Navigating Heart Valve Issues After Endocarditis: Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse with Regurgitation: Key Concerns and Care
Mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation? Hello Dr. Lin, last week I had a heart examination at Lixin Hospital in Zhongli, and the doctor diagnosed me with "mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation." It seems that mitral valve prolapse is quite common, but the doctor me...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Mitral valve prolapse refers to the condition where the mitral valve of the heart is pushed towards the left atrium during contraction. The characteristic of this condition is the presence of autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which may include symptoms such as chest tightne...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse with Regurgitation: Key Concerns and Care
Understanding Chest and Back Pain in Children: When to Seek Help
Occasional chest pain? Hello Dr. Lin: I apologize for interrupting your valuable time! I would like to ask you about my son, who is currently in the second grade of elementary school. He sometimes complains of chest pain (not necessarily related to physical activity) and frequent...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
There are many causes of chest pain, and it is not always related to heart issues. Generally, a thorough physical examination, along with necessary tests such as a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), or echocardiogram, can help determine the underlying cause. Wishing you a spee...[Read More] Understanding Chest and Back Pain in Children: When to Seek Help
Understanding Propranolol: Side Effects and Heart Palpitations Management
Medication issues Hello, Doctor: I have had half of my thyroid removed, and when my doctor prescribed medication for me, in addition to my thyroid medication, they also prescribed Propranolol 10mg. I was told to take it when I experience palpitations from the thyroid medication. ...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: Propranolol is a relatively mild medication, but caution should be exercised when used in individuals with asthma. A daily dose of one pill is quite low, and if taken in the morning, its effects will have worn off by the evening. Therefore, you should consider increasing t...[Read More] Understanding Propranolol: Side Effects and Heart Palpitations Management
Understanding Chest Pain: When Emotions Trigger Heart Issues
Pain..? I have previously experienced chest pain, but recently it has become particularly severe. It hurts a lot when I laugh joyfully or when I'm angry! Sometimes it even hurts to the point where I have difficulty breathing. Could this condition be serious?
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, some of which are serious while others are not. I recommend that you visit a cardiologist for an examination in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When Emotions Trigger Heart Issues
Should You Get Renal Artery Imaging for High Blood Pressure?
Should I undergo this examination? Recently, due to high blood pressure issues, I went to the hospital for an examination. After reviewing the blood test results, the doctor recommended proceeding directly with renal artery angiography. Can blood tests determine if high blood pre...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello, blood tests can assist in diagnosis. However, to obtain a definitive diagnosis, vascular imaging is necessary. If you have concerns, you may also consider less invasive tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, vascular imaging not only provides diagnostic i...[Read More] Should You Get Renal Artery Imaging for High Blood Pressure?
Understanding Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Seeking Support for Rare Diseases
Dilated cardiomyopathy My 4-year-old daughter has dilated cardiomyopathy and is currently hospitalized. The doctor informed me that very few people are diagnosed with this condition, classifying it as a rare disease. My questions are: 1) Why hasn't the Department of Health i...
Dr. Lin Liangyu reply Cardiology
Hello, regarding your first question, I am not sure why. As for assistance, you can try applying for disability benefits or major illness subsidies. Please consult your attending physician to see if you meet the relevant criteria. You can also inquire at your local health bureau ...[Read More] Understanding Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Seeking Support for Rare Diseases