Understanding Second-Degree AV Block: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Atrioventricular (AV) block In 2004, during my military service medical examination, I was diagnosed with second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, Mobitz type II, intermittently. At the end of 2005, I underwent a cardiac catheterization, and the doctor stated that my heart was ...
Dr. Lin Yongguo reply Cardiology
To KEN / 25 / 0:1. Second-degree atrioventricular block, Mobitz type II, intermittent. A cardiac catheterization was performed at the end of 1994, and the doctor stated that the heart is healthy with no issues, indicating a conduction disturbance. Generally speaking, Mobitz type ...[Read More] Understanding Second-Degree AV Block: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Can Ginkgo Biloba Be Taken with Aspirin for Heart Health?
Can the same person take ginkgo biloba and aspirin? My mother is seventy-five years old and has hypertension and diabetes. The doctor has prescribed her a daily dose of aspirin every morning. Can I give her ginkgo biloba supplements? I have heard that ginkgo should not be taken s...
Dr. Lin Yongguo reply Cardiology
To Vicky: A 75-year-old female patient with hypertension and diabetes. The focus of care should be on controlling blood pressure and diabetes. Administering one aspirin daily in the morning is a reasonable preventive treatment, aiming to reduce the risk of stroke or cardiovascula...[Read More] Can Ginkgo Biloba Be Taken with Aspirin for Heart Health?
Understanding Low Blood Oxygen Levels: Risks and Recovery Strategies
What is low blood oxygen saturation? Is it dangerous? Hello! I have had mitral valve prolapse and ischemic heart disease for about seven or eight years. A few days ago, I suddenly had a persistent high fever that lasted for five days, reaching 40 degrees Celsius. In the emergency...
Dr. Lin Yongguo reply Cardiology
What is blood oxygen saturation?: The amount of oxygen in the blood is expressed as a percentage. The standard values for a healthy individual are as follows: O2 saturation: 95-100%, PaO2: 70-100 mmHg (partial pressure of oxygen). These are normal values after inhaling ambient ai...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Oxygen Levels: Risks and Recovery Strategies
Understanding Breathing Issues: Heart Valve Problems Explained
Breathing feels a bit unusual! Hello Dr. Lin, I'm not sure if I'm asking the right doctor about this issue. Sometimes I feel like I'm not getting enough air when I breathe, but it only lasts for a second or two and then goes away. I previously visited a doctor at T...
Dr. Lin Yongguo reply Cardiology
Feeling short of breath for a second or two during respiration is typically classified as a non-specific symptom, meaning it is usually not serious. Possible causes include psychogenic factors (such as anxiety or depression), valve prolapse (mitral or tricuspid valve prolapse), a...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues: Heart Valve Problems Explained
Understanding Borderline Cardiac Enlargement: Causes, Risks, and Next Steps
What is marginal cardiac enlargement? Dr. Lin, I apologize for the interruption. I would like to ask about a recent company health check report that indicated borderline cardiac enlargement following an X-ray examination. I am unsure what this condition entails, whether I need to...
Dr. Lin Yongguo reply Cardiology
Marginal cardiac enlargement indicates that the heart size is between normal and abnormal. It is not necessarily classified as normal or abnormal. If symptoms are present, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation at a hospital. If there are no symptoms, regular monitoring is su...[Read More] Understanding Borderline Cardiac Enlargement: Causes, Risks, and Next Steps
Understanding Heart Surface Decay: Causes and Quick Treatment Options
The deterioration of the heart's exterior can be attributed to several factors, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, infections such as endocarditis, or degenerative conditions like cardiomyopathy. These conditions can Why does the surface of the heart d...
Dr. Lin Yongguo reply Cardiology
In response to your question: 1. Have you ever seen a heart with its exterior decayed? Could you please elaborate? However, if the heart is affected by conditions such as myocardial ischemia, infarction, inflammation, or infection, it may lead to myocardial damage. Treatment meth...[Read More] Understanding Heart Surface Decay: Causes and Quick Treatment Options
Understanding the Differences Between Coumadin and Orfarin for Anticoagulation Therapy
Regarding anticoagulants? My mother (62 years old) underwent surgery to have a metal prosthetic valve implanted and must take anticoagulants for life. Since we live in Yunlin, to avoid long travels, my mother has rarely returned to the northern hospital where she had the surgery ...
Dr. Lin Yongguo reply Cardiology
To: Ms. Wu Due to a global shortage of the anticoagulant COUMADIN, all hospitals in Taiwan are currently substituting it with ORFARIN. Both medications contain the same active ingredient, and their efficacy should be similar. However, clinical response and prothrombin time: INR ...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Coumadin and Orfarin for Anticoagulation Therapy
Understanding Mitral Valve Surgery for Rheumatic Heart Disease: Risks and Costs
Some issues related to rheumatic heart disease? I am actually inquiring on behalf of a relative. Is there a definite necessity for surgery in cases of mitral valve insufficiency caused by rheumatic heart disease? What is the success rate and effectiveness of the surgery? Are ther...
Dr. Lin Yongguo reply Cardiology
Rheumatic heart disease can lead to mitral stenosis and/or mitral regurgitation. The necessity for surgery must be considered based on the severity of the stenosis or regurgitation in conjunction with clinical symptoms. For mitral stenosis, in addition to surgery, balloon valvulo...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Surgery for Rheumatic Heart Disease: Risks and Costs
Understanding Vascular Tumors: Symptoms, Risks, and Lifestyle Changes
Hemangioma? Hello Dr. Lin, I have noticed small, hard lumps in the blood vessels near my heart (in the chest area) and on my arms. I discovered these around the age of 18 (during high school). From my observations, the number and position of these lumps have not changed over time...
Dr. Lin Yongguo reply Cardiology
To: Xiao Huang. As stated: There are small, hard lumps resembling balls near the heart (in the thoracic cavity) and in the blood vessels of the arms, with no increase in quantity or change in position. The visible superficial ones could be either subcutaneous tumors or varicose v...[Read More] Understanding Vascular Tumors: Symptoms, Risks, and Lifestyle Changes
Post-Cardiac Catheterization: Managing Medication Side Effects
Discomfort after medication following cardiac catheterization? My father underwent cardiac catheterization and received a stent on July 13 of this year. After being discharged, he has been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort and feels significantly weaker. I'm unsure if...
Dr. Lin Yongguo reply Cardiology
Zhang Zhang: The medications prescribed are standard treatments for coronary artery disease. Common side effects of the medications include: 1. Bokey 100mg/cap: gastrointestinal discomfort, ulcers, etc. 2. Plavix 75mg/tab: generally no discomfort, but occasionally leukopenia. 3. ...[Read More] Post-Cardiac Catheterization: Managing Medication Side Effects