Understanding Diastolic Blood Pressure: Risks and Management Strategies
(Continued) Inquire about blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask you: 1. Is having a higher diastolic blood pressure significantly harmful to the body? 2. Besides controlling diet and increasing physical activity, what other methods can be...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you are correct that blood pressure can be elevated due to anxiety. Using distraction techniques to measure blood pressure can yield more reliable values. Additionally, while systolic blood pressure is relatively higher than diastolic blood pressure, it poses less risk to ...[Read More] Understanding Diastolic Blood Pressure: Risks and Management Strategies
Understanding Blood Pressure Management: Weight Loss and Medication Concerns
I would like to ask some questions about blood pressure again? Hello Doctor, I previously inquired about blood pressure issues, and I greatly appreciate your response. After reading your reply, I still have some questions, and I kindly ask for your assistance in answering them. T...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, maintaining a regular routine, relaxing your mind, and having appropriate stress relief channels may be more important than a BMI or weight difference of 1-2. Especially since you are taking beta-blockers, which are much better than calcium channel blockers, most of the ti...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Management: Weight Loss and Medication Concerns
Understanding Arrhythmias: Risks of Untreated Heart Rhythm Disorders
Cardiac issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to add that I have a question about whether untreated arrhythmia will worsen over time. The doctor mentioned that I have some arrhythmia, with a slow heart rate of around 50 beats per minute and a fast rate of 160 beats per minute, and ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this issue is caused by autonomic nervous system dysregulation, so there's no need to worry. Most arrhythmias are benign, meaning they are not life-threatening. The conditions you mentioned are normal and acceptable. Even if you don't take the medication, it won&...[Read More] Understanding Arrhythmias: Risks of Untreated Heart Rhythm Disorders
Understanding Blood Pressure Variability: Key Insights for Patients
Questions about blood pressure? Hello, doctor. I understand that blood pressure is variable, so it can differ each time I measure it. However, I have a question: when I measure my blood pressure, I usually take 7 to 10 readings for comparison (with intervals of about 20 to 30 sec...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, please refrain from measuring your blood pressure for now. Continuously checking it can increase your anxiety, leading to greater fluctuations in your blood pressure. The more anxious you become, the worse the cycle will get. It's important to relax and focus on enjoy...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Variability: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Blood Pressure: Is Anxiety Affecting Your Readings?
About blood pressure? Hello Doctor, I noticed that during my health check-up when I enrolled, my blood pressure readings were consistently high (around 150/100), and my heart rate was also elevated (around 100 bpm). The health check personnel remarked, "Why is your blood pre...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your situation is a normal fluctuation that may be caused by emotions, so there is no need to panic. Additionally, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure as you mentioned, taking two readings and recording the lower one; this is the correct approach. You are not ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure: Is Anxiety Affecting Your Readings?
Understanding Heart and Vascular Pain: Causes and Concerns
Cardiovascular system Hello, I would like to ask about a situation where sometimes I have difficulty breathing and can only take slow breaths. The reason is that sometimes I experience sharp pain near my heart while breathing, which lasts for about a minute before subsiding. Occa...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, if you are experiencing symptoms of mitral valve prolapse, it is advisable to visit a cardiologist for further examination. At Changhua Hospital, we are concerned about you; the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse is approximately 2.4%, making it the most common valvular h...[Read More] Understanding Heart and Vascular Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood Pressure Variations: What Your Readings Mean
Blood pressure changes Hello Dr. He, I have heard that several colleagues are experiencing hypertension issues, and I would like to ask about some knowledge regarding blood pressure. I have a blood pressure monitor at home that measures the arm, so I regularly check my blood pres...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is common for people to feel anxious when they go to the hospital, which can lead to unstable blood pressure. Based on your description, your blood pressure seems to be within an acceptable range. Just focus on maintaining a healthy diet with low oil and low salt, keepi...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Variations: What Your Readings Mean
Understanding Prolonged Left Heart Valve: Risks, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Left valve elongation Hello, doctor. I'm very worried, so I have a lot of questions. I apologize for bothering you. I had a chest X-ray due to excessive phlegm, which revealed an enlarged heart. I then consulted a cardiologist who arranged for an echocardiogram. After the ul...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, relax! This is mitral valve prolapse. Of course, it won't lead to death; there are no diseases that would cause that without treatment. You only need to see a doctor every 3 to 5 years, and it rarely worsens. Doctors always leave a little uncertainty, telling you not ...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Left Heart Valve: Risks, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Understanding Left Valve Prolapse and Regurgitation: Key Insights
Cardiac issues Is a long left valve the same as left valve insufficiency? During the echocardiogram, the doctor mentioned that your left valve is much longer than average. The doctor only said this and did not provide further information. What should I do about the significantly ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, relax. This is just mitral valve prolapse. Of course, it won't lead to death; there are no diseases that would cause that without treatment. You only need to see a doctor every 3 to 5 years, as it rarely worsens. Doctors often leave a little uncertainty, suggesting yo...[Read More] Understanding Left Valve Prolapse and Regurgitation: Key Insights
Understanding Heart Valve Issues: Risks, Prevention, and Monitoring
Cardiac issues The cardiologist told me that my heart valves are much thicker than normal... I need to return for an echocardiogram every three years to monitor for any deterioration... No medication treatment has been prescribed! What happens if the heart valves become significa...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, relax! This is mitral valve prolapse, and of course, it won't lead to death. There are no diseases that would cause you to die without treatment; you only need to see a doctor every 3-5 years, as it rarely worsens. Doctors always leave a caveat, suggesting you don...[Read More] Understanding Heart Valve Issues: Risks, Prevention, and Monitoring
Understanding Heart Valve Prolapse: Causes, Risks, and Prevention
Valve elongation Is having elongated heart valves (without any abnormalities) affected by pressure, stress, and lack of sleep? Can these factors worsen the elongation of the heart valves? How can we prevent further elongation of the heart valves?
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, relax. The symptoms caused by stress, anger, and other factors leading to autonomic nervous system imbalance will not persist indefinitely. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the most common condition we are concerned about at Changhua Hospital. It is a syndrome that can resul...[Read More] Understanding Heart Valve Prolapse: Causes, Risks, and Prevention
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Heart Health Evaluation
Cardiac issues Hello Dr. He: This past week, I have been experiencing a slight tingling sensation on the outer side of my left chest, along with a feeling of pressure and pain in my left chest and left armpit. I often feel my heartbeat, but my self-measured pulse seems to be norm...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, feeling your heart beating, known as palpitations, is not a disease. Your symptoms seem to be caused by increased anxiety leading to autonomic nervous system dysregulation. If you're concerned, you can visit a hospital for an examination and also bring some medication...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Heart Health Evaluation
Understanding and Managing Unexplained Ventricular Premature Contractions
Regarding idiopathic ventricular premature contractions? Hello Doctor, I have a personal issue with arrhythmia. After examination by a specialist, it was determined that I have premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). During episodes, I sometimes experience up to 20 occurrences...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this is not life-threatening, so there is no need to panic. This is mostly related to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which can be caused by various factors such as anxiety, changes in weather, and menstrual cycles. A definitive treatment may require cardiac cathet...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Unexplained Ventricular Premature Contractions
Understanding Palpitations: Are They Heart-Related or Anxiety-Induced?
Palpitations with a rapid heartbeat? Hello, about a week ago, I suddenly started feeling chest tightness while sitting, needing to take deep breaths intermittently. After a day or two, the frequency of feeling unable to breathe increased, and I began to notice an unusual sensatio...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your symptoms are clearly caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which may be triggered by recent stress or changes in climate. Please try to relax. I have attached a list of common symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction for your reference. I would also ...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations: Are They Heart-Related or Anxiety-Induced?
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Rapid heartbeat, chest tightness and pain, dizziness? Hello, doctor: Previously, I felt my heart racing and experienced dizziness, so I quickly went to the emergency room. I had an electrocardiogram (ECG) and X-rays done, and the doctor said there were no issues, just a faster he...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, myocardial infarction can be detected through examinations. Since you have undergone multiple tests that have all returned normal results, there should be no concerns in this regard. The symptoms you are describing sound like they may be caused by anxiety or autonomic nerv...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
2nd degree prolapse Hello, Dr. He. Last year, I went to a hospital for an examination, and the doctor said I have mitral valve prolapse. What kind of condition is this? Is it serious? Are there any precautions I should take? Do I need surgery or medication? The doctor said I don&...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, at your age, experiencing chest pain symptoms or having mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is quite common and generally not a cause for significant concern. Typically, it is not serious; it is merely uncomfortable. Surgery is not necessary, and taking some medication can help al...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Confusion About Next Steps in Cardiovascular Treatment: Seeking Clarity
Feeling confused about the next steps in treatment? Hello Doctor: I have previously undergone an exercise electrocardiogram (with poor tolerance, my heart rate reached 206 and blood pressure was 189/142 after running for 3 minutes). I am not sure if the short duration of the run ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you may be able to find a nearby cardiologist to adjust your medication without the need for a cardiac catheterization, as it is unlikely to improve your symptoms. Most of the tests mentioned are normal, and your shortness of breath does not correlate with the findings, wh...[Read More] Confusion About Next Steps in Cardiovascular Treatment: Seeking Clarity
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes and Management Strategies
When the heart rate increases, it may pause momentarily? Hello, Doctor. Since the first time I experienced a brief pause in my heartbeat, I started taking three doses of antiarrhythmic medication daily. After starting the medication, I haven't had any more episodes of the pa...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
Occasional pauses in heartbeat are often benign premature contractions (or early beats) and usually do not require much concern. Many people experience elevated blood pressure at the hospital due to anxiety, so it is advisable to rely on blood pressure measurements taken at home....[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes and Management Strategies
Understanding Inderal Use for Heart Rhythm Issues and Anxiety Management
Inderal is a brand name for the medication propranolol, which is a non-selective beta-blocker. It is commonly used to treat various I am experiencing shortness of breath and chest tightness, mostly in the early morning after waking up or after meals. I have consulted specialists ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
MIKE, you can take your medication as needed for discomfort, but if the frequency of episodes increases, it is advisable to return to a regular dosing schedule. If your heart rate is slow and you are not experiencing discomfort, there is no need to worry; just monitor the situati...[Read More] Understanding Inderal Use for Heart Rhythm Issues and Anxiety Management
Understanding the Connection Between Anxiety and High Blood Pressure: A Patient's Journey
I hope to gain a better understanding of my body's condition? Hello Doctor: In December 2009, I measured my blood pressure and found it to be very high, around 200. I was suddenly alarmed and rushed to the hospital for treatment. I work in sales and had no prior issues, thou...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Dear Ah-Hua, I believe that the instability in blood pressure is likely caused by anxiety. Could you please suggest to the doctor to adjust the dosage of Concan (0.5 mg) and to prescribe half a dose of an anti-anxiety medication? I think the situation could improve. Changhua Hosp...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Anxiety and High Blood Pressure: A Patient's Journey