Understanding Coronary Artery Blockage: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Costs
What to do about coronary artery obstruction? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. Can a carotid ultrasound determine if there is a blockage in the coronary arteries? 2. If there is a blockage in the coronary arteries, will it also affect the caro...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
1 & 2. Carotid ultrasound: It can estimate the condition of the cardiovascular system. Since the heart's blood vessels are not clearly visible with ultrasound, the thickness of the carotid artery wall can serve as an indicator of coronary artery disease. Factors such as ...[Read More] Understanding Coronary Artery Blockage: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Costs
Understanding Early Heart Contractions and High Cholesterol Risks
Could you please provide information about premature heart contractions and hyperlipidemia? Hello, Doctor: Two years ago, my heart suddenly had a pause followed by a beat. I went to St. Mary's Hospital, and the doctor said it was premature contractions. I was prescribed Conc...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: Regarding premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), they are a common type of arrhythmia that can occur even in healthy individuals, especially during times of physical stress (such as emotional stress, poor sleep, or illness). They may be accompanied by symptoms like che...[Read More] Understanding Early Heart Contractions and High Cholesterol Risks
Understanding Heart Issues: When to Consider Angiography vs. Medication
Cardiac issues Hello Doctor: I would like to ask some questions. I had an exercise stress test that showed signs of ischemia, and my doctor recommended a cardiac catheterization. Later, I took the report to another hospital for a consultation, where the doctor ordered a myocardia...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, sir. Coronary artery disease is indeed a common cardiac condition among middle-aged and older adults. Clinically, it may present without obvious symptoms, or it may manifest as angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, and in more dramatic cases, sudden cardiac death. When...[Read More] Understanding Heart Issues: When to Consider Angiography vs. Medication
Understanding Aortic Atherosclerosis from Chest X-Ray Reports
Chest X-ray report from health examination - Atherosclerosis of the aorta? Hello, Dr. He: In my routine comprehensive health check report, there are many comments under the "Chest and Abdominal X-ray Imaging Examination" section. I have extracted the parts related to th...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is advisable to discuss this matter directly with a cardiologist at the outpatient clinic. To be honest, I have not seen the imaging, so I have some doubts about the report mentioned above. However, even if there is atherosclerosis of the aorta, it is sufficient to moni...[Read More] Understanding Aortic Atherosclerosis from Chest X-Ray Reports
Understanding Coronary Groove and Heart Health: A Patient's Guide
Coronary sulcus and clarification of professional terminology in the report? Hello Doctor, I have "diagonal earlobe creases" on both earlobes. Medical journals state that patients with "coronary heart disease" often exhibit a diagonal wrinkle on the earlobe. T...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the echocardiogram did not show any abnormalities, but it cannot rule out the possibility of coronary artery disease. If you are still concerned, it is recommended to undergo coronary angiography, which can be performed using computed tomography. Changhua Hospital cares ab...[Read More] Understanding Coronary Groove and Heart Health: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Cholesterol: Good vs. Bad and the Latest Insights
High cholesterol Hello, Director He. Recently, I had a health check-up, and I noticed that "high-density lipoprotein cholesterol" (HDL-C) and "low-density lipoprotein cholesterol" (LDL-C) are commonly referred to as good and bad cholesterol, respectively. Howe...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Currently, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol remains a major culprit in atherosclerosis. Dietary restrictions on cholesterol have been relaxed compared to the past because approximately 80% of cholesterol is produced by the body, with only 20% coming from dietary sources....[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol: Good vs. Bad and the Latest Insights
Understanding the Link Between High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction
Hypertension issues? Last year, I suddenly experienced low libido and difficulty achieving an erection. I went to see a doctor, and my hormone levels were normal. I also tried traditional Chinese medicine for a while but didn't notice any improvement. Recently, I've bee...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it seems that the symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction caused by excessive stress have led to high blood pressure, which can result in arteriosclerosis and erectile difficulties, particularly in older adults. High blood pressure may only become a noticeable iss...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction
Understanding Low-Dose CT Findings of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Imaging of coronary atherosclerosis using low-dose CT? Hello, Dr. He! Before the Lunar New Year, I underwent a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of my lungs at the hospital. The results showed no issues with my lungs, but the report indicated "mild coronary artery ather...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, if you want to clearly understand the condition of your coronary arteries, you may need to undergo another computed tomography angiography. Essentially, it is not very reversible. What you should focus on is preventing further deterioration of atherosclerosis, which has a ...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose CT Findings of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Understanding Coronary Angiography Results: What Do They Mean for Heart Health?
Coronary Angiography Hello, I would like to ask about the results of my family member's coronary angiography (they were hospitalized due to chest pain). The doctor mentioned that the left anterior descending artery shows atherosclerosis, the diagonal branch is 2/3 occluded i...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, congratulations! This report indicates that your vascular condition is good, and no further examination is needed. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Coronary Angiography Results: What Do They Mean for Heart Health?
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Dizziness After Exercise: Causes and Solutions
Is it a heart problem? Hello Doctor! At the beginning of this year, I noticed that after exercising (such as after playing basketball or running), I experienced symptoms like rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and lightheadedness. In June, I went to a medical center for a static ECG, a ...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello Mr. Zheng, regarding your inquiry about the symptoms you experienced earlier this year, such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and lightheadedness after exercising (like after playing basketball or running), I must say that each of these symptoms is non-specific and can be cau...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Dizziness After Exercise: Causes and Solutions
Understanding ST-T Wave Abnormalities in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
ECG ST-T abnormalities Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about a 70-year-old male patient with abnormal static EKG showing ST-T wave changes. The carotid ultrasound revealed mild atherosclerosis in the right carotid artery branch (1.22mm) and abnormal waveform and flow velocity ...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: 1. Abnormal findings on the static electrocardiogram; it is recommended to follow up with the cardiology outpatient clinic for treatment. 2. Abnormal findings on the carotid ultrasound; it is recommended to follow up with the neurology outpatient clinic for treatment. Sinc...[Read More] Understanding ST-T Wave Abnormalities in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
Understanding Arterial Stiffness: Insights from Your Test Results
Vascular Stiffness Test Report Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I went to the hospital for a vascular stiffness test. The examination report showed a right ABI of 1.12 and baPWV of 1508, and a left ABI of 1.10 and baPWV of 1430. The preliminary report indicates possible arterial sti...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, basically I believe your report is within the normal range, so there is no need to be anxious. Atherosclerosis can occur as early as age three, and it is certainly related to risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Smoking status is also a fac...[Read More] Understanding Arterial Stiffness: Insights from Your Test Results
Understanding Coronary Atherosclerosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Risks
Autologous coronary atherosclerosis My mother was found to have high cholesterol and triglycerides during a health check-up, so she visited a cardiologist a few days ago. The doctor performed a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) and, according to my mother, mentioned that there see...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
The case issues need to be discussed with the physician regarding the patient's condition and concerns.[Read More] Understanding Coronary Atherosclerosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Risks
Understanding Atherosclerosis and Its Impact on Peripheral Circulation
Atherosclerosis My grandfather previously underwent a bypass surgery on his left leg, but after measuring the blood flow in his entire leg with a device, it still shows poor circulation. He often experiences calf muscle soreness, and his entire foot feels cold and numb. Sometimes...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
If there is severe peripheral vascular stenosis and occlusion, a physician must evaluate the possibility of advanced interventional treatments, such as angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery, to determine if there is potential for improvement. Clinically, there are also medicat...[Read More] Understanding Atherosclerosis and Its Impact on Peripheral Circulation
Understanding Hypertension in Young Adults: Causes and Solutions
Hypertension in Young Adults Hello, I have been measuring my blood pressure for the past three months, and my systolic blood pressure is around 140-147. I am 168 cm tall and weigh 54 kg, which is considered a slim build. I used to smoke but have quit for four months after an 8-ye...
Dr. Han Zhilu Reply:
Smoking can cause vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure, as well as accelerate atherosclerosis. Therefore, quitting smoking is likely to lower blood pressure and reduce vascular damage. Additionally, adopting a lifestyle that includes a low-sodium diet, moderation in alcoh...[Read More] Understanding Hypertension in Young Adults: Causes and Solutions
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:
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
Understanding Atherosclerosis: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Atherosclerosis Dear Dr. He, Is it possible for atherosclerosis to occur in the abdominal vessels or the vessels in the posterior neck? If I experience prolonged shoulder and neck pain, or if there is a pulsating area in the left abdomen that hurts when pressed, could this indic...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Atherosclerosis can occur in the abdominal vessels or the vessels in the posterior neck. If you experience persistent shoulder and neck pain or tenderness in the left abdomen with a pulsating sensation, it is likely not caused by atherosclerosis. While everyone may have some degr...[Read More] Understanding Atherosclerosis: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Vascular Tumors and Atherosclerosis: Risks and Treatments
Hemangioma and vascular sclerosis? The patient is approximately 58 years old and has been experiencing irregular heartbeats for more than six months. They have difficulty breathing and feel the urge to urinate with even slight physical exertion, but are unable to urinate or produ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Dear, vascular malformations are characterized by abnormal dilation of blood vessels and differ from typical tumors, as they are not classified as benign or malignant. There is a wealth of information related to atherosclerosis that can be found on Google. Based on your descripti...[Read More] Understanding Vascular Tumors and Atherosclerosis: Risks and Treatments
Managing Blood Pressure Fluctuations After Medication Change: What to Do?
After changing the medication, the blood pressure has been consistently unstable? My father has hypertension and was previously on a specific medication. However, since the hospital stopped purchasing that medication, his family doctor prescribed different types of medication. Th...
Dr. Lin Changqi Reply:
1. It is necessary to review the list of medications being taken to determine if the cough is drug-induced. 2. It is important to examine the list of medications to assess whether the treatment is comprehensive. 3. It is essential to check for any unknown comorbidities such a...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure Fluctuations After Medication Change: What to Do?
Understanding Aortic Aneurysm and Atherosclerosis: Symptoms and Dietary Tips
Aortic dilation and atherosclerosis..? My mother's recent health check report indicated "aortic dilation and atherosclerosis." What does this signify? What symptoms might it present? What dietary and lifestyle considerations should be taken into account? Thank you ...
Dr. Huang Guosheng Reply:
Hello: The causes of aortic dilation and atherosclerosis include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and age. If atherosclerosis and aortic dilation are not severe, there are generally no symptoms. Aortic dilation and arteriosclerosis are phenomena of aging and can...[Read More] Understanding Aortic Aneurysm and Atherosclerosis: Symptoms and Dietary Tips