Understanding Irregular Heartbeats: Insights from a Cardiologist
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. He, Recently, I have been using a mobile app called "Rhythm Cam" to monitor my heart rate and rhythm. Today, I recorded an instance of "irregular heartbeat" without experiencing any discomfort (such as palpitations, chest tightne...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I do not recommend using the Love Heart Monitor as its accuracy may not be reliable and is related to the sensitivity of the device. Both overly sensitive and less sensitive devices can yield different results. Additionally, detecting irregular heart rhythms does not equat...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Heartbeats: Insights from a Cardiologist
Understanding Heart Rate Changes: Insights from Exercise and 24-Hour ECG
Hello, Director! Could you please take a look at the exercise electrocardiogram and the 24-hour Holter monitor? Hello, Doctor! About 10 years ago, due to health reasons, I lost weight by adopting a vegetarian diet and running approximately 1.5 hours daily, along with warm-up and ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, both tests are normal. A slow heart rate is a good sign as it indicates strong cardiac output. This means the heart is beating slowly enough to meet the body's needs, which is a normal phenomenon. There is no need to give up exercise or a vegetarian diet. Don't w...[Read More] Understanding Heart Rate Changes: Insights from Exercise and 24-Hour ECG
Managing Medication for Ischemic Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation: Safety Concerns
Medication issues I would like to ask the doctor, I have ischemic stroke and paroxysmal arrhythmia. Currently, I am taking the following medications: anticoagulant (Prasugrel 150 mg) once in the morning and once at night, can I also take the antiarrhythmic medication (Dronedarone...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it's okay to eat together; the interaction is not significant, so don't worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Managing Medication for Ischemic Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation: Safety Concerns
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Emotional Triggers and Health Implications
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. He, First of all, I wish you a pleasant holiday. I would like to ask you a few questions. This afternoon, due to a moment of heightened emotions accompanied by some anxiety, I suddenly felt a noticeable palpitation in my chest (along with a feeling ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, Q1: The probability of premature beats is high. Q2: Excitement and anxiety can lead to autonomic nervous system activation, resulting in an increased heart rate, which may accompany some premature beats and is reasonable. Q3: Palpitations do not pose a risk or adverse effe...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Emotional Triggers and Health Implications
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Treatment Options and Concerns
Atrial Fibrillation Issues Hello, Doctor: I have been suffering from atrial fibrillation for about 10 years and am currently under continuous monitoring at a cardiology clinic. I take 5 mg of Concor (bisoprolol) daily and 2.5 mg of Eliquis (apixaban) as an anticoagulant. However,...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If atrial fibrillation is not effectively managed with medication and symptoms persist, catheter ablation may be considered as a treatment option. It is recommended to consult a cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology.[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Heartbeat Sensations: Causes and Concerns
Persistent sensation of heartbeat? Hello, Director. I originally had no cardiovascular disease, but about 1.5 years ago, I experienced episodes of arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation) that were quite severe, occurring frequently and irregularly. The rapid heartbeat was so intense tha...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the reasons for continuously feeling the heartbeat can vary. Is it serious? If it persists for a long time? If you have already undergone cryoablation and your heart rhythm has returned to normal, it is very likely related to menopause and autonomic nervous system dysregul...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Heartbeat Sensations: Causes and Concerns
Choosing Between Cryoablation and 3D Mapping for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Issues with catheter ablation for arrhythmias? Hello, Doctor: I am 17 years old and have been experiencing paroxysmal sinus tachycardia, accompanied by several ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) daily. In the past year or two, anxiety and panic have caused my blood pressur...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
I am not a specialist in cardiac arrhythmia ablation; I recommend consulting with a specialist in that field at the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Choosing Between Cryoablation and 3D Mapping for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Understanding Your Holter EKG Report: Insights on Heart Rhythm Issues
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Examination Report Hello, Doctor: I am a patient with anxiety and panic disorder. Occasionally, I experience chest tightness, a sensation of something stuck in my throat, abdominal bloating, and a feeling of my heart skipping a beat, but these sensations p...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there shouldn't be any issues. You are free from atrial fibrillation. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Your Holter EKG Report: Insights on Heart Rhythm Issues
Managing Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Atrial fibrillation Hello, Doctor. I usually have a habit of running, but I overtrained before. After working shifts for a year, I started feeling a foreign body sensation in my right eye about six months in, which led to eyelid twitching. I used eye drops for a while and supplem...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
We recommend that you: 1. Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician, focusing on symptomatic treatment, or see if further examinations are necessary! Thank you, and wish you good health![Read More] Managing Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Understanding Early Contractions and Sudden Heart Rate Spikes
Premature contractions lead to sudden tachycardia? Hello, I previously experienced episodes of sudden and forceful heartbeats that made me uncomfortable. After these episodes became more frequent, I consulted a doctor and was diagnosed with premature contractions. My first 24-hou...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is recommended to adjust your daily routine and engage in regular exercise.[Read More] Understanding Early Contractions and Sudden Heart Rate Spikes
Understanding Heart Block: Insights from Your Holter ECG Report
Cardiac arrest Comment: <The Ambulatory Holter ECG report> 1. The baseline ECG showed sinus rhythm with a heart rate of 39-112 beats per minute. The average heart rate was 77 beats per minute. 2. Transient second-degree AV block and complete AV block were noted (at 2 AM), with th...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
As your physician advised, if there are no symptoms after discontinuing the medication, it may not be necessary to have a pacemaker.[Read More] Understanding Heart Block: Insights from Your Holter ECG Report
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Treatment and Monitoring Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common type of arrhythmia characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. Last Monday, I went to the hospital for an electrocardiogram due to arrhythmia, and the doctor diagnosed me ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The report from the 24-hour Holter monitor did not show any signs of atrial fibrillation. Please maintain a regular routine and engage in regular exercise, while avoiding caffeinated beverages. If symptoms occur, follow up with the outpatient clinic for regular monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Treatment and Monitoring Insights
Can I Drive a Truck with Heart Failure? Expert Insights on Safety
I have heart failure. Can I still drive a commercial truck for work? Hello, Doctor. I have heart failure, which has caused my company to worry about the possibility of me suddenly feeling unwell while driving, potentially leading to an accident that could affect other pedestrians...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Patients with severe heart failure are advised to avoid engaging in excessively strenuous and hazardous activities.[Read More] Can I Drive a Truck with Heart Failure? Expert Insights on Safety
Understanding Atrial Premature Contractions: Treatment Options and Medication Concerns
Atrial premature contractions and medication issues? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask about my condition. Six months ago, I experienced about 1000-500 APCs (Atrial Premature Contractions) in a day, but now I only have about 3-4 APCs per month. Is it possible for me to undergo c...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there's no need to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. When considering any procedure, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the possible risks. Your condition is mild and may recur, with benefits that are not clearly defined. However, you should ...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Premature Contractions: Treatment Options and Medication Concerns
Managing Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Risk in Elderly Patients
Atrial fibrillation causing cerebral embolism? My grandmother at home is 96 years old and has symptoms of hypertension, for which she is taking antihypertensive medication. In early June, she suddenly experienced slurred speech and weakness in one side of her limbs. Unfortunately...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
I suggest that you discuss the above situation with your grandmother's attending physician to see if further examinations are necessary. Thank you, and wish you good health![Read More] Managing Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Risk in Elderly Patients
Managing Blood Pressure Fluctuations After Heart Procedures: A Patient's Journey
Hypertension and Blood Pressure Instability Hello, Doctor. In May 2015, I was diagnosed with coronary artery sclerosis. In July and October 2020, I underwent catheter ablation procedures for atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation, respectively. Currently, I am taking the followin...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: Electrophysiological procedures primarily affect the electrical conduction pathways within the heart, and blood pressure is generally not impacted or may be better controlled due to the improvement of post-operative arrhythmias. Blood pressure can fluctuate due to environm...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure Fluctuations After Heart Procedures: A Patient's Journey
Managing Atrial Fibrillation: Medication Consultation and Concerns
Consultation on Antiarrhythmic Medications Hello Director: Currently, due to arrhythmia, premature atrial contractions, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, I have been taking one tablet of Rynol (Ranolazine) twice daily for over two months. My heart rate was over 100 beats per mi...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, reducing to 1-2 times a week is considered controlled, unless the medication dosage is increased. With an ALT of 60 and LDL of 120, if you have concerns about liver side effects, you can start with dietary control and reduce oil intake. We can discuss further after your bl...[Read More] Managing Atrial Fibrillation: Medication Consultation and Concerns
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation Ablation for Dialysis Patients
Atrial fibrillation ablation? Hello Doctor: I am a dialysis patient. Early on, dialysis caused atrial premature beats, which later progressed to atrial fibrillation. Despite medication treatment, the results were not satisfactory. Following my physician's recommendation, I u...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, during dialysis, if you experience discomfort, it may be related to atrial fibrillation. It might be necessary to monitor your heart during dialysis or arrange for a 24-hour Holter monitor to track your current heart rhythm status for further evaluation. Changhua Hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation Ablation for Dialysis Patients
Can a Patient with Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Safely Get the COVID Vaccine?
Is it safe for someone with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, my mother is 75 years old and has hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, along with congenital moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation. She often experiences sho...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your 75-year-old mother has hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, along with congenital moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation symptoms. She often experiences shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. She has been on anticoagulants ...[Read More] Can a Patient with Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Safely Get the COVID Vaccine?
Managing Atrial Fibrillation: Concerns About Heart Rate Variability and Medication
Arrhythmia, specifically supraventricular tachycardia? Hello, Director: I have been experiencing arrhythmia for many years. In March, I underwent an echocardiogram and a 24-hour Holter monitor, which indicated paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The doctor prescribed Rhythmol (propaf...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, a slow heart rate combined with medication that lowers heart rate may further decrease cardiac output, which could be dangerous. Conversely, a rapid heart rate can be managed with medication. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.[Read More] Managing Atrial Fibrillation: Concerns About Heart Rate Variability and Medication