Is It Safe for Heart Patients to Get the COVID Vaccine?
Am I suitable for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in my situation? Dear Director He, Thank you for your response last year regarding the issue of myocardial bridge and medication. However, at the beginning of this year, I experienced cardiac arrhythmia with rapid heartbeats and w...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there is no causal relationship between myocardial bridge and atrial fibrillation. Long-term use of certain medications may have adverse effects on the thyroid and lungs, which can vary from person to person. Generally, long-term use is considered to be over a year. Engagi...[Read More] Is It Safe for Heart Patients to Get the COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Sudden Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing Issues: Causes and Solutions
Sudden rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a situation that has been occurring since mid-last year. Every once in a while, I experience episodes of rapid heartbeat and sudden spikes in blood pressure. In October of last year, I underw...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it sounds like anxiety is causing autonomic nervous system dysregulation. I recommend continuing medication and consulting with a mental health specialist. I pray for your peace. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing Issues: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Heart Failure: Concerns and Questions for Patients
Confusion about Heart Failure My father, who is 81 years old, has been suffering from diabetes for nearly forty years. For the past ten years, he has been taking cardiovascular medications (Berkley) due to shortness of breath while walking. Two years ago, he started taking (Kanki...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, to be honest, it is still quite difficult to answer... I suggest discussing your concerns directly with your father's attending physician and presenting your questions in a clear, bullet-point format. They may be able to provide you with more p...[Read More] Understanding Heart Failure: Concerns and Questions for Patients
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Signs, Symptoms, and Heart Rate Concerns
How to determine if blood pressure is too low? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my blood pressure readings. I often measure my blood pressure before bed and find that my systolic pressure is around 100 and my diastolic pressure is around 58 (I am 180 cm tall and weigh 85 ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. Your blood pressure is still within a reasonable range. 2. The normal range for heart rate at rest is 60-100 beats per minute. Many factors in daily life can affect heart rate, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. If...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Signs, Symptoms, and Heart Rate Concerns
Understanding Arrhythmia: Symptoms, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Arrhythmia-related issues Hello, doctor. I have some questions regarding heart-related issues. I previously underwent a 24-hour Holter monitor test, which showed only a few PACs (about 50-100 times) and around 1-10 PVCs. My previous experiences included occasional sensations of m...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages. It is recommended to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. However, if symptoms persist, it is ad...[Read More] Understanding Arrhythmia: Symptoms, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding Heart Health: Questions About Symptoms and Tests
Questions about heart problems? Hello Doctor, recently I experienced occasional headaches and pain in the area between my neck, shoulder blades, and the left side of my sternum, so I went to the hospital for an electrocardiogram (ECG), and the doctor said there were no issues. Ho...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the examination results are normal. Discontinuing blood pressure medication the day before will not affect the test results. There is a sharp pain in the left chest at a specific point, and the pain tends to move around. It is mostly muscular or nerve pain, unlike myocardi...[Read More] Understanding Heart Health: Questions About Symptoms and Tests
Should My 81-Year-Old Grandfather with Heart Issues Get the AZ Vaccine?
Should I get the AZ vaccine? A dilemma? My grandfather is 81 years old and has been suffering from diabetes for nearly forty years. For the past ten years, he has been taking medication for cardiovascular diseases. In March of this year, due to severe blockage and calcification o...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, any medical intervention carries risks. If your grandfather is frail and has not been going out, and you have had minimal contact with the outside world, you might consider delaying the vaccination. Otherwise, the benefits generally outweigh the risks. Each individual'...[Read More] Should My 81-Year-Old Grandfather with Heart Issues Get the AZ Vaccine?
Should My 81-Year-Old Father Get the AZ Vaccine? A Heart Health Dilemma
Receiving the AZ vaccine feels like a difficult choice, almost like a death sentence vaccine? My father, who is 81 years old, has been suffering from diabetes for nearly forty years. For the past ten years, he has been taking cardiovascular medications (Berkley) due to shortness ...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns about COVID-19 vaccination, it is honestly difficult to provide a definitive answer. Based on your father's medication, 1. The concurrent use of antiplatelet agents (such as Clopidogrel) and anticoagulants (such as Apixaban) suggests that, in a...[Read More] Should My 81-Year-Old Father Get the AZ Vaccine? A Heart Health Dilemma
Vaccination Concerns for Elderly Patients with Cardiovascular Issues
Challenging vaccines Hello Doctor, my grandmother is 80 years old and had a stroke three years ago. Her carotid artery is completely blocked, and she is unable to have a stent implanted. She is currently managing her condition with medication and by drinking plenty of water, and ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, any procedure carries risks. Patients with carotid artery blockage and hypertension are not contraindicated for the AstraZeneca vaccine. If blood pressure and heart rate are normal before vaccination, and there are no issues such as fever, edema, bruising, or shortness of ...[Read More] Vaccination Concerns for Elderly Patients with Cardiovascular Issues
Understanding Blood Pressure Concerns: Insights from a Cardiovascular Specialist
Blood pressure issues? Hello Dr. Wu: I previously had premature ventricular contractions and was taking antiarrhythmic medication, but I haven't taken it for 2-3 years. My family has a history of hypertension, and I don't usually check my blood pressure. However, three ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
It is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle, engage in regular exercise, and follow a light diet. However, if blood pressure remains consistently above 140/90, it is advisable to seek medical attention and consider starting antihypertensive medication.[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Concerns: Insights from a Cardiovascular Specialist
Should My 81-Year-Old Grandfather with Heart Issues Get the AZ Vaccine?
Should I get the AstraZeneca vaccine or not? My grandfather is 81 years old and has been suffering from diabetes for nearly forty years. For the past ten years, he has been taking medications for cardiovascular diseases. In March of this year, due to severe blockage and calcifica...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, in principle, the benefits of receiving the AZ vaccine outweigh the risks for older adults, many of whom have chronic diseases. As long as their condition is stable, with minimal fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels, and without symptoms such ...[Read More] Should My 81-Year-Old Grandfather with Heart Issues Get the AZ Vaccine?
Understanding Myocardial Ischemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Probability of myocardial ischemia Hello Doctor, since November of last year, I have been experiencing intermittent chest pain in the center of my heart for a few seconds to about five minutes, along with feelings of chest tightness. I initially went to Hospital A for a 24-hour H...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of myocardial ischemia in typical autonomic nervous system disorders is indeed low. Your decision to undergo a 256-slice CT scan is entirely for peace of mind. If you still have doubts about your health, go ahead and get it done. Changhua Hospital cares abou...[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Ischemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Pulsating Blood Vessels While Lying Down: A Guide for Hypertension Patients
Prominent pulsation of the blood vessels in the back while lying flat? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. I have a family history of hypertension, and I discovered that my blood pressure has been elevated since July of the year before last. I am currently m...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, and irregular routines. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle, maintain a light diet, engage in regular exercise, and take medication on schedule. However, if symptoms persist, it is still r...[Read More] Understanding Pulsating Blood Vessels While Lying Down: A Guide for Hypertension Patients
Understanding Heart Health: Navigating Hypertension and Cardiac Concerns
Cardiac examination results indicate myocardial ischemia. There is atheromatous arteriosclerosis, but the coronary artery calcium score is between 0 and 10? Hello, Doctor. I have a history of hypertension for about 7-8 years. I have been experiencing chest pain (at rest), so my c...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, C - The results of the coronary CT angiography are most accurate - no significant stenosis means there is nothing to worry about. The accuracy of nuclear medicine tests is lower than that of CT scans. Risk factors include not only hypertension, and we are human, not machin...[Read More] Understanding Heart Health: Navigating Hypertension and Cardiac Concerns
Understanding High Blood Pressure and Low Heart Rate: What You Need to Know
High blood pressure with a slow heart rate? Hello, doctor. I have a blood pressure monitor at home, and I measure my blood pressure twice a day, in the morning and evening. My blood pressure is approximately 12X-13X/8X, and my heart rate is around 48-52 beats per minute. I am not...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
It is recommended that you go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram (ECG) examination.[Read More] Understanding High Blood Pressure and Low Heart Rate: What You Need to Know
Can Exercise Strain Heart Valves? Understanding Safe Workout Choices
Heart valves Thank you for your previous response. I have asked my father to schedule another appointment with the cardiology department. However, during my online research, I came across an article that raised some concerns, so I would like to ask you for clarification. I unde...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, first confirm if there is a problem with the heart valves. What is the issue? What is the severity? It would be clearer to discuss this with the attending physician on-site, so don't worry too much. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Can Exercise Strain Heart Valves? Understanding Safe Workout Choices
Understanding Heart Issues: Anxiety vs. Real Concerns
Cardiac issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you something. I have high blood pressure, and my blood tests show no significant issues. My electrocardiogram (ECG) is normal, my chest X-ray is normal, but the echocardiogram shows left ventricular hypertrophy. However, I feel a...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, high blood pressure may not cause discomfort, but feelings of unease, rapid heartbeat, trembling, and anxiety can be symptoms of anxiety disorders or panic disorders. Don't overthink it; everything will be fine. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Heart Issues: Anxiety vs. Real Concerns
Understanding High Pulse Pressure: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
High pulse pressure? Hello Doctor, I am inquiring on behalf of my father. He is 71 years old and has been taking medication to control his hypertension, which has been well managed. However, we recently noticed that his pulse pressure seems to be quite large. His systolic blood p...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit the cardiology clinic for further examination to check for any valve degeneration issues. Please discuss the necessary follow-up precautions with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding High Pulse Pressure: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
Chest Tightness After Shock: Understanding Heart Health Concerns
Chest tightness after being startled? I do not have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Two days ago, I experienced heart discomfort after being startled in the morning, but it resolved by the afternoon. However, the next day I woke up feeling a heaviness in my chest, as if ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Due to your young age and the absence of chronic diseases, your risk of developing heart disease is low. Many factors in life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, and irregular routines. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercis...[Read More] Chest Tightness After Shock: Understanding Heart Health Concerns
Understanding Aortic Arch Enlargement and Its Risks in Arrhythmia Patients
Cardiac issues Hello Doctor, I have a problem with arrhythmia. Recently, I was checked and found that my aortic arch is larger than normal, measuring about 4.5 centimeters in width. Is this dangerous, and what treatment or medication should I consider? (P.S. I've been experi...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, if you are experiencing chest tightness and a sensation of a foreign body in your throat, it is likely not related to the 4.5 cm width of the aortic arch and should not pose an immediate danger. You can start by managing your blood pressure with medication. For arrhythmias...[Read More] Understanding Aortic Arch Enlargement and Its Risks in Arrhythmia Patients