Understanding Arrhythmia: When to See a Cardiologist for Heart Issues
Arrhythmia Hello, Director. I have been experiencing frequent arrhythmia issues since last year (2020). Whenever I feel uncomfortable, I check my fitness watch and notice my heart rate is relatively high (around 150 bpm, sometimes even higher). However, I find that during intense...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, stress and asthma can cause rapid breathing and increased heart rate, but it may not necessarily be related to the heart. If there is uncertainty about arrhythmias, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist for a comprehensive evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your...[Read More] Understanding Arrhythmia: When to See a Cardiologist for Heart Issues
Understanding Chest Tightness and Numbness: When to See a Cardiologist
Chest tightness and numbness in the hands and feet? Hello Doctor, last year during my military service physical examination, I was found to have suspected left ventricular hypertrophy. Upon re-examination with an echocardiogram, the conclusion was that it is mildly enlarged and n...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. If blood pressure (systolic) remains above 140 m...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Numbness: When to See a Cardiologist
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Rapid heartbeat Hello Dr. Wu, I was diagnosed with mitral valve insufficiency around the age of 20, but it hasn't significantly affected my daily life. I also had hyperthyroidism, which is now under control. My resting heart rate has consistently been on the higher side, ran...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is recommended to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. However, if symptoms persist, it is advisable ...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Managing Low Blood Pressure After Heart Stent Surgery: What You Need to Know
What can be done for low blood pressure? Are there methods to treat and improve it? Grandfather has severe coronary artery blockage (due to untreated blocked vessels, he has developed stable chronic heart failure stage II). He was recently hospitalized for stent placement, but be...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, patients who have undergone stent implantation typically take two antiplatelet medications due to considerations of age and bleeding risk. This can be discussed with your attending physician. Jian An Xin (健安心) is used to treat heart failure but can also lower blood pressur...[Read More] Managing Low Blood Pressure After Heart Stent Surgery: What You Need to Know
Managing Blood Pressure Medications and Their Side Effects
Antihypertensive medications Hello Dr. Lee: I have been diagnosed with oral cancer (but I have never smoked or used betel nut) and have completed treatment. I would like to ask you about my current use of 40 mg of Dexamethasone enteric-coated tablets. Recently, I have been experi...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your question about "currently using 40 mg of Dantrolene extended-release tablets to control blood pressure": 1. Is the recent lower back pain related to the medication or possibly cancer? 2. My blood pressure is generally stable, but the pulse press...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure Medications and Their Side Effects
Comparing Heart Medications: Should You Switch from Dronedarone to Sotalol?
The difference between Xinlizheng and Zangdele? Hello, I previously had a stent placed at your hospital. Since last year, I have been experiencing arrhythmias. The first time my blood pressure was 180 and my heart rate exceeded 100. The second time was similar. After taking Drone...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the placement of a stent and the occurrence of arrhythmias are generally different issues. It is difficult to say whether Heart Rate Control (such as with medications like Metoprolol) or antiarrhythmic drugs (like Dronedarone) is better; it depends on your specific conditi...[Read More] Comparing Heart Medications: Should You Switch from Dronedarone to Sotalol?
Understanding Premature Ventricular Contractions: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Ventricular premature contraction (VPC) Hello Doctor, since the beginning of March, I have been experiencing a sensation of missed beats and a pounding feeling in my chest. Sometimes I also feel chest tightness and dizziness. I went to the hospital where I had a 24-hour Holter mo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your missed beats of 4700 are classified as mild and do not require radiofrequency ablation or antiarrhythmic medication. While these measures can reduce occurrences, they cannot completely eliminate them, so you may still experience a sensation of palpitations. Your blood...[Read More] Understanding Premature Ventricular Contractions: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Risks, Complications, and Management
Mitral valve prolapse Hello Doctor, I experience palpitations and underwent an echocardiogram due to mitral valve prolapse. Although the doctor mentioned it is mild, there are two measurements that did not meet the standard: LVIDD 38.98 mm (normal range 40.00 - 55.00) and SV (Tei...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
According to your echocardiogram report, there is mild mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation, which should not affect cardiac function. If you experience any discomforting symptoms, you may follow up at the cardiology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Risks, Complications, and Management
Understanding Heart Palpitations While Lying Down: Causes and Advice
Consultation for Heartbeat Concerns Hello Dr. He, Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation of my heartbeat while lying flat during sleep. The heartbeat is not fast, and the frequency remains the same, but I can feel a pronounced thumping sensation. I do not feel particular...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the sensation of a racing heartbeat, known as palpitations, is often caused by autonomic nervous system dysregulation. It is generally not a concern and does not require special treatment; simply monitoring it is sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations While Lying Down: Causes and Advice
Understanding ECG Changes and Echocardiogram Results for Heart Health
Electrocardiogram and Ultrasound I have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, but they are not too severe and can be controlled with medication. Recently, my primary care physician performed an electrocardiogram (ECG) and noted some changes compared to the one I had last ye...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Even if the echocardiogram is normal, changes in the electrocardiogram (such as those indicating hypoxia) may still have clinical significance. It is recommended that if symptoms are present, in addition to managing the three highs (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia...[Read More] Understanding ECG Changes and Echocardiogram Results for Heart Health
Understanding Medication Sensitivity and Heart Rhythm Issues
Medication Issues Hello, Dr. He. I was originally taking 5 mg of Kankun once a day. However, one night I woke up and was experiencing involuntary shaking throughout my body. After discussing this with my attending physician, he thought I might be too sensitive to the medication, ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you are experiencing skipped heartbeats and suspecting arrhythmia. Taking half a 5 mg dose of Concor (Bisoprolol) can help manage arrhythmia. Your systolic blood pressure is between 115-125 and diastolic blood pressure is between 60-75, which is good. Currently, there is n...[Read More] Understanding Medication Sensitivity and Heart Rhythm Issues
Managing Atrial Fibrillation: Concerns About Stopping Heart Medication
The doctor discontinued the medication despite the arrhythmia? My father is 90 years old and has been dealing with arrhythmia for ten years. He stopped his medication last year, which led to a ventricular tachycardia episode that required an emergency visit. After being discharge...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the doctor is concerned that the medication overdose may cause a slow heart rate, leading to dizziness and temporary vision loss. If your heart rate remains above 100 beats per minute, please visit the outpatient clinic for medication adjustment. Changhua Hospital cares ab...[Read More] Managing Atrial Fibrillation: Concerns About Stopping Heart Medication
Managing Blood Pressure: When to Medicate and Which Specialist to Consult
Issues with Hypertension Medication The doctor would like to inquire about a situation from two years ago when I recorded high blood pressure of 200/100 and went to the emergency room. Subsequently, I underwent endocrine testing, initially suspecting an issue with ACTH, but after...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, please don't keep measuring your blood pressure. We are treating hypertension, not just focusing on the numbers, as if we were monitoring stock prices. It's important to exercise more and manage stress. Currently, you may not need medication. Ping An Changhua Hos...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure: When to Medicate and Which Specialist to Consult
Understanding Prolonged Palpitations: Causes and Concerns
Palpitations have persisted for a long time? Hello Doctor, I suddenly started feeling palpitations since last night. I measured my heart rate with a blood pressure monitor, and it was around 70 to 90 beats per minute. Occasionally, when I walk, it feels faster, but I don't f...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Due to your young age and lack of chronic diseases, your risk of developing heart disease is low. 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 advisable to...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Palpitations: Causes and Concerns
Can You Safely Use Viagra with Blood Pressure Medications?
Do medications have interactions or produce side effects? Currently, I am taking high blood pressure medications Cozaar (Losartan) and Norvasc (Amlodipine). Can I also take Viagra or similar medications? If so, will there be any side effects? Thank you!
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
According to the prescribing information for the medication, in a study involving 16 patients with primary hypertension who took 100 mg of sildenafil, there was no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine. When amlodipine is used in conjunction with sildenafil, bo...[Read More] Can You Safely Use Viagra with Blood Pressure Medications?
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: Managing Irregular Heartbeats
Atrial fibrillation treatment Hello, Doctor: During the New Year period, I experienced episodes of my heart suddenly beating very fast and then very slow, irregularly. I later went to the emergency room, where the doctor diagnosed me with atrial fibrillation, with a heart rate of...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, long-term excessive use of certain medications can affect the thyroid gland. You are currently in the acute phase, and the medication regimen is likely to be adjusted later. The reasons for thyroid dysfunction may not always be detectable through tests. Hyperthyroidism can...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: Managing Irregular Heartbeats
Understanding Persistent Low Blood Pressure in Dialysis Patients
Persistent hypotension Hello, Doctor. My father is a dialysis patient and had a drug-eluting stent placed in his heart a year ago. He regularly takes one tablet of Kankin, one tablet of Berkey, and one tablet of Farmatran enteric-coated tablets. Over the past three months, his bl...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If adjusting dry body weight and dehydration levels still results in low blood pressure, a nephrologist can prescribe oral vasopressors.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low Blood Pressure in Dialysis Patients
Understanding Dizziness: Is It a Side Effect of Long-Term Medication?
Dizziness and discomfort? Hello, doctor. I have been taking Kankin 1.25 mg for over a year now. I used to experience dizziness, but it was manageable with rest. I consulted my physician about it, and since it’s a low dose, they said it’s unlikely to cause dizziness. However, I ha...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry about "dizziness" and your statement that you have been taking Concor 1.25 mg for over a year, and that you had dizziness issues even before starting the medication, which you felt was manageable with rest, but recently the dizziness has be...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Is It a Side Effect of Long-Term Medication?
Could My Symptoms Indicate Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction?
Could my symptoms be due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello doctor, my heart rate is relatively slow (around 55 bpm) and my blood pressure is also low. Recently, I have been experiencing severe palpitations that can last up to four hours. After meals, I often feel my ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your symptoms indicate autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is recommended to seek further medical attention and consider medication. Ping An Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction?
Understanding Persistent Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Attention
Persistent palpitations Hello, starting around the second day of the lunar month, I have been experiencing persistent palpitations, except when I am sleeping. I searched online and found that most cases are temporary, unlike mine, which has been continuous. I can feel my heart be...
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 advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. However, if symptoms persist, it is recommended ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Attention