Understanding Low Heart Rate and Blood Pressure in Children: When to Seek Help
Heart rate. Blood pressure? Last night, my child had a blood pressure reading of 90/40 mmHg with a pulse of 42 beats per minute. There are no discomfort symptoms, and previous heart rate measurements have also been around the 40s. Is this abnormal? Is it considered low blood pres...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, everyone's blood pressure and heart rate are different. As long as you do not feel unwell, it indicates that the heart's output is sufficient. If your heart rate consistently measures between 40-50 beats per minute, it may indicate that your baseline heart rate i...[Read More] Understanding Low Heart Rate and Blood Pressure in Children: When to Seek Help
How to Treat Low Blood Pressure: When to See a Doctor
How to treat low blood pressure? Hello Doctor: My blood pressure is 95/55 mmHg with a pulse of 80 beats per minute. The volunteers say that I have low blood pressure (they almost always say this when they measure it). I would like to ask you: Should I see a doctor? Which specialt...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, Ms. Huang. Regarding your question... Is a blood pressure of 95/55 mmHg and a pulse of 80 beats per minute considered low blood pressure? Essentially, the term low blood pressure does not solely refer to a reading below 90/60 mmHg, but rather it is accompanied by pathologi...[Read More] How to Treat Low Blood Pressure: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Heart Rate Variations: When to Seek Medical Attention
Heartbeat issues Hello Dr. Lee, my father is currently taking antihypertensive medication, anticoagulants, and gastrointestinal medications. He previously underwent chemotherapy five times for a benign oral tumor, which has now been discontinued. Recently, his blood pressure has ...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello Ivy, your father has a history of hypertension and oral tumors, and he has completed chemotherapy. He regularly takes antihypertensive medication, anticoagulants, and gastrointestinal medications. You mentioned that he has recently experienced elevated blood pressure and a ...[Read More] Understanding Heart Rate Variations: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Inverted T-Waves and Low Blood Pressure Effects on Heart Health
Could you please explain whether an inverted T wave on an electrocardiogram and low blood pressure can lead to issues such as myocardial ischemia? (Forwarded from the Director's mailbox) Dear Director of the Department of Health, I would like to inquire about the following:...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
1. The presence of inverted T waves (or negative T waves) on an electrocardiogram does not have diagnostic specificity; in other words, many factors can cause this phenomenon, ranging from the nonspecific inverted T waves that are more common in women to true myocardial ischemia....[Read More] Understanding Inverted T-Waves and Low Blood Pressure Effects on Heart Health
Understanding High Blood Pressure: Essential Tests to Identify Causes
High blood pressure? Hello Doctor: I have a slim build and I exercise regularly, but I have consistently high blood pressure, which has recently increased to 150/100 (heart rate 67). I recently went to the hospital for tests on triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting glucos...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
Hypertension is influenced by multiple factors, including constitution, age, occupation, stress, lifestyle, exercise habits, and dietary conditions. Additionally, the presence of other health factors, such as blood glucose levels, kidney function abnormalities, or other specific ...[Read More] Understanding High Blood Pressure: Essential Tests to Identify Causes
Seeking Treatment Advice for Suspected Myocardial Ischemia
Inquire about treatment recommendations for myocardial hypoxia? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent chest tightness and chest pain, so I visited a nearby cardiology clinic (not the original medical institution for my diagnosis). Today, I underwent a stress e...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: For a 15-year-old male, the likelihood of having coronary artery disease is relatively low. It is recommended to discuss further with your clinician whether additional tests should be arranged to clarify the condition. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Chi-Hsiung, Taoyuan Hospital, Depar...[Read More] Seeking Treatment Advice for Suspected Myocardial Ischemia
Understanding the Severity of Valve Regurgitation: Key Factors and Impacts
I would like to inquire about the assessment of the degree of insufficiency? Doctors often assess the severity of regurgitation (valvular insufficiency) based on the percentage of blood flow reversal observed in echocardiography. However, other factors can also influence the dete...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
1. Yes! The degree of valve insufficiency is generally assessed based on the extent of blood regurgitation observed through color Doppler ultrasound. It is typically categorized into mild, moderate, and severe degrees, along with some hemodynamic calculations, such as the velocit...[Read More] Understanding the Severity of Valve Regurgitation: Key Factors and Impacts
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
Managing Mild Arrhythmia: When to Seek Treatment and Lifestyle Tips
Arrhythmia Hello Dr. He: During a recent physical examination, the doctor mentioned that I have mild arrhythmia, but when using a stethoscope, they noted that there were no murmurs in my heart. My daily routine is normal, and I don't feel anything unusual, but I do have high...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there are hundreds of types of arrhythmias. Some require treatment while others do not. It may be necessary to copy the ECG and have it interpreted by a cardiologist, followed by a discussion with the physician to determine if treatment is advisable. Changhua Hospital care...[Read More] Managing Mild Arrhythmia: When to Seek Treatment and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Blood Pressure Ranges: Normal to Severe Levels Explained
Could you please provide the latest blood pressure values from the Department of Health (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? Here is a blood pressure classification table: - Normal: Systolic < 120 mmHg and Diastolic < 80 mmHg - Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mmHg and ...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
According to the guidelines from the Taiwan Society of Cardiology for hypertension treatment, the classification of blood pressure is as follows: Normal: <120 and <80 Prehypertension: 120-139 or 80-89 Stage 1 Hypertension: 140-159 or 90-99 Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥160...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Ranges: Normal to Severe Levels Explained
Understanding Blood Pressure Discrepancies and Normal Hemoglobin Levels
Pericardial effusion and aortic dissection? Is a blood pressure difference of about 25 to 30 mmHg between the two arms considered normal? What is the typical range for hemoglobin levels in the general population?
Dr. Ding Zhizhong Reply:
Normal hemoglobin levels are approximately 12 to 15 gm/dL. Blood pressure is inherently variable; if there is a consistent difference of more than 30 mmHg between the blood pressures in both arms, it may indicate a vascular obstruction issue. However, if there are no clinical sym...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Discrepancies and Normal Hemoglobin Levels
Understanding Heart Ablation Surgery and 24-Hour Monitoring
Regarding cardiac ablation surgery and 24-hour monitoring? About five years ago, I underwent a 24-hour Holter monitor test. At that time, it was found that there was an abnormal period, and the doctor mentioned that a procedure like catheter ablation could improve the condition. ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Dear Shio, it is possible to review past medical records. This is known as paroxysmal arrhythmia. If episodes occur during a 24-hour Holter monitor period, they can be detected and diagnosed. The absence of findings during the examination does not mean that episodes are not prese...[Read More] Understanding Heart Ablation Surgery and 24-Hour Monitoring
Understanding the Link Between Cardiac Tamponade and Aortic Dissection
Pericardial effusion and aortic dissection? I would like to ask if there is a significant relationship between cardiac tamponade and aortic dissection, and whether aortic dissection can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Dr. Ding Zhizhong Reply:
There are many causes of cardiac tamponade (e.g., malignant tumor metastasis, chronic inflammation, traumatic hemorrhage, etc.), and aortic dissection is just one of them. Aortic dissection is classified into Type A and Type B; Type A is more likely to cause acute cardiac tampona...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Cardiac Tamponade and Aortic Dissection
Managing Venous Valve Damage: Exercise and Care Tips
Care after Damage to Venous Valves Dear Dr. Ding, This is Ed again. I apologize for bothering you once more, and I hope to receive your reply, as it is very important to me. Previously, due to discomfort in my legs, I followed your advice and underwent a venous ultrasound examin...
Dr. Ding Zhizhong Reply:
Hi Ed: During exercise, our muscle groups function similarly to a pump, compressing the deep veins and aiding in blood return. Therefore, exertion does not worsen the condition. As for whether to wear compression socks during exercise, it is certainly effective if you don't ...[Read More] Managing Venous Valve Damage: Exercise and Care Tips
Understanding Leg Skin Pain: Possible Circulation Issues Explained
Tingling sensation in the skin of the legs? Hello Doctor, I am a 38-year-old male who enjoys outdoor sports and yoga. I have a healthy lifestyle, and my job does not require prolonged sitting or standing. My weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, and cholesterol levels are all nor...
Dr. Ding Zhizhong Reply:
Lower limb circulatory disorders can be classified into arterial, venous, and microcirculatory issues. If you suspect a venous embolism, a vascular ultrasound can provide us with an answer (it's simple and not too uncomfortable). If there is no swelling or pain, the likeliho...[Read More] Understanding Leg Skin Pain: Possible Circulation Issues Explained
Blood Pressure Medications and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know
Antihypertensive medications and hair loss issues? Hello Doctor, since three months ago when my blood pressure medication was changed from one tablet of Dantrolene 160mg, one tablet of Metoprolol 5mg, one tablet of Amiodarone 100mg, and one tablet of Amlodipine 50mg to half a tab...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on my understanding, Carvedilol is a type of beta-blocker that has good effects on blood pressure and heart rate control. However, during the process of switching medications, it can cause the phenomenon of increased heart rate that you mentioned. As for hair loss, i...[Read More] Blood Pressure Medications and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know
Understanding Temperature Discrepancies: Warm Left Hand, Cold Right Hand
Warm left hand and cold right hand? Hello, Dr. Ding. I have been experiencing significant discomfort during the winter season for about 3 to 5 years, with my left hand feeling warm and my right hand feeling cold. The temperature difference is more than 2 degrees and becomes more ...
Dr. Ding Zhizhong Reply:
Hi: First, you have measured the blood pressure in both arms, and the difference in systolic pressure is only 3 mmHg, which indicates that the likelihood of subclavian artery stenosis or occlusion is low (Recommendation: a CT Angiography can be performed to rule out possible cond...[Read More] Understanding Temperature Discrepancies: Warm Left Hand, Cold Right Hand
Managing Skin Rash from Hypertension Medications: What You Need to Know
Side effects of antihypertensive medications - rash? If you are experiencing side effects such as a rash and darkening and itching of the soles of your feet and calves while taking hypertension medications like Diltiazem HCl, Aprovel FC 150mg, and Ismo-20, it is important to cons...
Dr. Zhu Junyuan Reply:
Diltiazem is classified as an antianginal and antiarrhythmic medication, with a modest effect on lowering blood pressure. Side effects may include dizziness or lightheadedness, facial flushing (sensation of warmth), headache, extreme fatigue, bradycardia, gastrointestinal discomf...[Read More] Managing Skin Rash from Hypertension Medications: What You Need to Know
Managing Heart Health During Hospitalization: A Patient's Dilemma
Consult a physician? Dr. Bu: My father was hospitalized two days ago due to some fluid accumulation and inflammation in his lungs, and he is currently under the care of the pulmonology department. He has had a cardiac pacemaker for nearly ten years and has also been dealing with ...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
If you still have questions, please discuss your condition and treatment options with your attending physician.[Read More] Managing Heart Health During Hospitalization: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Cardiovascular Issues After Chest Trauma: Causes and Connections
Why can cardiovascular diseases occur after a chest injury? Hello, Doctor: I experienced compression on the left side of my chest and upper back due to gravity. My chest was impacted by a mechanical force, with a screw measuring 1.8 cm in diameter and approximately 6 to 8 cm in l...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I do not believe that trauma can cause heart damage unless the heart itself is directly injured. However, various complications can easily stimulate the heart, leading to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which may result in high blood pressure and arrhythmias. I thi...[Read More] Understanding Cardiovascular Issues After Chest Trauma: Causes and Connections