Understanding NT-proBNP Levels and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Impact on Heart Health
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) Hello, doctor. I often experience dizziness, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, and shortness of breath after climbing two flights of stairs, which is why I consulted a cardiologist. I had some blood tests done, and my NT-proBNP (PBNP) level was 20.4,...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Your NT pro BNP level is very low and does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of heart failure. The NT pro BNP levels are not related to the immunoassay values of thyroid-stimulating hormone.[Read More] Understanding NT-proBNP Levels and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Impact on Heart Health
Understanding Abnormal ECG Results: Next Steps for Heart Health
Abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings? Director, I would like to ask about my electrocardiogram report as follows, but my blood test for hs-Troponin-I is normal (0.0023 & 0.0037) and pO2 is 23. What additional tests do I need to undergo? Thank you! Normal sinus rhythm wit...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If you are experiencing symptoms of chest tightness and have chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, or if you smoke, it is advisable to visit an outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal ECG Results: Next Steps for Heart Health
Managing PVCs: Medication, Lifestyle Changes, and Heart Health
Arrhythmia - Ventricular Premature Contractions (VPCs) Dear Director He, First of all, I would like to thank you once again for your patient responses every time. Many attending physicians do not allow questions, but you are always able to provide us with answers, which I truly ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, if you don't want to take medication, you can try your preferred methods first, such as diet and exercise. Taking half a pill? That's fine. Let's check again in three months to see how it goes and then decide on the next steps. Reducing to one pill and stopp...[Read More] Managing PVCs: Medication, Lifestyle Changes, and Heart Health
Chest Discomfort with Numbness: When to See a Cardiologist?
Chest tightness accompanied by facial numbness, dental numbness, and left hand numbness? Hello Doctor: I started experiencing chest tightness and discomfort in December, and this month, along with the chest tightness, I began to have symptoms such as numbness in my left hand, num...
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 daily life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages. It is advis...[Read More] Chest Discomfort with Numbness: When to See a Cardiologist?
Understanding Symptoms of Heart Failure: Key Questions Answered
Symptoms of suspected heart failure? Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed two years ago, and for the two months following that, I didn't rest properly, often only getting a little over 5 hours of sleep. A few times, I experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs and talki...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. Based on your symptoms and examination reports, it is not heart failure. 2. Mild mitral valve prolapse is congenital and unrelated to heart failure. 3. No need for further action. 4. It is not. 5. If urination requires straining, it is advisable to consult a urologist,...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Heart Failure: Key Questions Answered
Understanding CRP Levels and Heart Health: What Your Test Results Mean
Examination report issues? I would like to ask about a situation that occurred a few days ago. After experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, I felt discomfort in my chest and went to the emergency room. Blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) were performed, and the doctor mention...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, elevated CRP levels along with vomiting and diarrhea may indicate a bacterial infection. It is advisable to follow up with an infectious disease specialist. Best wishes from Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding CRP Levels and Heart Health: What Your Test Results Mean
Intermittent Left Chest Pain: Should You Worry About Heart Issues?
Mild pain in the left chest? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I suddenly experienced mild pain in my left chest (which I have not felt before). The pain was intermittent, occurring for a moment and then stopping for a few seconds to a few minutes, lasting for about three hours. Howe...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Due to your young age and the absence of chronic diseases, as well as the atypical nature of your chest pain symptoms, your risk of heart disease is low. However, if the symptoms persist, it is still recommended to go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram (ECG) examination.[Read More] Intermittent Left Chest Pain: Should You Worry About Heart Issues?
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: When to Seek Cardiac Evaluation
Heart rate issues Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about my condition. For the past few days, whenever I stand, my heart rate exceeds 120 beats per minute. I have previously consulted a cardiologist and underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram, both of which s...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
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 daily routine and engage in regular exercise. However, if symptoms persist, it is a...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: When to Seek Cardiac Evaluation
Understanding Anemia and High Platelet Counts in Diabetic Patients
Blood test shows anemia and thrombocytosis? Good evening, doctor. My wife is 60 years old and has type 2 diabetes without complications for over two years. Her blood pressure is 143/77, and her heart rate is approximately 113. She has been taking the prescribed medication to cont...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit a hematology department for further examination due to worsening anemia and increased platelet count. It would be prudent to investigate potential issues with the hematopoietic system. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.[Read More] Understanding Anemia and High Platelet Counts in Diabetic Patients
Chest Tightness, Dizziness, and Heart Discomfort: When to Seek Help?
Chest tightness, dizziness, and discomfort in the heart? Hello Doctor, since the beginning of the year 111, I have been experiencing chest tightness. I have a long history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and have undergone an upper gastrointestinal examination and endos...
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 daily life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages. It is advis...[Read More] Chest Tightness, Dizziness, and Heart Discomfort: When to Seek Help?
Understanding ECG and Chest Imaging Results in Hospitalized Pneumonia Patients
Electrocardiogram (ECG) examination for father hospitalized due to fever? Hello Doctor, my father was admitted to the emergency room on January 15 due to fever and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Upon arrival, his blood pressure was between 70 and 80, and his heart rate was in the ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The report you provided appears to be an echocardiogram report, which indicates that there are no significant abnormalities.[Read More] Understanding ECG and Chest Imaging Results in Hospitalized Pneumonia Patients
Understanding FDP (Dimer) Levels: Interpretation and Implications for Patients
How to interpret FDP (D-dimer) data? Hello Dr. Wu, my mother is 81 years old and has a history of pulmonary embolism and lung cancer. She underwent cardiac catheterization last July and received three drug-eluting stents. Currently, she takes antithrombotic medication (保栓通) every...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The primary diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is based on computed tomography, while blood tests serve as supplementary tools. If there are symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath, it is recommended to go to the hospital for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding FDP (Dimer) Levels: Interpretation and Implications for Patients
Understanding Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Insights for Heart Health
Echocardiogram Report Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to read and respond. I had a hormone blood test last August, and I am already in the menopausal stage, experiencing hot flashes and heat (treated with traditional Chinese medicine). Since November of last year, I h...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The echocardiogram report shows mild tricuspid and pulmonary valve regurgitation, with all other structures and functions being normal. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits and engage in regular exercise. However, if symptoms persist, further evaluation at a hospital is a...[Read More] Understanding Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Insights for Heart Health
Understanding Dizziness and Blood Pressure: When to Seek Help
Dizziness and blood pressure? Hello, at the end of November, I experienced a spike in blood pressure up to 200 while in Germany and went to the emergency room. I was prescribed two medications: Metoprolol and Diltiazem 80 mg. After taking them for three days, I returned to Taiwan...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, not all discomfort is caused by blood pressure, but discomfort can lead to fluctuations in blood pressure, causing symptoms like head heaviness and dizziness, as well as numbness in the face and back of the head. It would be advisable to consult a neurologist. For now, the...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Blood Pressure: When to Seek Help
Understanding VPCs: When to Worry and When to Seek Cardiovascular Care
Arrhythmia Hello, Doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing more frequent ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) and feeling uncomfortable, often fearing that my heart will suddenly race. If I ignore them for a while, will they gradually improve like before? Is it really n...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, elevated LDH levels are not significant; just monitor it. VPCs can occur intermittently, but they will gradually improve. Don't worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding VPCs: When to Worry and When to Seek Cardiovascular Care
Managing Uncontrolled Hypertension: Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Health
Distressing Questions Dear Dr. He, I apologize for the lengthy description below. For the past two years, I have been troubled by a significant issue: my mother experiences episodes of sudden hypertension, which makes her feel unwell. She is nearly 69 years old. In April of last...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, we are human and it's inevitable to feel more discomfort during seasonal transitions, especially for older individuals. Blood pressure merely reflects a person's current condition. In response to the recent instability of your aunt's autonomic nervous system...[Read More] Managing Uncontrolled Hypertension: Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Health
Understanding Your Echocardiogram and ECG Report: Key Insights for Heart Health
Echocardiogram and Electrocardiogram Report Hello Doctor, I have premature contractions and supraventricular tachycardia. Two months ago, I went to the emergency room due to the supraventricular tachycardia issue and underwent catheter ablation. The premature contractions still o...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
We recommend that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. Wishing you good health. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Your Echocardiogram and ECG Report: Key Insights for Heart Health
Understanding Sudden Heart Rate Increases and High Blood Pressure in Seniors
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. He, Hello. Below is a description of my mother's symptoms: She is approximately 69 years old and has recently experienced episodes of sudden increased heart rate accompanied by elevated blood pressure. Her usual heart rate is around 60 beats pe...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, 1. It seems that the autonomic nervous system disorder is caused by seasonal factors and unstable external environmental changes. 2. This is not a warning; it is just that there is no need to take medication regularly. It is not that the medication is very strong or ha...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Heart Rate Increases and High Blood Pressure in Seniors
Understanding Heart Palpitations and Breathing Difficulties: A Comprehensive Guide
Arrhythmia, panic, shortness of breath? Hello, I have been experiencing frequent shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, even while talking. I underwent pulmonary function tests (Pre-bronchodilator) which showed: FVC: 2.71L, 97%; FEV1: 2.11L, 87%; FEV1/FVC: 77%; M...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The echocardiogram and 24-hour Holter monitor report did not indicate any significant structural or functional heart issues or arrhythmias, and vaccination did not have any impact.[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations and Breathing Difficulties: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Manage Palpitations: Insights from Cardiovascular Specialists
How to improve palpitations? Thank you very much, Doctor, for taking the time to assist with my concerns. I have been experiencing palpitations, anxiety, and discomfort in my neck, throat, and chest for over three months. In the past month, I underwent an echocardiogram, an exerc...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, all tests are normal. There is no need for cardiac catheterization. You can manage autonomic dysregulation with medication. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] How to Manage Palpitations: Insights from Cardiovascular Specialists