Understanding Chest Pain and Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Chest tightness and chest pain? Dear Dr. Lin, I am currently studying abroad and returned to Taiwan for a health check-up in early June. I underwent a comprehensive health examination, including a cardiac ultrasound, and everything was normal. However, my LDL cholesterol level w...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: Myocardial infarction is an emergency condition, and patients typically experience more pronounced and even severe chest pain, often accompanied by related symptoms. The electrocardiogram usually shows abnormal changes, and cardiac markers will be elevated during blood tes...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Unstable Blood Pressure: Symptoms and Potential Causes
Unstable blood pressure? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing frequent palpitations, chest tightness, and dizziness, sometimes feeling like I might faint. I also have anxiety and panic, with my blood pressure being very unstable, reaching as high as 17X/12X, but sometimes dropp...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your symptoms do not seem to resemble those of a pheochromocytoma; they are more likely related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is advisable to consult a cardiologist for further evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.[Read More] Understanding Unstable Blood Pressure: Symptoms and Potential Causes
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia and Treatment Options
Understanding the "Man Jiang Hong" Blood Test Report Hello Doctor: 1. I would like to ask what type of anemia I have. 2. Is there anything I can take to remedy this and raise my hemoglobin to 12 g/dL? (such as iron supplements, etc.) 3. How long will it take to retu...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, Hsi-Chun. Based on your blood test results, you have mild microcytic anemia. However, the low ferritin and serum iron levels indicate that it meets the criteria for iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, the red blood cell count suggests a possible trait of thalassemia. For...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia and Treatment Options
Are High Triglycerides Linked to Palpitations and Anemia?
Are triglycerides related to palpitations and anemia? Dear Doctor: Three years ago during a health check, my triglycerides were 19X (the upper limit is 200). Although it's not in the red zone, it seems a bit high (most of my peers seem to be under 100). I've often exper...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your triglyceride levels are normal based on the blood test results. There are no signs of anemia, dizziness, or any relationship between blood lipids and heart issues or anemia. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Are High Triglycerides Linked to Palpitations and Anemia?
Understanding Thalassemia: Inheritance, Blood Tests, and Iron Deficiency
About Mediterranean Anemia Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding thalassemia: 1. Can thalassemia be inherited in a skip-generation manner? 2. Is it possible for a patient's complete blood count results to sometimes appear normal and other times abnormal? 3. Can iron ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it may not be a case of generational inheritance, but rather that it could be latent and not easily detectable if it is extremely mild. Therefore, it is possible that the interpretation of the test results may sometimes appear normal and at other times show abnormalities. ...[Read More] Understanding Thalassemia: Inheritance, Blood Tests, and Iron Deficiency
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Mediterranean vs. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Marine anemia Hello Doctor, during my annual health check, I always have a lot of abnormal results in my complete blood count. This year's data is as follows: RBC 567 (high), HB 11.6 (low), MCV 66.1 (low), MCH 20.5 (low), MCHC 30.9 (low), with the rest being normal. The data...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I suspect that it is Mediterranean anemia rather than iron deficiency anemia, as the RBC count is elevated and MCV is low, which is typical for Mediterranean anemia. HbA1 is 96.9 (normal), HbA2 is 2.6 (normal), and HbF is 0.5 (normal), indicating it is not beta-thalassemia...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Mediterranean vs. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Chest pain or heart pain? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. I am a 35-year-old male, non-smoker and non-drinker, with a height of 170 cm and weight of 83 kg. I do not have hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia; my total cholesterol is 163 and triglycerides are 1...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen, regarding your statement, the clinical presentation does not resemble angina, and the objective non-invasive tests show no abnormalities. Regardless of the insignificant changes on the electrocardiogram, I personally suggest that you should not delve into the &quo...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding High Beta-Lipoprotein and Cholesterol Levels: What It Means for Your Heart Health
Hello, doctor. What does it mean if beta-lipoproteins and total cholesterol levels in the blood are elevated? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been dieting and eating less, and I decided to have a blood test. I found that my "beta-lipoprotein" level is elevated at 496 mg...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, overall the data looks good, and there is no need for concern. You can drink coffee or eat other foods. Those who have not experienced any discomfort can continue to eat. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding High Beta-Lipoprotein and Cholesterol Levels: What It Means for Your Heart Health
Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia
How to distinguish between Mediterranean anemia and iron deficiency anemia? I have anemia. A few weeks ago, my lab results showed a red blood cell count of 4.52 (normal range: 3.7-5.5 µL), hemoglobin of 8.6 (normal range: 11.3-15.3 g/dL) which is low, hematocrit of 28.6 (normal r...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, Ms. Ya-Hsuan. Based on your inquiry, your child's blood test results indeed indicate anemia with a hemoglobin level of 8.6 g/dL. When classified by red blood cell size, this is categorized as microcytic anemia. The two most common causes are iron deficiency anemia and...[Read More] Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Blood Test Results Explained
About Mediterranean Anemia Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there are any issues with my blood test results from my military service medical examination. My white blood cell count (WBC) is 6.0 x 10^3/µL, red blood cell count (RBC) is 5.97 x 10^6/µL, hemoglobin (Hb) is 13.4 g...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this examination shows that you have microcytic red blood cells, but it does not indicate anemia at this time. If you do develop anemia in the future, you can follow up with a hematologist to investigate the possibility of thalassemia. Changhua Hospital cares about your he...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Blood Test Results Explained
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing Difficulties After Meals
Palpitations with a strong and rapid heartbeat? Hello doctor, my usual heart rate is between 60 to 70 beats per minute, but I often feel a tightness in my chest and have very shallow, short breaths. I need to take deep breaths occasionally to feel a bit more comfortable. My sympt...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to undergo further examination by a rheumatologist. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing Difficulties After Meals
Do I Have Mediterranean Anemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Is there Mediterranean anemia? Hello, Doctor He. I received my health check report showing the following results: Red Blood Cells 3.75 x 10^6/µL, Hemoglobin 11.4 g/dL, Hematocrit 34.6%, Mean Corpuscular Volume 92.3 fL, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin 30.4 pg, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, according to the report, it does not appear to be Mediterranean anemia. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Do I Have Mediterranean Anemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: A Cardiovascular Perspective
Chest tightness and difficulty breathing? Doctor, I would like to consult about my condition. I've been experiencing tightness in my left chest for three weeks, sometimes accompanied by numbness, itching, and soreness, but rarely pain. Additionally, I occasionally feel short...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, please temporarily stop doing push-ups. The symptoms you are experiencing, including the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, difficulty breathing, and overall weakness, are likely caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. If you are truly concerned about angin...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: A Cardiovascular Perspective
Does Ovulation Induction Affect Anemia in Mediterranean Anemia Patients?
Will the ovulation induction medications used for in vitro fertilization affect the severity of Mediterranean anemia? Dear Doctor, I am a carrier of thalassemia. In my blood test report on August 8, both MCV and MCH were normal. Now, in order to undergo assisted reproduction for ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you consult a hematologist. For pregnant women, a specialized iron-containing multivitamin of 2 capsules plus folic acid is suggested. The supplements for the general public do not help with Mediterranean anemia. You are not deficient in iron or foli...[Read More] Does Ovulation Induction Affect Anemia in Mediterranean Anemia Patients?
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Normal Blood Test Results and Nutritional Impact
About Mediterranean Anemia Hello, Doctor He. I apologize for adding another question. I am quite certain that I am a carrier of thalassemia, as I was diagnosed at 26 years old by Taipei Medical University Hospital. However, I noticed that in my blood test report from August 8th, ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I'm not clear on what you mean by deterioration, but normal MCV and MCHC indicate that you are a mild carrier and can be monitored. What nutritional supplements can be added? However, nutritional supplements do not have therapeutic effects on this condition, so there ...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Normal Blood Test Results and Nutritional Impact
Managing Hypertension: Concerns About Discontinuing Atenolol
The issue of discontinuing antihypertensive medication? Hello, Doctor: I have a problem with hypertension and am currently taking Atenolol 50mg daily to manage my blood pressure. My blood pressure is well-controlled and even tends to be below the standard values, with readings so...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, since you are taking a beta-blocker, it is normal to experience some withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication. It is recommended to taper off gradually; start by reducing the dose to half a tablet. If you experience no discomfort after a few days, you can then...[Read More] Managing Hypertension: Concerns About Discontinuing Atenolol
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Diagnosis and Further Testing
Marine anemia Recent blood tests show RBC 6.23, HGB 13.0, HCT 40.1, MCV 64.4, MCH 20.9, MCHC 32.4, PLATELET 178, WBC 5120, SERUM IRON 138, TIBC 292, and FERRITIN 109. Doctor, can you confirm if these results indicate thalassemia? If so, is it a mild form? What additional tests sh...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your hemoglobin level is still at 13, which does not indicate anemia. There is no need to worry too much. Do you have any underlying conditions? Just relax and enjoy life. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Diagnosis and Further Testing
Is It Mediterranean Anemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Is it Mediterranean anemia? Hemoglobin 11.5, hematocrit 34.7, MCV 69.9, MCH 23.2, MCHC 33.1, RDW 16.3, lymphocytes 15.10. Based on these values, does this indicate thalassemia?
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on your report, it appears to be more like iron deficiency anemia. It is recommended to visit the hematology department for further tests on iron levels and red blood cells. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Is It Mediterranean Anemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Low Fibrinogen Levels: Do You Need Further Treatment?
Questions about Fibrinogen? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask if a low fibrinogen level of 184.1 (normal range: 200-400) and a white blood cell (WBC) count of 4.32 (normal range: 4.5) would require any additional treatment. Thank you for your assistance.
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: The provided test values show only slight abnormalities when compared to the normal range. It is difficult to determine the specific issue based solely on the blood test data; clinical symptoms and other examinations must be considered to confirm the most likely conditions...[Read More] Understanding Low Fibrinogen Levels: Do You Need Further Treatment?
Understanding Neck Vein Distension and Head Swelling While Lying Down
When lying down, the veins on the left side of my neck become prominent, and I feel a swelling sensation in my entire head. Sleeping on my right side with a higher pillow feels more comfortable? When lying down, I noticed a bulging vein on the left side of my neck, which an ENT s...
Dr. Lin Wenpei Reply:
Please follow up for an examination at the cardiology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Neck Vein Distension and Head Swelling While Lying Down