Post-Exercise Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath: What to Do?
Chest tightness and shortness of breath after exercise? Hello Doctor: In the past six months, I have been experiencing episodes of rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, especially after emotional fluctuations or physical activity. During these episodes, I fee...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) within half an hour of the onset of symptoms to check for any abnormalities. Additionally, if you are still concerned about possible vascular obstruction, you may consider paying for a coronary computed tomography ang...[Read More] Post-Exercise Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath: What to Do?
Understanding Endocarditis: Treatment Options and What to Expect
Valvular endocarditis Hello Doctor, I have a history of arrhythmia. Last week, while I was hospitalized, I suddenly experienced chest tightness and sweating. An electrocardiogram was performed, and the doctor noted that my PR interval was prolonged, advising me to undergo an echo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, generally, antibiotic treatment is not sufficient on its own. In addition to ultrasound, other supporting tests such as blood tests and blood cultures are necessary for a definitive diagnosis. There is no need to panic; please wait for the diagnosis and then discuss treatm...[Read More] Understanding Endocarditis: Treatment Options and What to Expect
Shortness of Breath and Fatigue: Heart or Autonomic Nervous System Issues?
Experiencing shortness of breath and generalized weakness? Hello Doctor, Around 2005, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up, during which an echocardiogram revealed mitral valve prolapse with mild regurgitation and trivial tricuspid regurgitation with blood flow reversal....
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it still seems to be a problem caused by the autonomic nervous system! I recommend continuing your treatment with your original physician at Changhua Hospital, who will take care of you.[Read More] Shortness of Breath and Fatigue: Heart or Autonomic Nervous System Issues?
Understanding White Coat Hypertension: Anxiety or Real Health Risk?
Is it white coat hypertension or just anxiety? Hello Dr. He, I have a few concerns regarding my blood pressure readings. When I measure my blood pressure at the hospital, the values are significantly higher than those taken at home (about a 100 mmHg difference in systolic press...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you are too anxious. You know that your readings tend to be higher when you are nervous. Let's avoid measuring for now and focus on lifestyle adjustments, such as exercise, controlling salt intake, and maintaining a stable routine. We can start measuring again in a mo...[Read More] Understanding White Coat Hypertension: Anxiety or Real Health Risk?
Understanding Your Echocardiogram: Key Insights on Heart Health
Echocardiogram Report Hello Dr. He, I received my health check report which shows: 1. Elevated white blood cell count (11.75 x 10^3/µL) 2. Echocardiogram shows: mild mitral valve prolapse, left ventricular ejection fraction 57%, mild tricuspid regurgitation, very mild mitral regu...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your doctor is correct; there is no need to worry. Your left ventricular ejection fraction is 57%, which is normal. The mentioned mitral valve prolapse and insufficiency are not indicative of heart disease. Rest assured, Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Your Echocardiogram: Key Insights on Heart Health
Is It Safe to Switch Blood Pressure Medications Suddenly?
Switching antihypertensive medications? Hello, Doctor. I usually take Atenolol 50mg for hypertension. On March 1, I forgot to take my blood pressure medication, and when I woke up on March 2, I felt unwell. I was supposed to go to work, but after walking a few steps, I felt very ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there is nothing unsafe; it’s just that the original medication was a beta-blocker with stronger exclusivity. The process of switching may cause some discomfort, but it is not dangerous, so please rest assured. Alternatively, you may suggest to your doctor to prescribe Con...[Read More] Is It Safe to Switch Blood Pressure Medications Suddenly?
Managing Blood Pressure Anxiety: Insights from Recent Health Tests
Blood Pressure and Medication (Follow-up Inquiry) Hello Director He, after following my attending physician's advice to rest for 2 weeks without exercise, I had my blood drawn again for testing. **Blood Test Results:** - "Hemoglobin" increased from 37 to 36.1, w...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, please stop measuring your blood pressure. It only creates anxiety and can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure and even complications. At your age, I have not seen this happen. We are here to treat people, not numbers. You know that stress and anxiety cause those numbers t...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure Anxiety: Insights from Recent Health Tests
Understanding Unexplained Palpitations: Causes and Solutions
Palpitations of unknown origin? Hello doctor, about a month ago, one night I suddenly felt my heart racing and couldn't sleep (I had been smoking and it was almost 4 AM). I went to the emergency room where the doctor gave me a sedative so I could go home and sleep. The next ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, please stop scaring yourself. You are experiencing anxiety, not a heart disease. You have undergone all necessary heart examinations, and everything is fine. The symptoms you are experiencing are due to panic attacks. You should visit a mental health specialist and conside...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Palpitations: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Blood Pressure and Lab Results: Key Questions Answered
Blood Pressure and Medication (Continued) Hello Director He, I apologize for bothering you again. I previously consulted you about blood pressure issues, and my attending physician later asked me to undergo blood and urine tests. After reviewing the reports, I would like to ask s...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there are no issues with the first and second tests, so there's no need to worry. The presence of protein in the urine is a bit more difficult to explain and is likely related to exercise. If you're concerned, you may want to visit a nephrology clinic for further...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure and Lab Results: Key Questions Answered
Post-Stent Care: Understanding Heart Function and Monitoring
Post-stent implantation follow-up P3 Hello Dr. Lee, regarding the issues from P1 and P2, after the perfusion scan done in July, I had an ultrasound scheduled for late September, along with a resting electrocardiogram, a 24-hour Holter monitor, and five blood tests (to assess the ...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello Mr. Lee, most physicians have a great deal of empathy and wish to help you solve your problems. In the late-stage care of coronary artery disease, in addition to medication and control of risk factors, adjustments in diet, exercise, and lifestyle are equally important. Of c...[Read More] Post-Stent Care: Understanding Heart Function and Monitoring
Understanding Blood Test Results: Is My Child at Risk for Thalassemia?
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Hello, Doctor. My son underwent a hematocrit test, and the results are as follows: WBC: 6.67, RBC: 5.23, HB: 16.2, HCT: 44.4, MCV: 84.9, MCH: 31.0, MCHC: 36.5, Platelet: 197, RDW-SD: 35.2. The last value, the red blood cell distribution width standard d...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, don't be too nervous. That number doesn't have much significance; the main thing to look at is the Hb, which is very high. There is no issue with anemia, so please rest assured. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Is My Child at Risk for Thalassemia?
Understanding Post-Heart Attack Symptoms After Angioplasty: A Patient's Journey
Concerns about physical condition after cardiac catheterization following acute myocardial infarction? Hello Doctor, On December 18, 2013, around 4:30 PM, I went to the emergency room of a hospital in northern Taiwan due to symptoms such as chest tightness and upper body weaknes...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, after the second stent placement, are you no longer in pain? Your question is very good. Why are the catheter reports different after three procedures within two months? I suggest you copy the catheter images and take them to another medical center in the northern region f...[Read More] Understanding Post-Heart Attack Symptoms After Angioplasty: A Patient's Journey
Do You Need an Echocardiogram After Normal Heart Tests?
Cardiac examination Hello doctor, when I was 17 years old, I experienced palpitations and sometimes chest tightness, so I went to the hospital for tests including an electrocardiogram (ECG), X-ray, blood tests, and a 24-hour Holter monitor, all of which came back normal. However,...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, palpitations are the sensation of the heart beating and are generally not related to echocardiograms. Not having one does not affect this condition. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Do You Need an Echocardiogram After Normal Heart Tests?
Understanding Palpitations and Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
Regarding palpitations and cholesterol? Hello doctor, five years ago during a school health check, my blood test results showed a total cholesterol level of 264, which is considered very high (with no family history). There are no cardiovascular diseases in my family. Four years ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, at your age, it is generally not necessary to measure cholesterol for palpitations. Based on your description, it does not seem like you have cardiovascular disease, so please do not worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Palpitations and Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Normal Serum Iron Levels Explained
Iron deficiency anemia-related issues? Hello Doctor: I previously went to the hospital for a blood test, and the doctor said I have iron deficiency anemia. My serum iron and total iron-binding capacity report showed a value of 21. After taking iron supplements for two months, the...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Reference ranges: ADVIA 1800: Serum Iron (SI): 30-170 µg/dL, TIBC: 200-340 µg/dL; Dimension RXL Ferene: Serum Iron (SI): Women: 50-170 µg/dL, TIBC: Women: 260-445 µg/dL. Different instrument systems have varying standard values. It appears that your hospital uses the ADVIA system...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Normal Serum Iron Levels Explained
Understanding Anemia: Is Pale Eyelid a Sign of Blood Issues?
About Anemia Hello, doctor~~ Five years ago, my blood test results showed no anemia, but recently I've noticed that the inside of my lower eyelids looks pale and lacks color, although my lips and nails are quite rosy. @@ I haven't experienced dizziness, nor have I faint...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, don't worry. A blood test will clarify things. I don't necessarily think it's that.[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Is Pale Eyelid a Sign of Blood Issues?
Understanding Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels: Health Implications and Solutions
Regarding hemoglobin and hematocrit? Hello doctor, during a recent newborn health check, the blood test showed that both "hemoglobin" and "hematocrit" levels were 0.2 above the standard values, while triglycerides and cholesterol levels were normal. Will this ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this is mostly a good thing, so there's no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels: Health Implications and Solutions
Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Patients with Thalassemia
Iron deficiency anemia Hello Doctor: I have thalassemia and previously experienced frequent dizziness, so I underwent blood tests at the hospital, which revealed that I also have iron deficiency anemia, with serum iron levels at 21 µg/dL. The doctor prescribed iron supplements fo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is a misconception that individuals with thalassemia should not take iron supplements. Both conditions are classified as microcytic anemia, which is why some physicians may not differentiate between them and may prescribe iron supplements. It is not that they cannot tak...[Read More] Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Patients with Thalassemia
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Concerns for Your Daughter's Health
Blood test issues? Hello Doctor: I have thalassemia and I'm concerned that my daughter may inherit it. A year ago, my daughter's blood test results were as follows, and I would like to ask if she has anemia. My daughter is 17 years old; can she take iron supplements or ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on the report you provided, there are no signs of anemia, which is normal. As for whether you can take iron supplements or folic acid, there are no contraindications; however, iron supplements are typically taken only if there is iron deficiency anemia, and folic aci...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Concerns for Your Daughter's Health
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Is It Heart-Related or Something Else?
Left chest pain? Hello Doctor: I have a few questions to ask you. I have been experiencing a stabbing pain in my left chest for a month, but I cannot pinpoint the exact location of the pain. I feel like the pain is coming from inside the ribs, especially when I breathe, the pain ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of neuropathic pain is higher, possibly due to nerve involvement after a pneumothorax. The pain you are experiencing may be erratic, but generally, the heart does not cause such random pain. Using some analgesics may help. Addition...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Is It Heart-Related or Something Else?