Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: A Cardiovascular Perspective
Chest tightness and difficulty breathing? Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about an incident that occurred in March this year. While exercising, I suddenly felt unable to breathe, as if my airways were blocked. After resting for a while, my condition improved. I went to a h...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, multiple hospital examinations have shown no cardiovascular or pulmonary issues. The purpose of these tests was to rule out any life-threatening conditions or significant organ abnormalities. Other less dangerous conditions that may cau...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: A Cardiovascular Perspective
Understanding Acute Myocarditis: Risks, Recovery, and Long-Term Effects
Acute myocarditis Hello Dr. Wu, I was hospitalized recently due to chest pain, and my blood test showed a troponin level exceeding 1900, while the normal range is below 20, which is more than 85 times higher. Additionally, my CK level was 328. I later underwent a cardiac catheter...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. Is it safe to be discharged if the levels have not yet returned to normal? Yes, it is safe. 2. Does this mean that my heart has been damaged? An echocardiogram is needed to determine that. 3. Will there be any long-term effects? Mild myocarditis typically does not result in lo...[Read More] Understanding Acute Myocarditis: Risks, Recovery, and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension: Misdiagnosis and Next Steps
Regarding pulmonary artery diagnostic issues? Hello, doctor. Over a decade ago, I experienced shortness of breath while walking and consulted a cardiologist. During an echocardiogram, the doctor mentioned that I had pulmonary hypertension, but did not provide any specific diagnos...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: Pulmonary hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which can damage the blood vessels in the lungs and potentially lead to increased cardiac workload, resulting in heart disease. Echocardiography can estimate pulmonary artery pressure, but ...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension: Misdiagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Cardiovascular Symptoms: Expert Insights on Treatment and Management
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. He, I would like to express my gratitude for your previous guidance regarding my mother's health concerns. I have some additional questions I would like to ask you. To provide a brief overview of my mother's condition: she is 68 years old...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you are experiencing are typical of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Labtal has therapeutic effects on the autonomic nervous system and can be used regularly and long-term. However, Diovan 160mg does not have effects on the autonomic nervous system, which...[Read More] Understanding Cardiovascular Symptoms: Expert Insights on Treatment and Management
Understanding Syncope and Arrhythmias: Insights from Cardiovascular Health
Syncope. Arrhythmia? Hello, Doctor. I do not have hypertension, diabetes, or any other chronic conditions. I have mitral valve prolapse, but I am asymptomatic and not on medication. Since November of last year, I have occasionally experienced sudden dizziness lasting about 2 seco...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, previous examinations showed no abnormalities except for some arrhythmia. It's difficult to determine the cause of the sudden fainting without warning. It could be related to a heart rate of 50-60, premature beats, or medication issues. Depending on the frequency of t...[Read More] Understanding Syncope and Arrhythmias: Insights from Cardiovascular Health
Should an 85-Year-Old Undergo Angioplasty for Mild Heart Ischemia?
Is cardiac catheterization necessary for diagnosis and treatment? At the beginning of April, I underwent a myocardial perfusion scan at the municipal hospital. The results indicated: 1. There is mild to moderate ischemia in the basal inferior wall, which may appear more severe du...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Mild myocardial ischemia, if symptoms are stable under medication control, does not necessarily require catheterization.[Read More] Should an 85-Year-Old Undergo Angioplasty for Mild Heart Ischemia?
Understanding Your Heart Echo Report: Key Insights for Health Concerns
Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask for your help in determining if there are any areas of concern in the echocardiogram report? Due to a recent sudden increase in blood pressure, sometimes my systolic pressure spikes to 165, but when measured at home, the average is around 110 to ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Mild tricuspid regurgitation does not affect cardiac function. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits and engage in regular exercise.[Read More] Understanding Your Heart Echo Report: Key Insights for Health Concerns
Understanding Positive Exercise ECG Results: What You Need to Know
Positive exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) Hello, Doctor He: Last month, I experienced chest tightness and shortness of breath, so I went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor performed a resting electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram, both of which were normal. Howev...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is certainly possible to have a false positive. Your Duke Treadmill Score of +5 indicates low risk, and the chance of having an issue is really low at 99% over the next five years. However, who knows? If you want peace of mind and prefer to avoid a cardiac catheterizati...[Read More] Understanding Positive Exercise ECG Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Heart Rate Issues After COVID-19: A Young Adult's Experience
Heart rate issues Hello, doctor. I am an 18-year-old male, 165 cm tall, weighing 62 kg, with a normal BMI and a regular exercise habit. I have been diagnosed twice with COVID-19. After recovering from the first diagnosis, I occasionally experienced tachycardia while at rest, with...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, post-COVID sequelae include autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which does not affect exercise. It is safe to take Inderal with two other medications; there is no conflict, and you can take them at any interval. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Heart Rate Issues After COVID-19: A Young Adult's Experience
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse and Its Impact on Blood Flow
Continuation #195406 Pulse beats, arterial vessels Hello Doctor, I previously consulted with you, and my current situation is that I visited a cardiothoracic surgeon. After reviewing my chest X-ray, I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse. My blood pressure readings were 139 a...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If symptoms persist after taking medication, please visit the outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse and Its Impact on Blood Flow
Managing Hypertension Headaches: Long-term Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
Hypertensive headache Hello, doctor: Currently, my blood pressure has been unstable, ranging from 145 to 190, and it has caused some headaches and numbness in my hands and feet. I visited a cardiologist, who prescribed two medications: "Moxonidine" and "Nebivolol&q...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
We recommend that you discuss the above situation with your attending physician during your follow-up appointment. Thank you, and wish you good health![Read More] Managing Hypertension Headaches: Long-term Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
Understanding Your 24-Hour Holter Monitor Report: Key Insights for Heart Health
24-Hour Holter Monitor Report Hello Doctor: I am 81 years old this year, with no hypertension, diabetes, but I have had mitral valve prolapse for many years without symptoms and I am not on medication. Since November of last year, I have occasionally experienced dizziness and a r...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, some benign arrhythmias may not require treatment if there are no obvious symptoms; observation may be sufficient. In some cases, antiarrhythmic medications such as beta-blockers can help stabilize the heart rhythm. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.[Read More] Understanding Your 24-Hour Holter Monitor Report: Key Insights for Heart Health
Understanding Echocardiogram Results and Cholesterol Management
Echocardiogram and Cholesterol Hello Doctor, could you please help me interpret the echocardiogram results? Thank you. Echocardiogram findings: - Normal left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) size - Good LV contractility (LVEF: 73% by M-mode) - Mild mitral regurgitation (MR)...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the ultrasound results are normal. Your low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is 195. You can either continue taking cholesterol-lowering medication, reduce the dosage by half, or switch to dietary control. Please monitor your progress regularly to see how it goes. Changhua ...[Read More] Understanding Echocardiogram Results and Cholesterol Management
Managing Hypertension: Questions on Medication for My Mother
Follow-up Question #194617: Inquiry about Medication Usage Dear Dr. He, Thank you very much for your response and explanation in the consultation regarding medication inquiry #194617. My mother also asked me to express her gratitude to you. I have some additional questions I wou...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, if you are not taking antihypertensive medication and your systolic blood pressure is between 130 and 140 and diastolic pressure is 80, it may be reasonable to observe without medication. We are treating hypertension as a condition, not just focusing on the numbers, which ...[Read More] Managing Hypertension: Questions on Medication for My Mother
Understanding Panic Attacks: When Heart Rate Soars to 170 BPM
Director, I have had another episode? I'm sorry, Director. I woke up happy this morning, but after having breakfast and washing my hair, I started to feel a bit short of breath. It wasn't too severe at first, but my heart rate felt faster and somewhat uncomfortable. Som...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, first of all, a heart rate jumping to 170 for a long time is unlikely to cause heart failure or be life-threatening. It can be due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation or panic attacks, which can cause the heart to race to 170. When you went to the emergency room, the...[Read More] Understanding Panic Attacks: When Heart Rate Soars to 170 BPM
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Causes and Heart Health Tips
Hypotension issues I have seen a cardiologist and do not have a history of hypertension or diabetes. I am not overweight, and my blood pressure usually does not exceed 110, mostly staying below 100! I have multiple valve regurgitations and have taken a calcium channel blocker (ha...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
It is advisable for you to consult with your attending physician regarding the aforementioned issues. Thank you, and wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Causes and Heart Health Tips
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Shortness of Breath: Key Insights
Rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath? Hello, Doctor: For about a month now, I've been experiencing shortness of breath. I've been monitoring my condition with a smartwatch. My height and weight are approximately 175 cm and 78 kg. My resting heart rate in the morning ...
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 recommended to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. Please return for a follow-up appointment to r...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Shortness of Breath: Key Insights
Understanding Heart Catheterization: Essential Questions for Patients
Inquiry about cardiac catheterization? Hello Dr. Huang, My father is 70 years old, 170 cm tall, and weighs 76 kg. His medical history includes liver cancer (diagnosed 7 years ago, has hepatitis B, is on medication, has undergone electrocautery, embolization, arterial chemothera...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: 1. An exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to assess whether there are signs of myocardial ischemia. Under normal circumstances, one should be able to run for 8 to 10 minutes; if symptoms arise within 2 minutes, it likely indicates severe cardiovascular obstruction, an...[Read More] Understanding Heart Catheterization: Essential Questions for Patients
Understanding High Cholesterol: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
High cholesterol can lead to fatigue? Hello, Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing worsening fatigue, along with persistent body aches, dizziness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. I also tend to show signs of inflammation and often experience severe co...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Please engage in regular exercise and avoid high-fat foods. After three months, have your blood drawn for follow-up. If levels are still not within normal range, medication treatment is recommended.[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Cholesterol Issues After Pregnancy: Concerns and Solutions
Cholesterol issues Hello, doctor. Last March, my cholesterol level was 232. After giving birth at the end of November, I was diagnosed with "peripartum cardiomyopathy." In December, I had a blood test and my cholesterol level was 267, while my triglycerides were normal....
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, with a cholesterol level of 232, it's important to understand whether this includes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Do you need to take medication for life? Not necessarily; the future is uncertain. The doctor mentioned that dietary control is the first ste...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol Issues After Pregnancy: Concerns and Solutions