Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort After Heart Surgery: What to Know
There is a dull, tight pain in the middle of my clavicle? There is a dull, tight pain located 3 centimeters down and 3 centimeters to the left from the middle of my clavicle. I discovered I had an atrial septal defect at the age of 21 in 2015, and I underwent a catheterization pr...
Dr. Cai Guiqin Reply:
It is recommended that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician to determine if any additional examinations are necessary. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Discomfort After Heart Surgery: What to Know
Understanding VPC: Impact on Heart Health and Symptoms Explained
Heart arrhythmia issues? Dr. He, thank you very much for your previous response. I would like to ask you a few more questions. If VPCs (ventricular premature contractions) occur 500-800 times a day, it feels like the heart is skipping beats. While a few occurrences may not be sig...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you are right. It's like spending 30 dollars a day on drinks, which adds up to over ten thousand dollars a year and could exceed hundreds of thousands over a lifetime. Will I become poor? Probably not! At least you might not have considered this issue. Experts say tha...[Read More] Understanding VPC: Impact on Heart Health and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Chest and Back Pain: Signs of Heart Issues?
Chest pain, back pain? Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing difficulty breathing at times, with a sensation of tightness. When I take a deep breath, I feel pain in the middle of my chest, slightly to the left, along with a feeling of pressure. Additionally, I experienc...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, taking a deep breath and experiencing pain in the left scapula during movement is often caused by postural issues that lead to muscle and nerve discomfort. It does not resemble symptoms of a myocardial infarction, so there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about...[Read More] Understanding Chest and Back Pain: Signs of Heart Issues?
Understanding Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Concerns
Chest issues? Recently, due to the pandemic, doctors have been staying at home. As an athlete, I also need to train at home. Today, while practicing, I was doing high knees, and halfway through, I felt a sudden pain in my left chest and left back, around the area of my heart. I c...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it seems that your posture might be off, which could have caused a strain in a muscle, leading to pain. It's best to observe the situation for now, or you can take B vitamins and muscle relaxants, and continue to monitor your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about y...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Anxiety and Panic: Heart Symptoms Explained
Chest tightness and left arm numbness - anxiety and panic? Hello Doctor, I am Xiao Jie. I previously inquired about my chest tightness. I have seen many cardiologists who said there was nothing wrong, so I went to see a psychiatrist. After describing my physical symptoms, he sugg...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the medication has significantly improved your condition, so don't overthink it. It's a typical symptom, and there's no need to schedule more tests that might just scare you. It's best to minimize visits to the hospital during this time. Continue taking...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and Panic: Heart Symptoms Explained
Understanding Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Concerns
Chest issues? Recently, due to the pandemic, doctors have been staying at home. As an athlete, I also need to train at home. Today, while practicing, we were doing high knees. Halfway through, I felt a sudden pain in my left chest and left back, around the area of the heart. I co...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, chest pain may be due to issues with your environment that prevent you from performing properly, leading to poor posture and inflammation of a muscle. Please rest and avoid doing push-ups. Consider taking B vitamins or muscle relaxants, and monitor your condition. Take car...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Valve Issues or Anxiety Symptoms?
Shortness of breath? Hello Doctor, I have issues with mitral and aortic valve regurgitation (approximately between mild to moderate). Additionally, I have previously experienced autonomic nervous system dysregulation and hyperventilation. A few days ago, I visited a clinic due to...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Due to your young age and lack 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 intake of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to adju...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Valve Issues or Anxiety Symptoms?
Assessing Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis: Is Low-Dose CT Scan Reliable?
Atherosclerosis Hello Dr. Wu, last year I underwent a low-dose lung CT scan at a teaching hospital, and the report suggested the presence of coronary artery atherosclerosis. I consulted several cardiologists who reviewed the images and stated that the lung CT scan cannot accurate...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If you need to check for narrowing of the coronary arteries, it is recommended to perform a coronary computed tomography (CT) scan.[Read More] Assessing Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis: Is Low-Dose CT Scan Reliable?
Understanding VPC: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help for Heart Palpitations
Arrhythmia Hello Doctor, I have recently been experiencing a sensation of my heart skipping a beat frequently. However, due to the pandemic, I am hesitant to go to the hospital for an examination. I visited a nearby clinic, and the doctor mentioned that it might be caused by vent...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, VPC (ventricular premature contractions) is a benign arrhythmia, meaning it is not life-threatening. You won't die from it, but it may not improve either. The frequency can vary with your mood, emotions, and internal and external environments. Rest assured, it won...[Read More] Understanding VPC: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help for Heart Palpitations
Can Early Surgery for Mitral Valve Prolapse Restore Athletic Performance?
Can mitral valve prolapse surgery expedite the recovery of physical activity? Hello, doctor! I am a tall and slender male. Over three months ago, an echocardiogram revealed "mitral valve prolapse with mild regurgitation." I am a boxer and engage in intense exercise dail...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms may not necessarily be caused by mitral valve prolapse. The mild regurgitation associated with mitral valve prolapse has likely been present for a long time; why have symptoms only appeared in the past month? It is possible that recent anxiety and overthinking...[Read More] Can Early Surgery for Mitral Valve Prolapse Restore Athletic Performance?
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help
Chest tightness, shortness of breath, numbness? Hello, I would like to ask a few questions! 1. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent breathing difficulties, feeling like my throat is constricted (previously it only happened occasionally), and I have to exert a lot of effo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it sounds more like a case of autonomic nervous system dysregulation, possibly caused by anxiety due to the pandemic. It is recommended to observe the situation for now; if it does not improve, you can visit the hospital for further evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares abou...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help
Understanding Exercise ECG: Addressing Heart Concerns and Anxiety
Exercise Electrocardiogram (Exercise ECG) Hello, doctor. I'm sorry to bother you again. I'm still feeling a bit uneasy, so I went for an exercise electrocardiogram and a cardiac ultrasound. This time I went to the Veterans General Hospital, making it four major hospital...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it seems that you are experiencing symptoms similar to panic disorder. I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist and consider medication. The doctors you have seen at four medical centers have indicated that there is nothing wrong, so please try not to scare yourself fur...[Read More] Understanding Exercise ECG: Addressing Heart Concerns and Anxiety
Understanding PVCs: When to Worry About Heart Rhythm Irregularities
Skipped beats, arrhythmia Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask if I should be concerned about the sensation of missed beats due to frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) that occur daily. I have been experiencing this condition for about a year and have consulted both a...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the sensation of missed beats due to premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) is often not a cause for concern. A significant part of it is related to anxiety; the more you think about it, the more frequent they may occur. It is unlikely that you will suddenly faint, so t...[Read More] Understanding PVCs: When to Worry About Heart Rhythm Irregularities
Understanding Abnormal Q Waves in ECG: What You Need to Know
Abnormal Q waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG)? Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up where the electrocardiogram showed abnormal Q waves. During the examination, a very faint heart murmur was detected, but I haven't experienced any chest discomfort or other unusua...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, a slight abnormal Q wave and heart murmur may not necessarily be significant. It is recommended that you visit a cardiology clinic for further evaluation. If no abnormalities are found, there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Q Waves in ECG: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Pain Near the Heart: Causes and Concerns
Sharp pain and tightness near the left chest, close to the heart? Recently, I have been experiencing a dull, sharp pain under my left collarbone, which is concerning since it's near the heart. This has caused me a lot of anxiety and has affected my work, leading me to take m...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the sharp pain below the clavicle may be related to nerve pain. The heart is not located there; it is situated in the so-called epigastric region, which is much more centrally located and lower. What you are experiencing is likely due to poor posture, leading to shoulder a...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain Near the Heart: Causes and Concerns
Assessing Heart Health During COVID: When to Seek Medical Attention
Hello, doctor. Given the current tense situation with the pandemic, I am concerned about occupying hospital medical resources? Hello doctor, given the current tense pandemic situation, I am concerned about occupying hospital medical resources. What symptoms should I pay attention...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. A heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute...[Read More] Assessing Heart Health During COVID: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Heart Health: Navigating Hypertension and Cardiac Concerns
Cardiac examination results indicate myocardial ischemia. There is atheromatous arteriosclerosis, but the coronary artery calcium score is between 0 and 10? Hello, Doctor. I have a history of hypertension for about 7-8 years. I have been experiencing chest pain (at rest), so my c...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, C - The results of the coronary CT angiography are most accurate - no significant stenosis means there is nothing to worry about. The accuracy of nuclear medicine tests is lower than that of CT scans. Risk factors include not only hypertension, and we are human, not machin...[Read More] Understanding Heart Health: Navigating Hypertension and Cardiac Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues in Kawasaki Disease Patients
Sharp pain in the left chest during deep breathing, with increased frequency? Hello Doctor, I have a history of Kawasaki disease with coronary artery aneurysm and have been taking aspirin regularly. I find that I need to take deep breaths frequently, and occasionally I experience...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the tingling sensation is mostly caused by muscle nerve issues or mitral valve prolapse, which poses no life-threatening danger. Please don't worry and consider a follow-up visit after the pandemic. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues in Kawasaki Disease Patients
Understanding Heart Issues: Anxiety and Nighttime Discomfort Explained
Cardiac issues? Hello, while I was sleeping, it felt like my heart suddenly skipped a beat. There was no pain, but I experienced some discomfort at that moment. Afterward, everything was fine, but I was quite worried at the time, so I felt my heart rate increased significantly. I...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. However, if symptoms persist, it is recommended ...[Read More] Understanding Heart Issues: Anxiety and Nighttime Discomfort Explained
Understanding Heart Rate: Is My Slow Heartbeat a Concern?
Heart rate issues? Hello doctor, recently I have started monitoring my heart rate. Whenever I sit on a chair or on my bed looking at my phone or reading, I measure it with my Xiaomi band or manually, and sometimes it’s in the 60s, while other times it drops to 56, 57, or 58. Is t...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, athletes often have a slower heart rate. There was a famous tennis player, Björn Borg, whose heart rate was only in the 20s. The exact number of beats is not important as long as the person feels fine and performs well in sports. If there were any heart issues, athletic pe...[Read More] Understanding Heart Rate: Is My Slow Heartbeat a Concern?