Comparing the Efficacy of Atorvastatin and Pitavastatin for Cholesterol Reduction
The efficacy of lipid-lowering medications? Hello, I would like to ask: Is the lipid-lowering effect of Atoroty 20mg (Atorvastatin) significantly stronger than that of Livalo OD 2mg (Pitavastatin), or is the efficacy of the two medications not that different? Thank you for your r...
Dr. Cai Guiqin Reply:
We recommend that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. Thank you, and best wishes for your health![Read More] Comparing the Efficacy of Atorvastatin and Pitavastatin for Cholesterol Reduction
Calcium-Free Statins: Which Cholesterol Medications to Choose?
Calcium-free lipid-lowering medications? Hello, could you please let me know if there are any statin medications that do not contain calcium? If so, which statin medications are calcium-free? Thank you for your assistance.
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, statin medications themselves do not contain calcium; however, I am not sure about the additives used by different manufacturers. Apologies for any confusion, and thank you for your concern from Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Calcium-Free Statins: Which Cholesterol Medications to Choose?
Understanding High LDL Cholesterol: Lifestyle and Health Insights
Cholesterol issues? I recently received my health check report, with the following values: height 162 cm, weight 64.1 kg, waist circumference 74 cm, triglycerides 49 mg/dL, total cholesterol 281 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 73 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, diet and lifestyle habits such as staying up late, as well as genetics, can all contribute to health issues. It's best to avoid ramen broth, fried foods, desserts, and nuts. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.[Read More] Understanding High LDL Cholesterol: Lifestyle and Health Insights
Should Atrial Flutter and Atrial Fibrillation Be Treated Together?
Should atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation be treated with a single catheter ablation? Hello, Doctor. During a health checkup, I was found to have arrhythmia and was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation by my outpatient physician. I have been taking medication (Apixaban and Digo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, regarding this treatment, opinions may vary. Is it necessary to perform catheter ablation for atrial flutter? It doesn't necessarily worsen, and it may not always require ablation. It should be possible to manage without any specific discomfort. It's best to appr...[Read More] Should Atrial Flutter and Atrial Fibrillation Be Treated Together?
Managing Cardiovascular Medications: Side Effects and Concerns
Cardiovascular and medication issues? I have been taking Metoprolol for over two years. Recently, for more than a month, I reduced my dosage by half a pill, and my blood pressure has been controlled at around 110-120/70-80. Two years ago, when I started taking Metoprolol, I didn&...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
We recommend that you: 1. Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. 2. Consider seeking a consultation at another medical facility. Thank you! Wishing you good health![Read More] Managing Cardiovascular Medications: Side Effects and Concerns
Comparing Diovan and Exforge: Which is Better for Beginners with High Blood Pressure?
Diovan (valsartan) vs. Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) I have a habit of measuring my blood pressure daily. Recently, over the past three months, I noticed that my average blood pressure was 128 in April, 136 in May, and it spiked to an average of 146 in June (with three readings ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If the blood pressure exceeds 160 mmHg at the start of treatment, it is recommended to use combination therapy as initial treatment, such as Amlodipine, to achieve effective blood pressure control more quickly.[Read More] Comparing Diovan and Exforge: Which is Better for Beginners with High Blood Pressure?
Comparing Atorvastatin and Pitavastatin: Efficacy in Lowering Cholesterol
Amitriptyline enteric-coated tablets and Loperamide orally disintegrating tablets? Hello, I would like to ask: Are the lipid-lowering effects of these two medications, Atoroty 20mg (Atorvastatin) and Livalo OD 2mg (Pitavastatin), the same? Or are they different, with one having a...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Atoroty 20mg tablet (Atorvastatin) has a stronger effect on lowering blood lipids compared to Livalo OD tablet 2mg (Pitavastatin).[Read More] Comparing Atorvastatin and Pitavastatin: Efficacy in Lowering Cholesterol
Comparing Side Effects: Zulitor 4mg vs. Ezetimibe 10mg for Elderly Patients
The side effects of Zulitor 4mg (Zolpidem) are generally considered to be less severe compared to those of Edluar (10mg/Merck). However, the severity and occurrence of side effects can vary among individuals. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized a...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
We recommend that you: 1. Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. 2. Consider seeking a consultation at another medical facility. Thank you! Wishing you good health![Read More] Comparing Side Effects: Zulitor 4mg vs. Ezetimibe 10mg for Elderly Patients
Understanding Side Effects of Pletaal in Cardiovascular Patients
Side effects of Pletaal (cilostazol)? Hello, my father is a dialysis patient and was recently diagnosed with severe narrowing of the calf arteries. The doctor prescribed Pletaal (cilostazol) 100 mg, to be taken once in the morning and once in the evening, and Lipitor (atorvastati...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello, Pletaal is an antiplatelet medication used to promote blood circulation, while Lipitor is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Pharmacologically, neither of these medications directly causes an increased heart rate. Many other conditions can lead to an increased heart rate, such a...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Pletaal in Cardiovascular Patients
Do Statins Harm the Liver? New Insights on Cholesterol Management
Do statin medications harm the liver? Hello, I have hyperlipidemia, with elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels. I was initially taking statins to lower my lipid levels, but later switched to red yeast rice capsules due to elevated liver enzymes (GOT and GPT). Recent...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If liver function tests show only a slight increase, the medication can be continued, and liver function should be monitored regularly.[Read More] Do Statins Harm the Liver? New Insights on Cholesterol Management
Understanding Heart Discomfort and Facial Nerve Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Regarding heart discomfort and issues related to the face and head? Hello, Doctor. A year and a half ago, I experienced numbness in my chest, sharp pain in my jaw, pain in my left shoulder and left arm, and severe wrist pain in my left hand. Subsequently, I developed numbness on ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the reports are all good, and the symptoms do not seem to indicate a heart problem. It may be worth considering cervical spine issues or autonomic nervous system disorders. It would be advisable to follow up with a neurologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being...[Read More] Understanding Heart Discomfort and Facial Nerve Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Elevated Homocysteine Levels and Heart Disease Risk
Elevated homocysteine levels? Today, my health check revealed a homocysteine level of 18.2 and a cholesterol level of 204, both slightly above the standard range. Doctor, do these values increase the risk of cardiovascular disease? How can I improve them? Thank you, doctor!
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
These test values are slightly elevated, but due to your young age, your risk for cardiovascular disease remains low. Please focus on lifestyle changes, including exercise and dietary control.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Homocysteine Levels and Heart Disease Risk
Understanding Chest Pain, Weakness, and Heart Health: Key Insights
Chest tightness, chest pain, back pain, and limb weakness? Hello, starting from the end of February, I have been experiencing persistent chest tightness, dizziness, weakness in my limbs, left chest and back pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. After seeking medical attention, ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The echocardiogram and 24-hour Holter monitor did not show any significant abnormalities. If the chest discomfort persists, it is recommended to consult a physician in the outpatient clinic to see if an exercise stress test can be arranged.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain, Weakness, and Heart Health: Key Insights
Understanding Elevated Cardiac Enzymes: Myocarditis, Heart Attack, or Cardiomyopathy?
Elevated myocardial enzymes could indicate myocarditis, myocardial infarction, or cardiomyopathy. The patient is 27 years old, 178 cm tall, weighs 63 kg, and is considered lean. Additionally, the patient has a history of hyperthyroidism? Dear Dr. He, I apologize for the lengthy ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it seems that what you're experiencing is more related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction rather than myocarditis, myocardial infarction, or cardiomyopathy. Please don't scare yourself; these conditions can be detected through ultrasound, and you have had se...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Cardiac Enzymes: Myocarditis, Heart Attack, or Cardiomyopathy?
Understanding Low Heart Rate Alerts from Your Apple Watch During Sleep
The Apple Watch detected a low heart rate during sleep? I have been receiving notifications from my smartwatch about low heart rates upon waking up these past couple of days, specifically around 4 AM, with sleep heart rates ranging from 39 to 42 beats per minute for over 10 minut...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, during sleep, the heart rate decreases as the body rests. This is normal, so there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Low Heart Rate Alerts from Your Apple Watch During Sleep
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Analyzing Anemia and Cardiovascular Health
Blood test report blood test indices Hello, doctor. Here are my blood test results. There are several abnormal values, and I would like your help in analyzing them. I want to ask which type of anemia I might have. - LDL-C: 129 - NT-proBNP: 27.07 - UIBC: 394 - TIBC (UIBC + Iron)...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: A slightly low hemoglobin level (Hb 11.1 g/dL) indicates mild anemia. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is slightly low but there is no significant iron deficiency (Iron, TIBC is normal), and it does not appear to be thalassemia. Based on these data, iron deficiency anemia...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Analyzing Anemia and Cardiovascular Health
Understanding Myocardial Ischemia: When to Consider Angiography?
Myocardial hypoxia Hello Doctor, I occasionally experience chest tightness and chest pain. I arranged for an exercise electrocardiogram, and the report is as follows: METs: 10.80, HR: 101%, ST change during exercise stage 4, 9:33. Flat ST depression at II (-2.90), III (-2.20), aV...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If symptoms can be improved under medication control, it may not be necessary to perform a cardiac catheterization.[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Ischemia: When to Consider Angiography?
Understanding Blood Pressure: When Lifestyle Changes Aren't Enough
Blood Pressure Assessment Issues A few months ago, during a health check-up, my systolic blood pressure was in the 130s, approaching 140, and there was mild plaque buildup in my carotid arteries. Other factors like cholesterol, triglycerides, and BMI were all within normal limits...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, for individuals with autonomic nervous system imbalance, it is important to rest adequately and practice deep breathing to help alleviate symptoms. There is no need to take medication; your well-being is our concern at Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure: When Lifestyle Changes Aren't Enough
Understanding Brief Loss of Consciousness: Causes and Next Steps
Brief loss of consciousness for one to two seconds? Hello, doctor. Last night after taking a shower, I sat at my desk and suddenly seemed to lose consciousness for a second or two. When I came to, I realized my body was leaning forward to the left, and I quickly sat up straight a...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Based on your condition, it is recommended that you undergo further examinations with a cardiologist and a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Brief Loss of Consciousness: Causes and Next Steps
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