Understanding Blood Pressure Issues: What Your Readings Mean
Blood pressure issues? Hello doctor, my blood pressure started to rise to an average of 120-150 last year. Is this a problem? In August of last year, I went for a cardiovascular check-up, and the report showed the following: - Creatine Kinase: 158 (high) - High-Sensitivity C-Re...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on the information you provided, it may be related to your anxiety and stress. It is recommended to simply observe your condition, adopt a low-sodium diet, engage in more physical activity, and relax. You have not reached true hypertension, so there is no need for me...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Issues: What Your Readings Mean
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 Mitral Valve Insufficiency: How to Distinguish Between Mild and Moderate Cases?
How can we differentiate between moderate and mild mitral valve regurgitation? Hello, doctor. I recently had a Doppler echocardiogram, and the doctor mentioned that I have mitral valve regurgitation and minimal pericardial effusion. He said there is no major concern and that I on...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, according to your statement, the severity of mitral valve insufficiency is classified based on echocardiographic Doppler grading. If you need a second opinion, it would be advisable to gather all the tests and examinations you have already undergone before consulting Chang...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Insufficiency: How to Distinguish Between Mild and Moderate Cases?
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
Chest Pain During Exercise: Understanding Heart Issues and Next Steps
The CT scan results are normal, but I still experience chest pain when walking quickly or climbing stairs? Dr. He: Hello, on July 18, 2015, I consulted you about experiencing chest pain after brisk walking for a few minutes or climbing four to five flights of stairs. My original ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the total coronary artery calcium score is 0. There are no abnormal findings in the coronary artery lumen diameter changes. Left ventricular function shows no abnormalities, including cardiac vascular and systolic function. There should be no issues. It is advisable to con...[Read More] Chest Pain During Exercise: Understanding Heart Issues and Next Steps
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
Understanding the Differences Between Calcified and Soft Plaques in Heart Health
Cardiovascular plaque issues? Hello, doctor. Recently, I underwent a routine health check at my company, which included a 640-slice cardiac CT scan. The report indicated that there is one calcified plaque and four soft plaques, totaling five plaques, with a very mild degree of va...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, mild. All five plaques are below 22%. There is no significant correlation with increased physical activity, which can reduce risk factors including smoking, cholesterol control, and management of hypertension and diabetes. The difference between soft plaques and calcified ...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Calcified and Soft Plaques in Heart Health
Is It Typical Angina? Understanding Myocardial Ischemia Risks
Is it typical angina? Is it very likely that I have myocardial ischemia? Dr. He: Hello, I am a 57-year-old male, weighing approximately 66 kg and standing 166 cm tall. I experience significant discomfort and even pain in my chest after brisk walking for a few minutes or climbing ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your condition resembles typical angina. There is a possibility of myocardial ischemia. I recommend further evaluation with a myocardial perfusion scan. Yes, it does involve radiation; however, the radioactive material will be eliminated from your body and should not have ...[Read More] Is It Typical Angina? Understanding Myocardial Ischemia Risks
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Angina or Myocardial Ischemia?
Am I experiencing typical angina? Do I have myocardial ischemia? Dr. He: Hello, I asked a question on July 15, and today, since you haven't responded yet, I made some slight modifications to my question. I apologize. I am a 57-year-old male, weighing approximately 66 kg and ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, a myocardial perfusion scan is like examining which area of the field has poor soil quality, while a 256-slice cardiac CT scan is used to check for blockages in the irrigation channels, essentially functioning as angiography. If you're worried, getting a 256-slice car...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Angina or Myocardial Ischemia?
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
Understanding Cardiovascular Concerns: Low Fibrinogen and WBC Levels
Cardiovascular Concerns - Fibrinogen + WBC (White Blood Cell Count) Hello Doctor, I recently underwent a health check-up and encountered several unusual indicators that I couldn't find comprehensive information about online. I would appreciate it if you could take the time ...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello Jackie, based on your statement, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is approximately 24, which is within the normal range. Your diet and exercise are normal, and the listed data is only at the lower edge of the normal values, which should be considered normal variants. As for body ...[Read More] Understanding Cardiovascular Concerns: Low Fibrinogen and WBC Levels
Understanding Counterclockwise Heart Axis Deviation and Early Repolarization
Counterclockwise cardiac axis deviation + early repolarization Hello Doctor, I recently had a health check-up and encountered several unusual indicators that I couldn't find comprehensive information about online. I would appreciate it if you could take the time to respond ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, counterclockwise heart axis deviation and early repolarization are changes within the normal range. There is no need to worry as other indicators are also within acceptable limits. Please continue to stay active. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Counterclockwise Heart Axis Deviation and Early Repolarization
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 Heart Constriction: Insights from a Cardiovascular Specialist
The heart contracts? Hello Dr. Lin, I had a catheter placement done a year ago. Aside from frequently experiencing mild chest tightness and pain (or sharp pain), my condition has been relatively stable. However, I have a question that has not received a clear answer, and I would ...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: After the follow-up for patients who have undergone cardiac catheterization, in addition to symptom assessment, examinations such as electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and myocardial perfusion scan are performed. If the results are normal, the patient will continue to be m...[Read More] Understanding Heart Constriction: Insights from a Cardiovascular Specialist
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
Understanding Malignant Hypertensive Heart Disease: Risks and Treatment Insights
Hypertensive heart disease Hello, Director He. My mother is 64 years old. In early March 2014, she was hospitalized for about 15 days due to a mild stroke caused by atrial fibrillation. She has been recovering well since her discharge (able to live and walk independently). Recent...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this is just a diagnosis and may not necessarily reflect your mother's actual condition. Please take your mother to the outpatient clinic when you have time, where the physician can explain her condition more clearly. Based on what you mentioned, the most important me...[Read More] Understanding Malignant Hypertensive Heart Disease: Risks and Treatment Insights
Understanding Low-Dose CT Findings of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Imaging of coronary atherosclerosis using low-dose CT? Hello, Dr. He! Before the Lunar New Year, I underwent a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of my lungs at the hospital. The results showed no issues with my lungs, but the report indicated "mild coronary artery ather...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, if you want to clearly understand the condition of your coronary arteries, you may need to undergo another computed tomography angiography. Essentially, it is not very reversible. What you should focus on is preventing further deterioration of atherosclerosis, which has a ...[Read More] Understanding Low-Dose CT Findings of Coronary Atherosclerosis
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 How Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Cause Headaches
Headache caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you again. Could you please explain why autonomic nervous system dysregulation can lead to a sensation of throbbing headache (where one can feel the heartbeat)? Does this have any im...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the bookstore has books on the autonomic nervous system that you can buy and read. It won't harm your body, and you don't need to see a doctor. It may be related to headaches and dizziness, but it has no impact on your body. Just relax. Changhua Hospital cares ab...[Read More] Understanding How Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Cause Headaches
Understanding the Impact of Autonomic Nervous System Disorders on Heart Health
Diseases caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Doctor, I’m sorry to bother you again. I would like to ask if the high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and palpitations caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction really have no relation? Do they have no impact on the...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, first of all, palpitations are not a disease and will not damage the heart. Secondly, autonomic nervous system dysregulation does not cause excessive cholesterol elevation that would lead to vascular obstruction. Hypertension is a medical condition, but having one high blo...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Autonomic Nervous System Disorders on Heart Health