Cholesterol, Cardiology FAQ

Chest Discomfort with Numbness: When to See a Cardiologist?

Chest tightness accompanied by facial numbness, dental numbness, and left hand numbness? Hello Doctor: I started experiencing chest tightness and discomfort in December, and this month, along with the chest tightness, I began to have symptoms such as numbness in my left hand, num...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Due to your young age and the absence 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 consumption of caffeinated beverages. It is advis...

Understanding Symptoms of Heart Failure: Key Questions Answered

Symptoms of suspected heart failure? Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed two years ago, and for the two months following that, I didn't rest properly, often only getting a little over 5 hours of sleep. A few times, I experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs and talki...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. Based on your symptoms and examination reports, it is not heart failure. 2. Mild mitral valve prolapse is congenital and unrelated to heart failure. 3. No need for further action. 4. It is not. 5. If urination requires straining, it is advisable to consult a urologist,...

Understanding Dizziness and Neck Tightness: Heart Health Insights

Dizziness and neck tightness? Hello Doctor: My mother, 70 years old, experienced dizziness and tightness in her neck and back, which raised concerns about a stroke, prompting an emergency examination. Abnormal findings included total cholesterol at 231, low-density lipoprotein ch...

Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, your daughter sought medical attention due to dizziness and neck tightness. However, these two symptoms are non-specific. Based on the echocardiogram and 24-hour Holter monitor results, as previously mentioned by the physician, cardiac mechanical factors should be excluded...

Understanding Extracranial Ultrasound Reports: A Guide for Patients

Supplement #206367 Extracranial Ultrasound Examination Report Hello Doctor: Below is the report from my mother's consultation with a neurologist. Since she has not yet returned for a follow-up, please assist with the interpretation. Thank you! Additionally, I would like to m...

Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, based on the neck ultrasound report, there are currently no significant signs of obstruction. At this time, there is no evidence to support the use of antithrombotic medications for primary prevention (unless there is diabetes or known atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseas...

Intermittent Left Chest Pain: Should You Worry About Heart Issues?

Mild pain in the left chest? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I suddenly experienced mild pain in my left chest (which I have not felt before). The pain was intermittent, occurring for a moment and then stopping for a few seconds to a few minutes, lasting for about three hours. Howe...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Due to your young age and the absence of chronic diseases, as well as the atypical nature of your chest pain symptoms, your risk of heart disease is low. However, if the symptoms persist, it is still recommended to go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram (ECG) examination.

Should a 55-Year-Old Woman with Cholesterol 293 Start Medication?

Total cholesterol 293? Hello, a 55-year-old female has a total cholesterol of 293 mg/dL, triglycerides of 48 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol of 123 mg/dL, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol calculated to be 160 mg/dL. Currently, there are no symptoms....

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Based on your age, your cholesterol levels are elevated, and you should begin treatment. You can start with dietary and exercise modifications. If you do not reach the target levels within three months, you should consider starting medication.

Understanding Cholesterol Test Results: Clarifying LDL-C Confusion

Regarding cholesterol test reports? Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding my cholesterol test report. For the first test, I received the following values: 1. LDL-C (direct) 175 2. HDL-C 50 3. Triglycerides 137 4. Total Cholesterol 234. The formula for calculating low-density...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
This formula is used to estimate LDL based on other lipid levels; however, if the LDL has already been directly measured, the test results should be considered definitive.

Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse and Its Impact on Heart Health

Mild mitral valve prolapse + exercise electrocardiogram? Hello Doctor: My cholesterol level is 241, and my low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is 171. I have not taken any lipid-lowering medications for five years. My father has a history of hypertension, diabetes, and hype...

Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, you are experiencing chest tightness and stabbing pain; however, the exercise electrocardiogram was able to complete the fourth stage of the BRUCE protocol, showing only exercise-induced dyspnea without the aforementioned chest tightness symptoms. F...

Managing Headaches: Understanding Anemia and Cholesterol Issues

Occasional headaches? The health check report shows an anemia index of over 11, elevated triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Is it safe to take -Toren?

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The treatment for high blood lipids should be determined based on the patient's values and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Please consult with a physician in the outpatient clinic for further discussion.

Understanding Strong Heartbeats: Causes and Concerns for Your Health

Strong heartbeat? Hello, Doctor He: Over the past year, I have occasionally felt my heart beating more forcefully, and I can sense the vibrations in places other than just my left chest. Last Saturday night, I went out drinking with friends and consumed quite a bit. The next day,...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there may not necessarily be a problem; it could be due to arrhythmia, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, or discomfort caused by gastroesophageal reflux. It is advisable to consult a cardiologist for further examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

How to Manage Palpitations: Insights from Cardiovascular Specialists

How to improve palpitations? Thank you very much, Doctor, for taking the time to assist with my concerns. I have been experiencing palpitations, anxiety, and discomfort in my neck, throat, and chest for over three months. In the past month, I underwent an echocardiogram, an exerc...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, all tests are normal. There is no need for cardiac catheterization. You can manage autonomic dysregulation with medication. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Does Monacolin K from Red Yeast Rice Share Statin Side Effects?

Questions regarding the health supplement Monacolin K (red yeast rice)? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions about lowering blood lipids. I have read online that the main active component of red yeast rice, Monacolin K, has the effect of inhibiting cholesterol sy...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, similar does not mean the same; the two are completely different things. The efficacy can vary significantly, and regarding side effects, it is even more difficult to determine as they can differ from person to person. One cannot say that taking red yeast rice will have th...

Can You Eat Eggs Daily with High Cholesterol? Dietary Tips and Follow-Up

High total cholesterol? Hello Doctor: In January 2023, my test results showed total cholesterol at 227, HDL at 104, and LDL at 117. Can I eat one egg every day? What other dietary considerations should I be aware of? Do I need to schedule follow-up tests?

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Cholesterol levels are slightly above normal. Please engage in regular exercise and limit the intake of fried foods and foods high in cholesterol. You can have a follow-up blood test in three to six months.

Understanding Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Insights and Cholesterol Links

Echocardiogram Hello, due to discomfort in the chest, I underwent a cardiac ultrasound. Below are the report details, and I would like to understand what to pay attention to in the report. Recently, my health check showed elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; is the...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, upon initial examination, there seem to be no significant abnormalities. Observation should suffice. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Understanding Blood Pressure Changes and Chest Pain: When to Seek Help

Blood pressure issues I have a habit of measuring my blood pressure in the morning and evening, and it has typically been in the range of 100-120/70-90. Recently, I have been experiencing unexplained pain in my left shoulder, left chest, left arm, and armpit. The pain is quite no...

Dr. Li Shengkai Reply:
Blood pressure is normal; if you measure an unusually high or low reading compared to your usual levels, it is recommended to rest and measure again. If blood tests show elevated lipid levels, dietary adjustments along with exercise can help lower them. If you continue to experie...

Understanding Diarrhea Side Effects of Ezetimibe: Duration and Recovery

1. How long does it take for the diarrhea side effect of Ibutamoren (Ibutamoren) to appear after taking it? 2. If I stop taking Ibutamoren, how long will it take for the diarrhea to resolve? Hello Dr. Wu, my father is 81 years old and is a heart failure patient. He has a stent ...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. Not necessarily. 2. If diarrhea persists, it is recommended to discontinue. 3. It is not related to the medication.

Can Ezetimibe Cause Weight Loss in Heart Patients?

Will taking (Eito tablets) cause weight loss? Hello Dr. Wu, my father is 81 years old and is a heart failure patient. He has a stent implanted in his heart. The doctor hopes to lower his cholesterol, so he prescribed 40 mg of Lipitor (atorvastatin) once daily. This summer, an add...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The side effects associated with Etonogestrel tablets are not common, but they can occur. These may include fatigue, diarrhea, joint pain, upper respiratory infections, limb pain, and sinusitis. Weight loss is not a reported side effect.

Understanding Arrhythmia: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options

Arrhythmia-related issues Hello, Doctor. Last month, I underwent an examination due to renal edema and discovered that I have a left ureteral stone. I received extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which successfully addressed the stone. Initially, my condition of left renal ede...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it seems to be okay. Benign arrhythmia can be controlled with medication and is not considered serious. There is no need for surgical treatment, so don't worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Understanding High HDL Cholesterol: Should You Consider Medication?

High levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol? Hello Dr. Wu, I do not have hypertension or diabetes. This year, my blood test results showed total cholesterol at 237, LDL at 95, and HDL at 133. My HDL has consistently been above 100 for several years, increasing each ...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
According to your report, there is currently no need for medication. It is recommended to engage in regular exercise and avoid fried foods.

Understanding Exercise ECG Interpretation and Duke Treadmill Score for CAD

Interpretation of Exercise Electrocardiogram Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my situation. I do not have a family history of hypertension or high triglycerides, but my low-density lipoprotein cholesterol sometimes reaches around 170. I would like to know the likelihood o...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the false positive rate of this report is high. The Duke Treadmill Score is +4.5. Let's first manage your cholesterol and then monitor your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

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