Understanding Heart Contractility Issues: A Patient's Journey
Issues with cardiac contractility? Fifteen years ago, I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, but since I didn't experience any discomfort, I didn't have any special follow-up. I tend to have a faster heart rate and get easily anxious; my average heart rate at work,...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: The report indicates that your left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is 46.30%, which is considered low (normal > 50%). This suggests that the myocardial contractility is somewhat impaired, indicating heart failure, and further investigation into the underlying caus...[Read More] Understanding Heart Contractility Issues: A Patient's Journey
Addressing Cardiovascular Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients
Questions regarding cardiovascular medications for my father? Hello, Director He. I would like to ask you about my father's cardiovascular medication issues. My father is 78 years old. In mid-August last year, he experienced two episodes of syncope. The first time, he fainte...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
1. Taking the medication again will not have any adverse effects on the body. 2. Sometimes systolic blood pressure can reach 140, which is unrelated to the medication; fluctuations in blood pressure are normal for humans. 3. It is possible that post-COVID symptoms include fre...[Read More] Addressing Cardiovascular Medication Concerns for Elderly Patients
Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels: Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?
Blood draw issues? The risk factor for heart disease, T-CHOL/HDL-C test value: 3.52. The doctor said that a value less than 5 is normal, but I found online that some say a value between 3.5 and 4 is normal. Is my value too high? The doctor said there is no problem and advised me ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, trust your doctor and don't search for information online anymore. The internet can be misleading. A level of 3.52 is within the range of 3.5-4. The doctor said there are no issues and that I don't need to come back, so everything is fine. Congratulations on grad...[Read More] Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels: Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?
Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels: Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?
Blood draw issues? The risk factor for heart disease, T-CHOL/HDL-C test result: 3.52. The doctor said that a value less than 5 is normal, but I found online that some say a value between 3.5 and 4 is normal. Is my result too high? The doctor said there is no problem and advised m...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, trust your doctor and don't search for information online anymore. The internet has both true and false information. A level of 3.52 is still within the range of 3.5-4. The doctor said there are no issues and that I don't need to come back, which means everything...[Read More] Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels: Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?
Understanding Drug Interactions in Cardiovascular Health Management
Drug interactions Hello Doctor: Over two years ago, I underwent a self-paid cardiac CT scan, and the physician indicated some mild calcification in the aorta, advising that regular exercise and dietary moderation would suffice. This July, thinking it had been two to three years s...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Lipid-lowering medications do not affect heart rate. As for the incidence of side effects, it is very low, and it is recommended to monitor through outpatient follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions in Cardiovascular Health Management
Understanding Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Insights and Prognosis for New Mothers
Cardiac issues Have you encountered many patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy, doctor? My previous physician mentioned that they rarely see such cases, and I'm curious about the outcomes for the patients you've encountered. After all, receiving such a diagnosis after...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, everything you encountered has gone smoothly. Don't worry, everything is fine. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Insights and Prognosis for New Mothers
Understanding My Exercise ECG Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Inquiring about my exercise electrocardiogram report? Conclusion: Positive Duke Treadmill Score: +1 (Low risk: +5; Intermediate risk: +4 to -10; High risk: < -10). Pre-exercise condition NYHA Class: Class II. Chest pain: Typical angina CCS Class: Class II. Resting ECG: normal....
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If symptoms persist despite medication control, a myocardial perfusion imaging scan can be performed first to determine whether a cardiac catheterization is necessary.[Read More] Understanding My Exercise ECG Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Chest Pain and Left Arm Numbness: Should You Worry About Heart Issues?
Chest tightness and stabbing pain, along with slight numbness in the left arm? Hello, doctor. I was recently diagnosed, and I have been experiencing occasional sharp pains in the center of my chest near the epigastric area and in my left upper back. The pain feels localized, like...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, 1. The symptoms do not seem to indicate a heart problem. 2. Women of this age are unlikely to experience myocardial infarction or vascular blockage, so there is no need to worry or overthink it. There is no need for further cardiac-related examinations. Changhua Hospital c...[Read More] Chest Pain and Left Arm Numbness: Should You Worry About Heart Issues?
Understanding Myocardial Hypoxia: Key Insights from Cardiac Evaluations
Myocardial hypoxia Hello Doctor, in June, my fasting blood glucose was 132, total cholesterol was 230, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was 129, and triglycerides were 452. I am currently taking medication for blood glucose and lipid reduction. Recently, I experienced chest tightnes...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Please exercise regularly, avoid consuming overly greasy foods, and monitor your cholesterol levels regularly.[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Hypoxia: Key Insights from Cardiac Evaluations
Understanding Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Insights and Prognosis for New Mothers
Cardiac issues Have you encountered many patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy, doctor? My previous physician mentioned that they rarely see such cases, and I would like to know how the patients you have encountered have fared afterward. After all, giving birth is supposed to b...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, youth is an asset. The EF (ejection fraction) we encountered before has improved and is moving in a positive direction, so you should be fine. Don't worry, Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Insights and Prognosis for New Mothers
Understanding Cholesterol Levels: Why Is My Total Cholesterol 220?
Total cholesterol 220 mg/dL? Doctor, my name is Jun-An, I am 61 years old, female. My blood test results from July 5th are as follows: Hemoglobin A1c: 5.4%, Fasting Blood Glucose: 91 mg/dL, Triglycerides: 118 mg/dL, Cholesterol: 220 mg/dL, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): 76 mg/dL...
Dr. Cai Guiqin Reply:
Recommendation: Please discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. Thank you. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Cholesterol Levels: Why Is My Total Cholesterol 220?
Managing Fluctuating Blood Pressure: A Guide for Seniors
Blood pressure fluctuations? Hello Doctor: My mother is 66 years old and has slightly elevated cholesterol, which she is managing with medication. Recent blood tests have been normal. Besides taking serotonin, she does not have any other diseases. However, she experiences low blo...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Based on your mother's condition, it is recommended to visit the outpatient clinic for the physician to adjust her current medication.[Read More] Managing Fluctuating Blood Pressure: A Guide for Seniors
Understanding Coronary Artery Stenosis and Its Psychological Impact
Coronary artery stenosis / psychoneurosis / trapezius muscle syndrome? Hello Dr. Wu, I apologize for the complexity and length of my questions and symptoms; it requires some time to digest. About three years ago, after a car accident, I began experiencing symptoms such as panic-l...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. Based on your examination report, medication can be used for management unless there is no improvement in symptoms; therefore, a cardiac catheterization is not necessary. Additionally, according to health insurance regulations, stenting is only required for coronary artery ste...[Read More] Understanding Coronary Artery Stenosis and Its Psychological Impact
Managing Heart Rate Issues with KanKen: A Patient's Inquiry
The issue of slowed heart rate after taking Kankun? Hello, Director: Since the beginning of January this year, I have been experiencing ventricular premature contractions. My doctor prescribed me 5 mg of Concor, half a tablet daily, 75 mg of Plavix, and one tablet of Lipitor. I t...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
You can first reduce the dosage, and if the heart rate remains below 60 beats per minute after the reduction, you may consider discontinuing Kankun.[Read More] Managing Heart Rate Issues with KanKen: A Patient's Inquiry
Sudden Nighttime Heart Rate Spikes: Causes and Next Steps
Waking up in the middle of the night with a sudden heart rate increase to 130 beats per minute, lasting for about 15 to 30 minutes? Hello Doctor, in the past six months, I have experienced episodes during sleep where my heart rate occasionally spikes to 120-130 beats per minute, ...
Dr. Cai Guiqin Reply:
Recommendations: 1. Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. 2. Alternatively, seek consultation at another medical facility. Thank you. Wishing you good health![Read More] Sudden Nighttime Heart Rate Spikes: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Your ECG and Blood Pressure: Key Insights for Heart Health
Electrocardiogram and other examination reports, please consult a physician for advice. Thank you! I do not have habits of smoking, drinking alcohol, or chewing betel nut. Sometimes when I sit and measure my blood pressure, my heart rate can jump to 90-100 beats per minute, and o...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, everything is normal. A slow heart rate is a good sign, indicating that the heart is strong and the cardiac output is sufficient. Therefore, a slower heartbeat is adequate, so there's no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Your ECG and Blood Pressure: Key Insights for Heart Health
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 Low HDL Cholesterol and Its Impact on Anxiety and Heart Health
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol Thank you, Director. After each consultation with you, my panic and anxiety tend to improve significantly. Is there a way to recover from this autonomic nervous system disorder? I really don't want to live in such hardship for the r...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, having a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level of 34-35 is generally not a cause for concern; just focus on exercising more. In terms of diet, choose healthy fats, such as those found in nuts and fatty fish, avocados, and olive oil, which are high in monounsatur...[Read More] Understanding Low HDL Cholesterol and Its Impact on Anxiety and 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