Managing Mild Myocardial Ischemia: Medication, Lifestyle, and Further Testing
Myocardial perfusion imaging and subsequent management? Hello Dr. Lee, my BMI is within the normal range, and I have no bad habits. In early December last year, I experienced discomfort after receiving the BNT vaccine and subsequently went to the hospital for blood tests. Aside f...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry about "stress and redistribution myocardial perfusion scan - abnormal results," with dyslipidemia but no other risk factors, is it necessary to undergo cardiac catheterization? I recommend that you consult your cardiologist, as they have a ...[Read More] Managing Mild Myocardial Ischemia: Medication, Lifestyle, and Further Testing
Do You Need to Take Atorvastatin for Life? Understanding Cholesterol Management
Do cholesterol-lowering medications like Atorvastatin need to be taken for a lifetime? Hello, Doctor. I have mild mitral valve prolapse and hyperlipidemia, and my family has a history of high cholesterol. My most recent tests (three months ago) showed low-density lipoprotein (LDL...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello James: Numerous large-scale studies on lipid-lowering have indicated that a reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 40 mg/dL can decrease cardiovascular risk (such as stroke and myocardial infarction) by approximately 20%. Therefore, current international ...[Read More] Do You Need to Take Atorvastatin for Life? Understanding Cholesterol Management
Link Between Weight Training, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, and Blood Pressure
The relationship between resistance training, left ventricular hypertrophy, and blood pressure? Hello Dr. Lee, I am 37 years old, with a height of 169 cm and a weight of 70 kg, and a body fat percentage of 16. I do not stay up late and have a long-standing habit of aerobic exerci...
Dr. Li Shengkai Reply:
Based on your description, your body fat percentage is low, and with a high level of physical activity, I suspect that the electrocardiogram shows "left ventricular hypertrophy with strain" (LVH with strain). (1) Athletes, due to high-intensity training and prolonged st...[Read More] Link Between Weight Training, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, and Blood Pressure
Understanding Your Exercise ECG Results: Insights on Myocardial Ischemia
Third exercise electrocardiogram (ECG)? Hello Dr. Wu, I underwent an exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) test in early January this year. Since I am around 40 years old and had similar tests done a year ago, the doctor determined that there were signs of hypoxia in both instances....
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The results of the exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) test are positive. If symptoms persist despite medication management, it is recommended to discuss with your physician the possibility of further testing, such as coronary angiography.[Read More] Understanding Your Exercise ECG Results: Insights on Myocardial Ischemia
Heart Issues After BNT Vaccine: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Cardiac discomfort after receiving the BNT vaccine? Hello Dr. He, I received my second dose of the BNT vaccine on December 1st last year, and about a week later, I began to experience irregular heartbeats and chest discomfort, occurring approximately three to four times a day. On...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on the information you provided, I do not see evidence of "some vascular obstruction, with the health record indicating unspecified diastolic (congestive) heart failure." The only findings are mild arrhythmia and a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level of 135...[Read More] Heart Issues After BNT Vaccine: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Your Cardiovascular Health: Insights from Your Test Results
Examination Report Hello Doctor, I received my second dose of the BNT vaccine at the beginning of December last year, and about a week later, I started experiencing irregular heartbeats and chest tightness. After a few days, I sought medical attention, and the doctor ordered bloo...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Please take your medication as prescribed and maintain a light diet. If symptoms worsen, it is advisable to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment.[Read More] Understanding Your Cardiovascular Health: Insights from Your Test Results
Managing High Cholesterol: Do You Need Medication for Heart Health?
High cholesterol Hello, Doctor: I received my health check results on November 26. 1. My total cholesterol is 259 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is 64 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is 181 mg/dL, and fasting blood glucose is 110 mg/dL. Should I consider medication fo...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. Based on this value, medication treatment should be initiated, along with dietary modifications and increased physical activity, while avoiding fried foods. 2. A leftward shift of the heart axis is usually not clinically significant.[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Do You Need Medication for Heart Health?
Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scan Results: A Guide for Patients
Stress and Redistribution Myocardial Perfusion Scan Report Results Dr. Huang: Hello! My mother is 70 years old and has low blood pressure (approximately 100+/60-70 mmHg; this has been her baseline). She has a history of hypercholesterolemia (most recent lab report on 9/30: total ...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: "Stress and Redistribution Myocardial Perfusion Imaging" is a type of nuclear medicine examination that uses radioactive tracers to assess blood flow to the heart muscle, allowing for a rough determination of regional perfusion deficits in the myocardium. Your mo...[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scan Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding the Impact of Emotions on Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
Emotions, blood pressure, and blood lipids? Hello Doctor: I have a habit of measuring my blood pressure regularly. My systolic pressure has consistently been below 120, but my diastolic pressure fluctuates between 80 and 90, which makes me worried that it might develop into hyper...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, a systolic blood pressure below 120 and a diastolic blood pressure between 80-90 indicates a very stable condition with no hypertension. Don't worry; anxiety and stress can affect the accuracy of blood pressure readings and can also impact your heart rate, making such...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Emotions on Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
Can I Get the BNT Vaccine After Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke?
History of cerebral embolism due to arrhythmia? I am 54 years old. Around the time of the Qingming Festival, I was hospitalized due to a cerebral embolism, and it was later discovered that it was caused by arrhythmia leading to a minor stroke. I underwent cardiac ablation surgery...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
There is no research indicating that the BNT vaccine increases the risk of arrhythmias or strokes; however, if you still have concerns, it is advisable to consult a specialist.[Read More] Can I Get the BNT Vaccine After Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke?
Understanding Exercise ECG Results: What to Expect After Testing
Exercise Electrocardiogram Interpretation Hello, I have an issue with arrhythmia. Recently, I fainted suddenly, so I underwent an exercise electrocardiogram and blood tests. Aside from a cholesterol level of 190 and a fasting blood glucose level of 101, there don't seem to b...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The results of the exercise electrocardiogram need to be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms indicative of cardiovascular disease, and the positive predictive value is approximately 60 to 70 percent. Therefore, additional tests are still required to determine if you...[Read More] Understanding Exercise ECG Results: What to Expect After Testing
Managing Lipid Medications: Concerns for Fatty Liver Patients
Issues with lipid-lowering medications? I would like to inquire about medication usage. Blood tests show the following results: Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (AST/GOT) 23, Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (ALT/GPT) 30, Triglycerides 662 mg/dl, Glycated Hemoglobin...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, a triglyceride level of 662 may be related to fatty liver. Fenofibrate is unlikely to increase the risk of hepatitis, so it should be safe to take. If you're concerned, you can simply manage your diet by reducing fried foods and fatty meats. Take care from Changhua Ho...[Read More] Managing Lipid Medications: Concerns for Fatty Liver Patients
Managing High Blood Pressure: Understanding Medication and Heart Health Concerns
Hypertension medication issues? Due to issues with benign prostatic hyperplasia, I visited a urologist and discovered my blood pressure was over 180/112. This led me to consult a cardiologist for hypertension. I have been smoking for over 30 years and started feeling anxious at t...
Dr. Cai Guiqin Reply:
It is recommended that you discuss the above situation with your attending physician to determine if further examinations are necessary. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure: Understanding Medication and Heart Health Concerns
Understanding Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Risks and Management
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) I'm sorry to hear about your concerns regarding your mother's health. Based on the information provided, her chest X-ray report indicates cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) with a cardiothoracic ratio of approximately 0.58, which is slightl...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Chest X-rays can indicate cardiomegaly, but there is still a certain degree of error. It is recommended to undergo an echocardiogram at the hospital, which not only confirms whether the heart is enlarged but also assesses if there are any abnormalities in heart function.[Read More] Understanding Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Risks and Management
Understanding Low Triglycerides: Impact on Heart Health and Solutions
Triglycerides A total cholesterol level of 123 mg/dL and a triglyceride level of 27 mg/dL are considered somewhat low. While low cholesterol and triglyceride levels are generally not as concerning as high levels, they can still have implications for health. Low cholesterol may be...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
How to prevent low triglyceride levels? 1. Provide adequate daily caloric intake. 2. Supply a balanced diet consisting of the six major food groups: dairy, grains and tubers, fish, meat, beans, and eggs, vegetables, fruits, and fats. 3. Ensure a balanced intake of carbohydrates, ...[Read More] Understanding Low Triglycerides: Impact on Heart Health and Solutions
Understanding Mild Tricuspid Prolapse and Its Connection to Autonomic Nervous System
Mild tricuspid valve prolapse with mild mitral regurgitation and autonomic nervous system involvement? Hello, doctor. I had blood tests and an echocardiogram done. My blood results showed slightly elevated LDL cholesterol levels, and the echocardiogram indicated mild tricuspid va...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, we are human and it's natural to feel discomfort here and there. If the examinations show nothing wrong, then there is nothing to worry about. The symptoms mentioned are also not related to the heart, so don't worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Mild Tricuspid Prolapse and Its Connection to Autonomic Nervous System
Managing High Blood Pressure Medications: Key Considerations for Patients
Issues with Hypertension Medications Hello Doctor: My mother regularly takes one cholesterol-lowering medication (aridity) and two antihypertensive medications (relazide and COSAR F.C. TAB. 50MG) in the morning. Her family doctor advised that if her blood pressure is higher in wi...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you can take one pill first and monitor your blood pressure in the evening. If it remains elevated, you can take a second pill. If it's below 140, just continue to observe. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure Medications: Key Considerations for Patients
Understanding Myocardial Bridge: Causes of Chest Pain and Risks
Myocardial bridge chest tightness and chest pain? Hello Director He, a few weeks ago I experienced chest tightness and pain, and underwent a series of tests (including echocardiogram and nuclear medicine scan). The nuclear medicine scan revealed mild ischemia, and my attending ph...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, anyone can experience sudden cardiac death, but your risk is not higher. He mentioned that blood flow occurs to the coronary arteries during diastole, so it's fine for you to exercise normally. The likelihood of chest tightness or chest pain is higher due to MVP (mitr...[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Bridge: Causes of Chest Pain and Risks
Vaccination Considerations for Seniors with Chronic Conditions
Three Highs and Vaccine Administration Hello, doctor. A 73-year-old female patient has chronic conditions including E1165 type 2 diabetes with hyperglycemia, E780 pure hypercholesterolemia, J441 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) exacerbation, I119 hypertensive he...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns about COVID-19 vaccination, the chronic comorbidities you mentioned are not contraindications for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (including AstraZeneca). In fact, age and these comorbidities may increase your risk of contracting the virus during the...[Read More] Vaccination Considerations for Seniors with Chronic Conditions
Managing Rapid Heartbeat: When to Seek Emergency Care and Medication Safety
If you are experiencing rapid heartbeat, palpitations, and chest tightness, you may consider taking Inderal (propranolol)? I have been experiencing rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, and frequent numbness in my hands, feet, and face lately. I'm not sure what...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I am experiencing a rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, and numbness in my hands, feet, and face. I am worried that these symptoms may be caused by stopping my thyroid medication. Should I quickly resume taking Inderal? Can I take it alongside my current medica...[Read More] Managing Rapid Heartbeat: When to Seek Emergency Care and Medication Safety