Understanding Blood Pressure Concerns: Insights from a Cardiovascular Specialist
Blood pressure issues? Hello Dr. Wu: I previously had premature ventricular contractions and was taking antiarrhythmic medication, but I haven't taken it for 2-3 years. My family has a history of hypertension, and I don't usually check my blood pressure. However, three ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
It is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle, engage in regular exercise, and follow a light diet. However, if blood pressure remains consistently above 140/90, it is advisable to seek medical attention and consider starting antihypertensive medication.[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Concerns: Insights from a Cardiovascular Specialist
Vaccination Risks for Elderly with Chronic Conditions: Key Considerations
Issues with administering the AstraZeneca vaccine to the elderly? Hello, doctor. We have two elderly individuals who are expected to receive vaccinations soon. I would like to ask: 1. Does having certain chronic diseases increase the risk associated with vaccination? Are they sui...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
These chronic medications do not need to be discontinued due to vaccination.[Read More] Vaccination Risks for Elderly with Chronic Conditions: Key Considerations
Understanding the Impact of Evista on Triglyceride Levels in Elderly Patients
Lipid disorders Dear Dr. He, My mother is 84 years old and has a history of hyperlipidemia. She has been taking the statin medication, Mevacor (lovastatin), for many years, and her triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels have been reasonably controlled. In 2018, her...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is not uncommon for older individuals to take multiple medications, which can lead to potential drug interactions. It is important to prioritize based on the severity of the issues at hand. If the current concern is severe osteoporosis, it should be addressed first, whi...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Evista on Triglyceride Levels in Elderly Patients
Understanding Chest Pain: Heart Health Concerns and Test Results Explained
Recently, I have been experiencing sharp pain under my left clavicle, and I am concerned about potential heart and vascular issues? Total cholesterol (132) Triglycerides (57) Fasting blood glucose (107) Uric acid (8.6) Creatinine (1.18) eGFR (76.0) Sodium (140) Potassium (...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, a 32-year-old male has a very low risk of heart issues. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, creatinine, sodium, potassium, liver function, low-density lipoprotein, and thyroid levels are all normal. The stabbing pain under the left clavicle is likely due to musc...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Heart Health Concerns and Test Results Explained
Chest Tightness After Shock: Understanding Heart Health Concerns
Chest tightness after being startled? I do not have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Two days ago, I experienced heart discomfort after being startled in the morning, but it resolved by the afternoon. However, the next day I woke up feeling a heaviness in my chest, as if ...
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 life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, and irregular routines. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercis...[Read More] Chest Tightness After Shock: Understanding Heart Health Concerns
Understanding Chest Tightness and Numbness: When to See a Cardiologist
Chest tightness and numbness in the hands and feet? Hello Doctor, last year during my military service physical examination, I was found to have suspected left ventricular hypertrophy. Upon re-examination with an echocardiogram, the conclusion was that it is mildly enlarged and n...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. If blood pressure (systolic) remains above 140 m...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Numbness: When to See a Cardiologist
Understanding Rapid Cholesterol Fluctuations: Key Questions Answered
Significant fluctuations in cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: On February 18th of this year, my blood test showed a total cholesterol level of 193 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 128 mg/dL. On March 5th, I had another blood test, and my total cholesterol le...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. Excluding laboratory error factors, unless there is a significant intake of cholesterol-rich foods in a short period, the discrepancy should not be that large. It is recommended to have blood drawn again in three months. 2. If your data is accurate, you should consider taking ...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Cholesterol Fluctuations: Key Questions Answered
Do I Need Medication for High Cholesterol Levels? A Cardiovascular Perspective
High cholesterol My total cholesterol is 235, with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) at 95 and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) at 122. Do I need to take medication to manage this? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If you do not have other risk factors for heart disease, such as hypertension or diabetes, you can first manage your cholesterol levels through diet and exercise for three months before re-evaluating your cholesterol levels. If they still cannot be brought down to the normal rang...[Read More] Do I Need Medication for High Cholesterol Levels? A Cardiovascular Perspective
Understanding Left Ventricular Enlargement: Causes and Implications for Hypertension
Cardiomegaly and hypertension? Hello Doctor, I have a running habit (40-50K per week), usually for about an hour each time. I started this in 2016, but earlier this year I began experiencing issues with high blood pressure (systolic over 140). Recently, I visited a cardiologist f...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
It is advisable for you to discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Left Ventricular Enlargement: Causes and Implications for Hypertension
Understanding Occasional Palpitations and Sleep Disruption: A Cardiac Perspective
In the past six months, I have occasionally experienced palpitations at night that affect my sleep? Hello Dr. Huang, In the first half of this year, my company's health check revealed a normal chest X-ray. The physical examination indicated "rapid heart rate with hear...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello Wayne: Generally, if there are no significant abnormalities in the electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise stress test, or echocardiogram, there is no need for regular follow-ups. Given your current age, a follow-up every two to three years should be sufficient unless new symptom...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Palpitations and Sleep Disruption: A Cardiac Perspective
Consultation on Switching Cholesterol Medications: Dosage Concerns
Consultation on Cholesterol-Lowering Medications Hello Dr. He: In the past six months, I have been taking medication to lower my cholesterol. I was originally taking 200 mg of Ezetimibe once a day, but today when I went to pick up my medication, I was informed that it was out of ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, whether you eat it once or twice is not important; the frequency depends on the drug's half-life. Short-acting medications require more frequent dosing, while long-acting medications can be taken once a day. Don't worry, it's not too much. Changhua Hospital ...[Read More] Consultation on Switching Cholesterol Medications: Dosage Concerns
Does Concan Cause Erectile Dysfunction in Heart Patients?
Can cancer cause sexual dysfunction? The patient has a stent in the heart and takes half a tablet of Concor 5 mg daily, one tablet of Lipitor 5/20 mg, and one tablet of Clopidogrel 75/100 mg. The patient also has high cholesterol and hypertension issues. Clopidogrel is used for t...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Kankun is a beta-blocker used for cardiovascular purposes and can also lower blood pressure. If it affects sexual function, you can discuss with your prescribing physician about switching to another medication.[Read More] Does Concan Cause Erectile Dysfunction in Heart Patients?
Understanding Exercise ECG Results: What Your Heart Health Report Means
Interpretation of Exercise Electrocardiogram Previously, I occasionally experienced chest tightness while playing basketball. Recently, I had a sensation of chest pain even when I wasn't exercising, but there was no shortness of breath or sweating, and the pain did not radia...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your creatine phosphokinase level is 429. Playing basketball may affect this value. Your low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is 137, which is not considered high cholesterol, and you do not need medication; dietary control is sufficient. According to the Duke treadmill sco...[Read More] Understanding Exercise ECG Results: What Your Heart Health Report Means
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Causes and Relief Strategies
Left chest pain and numbness in the hand? 1. What methods can relieve left chest pain and a feeling of tightness in the chest, along with ulnar nerve numbness in the elbow? Note: This has been ongoing since last night. 2. Can someone without hypertension, diabetes, high choleste...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Based on your symptoms, it does not appear to be a typical myocardial infarction. Given your young age and lack of chronic diseases, your risk of heart disease is very low. However, if the symptoms persist, it is still advisable to go to the hospital for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Causes and Relief Strategies
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Heart Attack Insights
Left chest pain with numbness behind the elbow? 1. Pain in the left chest along with numbness in the outer part of the left elbow and little finger is usually caused by issues related to the heart, such as angina or myocardial infarction, but it can also be due to musculoskeletal...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. It is recommended to consult a neurologist for an examination. 2. The risk factors include: Age: males > 45 years or females > 55 years; Gender: the incidence of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction is higher in males than in females; Hypertension; Dyslipidemia; Dia...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Heart Attack Insights
Heart Health Check: Managing Cholesterol and Lifestyle Changes at 55
Health Check Report Hello, doctor! I am 55 years old and going through menopause. I exercise regularly every day, maintain a light diet, and weigh 50 kg. Two years ago, my blood test for EBV-VCA (IgA) was 8.9, and this year it is 8.8. Should I undergo further testing? (ENT?) Two ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, high cholesterol is related to your constitution. If you do not have diabetes or hypertension, an LDL level below 160 is considered normal. There's no need to worry; you should be able to manage it with lifestyle and dietary control without the need for medication. Yo...[Read More] Heart Health Check: Managing Cholesterol and Lifestyle Changes at 55
Understanding Cardiac Catheterization: Is It Necessary for Your Health?
Cardiac catheterization Hello Dr. Huang, I previously inquired with another physician about my family member's symptoms of rapid breathing and a sensation of being pricked. My family member is 55 years old and has not yet reached menopause. The physician I consulted earlie...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, a 55-year-old female with a history of secondhand smoke exposure and no hypertension. If there is no history of diabetes or high cholesterol, and no family history of cardiovascular disease, the likelihood of coronary artery disease is indeed low...[Read More] Understanding Cardiac Catheterization: Is It Necessary for Your Health?
Understanding Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variations
Blood pressure and heart rate issues? I have chronic conditions of hypertension, high cholesterol, and hyperlipidemia, and I regularly visit Kaohsiung Ruan General Hospital for check-ups. I pick up my medication every three months. Some post offices have blood pressure machines, ...
Dr. Cai Guiqin Reply:
It is recommended that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician to determine if any additional examinations are necessary. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variations
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: When to Start Medication and Trust Your Device
Is a blood pressure of 160/94 an indication for medication treatment? Which blood pressure reading should be considered as the standard when values differ? Hello, at the beginning of June, I visited a family medicine clinic due to hand numbness and dizziness. My blood pressure wa...
Dr. Cai Guiqin Reply:
It is recommended that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician to determine if any additional examinations are necessary. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: When to Start Medication and Trust Your Device
Understanding Calcified Aortic Aneurysms: Symptoms and Next Steps
Calcified Aneurysm of the Aorta Hello Doctor: I have a health-related question to ask you. Last week, after having lunch, I suddenly experienced abdominal pain, an urge to defecate, and nausea. I then lost consciousness and fainted for about ten seconds, hitting my head on the gr...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Due to your slightly elevated cholesterol levels, it is recommended to follow a light diet and maintain regular exercise.[Read More] Understanding Calcified Aortic Aneurysms: Symptoms and Next Steps