Understanding Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variations: What You Need to Know
Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Hello, Dr. Wu! I have chronic conditions of hypertension, high cholesterol, and hyperlipidemia, and I regularly visit the Kaohsiung Ruan General Hospital for check-ups. I pick up my medication every three months, and I occasionally measure my blood p...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg. The heart rate should be between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Patients taking antihypertensive medication should measure and record their blood pressure and heart rate daily...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variations: What You Need to Know
Should I Repeat My Heart Ultrasound After High Cholesterol Results?
High cholesterol Hello Doctor, I recently received my blood test results showing my bad cholesterol at 175, compared to 122 last year. Should I consider getting another echocardiogram? The last one I had was last year, and the doctor said my heart was healthy and my blood vessels...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, a cardiac ultrasound should not be used to assess the cleanliness of blood vessels. If your bad cholesterol is 175, it's advisable to start medication for control. The cardiac ultrasound evaluates the heart's pumping function, but it is not related to the cleanli...[Read More] Should I Repeat My Heart Ultrasound After High Cholesterol Results?
Understanding High Blood Pressure: A Young Adult's Journey to Wellness
Regarding blood pressure issues? I recently graduated from university, and during my college years, my lifestyle was irregular (staying up all night or sleeping late), and my eating habits were inconsistent, often missing meals. However, I maintained a routine of exercising for t...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, feeling anxious can affect your blood pressure readings, making them inaccurate. It's uncertain whether you have hypertension or not. Here are three methods for blood pressure management: 1. Medication: You don't need to rush into taking medication right away. ...[Read More] Understanding High Blood Pressure: A Young Adult's Journey to Wellness
Understanding Heart Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Emergency Care
Cardiac issues Hello Doctor, my husband is 29 years old. During his health check-up last year, his cholesterol levels were elevated. Around mid-May of this year, he experienced chest discomfort and pain in his left arm, which eased after resting for 20-30 minutes. Over the next t...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to predict the warning signs of a myocardial infarction. If you experience chest pain and cold sweats, you should go to the emergency room. However, the emergency department only addresses acute issues and may not determine if there is a true abnormalit...[Read More] Understanding Heart Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Emergency Care
Understanding Elevated Troponin I Levels in Diabetic Patients with Breathlessness
Shortness of breath, Troponin I 0.05? Hello, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago, and my blood sugar is currently well-controlled, with an HbA1c of 6.0 last month. However, my cholesterol levels have been rising over the past six months, with an April report showin...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described and your chronic medical history, it is recommended that you visit a cardiology clinic for a detailed examination to determine if there is heart failure or coronary artery disease.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Troponin I Levels in Diabetic Patients with Breathlessness
Understanding Palpitations Triggered by Swallowing, Speaking, and Breathing
Palpitations or arrhythmias triggered by swallowing, speaking, or deep breathing? Hello, doctor. Over the past month, I have suddenly experienced mild palpitations (which I have not felt significantly in the past). Gradually, I began to experience arrhythmias (four times within t...
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 Palpitations Triggered by Swallowing, Speaking, and Breathing
Managing LDL Cholesterol: Essential Steps for Heart Health
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol My LDL levels over the past four years have been 141, 160, 130, and 138. Since my father passed away from a myocardial infarction at the age of 60, my doctor has advised me to start medication to lower my LDL to below 100. I would like to...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, for males over 45 years old with a family history, it is recommended to consider medication for blood pressure control if the reading is above 130. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Managing LDL Cholesterol: Essential Steps for Heart Health
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Heart Issues or Anxiety?
Left chest pain? Hello Doctor, I am 179 cm tall, weigh 86 kg, and am 35 years old. I haven't exercised for a while. In mid-November, I experienced chest tightness and went to see a doctor. After performing an exercise electrocardiogram, the doctor noted abnormalities indicat...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, anxiety has triggered autonomic nervous system dysregulation, leading to poor appetite and sensations of breathlessness and sharp pain, which are generally not related to the heart. It is possible that this is due to neuropathic pain from the autonomic nervous system, as t...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Heart Issues or Anxiety?
Traveling to High Altitudes After Heart Stent Placement: Safety Tips and Considerations
Cardiac issues I had a myocardial infarction in early July and received a stent. During my follow-up appointment in early November, all my cholesterol levels were normal: Total Cholesterol: 115, HDL-C: 45, LDL-C: 55, TG: 97. My blood pressure and heart rate were also within norma...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there should be no issues. The attending physician has examined your heart and confirmed that everything is fine for you to proceed. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Traveling to High Altitudes After Heart Stent Placement: Safety Tips and Considerations
Understanding Blood Pressure Management with Kankin: Is It Effective?
The issue with half a 5 mg Kanken tablet? Hello Doctor, I accidentally discovered that I have high blood pressure, measuring between 140-90. I initially intended to lower my blood pressure through exercise, but my bad cholesterol is at 160 and total cholesterol at 230. After meas...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you are likely experiencing fluctuations in blood pressure due to post-menopausal changes combined with emotional instability, anxiety, and fear. It may not be necessary to rush into taking antihypertensive medication. I recommend consulting a psychiatrist for emotional ma...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Management with Kankin: Is It Effective?
Understanding Arrhythmia and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Arrhythmia and autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, doctor. I am currently studying in Hsinchu. I first experienced arrhythmia at the end of 2016, when I was taken to Mackay Memorial Hospital's emergency room, where my heart rate was about 200 beats per minute. Howev...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, if you feel that your blood pressure and heart rate are normal, it does not count as arrhythmia. It may be caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction, leading to elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, which do not affect the improvement of this issue. Engaging in fitn...[Read More] Understanding Arrhythmia and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Do I Need to Accompany My Elderly Parent for Cardiology Visits?
Is it necessary for the patient to be present for the consultation? Hello, doctor. My father is 78 years old and underwent a coronary angiogram in May. The doctor informed us that: 1. All three coronary arteries are severely blocked. 2. One artery requires two stents. 3. Another ...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: For coronary artery disease with blockage in all three vessels, there are three treatment approaches: 1. The most fundamental is lifestyle modification (diet and exercise) and pharmacotherapy (achieving target blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels). Additiona...[Read More] Do I Need to Accompany My Elderly Parent for Cardiology Visits?
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Arrhythmia Hello Doctor, I have been taking medication for high blood pressure for several years, and my blood pressure has been well controlled. Since last year, I have occasionally felt my heart beating forcefully, though not frequently. However, this year it seems to be happen...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you can increase the dosage of Inderal 10mg. If you still feel unwell, it is advisable to return for an earlier consultation. We recommend arranging a 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring. Experiencing two consecutive skipped beats should not pose a danger. Changhua Hospital care...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scans and 24-Hour ECG Results
Myocardial perfusion tomography and 24-hour electrocardiogram? Dear Director: I would like to request your interpretation of the following two reports: (1) Myocardial Perfusion Tomography: IMP: The study suggests possible myocardial ischemia in the lateral wall of the left ve...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang Zhenyu, thank you for your inquiry. Myocardial perfusion imaging is a type of nuclear medicine examination that uses radioactive isotopes injected into the body to assess blood flow to the myocardium. During the test, medications are administered to dilate the coron...[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scans and 24-Hour ECG Results
Understanding 24-Hour Holter Monitoring: Key Insights and Findings
24-hour Holter monitor? Dear Director: I am the patient who asked you about the myocardial perfusion tomography and 24-hour electrocardiogram report two days ago. Since the previous 24-hour electrocardiogram only included the conclusion and omitted the details, I am providing the...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang Zhenyu, thank you for your inquiry. Myocardial perfusion imaging is a type of nuclear medicine examination that uses radioactive isotopes injected into the body to assess blood flow to the myocardium. During the test, medications are administered to induce vasodilat...[Read More] Understanding 24-Hour Holter Monitoring: Key Insights and Findings
Understanding Early Heart Contractions and High Cholesterol Risks
Could you please provide information about premature heart contractions and hyperlipidemia? Hello, Doctor: Two years ago, my heart suddenly had a pause followed by a beat. I went to St. Mary's Hospital, and the doctor said it was premature contractions. I was prescribed Conc...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: Regarding premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), they are a common type of arrhythmia that can occur even in healthy individuals, especially during times of physical stress (such as emotional stress, poor sleep, or illness). They may be accompanied by symptoms like che...[Read More] Understanding Early Heart Contractions and High Cholesterol Risks
Is Cardiac Catheterization Necessary After Abnormal Exercise ECG?
Exercise electrocardiogram shows hypoxic response? Hello Dr. He: I am 29 years old. Last year, I had a health check-up, and my total cholesterol and triglycerides were around 230. After starting to jog, I experienced chest tightness and went to the hospital for an examination. Th...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, both options are possible. If you are concerned about the risks of cardiac catheterization, you may consider undergoing a cardiac CT scan first to assess the degree of blockage before deciding whether to proceed with the catheterization. Ping An Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Is Cardiac Catheterization Necessary After Abnormal Exercise ECG?
Understanding Chest Tightness and Palpitations: Is It Anxiety or Heart Disease?
Chest tightness autonomic nervous system disorder? Hello, Director. Recently, I have been experiencing persistent chest tightness and palpitations for the past month, especially while sitting at my office desk. At times, it becomes so severe that I struggle to breathe and need to...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this is a typical symptom of autonomic nervous system disorder. The CTA is normal, so there is no need to perform an exercise ECG. Taking Xanax will help alleviate chest tightness and palpitations. It is advisable to take Xanax and Inderal before work, and you may consider...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Palpitations: Is It Anxiety or Heart Disease?
Understanding Heart Health: Interpreting Your Checkup Results and Risks
Cardiac issues Hello Doctor, I previously inquired about some issues, and this time I would like to ask about my health check report. Static Electrocardiogram: Sinus bradycardia at 57 beats per minute. Arterial stiffness analysis: Pulse wave analysis (1-7 scale) shows vascula...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it's not that serious. Don't scare yourself. Vascular elasticity analysis is just an estimate and may not be entirely accurate. Don't let the numbers control you. If possible, engage in more exercise, control your diet, manage your weight, and regulate your ...[Read More] Understanding Heart Health: Interpreting Your Checkup Results and Risks
Understanding Heart Palpitations and Cholesterol Concerns: A Guide
Cardiac issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask for your advice. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent palpitations and irregular heartbeats. Sometimes, I feel sharp pain in my chest and around my heart area, and I also have pain in my left shoulder and back, although I&#x...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, for women of this age, experiencing palpitations and pain in the heart area is likely due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and the probability of a myocardial infarction is low, so there is no need to worry. Pain in the left shoulder and back is more likely to be m...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations and Cholesterol Concerns: A Guide