Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Patients with Thalassemia
Iron deficiency anemia Hello Doctor: I have thalassemia and previously experienced frequent dizziness, so I underwent blood tests at the hospital, which revealed that I also have iron deficiency anemia, with serum iron levels at 21 µg/dL. The doctor prescribed iron supplements fo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is a misconception that individuals with thalassemia should not take iron supplements. Both conditions are classified as microcytic anemia, which is why some physicians may not differentiate between them and may prescribe iron supplements. It is not that they cannot tak...[Read More] Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Patients with Thalassemia
Understanding Chest Tightness and Fatigue: When to Seek Medical Help
Chest tightness and easy fatigue? I am studying abroad, and recently I have been experiencing chest tightness, occasional dizziness and fatigue while walking. I often feel short of breath and have noticed an increase in irritability and difficulty concentrating. I haven't go...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, have you been experiencing increased stress lately? Your symptoms are clearly indicative of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is advisable for you to visit the cardiology clinic for further examination when you have the opportunity. Changhua Hospital cares about you...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Fatigue: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Mitral Valve Regurgitation in Children: Causes and Concerns
Rheumatic heart disease Dear Dr. He, Thank you for taking the time to address my concerns amidst your busy schedule; I am truly grateful! Life is indeed unpredictable. My usually lively 8-year-old daughter is experiencing difficulty breathing, palpitations, and dizziness. I have...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you have mild mitral regurgitation, which is not a major issue and is not related to rheumatic heart disease. The atrial septal defect (ASD) type II is indeed the focus that needs to be monitored. However, mild cases should be observed first, and treatment via catheterizat...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Regurgitation in Children: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Tightness and Dizziness: When to Seek Further Heart Evaluation
Chest tightness and dizziness? Hello, Doctor: My mother (50 years old) experienced shortness of breath and chest discomfort while working as a cleaner, possibly due to exhaustion. She also had dizziness, blurred vision, and numbness in her hands. When she went to the emergency ro...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your mother may be experiencing autonomic nervous system dysfunction due to menopause and excessive fatigue, which could lead to hyperventilation syndrome. If you are concerned, it is advisable to visit a cardiology clinic for an examination. Cha...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Dizziness: When to Seek Further Heart Evaluation
How Does Blood Pressure Change When Standing After Lying Down?
Posture and Blood Pressure Hello, what is the change in blood pressure when transitioning from lying down to standing up? In healthy adults, should it increase or decrease? What is the reason for this? Thank you!
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure greater than 20 mmHg or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure greater than 10 mmHg when standing up from a lying position. Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, blurred vision or temporary vision lo...[Read More] How Does Blood Pressure Change When Standing After Lying Down?
Understanding Dizziness and Weakness: Heart Health Insights
Feeling lightheaded? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing episodes of dizziness and a heavy feeling in my head. During these episodes, I suddenly feel flushed, have a tendency to clench my jaw, and experience some weakness and nausea. However, I do not have high bloo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know how your blood pressure is usually. Unstable blood pressure can also lead to the aforementioned symptoms, most likely caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is advisable to visit a cardiologist or a neurologist for consultation. Changhua Ho...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Weakness: Heart Health Insights
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Dizziness: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Left chest pain accompanied by dizziness? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've experienced two episodes of left chest pain (the pain point is about a palm's distance from my armpit) over the past week. The first episode lasted about forty minutes, with varying intensity from s...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be caused by mitral valve prolapse. It is advisable for you to visit a cardiologist for further examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Dizziness: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Dizziness After Exercise: Causes and Solutions
Is it a heart problem? Hello Doctor! At the beginning of this year, I noticed that after exercising (such as after playing basketball or running), I experienced symptoms like rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and lightheadedness. In June, I went to a medical center for a static ECG, a ...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello Mr. Zheng, regarding your inquiry about the symptoms you experienced earlier this year, such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and lightheadedness after exercising (like after playing basketball or running), I must say that each of these symptoms is non-specific and can be cau...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Dizziness After Exercise: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Nighttime Rapid Heartbeat: Causes and Concerns
Rapid heartbeat at midnight? Hello Doctor, my blood pressure used to be around 90 systolic and 60 diastolic, but recently it has been around 75 systolic and 55 diastolic. I have been experiencing headaches, dizziness during physical activity, and my hands turning pale. Recently, ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your symptoms seem to be primarily caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is advisable to seek assistance from a psychiatrist. The treatment outcomes are generally better. Changhua Hospital cares about you and has attached a list of autonomic nervous system sym...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Rapid Heartbeat: Causes and Concerns
Understanding and Managing Premature Heartbeats After Ablation Surgery
Premature contractions Hello, doctor! Two months ago, I underwent catheter ablation surgery for my heart, but my condition has not improved since then. I decided to switch to another hospital for further examination. After wearing a 24-hour Holter monitor, the doctor informed me ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, ablation therapy and these issues should be considered two separate matters. Ablation is used to treat a specific type of arrhythmia and does not address all problems at once. Your symptoms seem to be primarily caused by autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Inderal (pro...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Premature Heartbeats After Ablation Surgery
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms and Differences from Heart Failure
Low blood pressure? Hello, doctor. I used to have a habit of studying at night, which made my schedule quite irregular, and I would compensate by sleeping more during the day. Recently, I've noticed that my blood pressure is quite low, with a systolic pressure of 78 and a di...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, Xiao Jia. Regarding your question... Recently, your blood pressure has been quite low, with a systolic pressure of 78 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 55 mmHg. Is this considered hypotension? Additionally, you have been experiencing dizziness, a heavy head, and headaches; ...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms and Differences from Heart Failure
Post-Cold Symptoms: Understanding Chest Pain and Fatigue After Illness
Discomfort after a cold? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a cold for about a week, with recurring fever (three times), sore throat, runny nose, headache, and cough. After recovering from the cold, I suddenly developed chest pain, shortness of breath, chest tightness, diffi...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you described are mostly general symptoms. To assess whether heart function has been affected, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist in the cardiology outpatient clinic for further discussion. Thank you! Sincerely, Dr. Lin Chi-Hsiung, Cardiology Departme...[Read More] Post-Cold Symptoms: Understanding Chest Pain and Fatigue After Illness
Understanding Heart Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain Hello Doctor, sometimes I experience sudden chest pain and a bit of shortness of breath. During the pain, I force myself to take deep breaths. This used to happen occasionally, but it has recently lasted for at least ten minutes. It occurred after I helped a friend mov...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that you have mitral valve prolapse, which generally cannot be detected through a routine physical examination. It is advisable to consult a cardiologist for further evaluation. Attached is an introduction to mitral valve prolapse fo...[Read More] Understanding Heart Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Dizziness and Facial Flushing: Heart and Vascular Concerns
Facial flushing and dizziness? Hello, doctor. When the weather is hot, like in the summer, I feel very dizzy when I go outside. My head feels heavy and swollen, and sometimes I even feel dizzy when I turn my head. I'm afraid I might faint. It feels more comfortable when I su...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the symptoms may be caused by heat exposure leading to autonomic nervous system dysregulation. It is advisable for you to visit a nearby clinic for an examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Facial Flushing: Heart and Vascular Concerns
Is This Heart Palpitation? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Does this count as palpitations? Hello Dr. Lin, this evening around 8 PM, while I was at rest, I experienced a sensation in the area between my collarbones (just below the Adam's apple) that felt like something was trying to jump out, synchronized with my heartbeat, lasting ...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: When you feel a noticeable heartbeat, it can be described as palpitations. In individuals who exercise regularly or professional athletes, the heart rate is often slower. During episodes of severe arrhythmia, in addition to an increased heart rate, blood pressure may also ...[Read More] Is This Heart Palpitation? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding and Managing Unexplained Ventricular Premature Contractions
Regarding idiopathic ventricular premature contractions? Hello Doctor, I have a personal issue with arrhythmia. After examination by a specialist, it was determined that I have premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). During episodes, I sometimes experience up to 20 occurrences...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this is not life-threatening, so there is no need to panic. This is mostly related to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which can be caused by various factors such as anxiety, changes in weather, and menstrual cycles. A definitive treatment may require cardiac cathet...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Unexplained Ventricular Premature Contractions
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Rapid heartbeat, chest tightness and pain, dizziness? Hello, doctor: Previously, I felt my heart racing and experienced dizziness, so I quickly went to the emergency room. I had an electrocardiogram (ECG) and X-rays done, and the doctor said there were no issues, just a faster he...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, myocardial infarction can be detected through examinations. Since you have undergone multiple tests that have all returned normal results, there should be no concerns in this regard. The symptoms you are describing sound like they may be caused by anxiety or autonomic nerv...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Chest Pain: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scans: Necessity and Safety Concerns
Myocardial perfusion imaging - Dynamic Dipyridamole & Resting Hello Dr. Lin, I have some symptoms of mild hypertension and have been taking antihypertensive medication, but I do not take it regularly due to forgetfulness, which has led to interruptions of several days or wee...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: The dosage of the contrast agent required for myocardial perfusion imaging has established standards. This examination has been performed for many years. For elderly patients suspected of having cardiovascular obstruction diseases, when it is not suitable to arrange for a ...[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scans: Necessity and Safety Concerns
Understanding Dizziness and Palpitations: A Comprehensive Guide
Dizziness and palpitations? Hello, Doctor ^^ In October, I suddenly felt my heart racing inexplicably, and I felt very uncomfortable all over, even experiencing dizziness. I wasn't sure if it was psychological, but I also felt scared. At first, I sought help at a general int...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you may be experiencing low blood pressure or autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which can lead to issues such as arrhythmia and tachycardia. Have you been feeling more anxious lately or experiencing some sleep disturbances? Since you are located in the southern part of...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Palpitations: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Cardiac issues Hello Doctor: My heart often suddenly beats violently, with a heart rate exceeding 200 beats per minute. It feels like my heart is about to burst with pain, and I also experience some mucus secretion in my throat. When it stops, my heart may suddenly stop beating f...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, please visit a medical center and consult a cardiologist specializing in arrhythmias. It is highly possible that you may have an arrhythmia, which could exempt you from military service. However, there are many types of arrhythmias, and further outpatient examinations are ...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help