Heart valve, Cardiology FAQ

Understanding Your Echocardiogram: Key Insights for Heart Health

Echocardiography follow-up? Hello Doctor, I have issues with obesity and hypertension. Over the past couple of years, I have been continuously losing weight and taking medication to control my blood pressure, but it still remains around 140/90 mmHg, and my heart rate is normal. B...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Please exercise regularly to control your blood pressure and monitor it regularly.

Understanding TAVI and Its Applications for Heart Valve Issues in Taiwan

The indications for TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) in Taiwan? Hello Dr. Wu, My family member currently has moderate (and some say severe) tricuspid regurgitation. However, since they have previously undergone traditional open-heart surgery for a mechanical mitra...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. TAVI is a transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure, while tricuspid valve replacement is performed through open-heart surgery, without the use of catheter-based techniques. 2. Patients who have already undergone surgical valve replacement and require another surgery m...

Understanding Heart Valve Issues and Medication Concerns

Xiboxin and heart valve issues? Dear Dr. Wu, Thank you for your response amidst your busy schedule. I have personal issues with mitral valve prolapse and arrhythmia (occasionally experiencing a heart rate of 39). I take 5 mg of Concor daily, half a tablet. Recently, due to uri...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Hibiscus is an antibiotic that does not affect heart valves.

Understanding Heart Valve Issues: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Strategies

In severe cases, the heart may race very quickly, and there can be significant discomfort in the chest, headaches, dizziness, overall weakness, difficulty breathing, throat discomfort, and feelings of nausea? I did not have these symptoms at first. About a month before I enlisted...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you have been hospitalized before and no abnormalities were found, so there is no need for further hospitalization at this time. It appears that your panic disorder is caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which will not lead to sudden death, so there is no need ...

Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Valve Issues: Your Concerns Addressed

Echocardiogram for pulmonary hypertension? Hello, doctor: Recently, I have experienced palpitations, so I visited a cardiology clinic and underwent an echocardiogram. Currently, I have issues with mitral valve and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Additionally, I tend to be quite an...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. The measurement of pulmonary hypertension via ultrasound may have some discrepancies; generally, a value below 30 is considered normal. 2. Mild tricuspid regurgitation does not cause pulmonary hypertension.

Managing Mild Heart Valve Insufficiency: Tips for Symptom Relief

Mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary artery, mild regurgitation? Hello Dr. Li, I have been experiencing chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath frequently over the past six months. In April, I had an echocardiogram that showed mild mitral regurgitat...

Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of chest pain. It is the physician's responsibility to identify or rule out dangerous underlying conditions. However, based on the tests you have undergone, it seems that this concern has been alleviated. It may be beneficial to modify your lifes...

Understanding Endocarditis: Treatment Options and Surgical Considerations

Recommendations for the treatment of endocarditis? Hello Dr. Wu, I apologize for interrupting your time and would like to ask for your advice. Recently, I experienced rib pain on the right side of my chest due to a fall while riding my bicycle. I visited a local orthopedic clinic...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. First, control with medication. 2. If the degree of valve regurgitation has caused severe heart failure symptoms and medication is ineffective, surgical replacement is recommended. For other surgical-related clinical issues, it is advisable to consult a cardiac surgeon.

Understanding Heart Valve Prolapse and Anxiety After Ambien Use

Hello, I would like to inquire about Amberning? Hello, I previously had gastroesophageal reflux disease. One day while exercising by climbing stairs, I suddenly experienced numbness in both legs, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. I went to the emergency room, and the doct...

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!

Can I Get mRNA Vaccines Like BNT with Heart Valve Insufficiency?

I have been diagnosed with heart valve insufficiency. Can I receive the BNT or other mRNA vaccines? Due to company health screenings, I have been diagnosed with arrhythmia for two consecutive years and was required to undergo detailed examinations. In addition to an echocardiogra...

Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, based on your health check description, everything seems generally good. Regarding the COVID-19 vaccines currently administered in Taiwan, there appear to be no contraindications. The concerns about allergic reactions or myocarditis associated with mRNA vaccines are indeed...

Can I Donate Blood with Aortic and Mitral Valve Insufficiency?

Can a person with valve insufficiency donate blood? Hello, doctor! I have congenital heart valve insufficiency affecting both the aortic and mitral valves, and I also have mild pulmonary artery stenosis. Currently, I am receiving monthly follow-up appointments for antibiotic trea...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, returning for monthly antibiotic injections suggests that there may still be an ongoing infection issue that needs to be addressed. Let's take it slow for now. Valve insufficiency is not a contraindication for blood donation unless it is severe; however, it is current...

Understanding Heart Valve Prolapse and Its Connection to Anxiety and Pain

Skin pain, chest pain, lower back pain? Hello, Doctor. Last year, I experienced fainting twice around my menstrual period. After undergoing an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and 24-hour Holter monitoring, I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, along with anxiety and auto...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it may be related to your menstrual cycle. Changes in the menstrual cycle can also cause variations in the autonomic nervous system. Endocarditis and myocarditis are not easily contracted, so try not to overthink it. However, a cold can also lead to changes in the autonomi...

Can Exercise Strain Heart Valves? Understanding Safe Workout Choices

Heart valves Thank you for your previous response. I have asked my father to schedule another appointment with the cardiology department. However, during my online research, I came across an article that raised some concerns, so I would like to ask you for clarification. I unde...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, first confirm if there is a problem with the heart valves. What is the issue? What is the severity? It would be clearer to discuss this with the attending physician on-site, so don't worry too much. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Post-Surgery Concerns: Managing Redness and Pain After Heart Valve Repair

Postoperative complications Hello Dr. Wu, I underwent traditional open-heart surgery for valve repair at the end of August 2020, and it has been six months since then. Recently, I noticed a sudden localized redness and swelling at the incision site, which is painful when pressed....

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is not possible to determine whether the symptoms are caused by keloids. Therefore, I recommend that you consult a surgeon for further evaluation.

Are Mechanical Heart Valve Replacements Linked to Higher Thromboembolism Risk?

Is a mechanical valve replacement considered to be at high risk for thromboembolism? Hello Dr. Wu: Is a patient with a mechanical valve replacement at high risk for thromboembolism? For a patient undergoing knee joint replacement surgery, what should the INR be maintained at?

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Patients with mechanical heart valve replacements need to take oral anticoagulants long-term to prevent thrombosis. When undergoing surgery, they should be switched to intravenous anticoagulants preoperatively to allow for dosage adjustments and to maintain appropriate anticoagul...

Monitoring INR Levels After Knee Replacement Surgery: What You Need to Know

After undergoing knee joint replacement surgery, should anticoagulants be discontinued, and is it necessary to monitor INR? What should the target value be? The patient has undergone mechanical heart valve replacement and is scheduled for knee joint replacement surgery in 8 days....

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Patients with mechanical heart valves who require surgery should discontinue oral anticoagulants and switch to intravenous anticoagulants prior to the procedure to ensure that thrombus formation on the mechanical valve is prevented. It is recommended to consult a cardiologist for...

How Long Should Anticoagulants Be Stopped Before Knee Replacement?

How long should anticoagulants be discontinued before knee joint replacement surgery? The mother has a mechanical heart valve and recently underwent knee replacement surgery. The orthopedic surgeon has scheduled the surgery for 8 days from now, and her current INR value is 1.27. ...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Patients with mechanical heart valves who are on oral anticoagulants should discontinue their anticoagulant therapy prior to surgery, but it is essential to administer heparin to prevent thrombus formation. It is recommended to consult with the hospital's cardiologist to ass...

Understanding Palpitations and Associated Symptoms: A Cardiovascular Perspective

Palpitations and systemic symptoms? Hello, doctor. I am currently in the ninth grade. I first noticed my heart racing suddenly while at rest when I was in the seventh grade, but I didn't pay much attention to it. Now, I have frequent pain in my lower jaw and teeth, along wit...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, don't overthink it. If you're worried, please visit a cardiology clinic for further evaluation. At your age, it's unlikely to be a myocardial infarction; the symptoms are more likely caused by mitral valve prolapse. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Understanding Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Insights on Heart Valve Issues

Echocardiogram Report Hello Dr. He, thank you for your response regarding my electrocardiogram report. Additionally, I would like to ask about my echocardiogram report, which seems to indicate some valve-related issues. I would like to know if this is serious. Thank you, doctor. ...

Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the issues regarding your valves are all mild, which means they are similar to those of the general population and still within the normal range. There's no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Is Right Heart Catheterization Enough Before Valve Replacement Surgery?

Cardiac catheterization prior to valve replacement surgery? Hello Doctor: I previously asked this question: "The aortic valve and mitral valve have been damaged by bacterial infection and both valves have vegetations, therefore surgical valve replacement is being considered....

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
The catheter entered the right ventricle, and coronary angiography could not be performed. Coronary angiography must be conducted via the femoral artery or the radial artery, placing the catheter into the aortic coronary artery opening. Right heart catheterization is performed to...

Understanding Myocarditis and Heart Valve Issues: Key Questions Answered

Myocarditis and heart valve issues? Hello Doctor, on July 27th during the day, I experienced diarrhea (about 5 to 6 times) and developed a fever at night (around 38.3 degrees Celsius). I visited a clinic the next day, and the doctor suspected acute gastroenteritis. By the morning...

Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. Fever or any bodily discomfort can lead to an increased heart rate. 2. Tension and a prickling sensation are more likely caused by other factors. 3. Myocarditis typically presents with significant symptoms of heart failure; based on your description, this does not seem to appl...

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