Am I Suffering from Economy Class Syndrome? Understanding Heart Health Risks
Am I experiencing economy class syndrome? Prolonged sitting for an entire day, combined with smoking and a diet high in salt and fat, leads to significant discomfort for me. After sitting for more than an hour, I experience heat in my upper body, particularly in the back of my ne...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, symptoms of clinical discomfort can be improved by simply "getting up and moving around." It may be beneficial to start with lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and eliminating unhealthy habits like smoking. This might ...[Read More] Am I Suffering from Economy Class Syndrome? Understanding Heart Health Risks
Understanding Trivial MR and TR in Echocardiograms: What You Need to Know
Echocardiogram Hello, Director He. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask about the trivial MR (Mitral Regurgitation) and TR (Tricuspid Regurgitation) noted in the echocardiogram. What grade does "trivial" refer to, and does this indicate any regurgi...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, trivial means that the heart is in better condition than mild. There's no need to worry; Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Trivial MR and TR in Echocardiograms: What You Need to Know
Understanding Heart Size and Ejection Fraction in Cardiovascular Health
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. Regarding report number 192445, which measurement should I look at for heart size? (And what are the normal values?) Also, for peripartum cardiomyopathy, if the ejection fraction is gradually recovering, will it also d...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, stop scaring yourself. Heart failure has different degrees; it's not like you'll die immediately just because you have heart failure. It's been a while, and 54 is quite good. There's still room for improvement. I truly think it's not bad at all, so...[Read More] Understanding Heart Size and Ejection Fraction in Cardiovascular Health
Managing Side Effects of Hypertension Medications: Constipation and Osteoporosis Concerns
Pukang enteric-coated tablets for blood pressure medication? How to address issues like constipation and other side effects from antihypertensive medications? If constipation occurs shortly after starting the medication, will long-term use lead to slower bowel movements or even b...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, Pukang is a beta-blocker that is a very effective medication for treating hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure, and autonomic nervous system disorders. As for constipation, it varies from person to person, and generally, constipation is not a commonly reported side eff...[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Hypertension Medications: Constipation and Osteoporosis Concerns
Understanding Blood Pressure Variability: When to Worry About Hypertension?
How to determine if you have high blood pressure? Hello, Doctor. Six months ago, during a hospital visit, my blood pressure was measured at around 140/90. The doctor advised me to monitor my blood pressure daily at home. I measure it in the morning after waking up, before going t...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, measuring your blood pressure in the morning and evening is sufficient. It's normal for your readings to fluctuate throughout the day due to activity. If you measure too frequently, it may cause anxiety and lead to dysregulation of your autonomic nervous system. You&#...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Variability: When to Worry About Hypertension?
Understanding Low Blood Pressure and Rapid Heartbeat: Symptoms and Concerns
Hypotension with tachycardia? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed on January 30th, and after a week, my rapid test came back negative, so I feel like I have recovered and don't have any significant sequelae. However, in the past few days, I've been experiencing mild headaches...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is not uncommon for young women to have a blood pressure of 85/55. Your symptoms are indicative of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. You will not experience sudden cardiac death. You can take heart rhythm medication every night before bed. Don't worry, Changhua...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure and Rapid Heartbeat: Symptoms and Concerns
How Long Should You Take Medication for PVCs and Breathing Issues?
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and shortness of breath; how long will it take for medication to show improvement? It has been 19 days since I started experiencing palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain. After seeing a doctor and undergoing a 24-hour monitori...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is recommended to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. However, if symptoms persist, it is advisable ...[Read More] How Long Should You Take Medication for PVCs and Breathing Issues?
Understanding Echocardiogram Results: Key Insights for Heart Health
Echocardiogram Hello Doctor, I would like assistance in interpreting my mother's echocardiogram report for any abnormalities. Thank you. Measurements: - LVIDd: 4.33 cm - LVIDs: 2.43 cm - IVSd: 1.65 cm - LVPWd: 1.61 cm - LA: 3.8 cm - AO: 2.9 cm - ACS: 1.8 cm - EPSS: ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you have some ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, along with hypertension. Medication management is sufficient for control. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Echocardiogram Results: Key Insights for Heart Health
Understanding Heart Arrhythmias: Risks, Symptoms, and Anxiety Management
Cardiac issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my irregular heartbeat, which the doctor mentioned could be life-threatening. However, later on, he said that during the 24-hour Holter monitor test, I happened to have pneumonia caused by a cold, which I have now recovered f...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, can a myocardial infarction occur in someone in their twenties? Is there a possibility of aortic dissection at my age, especially for heavy smokers? It's almost certainly not due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction; you don't need to undergo cardiac catheteri...[Read More] Understanding Heart Arrhythmias: Risks, Symptoms, and Anxiety Management
Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Nerve Dysfunction or Heart Issues?
Chest pain issues? Recently, I have occasionally felt chest pain, sometimes on the left side, sometimes on the right, and at times near the lower ribs. Most of these occurrences happen when I have been slouching or sitting for long periods. I have no issues with exercise or joggi...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it seems to be an issue with autonomic nervous system dysfunction or neuromuscular problems. There should be no immediate need for cardiac monitoring. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Is It Nerve Dysfunction or Heart Issues?
Understanding Ejection Fraction: Age, Recovery, and Heart Health Concerns
Cardiac issues Hello, doctor. Is there a relationship between ejection fraction and age? I am currently 27 years old, and is a 54% ejection fraction considered too low? Additionally, I was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy at the end of November, when my ejection fraction ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it's great to see a significant improvement in just two months. It's a good sign that recovery is underway, and it may gradually improve with a little more time. A heart rate of 54 is not too low. Sometimes, you might experience a tingling sensation in your heart...[Read More] Understanding Ejection Fraction: Age, Recovery, and Heart Health Concerns
Understanding Myocardial Infarction: Signs, Symptoms, and Young Adults
Myocardial infarction Hello, Doctor. How can I determine if I have a myocardial infarction? I am 28 years old and recently visited a cardiologist due to heart murmurs. I underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, echocardiogram, and a CT scan (for my lungs). Does a cardia...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, if you're really not at ease about not having a myocardial infarction, consider paying for a CT angiography for reassurance. Don't scare yourself unnecessarily; not all discomforts are due to a myocardial infarction. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Infarction: Signs, Symptoms, and Young Adults
Managing Recurrence After Cardiac Ablation: When to Seek Help
Recurrence after electrocautery? Hello, doctor. About last August, I was advised by my physician to undergo radiofrequency ablation because I was experiencing over 20,000 extra heartbeats daily. After the procedure, I was monitored for 24 hours and my extra heartbeats decreased t...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, do you need a second electrocautery procedure? It may be necessary to discuss with your original physician whether the two thousand or more pulses, or the increase to over thirty thousand pulses, are of the same waveform. Only then can we determine if another procedure is ...[Read More] Managing Recurrence After Cardiac Ablation: When to Seek Help
Understanding Arrhythmias: The Impact of Supplements on Heart Health
Acute arrhythmia About two and a half years ago, I had mild hypoxia and ventricular premature beats. I was taking 1.25 mg of Concor daily, initially two tablets, but after the premature beats disappeared over a year ago, I reduced it to one tablet daily. I monitor my heart rate e...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there are many things that people can be allergic to. Are you allergic to hops? It's hard to say since you haven't consumed it. Your arrhythmia has stabilized, and it's safer to follow up at the outpatient clinic. A 24-hour Holter monitor will help us unders...[Read More] Understanding Arrhythmias: The Impact of Supplements on Heart Health
Understanding Echocardiogram Results: Key Insights for Heart Health
Echocardiogram = Report = M-Mode Transthoracic Echocardiography Indications: Congestive heart failure Echo machine: GE Vivid E9 Patient source: OPD **[Atrium and Aortic Root]** A0 (mm) = 29 LA (mm) = 28 **[Left Ventricle]** IVS (mm) = 9 PW (mm) = 9 EDD (mm) ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this report is normal, so don't worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Echocardiogram Results: Key Insights for Heart Health
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Is It Heart-Related or Neck Issues?
Left chest pain? I previously underwent chest X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECGs), 24-hour Holter monitoring, exercise stress tests, and blood tests at two hospitals, all of which indicated that my heart is healthy. I live in a fifth-floor apartment, and I don't feel excessive...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the chest pain issue is likely caused by the neck in a young male. Given that the X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), 24-hour Holter monitor, and exercise stress test results are all normal, and there is no shortness of breath when climbing from the first to the fifth floor, t...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Is It Heart-Related or Neck Issues?
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Heart Health Concerns
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction Hello, doctor. I have panic disorder and I usually take a small dose of Liyou (anxiety medication). However, when I get anxious, I experience chest pain and a racing heart, which only subsides once I calm down. Could this be a heart problem, o...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, autonomic nervous system disorders can cause chest pain, palpitations, and gastrointestinal discomfort, which are not typically indicative of heart problems unless they are severe. Coronary artery disease is unlikely to be detected through echocardiography. The probability...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Heart Health Concerns
Understanding Tricuspid Regurgitation: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Regarding tricuspid valve insufficiency? Hello, Doctor He: I often experience palpitations and the sensation of my heart skipping a beat, which prompted me to visit a cardiologist. A few days ago, while sitting, my heart suddenly stopped for a considerable duration, accompanied b...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, a regurgitation of 25 mmHg is not considered severe at any age and generally does not worsen over time. There is no need for long-term medication management. A sudden pause followed by a heartbeat is mostly due to premature contractions, not caused by valvular insufficienc...[Read More] Understanding Tricuspid Regurgitation: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Understanding Echocardiogram Results: Insights on Heart Function and Conditions
Echocardiogram Here are the translations of the reports and the questions: **Echocardiogram Results (November 30)** **Interpretations and Summary:** - Mildly dilated left ventricle with global hypokinesia, left ventricular ejection fraction 47% by area-length assessed at bi-...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, question one: Heart failure is not very severe; the ejection fraction is not very low, as measured by 2D echocardiography: 57.63% is not low. Question two: Aside from the ejection fraction, everything else is fine. Question three: Of course, I have encountered such patient...[Read More] Understanding Echocardiogram Results: Insights on Heart Function and Conditions
Understanding Left Back Pain: Is It a Heart Issue?
Back pain, pain, pain? Hello, Director He: I would like to ask about discomfort in the left upper back near the scapula, which makes it difficult to sleep. Sometimes I also feel tightness and pain in my chest, along with shoulder pain. Last year, I experienced discomfort in the l...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it seems that the issue is not with the heart but rather with the muscular or neurological system. You may want to consult a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.[Read More] Understanding Left Back Pain: Is It a Heart Issue?