Understanding Leg Numbness and Pain with Low Blood Pressure: A Cardiovascular Perspective
Numbness and tingling in the legs accompanied by low blood pressure? Hello Doctor, my father is 63 years old. A year ago, he experienced numbness and tingling in his legs, and an orthopedic surgeon performed surgery for "lumbar disc nerve adhesion." However, his symptom...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry about your father's condition of having dark purple microvascular changes in his feet, experiencing tingling and exacerbated hypotension while sitting or standing, but relief of symptoms when lying down, could this be indicative of "lower e...[Read More] Understanding Leg Numbness and Pain with Low Blood Pressure: A Cardiovascular Perspective
Understanding Heart Ultrasound Calcium Scores: What You Need to Know
I would like to inquire about the issue of calcification in this echocardiogram? Hello Dr. He, my family member recently underwent a cardiac ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned a calcification issue. However, the report is filled with medical jargon, and I would like to know if ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the total calcium score of the heart, also known as the coronary artery calcium score, refers to vascular calcification, similar to the hardening of pipes in a house. The report indicates calcification of the mitral valve and aortic valve, which is akin to the hardening of...[Read More] Understanding Heart Ultrasound Calcium Scores: What You Need to Know
Managing Palpitations and Blood Pressure: Should I Resume My Medications?
Palpitations and high blood pressure? I have had arrhythmia (premature ventricular or atrial contractions) since childhood, and I am currently taking medication for hypertension and arrhythmia. My blood pressure tends to be normal in the summer, but in the winter, it is around 14...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: Whether to take antihypertensive medication depends on whether your blood pressure readings are consistently high. It is important to rest adequately and measure your blood pressure in a quiet and comfortable environment. It is normal for blood pressure to be elevated afte...[Read More] Managing Palpitations and Blood Pressure: Should I Resume My Medications?
Understanding Cardiac CT and Exercise ECG: Key Insights for Heart Health
Cardiac Computed Tomography and Exercise Electrocardiogram? A relative underwent a health check-up and had abnormal findings on an electrocardiogram (ECG). They went to a major hospital for further evaluation, including a computed tomography coronary angiography (CT CAG) and a st...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. If symptoms such as chest tightness persist despite medication treatment, a cardiac catheterization may be considered. 2. A 12-minute exercise electrocardiogram has met the required exercise load for the examination. 3. Chronic ischemic heart disease, unspecified indicates the...[Read More] Understanding Cardiac CT and Exercise ECG: Key Insights for Heart Health
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Medication, Side Effects, and Treatment Options
Cardiac issues Hello Dr. Huang, I have severe arrhythmia and have undergone X-rays and echocardiograms, both of which showed no issues (the heart is not enlarged and structurally normal). However, during a 24-hour Holter monitor test, my heart rate spiked to about 300 beats per m...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: Atrial fibrillation indeed increases the risk of stroke, and the use of anticoagulants should be considered based on established criteria. We use the CHA2DS2-VASc score for assessment: for a 45-year-old male without heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, or a history of st...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Medication, Side Effects, and Treatment Options
Understanding Blood Pressure: Is My Reading Normal?
I would like to inquire about blood pressure issues? Since I recorded a blood pressure of 131/7x once, I started to worry about whether I have hypertension. I even bought a blood pressure monitor. In previous health check-ups, my blood pressure was 115/75 and 98/71. After purchas...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, everything is very good. Your blood pressure is normal, so there's no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure: Is My Reading Normal?
Managing Hypertension and Kidney Health: Concerns with Pain Medication
Hypertension and Medication Issues Dear Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you about my father, who is 70 years old and has been taking medication for hypertension and diabetes for many years. His antihypertensive medication is "Dopamine," taken once daily. He has always m...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: Coxib medications belong to the new generation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly used by physicians for their effective pain relief. Compared to traditional NSAIDs, Coxib drugs have a lower incidence of side effects such as gastric ulcer...[Read More] Managing Hypertension and Kidney Health: Concerns with Pain Medication
Understanding the Link Between Sinus Node Abnormalities and mRNA Vaccine Effects
There have been cases of tachycardia symptoms due to abnormalities in the sinoatrial node following the administration of the mRNA vaccine (Moderna)? Dear Dr. Wu, My father is 69 years old. He is preparing to receive the Moderna vaccine, and I have a few questions to confirm bef...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. According to foreign data, cases of myocarditis have been reported following mRNA vaccine administration, primarily among young individuals, but the incidence is relatively low. 2. Based on the current guidelines from the command center, as long as chronic diseases are well-ma...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Sinus Node Abnormalities and mRNA Vaccine Effects
Understanding Cardiac Fibrosis: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Cardiovascular disease issues Hello Doctor, my mother recently visited a cardiologist due to feeling unwell, and upon returning home, she conveyed to the family that the doctor mentioned "cardiac fibrosis." (My mother is in her early 60s, under 65 years old, and has a h...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, is he seeing a major hospital? Has he undergone any tests? What symptoms does he have? Irritability and high blood pressure should not be related. I also feel that things are unclear. I suggest that next time he goes to the outpatient clinic, he should take someone with hi...[Read More] Understanding Cardiac Fibrosis: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Managing Rapid Heartbeat: When to Seek Emergency Care and Medication Safety
If you are experiencing rapid heartbeat, palpitations, and chest tightness, you may consider taking Inderal (propranolol)? I have been experiencing rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, and frequent numbness in my hands, feet, and face lately. I'm not sure what...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I am experiencing a rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, and numbness in my hands, feet, and face. I am worried that these symptoms may be caused by stopping my thyroid medication. Should I quickly resume taking Inderal? Can I take it alongside my current medica...[Read More] Managing Rapid Heartbeat: When to Seek Emergency Care and Medication Safety
Managing Hypertension: Addressing Dizziness and Nausea Concerns
Blood pressure / dizziness / dry heaving Hello, doctor. My husband has primary hypertension and has been seeing a cardiologist while taking antihypertensive medication for about six months. Before starting the medication, he experienced more severe dizziness, but his dizziness ha...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
I recommend that you discuss the above situation with your attending physician to determine if further examinations are necessary. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Managing Hypertension: Addressing Dizziness and Nausea Concerns
Understanding Heart Health: Questions About Symptoms and Tests
Questions about heart problems? Hello Doctor, recently I experienced occasional headaches and pain in the area between my neck, shoulder blades, and the left side of my sternum, so I went to the hospital for an electrocardiogram (ECG), and the doctor said there were no issues. Ho...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the examination results are normal. Discontinuing blood pressure medication the day before will not affect the test results. There is a sharp pain in the left chest at a specific point, and the pain tends to move around. It is mostly muscular or nerve pain, unlike myocardi...[Read More] Understanding Heart Health: Questions About Symptoms and Tests
Vaccination Concerns for Elderly Patients with Cardiovascular Issues
Challenging vaccines Hello Doctor, my grandmother is 80 years old and had a stroke three years ago. Her carotid artery is completely blocked, and she is unable to have a stent implanted. She is currently managing her condition with medication and by drinking plenty of water, and ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, any procedure carries risks. Patients with carotid artery blockage and hypertension are not contraindicated for the AstraZeneca vaccine. If blood pressure and heart rate are normal before vaccination, and there are no issues such as fever, edema, bruising, or shortness of ...[Read More] Vaccination Concerns for Elderly Patients with Cardiovascular Issues
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
Assessing Vaccine Risks for Seniors with Cardiovascular Issues
Cardiovascular and Vaccination Issues Hello, an elderly family member (81-year-old male) is scheduled to receive the AZ vaccine soon. I called to inquire about any chronic illnesses and learned that he has been experiencing upper back pain and heart discomfort for the past 2-3 ye...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, elderly individuals and patients with potential cardiovascular diseases or chronic respiratory diseases are considered high-risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The risks associated with contracting the virus (including thromboembolic events) far exceed the thrombotic...[Read More] Assessing Vaccine Risks for Seniors with Cardiovascular Issues
Is Your Chest Pain Due to Autonomic Dysfunction or Heart Issues?
Could you please clarify whether the symptoms are related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction or a heart-related condition? Hello, doctor. I have a history of panic disorder. A few days ago, I experienced chest tightness all day and went to the hospital's psychiatry depa...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Due to your young age and lack of chronic diseases, your risk of developing heart disease is low. 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 advisable to adju...[Read More] Is Your Chest Pain Due to Autonomic Dysfunction or Heart Issues?
Understanding Exercise ECG: Addressing Heart Concerns and Anxiety
Exercise Electrocardiogram (Exercise ECG) Hello, doctor. I'm sorry to bother you again. I'm still feeling a bit uneasy, so I went for an exercise electrocardiogram and a cardiac ultrasound. This time I went to the Veterans General Hospital, making it four major hospital...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it seems that you are experiencing symptoms similar to panic disorder. I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist and consider medication. The doctors you have seen at four medical centers have indicated that there is nothing wrong, so please try not to scare yourself fur...[Read More] Understanding Exercise ECG: Addressing Heart Concerns and Anxiety
Understanding Chest Pain Near the Heart: Causes and Concerns
Sharp pain and tightness near the left chest, close to the heart? Recently, I have been experiencing a dull, sharp pain under my left collarbone, which is concerning since it's near the heart. This has caused me a lot of anxiety and has affected my work, leading me to take m...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the sharp pain below the clavicle may be related to nerve pain. The heart is not located there; it is situated in the so-called epigastric region, which is much more centrally located and lower. What you are experiencing is likely due to poor posture, leading to shoulder a...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain Near the Heart: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Pulsating Blood Vessels While Lying Down: A Guide for Hypertension Patients
Prominent pulsation of the blood vessels in the back while lying flat? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. I have a family history of hypertension, and I discovered that my blood pressure has been elevated since July of the year before last. I am currently m...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, and irregular routines. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle, maintain a light diet, engage in regular exercise, and take medication on schedule. However, if symptoms persist, it is still r...[Read More] Understanding Pulsating Blood Vessels While Lying Down: A Guide for Hypertension Patients