Assessing Heart Health During COVID: When to Seek Medical Attention
Hello, doctor. Given the current tense situation with the pandemic, I am concerned about occupying hospital medical resources? Hello doctor, given the current tense pandemic situation, I am concerned about occupying hospital medical resources. What symptoms should I pay attention...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. A heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute...[Read More] Assessing Heart Health During COVID: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Heart Health: Navigating Hypertension and Cardiac Concerns
Cardiac examination results indicate myocardial ischemia. There is atheromatous arteriosclerosis, but the coronary artery calcium score is between 0 and 10? Hello, Doctor. I have a history of hypertension for about 7-8 years. I have been experiencing chest pain (at rest), so my c...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, C - The results of the coronary CT angiography are most accurate - no significant stenosis means there is nothing to worry about. The accuracy of nuclear medicine tests is lower than that of CT scans. Risk factors include not only hypertension, and we are human, not machin...[Read More] Understanding Heart Health: Navigating Hypertension and Cardiac Concerns
Understanding Nighttime Palpitations: Heart Issues or Autonomic Nervous System?
Recently, I've been experiencing chest tightness, palpitations, and insomnia at night, and I'm unsure whether it's a heart issue or a disorder of the autonomic nervous system? This morning, I woke up feeling palpitations and chest tightness while lying in bed. When...
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 consumption of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Palpitations: Heart Issues or Autonomic Nervous System?
Understanding EECP: Safety, Licensing, and Usage for Stroke Recovery
The application and safety issues of EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation)? Recently, there is a grandfather over 65 years old who has a history of stroke. He has been taking health supplements for six years and has shown improvement in his condition. Recently, he came across...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
EECP stands for Enhanced External Counterpulsation, a treatment that utilizes synchronized pressure applied to the legs in accordance with the heartbeat to improve blood circulation. Currently, the medical consensus primarily supports its application for alleviating symptoms of a...[Read More] Understanding EECP: Safety, Licensing, and Usage for Stroke Recovery
Understanding Changes in Hypertension Medication: Dosage and Combination Therapies
Could you please clarify your question regarding hypertension medication? I previously took Shumaiyou 20/5/12.5 mg, and this time my doctor switched me to Shumaikang 5/40. I would like to know if the dosage has increased. Additionally, could you explain what a combination medicat...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, Shumai You 20/5/12.5 is a three-in-one formulation, meaning it contains three different medications. Shumai Kang 5/40 is a two-in-one formulation, which means it contains two different medications, thus having one less medication. The physician's choice in prescribing...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Hypertension Medication: Dosage and Combination Therapies
Understanding High Pulse Pressure: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
High pulse pressure? Hello Doctor, I am inquiring on behalf of my father. He is 71 years old and has been taking medication to control his hypertension, which has been well managed. However, we recently noticed that his pulse pressure seems to be quite large. His systolic blood p...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit the cardiology clinic for further examination to check for any valve degeneration issues. Please discuss the necessary follow-up precautions with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding High Pulse Pressure: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
Understanding Chest Tightness and Numbness: When to See a Cardiologist
Chest tightness and numbness in the hands and feet? Hello Doctor, last year during my military service physical examination, I was found to have suspected left ventricular hypertrophy. Upon re-examination with an echocardiogram, the conclusion was that it is mildly enlarged and n...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. If blood pressure (systolic) remains above 140 m...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Numbness: When to See a Cardiologist
Managing Blood Pressure Medications and Their Side Effects
Antihypertensive medications Hello Dr. Lee: I have been diagnosed with oral cancer (but I have never smoked or used betel nut) and have completed treatment. I would like to ask you about my current use of 40 mg of Dexamethasone enteric-coated tablets. Recently, I have been experi...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your question about "currently using 40 mg of Dantrolene extended-release tablets to control blood pressure": 1. Is the recent lower back pain related to the medication or possibly cancer? 2. My blood pressure is generally stable, but the pulse press...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure Medications and Their Side Effects
Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Symptoms and Concerns
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Hello, doctor! I am a 21-year-old college student. Recently, I accidentally came across an article about abdominal aortic aneurysms online, so I paid special attention to my abdomen and noticed that it seems to pulse along with my heartbeat. I'...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
In individuals with a lean physique, visible pulsations of the abdominal aorta do not necessarily indicate the presence of an aortic aneurysm. However, in older patients with hypertension, it is important to be vigilant about the possibility of an aortic aneurysm. If there is any...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Premature Ventricular Contractions: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Ventricular premature contraction (VPC) Hello Doctor, since the beginning of March, I have been experiencing a sensation of missed beats and a pounding feeling in my chest. Sometimes I also feel chest tightness and dizziness. I went to the hospital where I had a 24-hour Holter mo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your missed beats of 4700 are classified as mild and do not require radiofrequency ablation or antiarrhythmic medication. While these measures can reduce occurrences, they cannot completely eliminate them, so you may still experience a sensation of palpitations. Your blood...[Read More] Understanding Premature Ventricular Contractions: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Should I See a Cardiologist for My Irregular Heartbeat Concerns?
Cardiac problem consultation Hello Doctor, I am 29 years old, 177 cm tall, and weigh 64 kg. I have no issues with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes. During a health check-up in March, an electrocardiogram revealed "sinus arrhythmia." My resting heart rate typica...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, sinus arrhythmia is normal. In young hearts, the heartbeat may vary with breathing, which is typical. Sometimes, an increased heart rate may be caused by slight autonomic nervous system imbalance. If there are no significant discomforts, it can be observed for now. Changhu...[Read More] Should I See a Cardiologist for My Irregular Heartbeat Concerns?
Understanding ECG Changes and Echocardiogram Results for Heart Health
Electrocardiogram and Ultrasound I have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, but they are not too severe and can be controlled with medication. Recently, my primary care physician performed an electrocardiogram (ECG) and noted some changes compared to the one I had last ye...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Even if the echocardiogram is normal, changes in the electrocardiogram (such as those indicating hypoxia) may still have clinical significance. It is recommended that if symptoms are present, in addition to managing the three highs (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia...[Read More] Understanding ECG Changes and Echocardiogram Results for Heart Health
Managing Blood Pressure: When to Medicate and Which Specialist to Consult
Issues with Hypertension Medication The doctor would like to inquire about a situation from two years ago when I recorded high blood pressure of 200/100 and went to the emergency room. Subsequently, I underwent endocrine testing, initially suspecting an issue with ACTH, but after...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, please don't keep measuring your blood pressure. We are treating hypertension, not just focusing on the numbers, as if we were monitoring stock prices. It's important to exercise more and manage stress. Currently, you may not need medication. Ping An Changhua Hos...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure: When to Medicate and Which Specialist to Consult
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Treatment Options and Concerns
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment During the Lunar New Year, I experienced episodes of my heart suddenly beating very fast and then very slow, irregularly. I later went to the emergency room, where the doctor diagnosed me with atrial fibrillation, with a heart rate of about 150 beats...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry about "the treatment of atrial fibrillation," based on your description, this is your first experience, and you have returned to normal rhythm, which indicates that it is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. If there are no underlying cardiopulm...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Treatment Options and Concerns
Can You Safely Use Viagra with Blood Pressure Medications?
Do medications have interactions or produce side effects? Currently, I am taking high blood pressure medications Cozaar (Losartan) and Norvasc (Amlodipine). Can I also take Viagra or similar medications? If so, will there be any side effects? Thank you!
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
According to the prescribing information for the medication, in a study involving 16 patients with primary hypertension who took 100 mg of sildenafil, there was no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine. When amlodipine is used in conjunction with sildenafil, bo...[Read More] Can You Safely Use Viagra with Blood Pressure Medications?
Understanding Fast Heart Rate: Key Questions for Cardiovascular Health
I have concerns about a rapid heartbeat? Hello, Doctor He! I have been experiencing a rapid heartbeat recently and consulted a cardiologist. Below are the report findings: - Echocardiogram: 1. Trivial aortic regurgitation (AR). 2. Myxomatous change of the anterior mitral le...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the four valve insufficiencies are not severe and can be monitored. The mucous type mitral valve prolapse is not a concern and poses no harm. The pulmonary pressure is 32 mmHg, so monitoring is sufficient. There are early atrial contractions that are frequent, but it shoul...[Read More] Understanding Fast Heart Rate: Key Questions for Cardiovascular Health
Understanding Renal Hypertension After Kidney Injury: Causes and Solutions
Renal hypertension Hello, doctor. Six months ago, I had a car accident that resulted in a left renal laceration with a hematoma measuring approximately 11 centimeters. I underwent conservative treatment for self-repair, and now, after six months, the hematoma has reduced to about...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Regarding your inquiry about "recent abnormal increases in blood pressure, with systolic readings often between 135 and 150 and diastolic readings between 87 and 110, which remain elevated even before bedtime," and considering your history of a left renal laceration and...[Read More] Understanding Renal Hypertension After Kidney Injury: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Your Heart: Insights on ECG, Holter Monitoring, and Exercise Tests
Inquiry about the results of the electrocardiogram (ECG), 24-hour Holter monitor, and exercise stress test? Hello, Doctor. After staying up late for three consecutive nights at the beginning of November 2021, I started experiencing a tight feeling in my heart that occurs intermit...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you have no risk factors, and the probability is indeed low. However, a positive exercise electrocardiogram may be a false positive due to variations in your baseline ECG. You should be fine, so don't worry. If you still feel uneasy, you can consider getting a CT scan...[Read More] Understanding Your Heart: Insights on ECG, Holter Monitoring, and Exercise Tests
Understanding Your Heart Report: What Do the Results Mean?
Clarification of the report content? Hello Doctor: Recently, I underwent an echocardiogram due to palpitations, and the report indicated that there are no significant structural issues. However, I found that the results show four valves with regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse, ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
± indicates that a value of 32 mmHg is within the normal range for mild hypotension.[Read More] Understanding Your Heart Report: What Do the Results Mean?
Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues: A Cardiovascular Perspective
Chest pain with breathing? I experience tightness and pain in my chest, along with difficulty breathing and occasional dizziness. These symptoms occur briefly during work or exercise. When they happen, resting and taking a few deep breaths (3 to 4 times) helps me feel more comfor...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Chest pain associated with breathing is not a typical symptom of cardiovascular disease. It is recommended to follow up with a cardiologist to review the echocardiogram and exercise electrocardiogram reports to determine if there are any abnormalities.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Breathing Issues: A Cardiovascular Perspective