Understanding Atrial Flutter and Supraventricular Tachycardia: Your Questions Answered
Arrhythmia Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing palpitations (premature beats and rapid heart rate) since around May of last year. Initially, it occurred a few times a week, but later it became a daily occurrence (mainly at night, in episodes lasting several hours). During tim...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia are primarily diagnosed through an electrocardiogram (ECG). If the ECG is not conclusive, an electrophysiological study may be performed. In terms of treatment, medication is typically the first line of management, along with lifest...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Flutter and Supraventricular Tachycardia: Your Questions Answered
Do I Need Medication for High Cholesterol Levels? A Cardiovascular Perspective
High cholesterol My total cholesterol is 235, with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) at 95 and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) at 122. Do I need to take medication to manage this? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If you do not have other risk factors for heart disease, such as hypertension or diabetes, you can first manage your cholesterol levels through diet and exercise for three months before re-evaluating your cholesterol levels. If they still cannot be brought down to the normal rang...[Read More] Do I Need Medication for High Cholesterol Levels? A Cardiovascular Perspective
Understanding Your ECG Results: What Do They Mean for Your Heart Health?
I have questions regarding an electrocardiogram and would like to consult with other doctors? I have chronic conditions related to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, and I regularly see my doctor and take medication. Recently, I experienced unexplained episodes of rapid ...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Based on your history of chronic illness and the results of the exercise electrocardiogram, there is a possibility of cardiovascular disease. It is recommended that you wait for the results of the myocardial perfusion scan and then consult your physician for the report findings.[Read More] Understanding Your ECG Results: What Do They Mean for Your Heart Health?
Understanding Left Ventricular Enlargement: Causes and Implications for Hypertension
Cardiomegaly and hypertension? Hello Doctor, I have a running habit (40-50K per week), usually for about an hour each time. I started this in 2016, but earlier this year I began experiencing issues with high blood pressure (systolic over 140). Recently, I visited a cardiologist f...
Dr. Chen Jili Reply:
It is advisable for you to discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Left Ventricular Enlargement: Causes and Implications for Hypertension
Understanding Your Echocardiogram Results: Key Insights for Heart Health
The numbers from the echocardiogram report? Hello Doctor: Previously, I had mild hypertension (ranging from 120-150) and tachycardia (resting heart rate between 90-110), so I went for a cardiac evaluation. I don't quite understand the values from the echocardiogram, and it s...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry about the numbers in the echocardiogram report... there are many parameters and it can be quite complex... However, even so, it must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical presentation and evidence-based treatment guidelines to provide appropria...[Read More] Understanding Your Echocardiogram Results: Key Insights for Heart Health
Understanding White Coat Hypertension: When to Seek Further Evaluation
White coat hypertension Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I had a cold and my temperature was 37.7 degrees Celsius. I went to a clinic to check my blood pressure, and I'm not sure if it was white coat hypertension, but my heart rate was elevated to 150 due to anxiety. At home, ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, anxiety, cold, and fever can all lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as irregular pulse. If your heart rate at home is in the 70s, you may want to continue monitoring it. We pray for your peace and well-being. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding White Coat Hypertension: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Occasional Palpitations and Sleep Disruption: A Cardiac Perspective
In the past six months, I have occasionally experienced palpitations at night that affect my sleep? Hello Dr. Huang, In the first half of this year, my company's health check revealed a normal chest X-ray. The physical examination indicated "rapid heart rate with hear...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello Wayne: Generally, if there are no significant abnormalities in the electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise stress test, or echocardiogram, there is no need for regular follow-ups. Given your current age, a follow-up every two to three years should be sufficient unless new symptom...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Palpitations and Sleep Disruption: A Cardiac Perspective
Is 60mg of Inderal Daily Safe for Managing Heart Rate and Anxiety?
Regarding the dosage of Inderal? Hello Doctor, I have hypertension and hyperthyroidism, and I tend to be easily anxious. My heart rate usually ranges between 95-110 beats per minute, and I often feel uncomfortable. I visited a doctor who prescribed me Inderal (propranolol) 10 mg,...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this dosage is not too high, and long-term use will not have any adverse effects on your body, so there's no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Is 60mg of Inderal Daily Safe for Managing Heart Rate and Anxiety?
Feeling a Pulse in Your Abdomen: Should You Be Concerned?
Pulsation in the abdomen? Hello Doctor, recently I have been experiencing some weight loss, and my current weight is 173 cm and 62 kg. While lying down, I can feel a pulsating sensation above my navel (there are no hard lumps, just a soft abdomen, but I can feel the heartbeat). H...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
In underweight patients, it is indeed possible to palpate the pulsation of the aorta. If there are no risk factors for aortic aneurysm, such as hypertension, there is no need for concern.[Read More] Feeling a Pulse in Your Abdomen: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Do You Need Surgery for Aortic Changes?
Chest X-ray examination Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing hypertension for over 20 years and have been managing it well with medication. Last month, I had a chest X-ray, and the report indicated: "Chest film shows normal heart size. Mild increased lung markings over bo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there are no significant issues; just observation is needed. No medication or surgery is required. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Chest X-Ray Results: Do You Need Surgery for Aortic Changes?
Is There a Link Between Valve Regurgitation and Hypertension?
Is there a relationship between mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation and high blood pressure? Hello Dr. He, I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse in my thirties and have not taken any medication, only returning to the hospital for check-ups occasionally. Two years ago,...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, valve insufficiency can lead to ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure. It is difficult to determine the severity of the insufficiency based solely on the valve issue, and there is no direct causal relationship between valve problems and hypertension. Changhua Hospital ...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Valve Regurgitation and Hypertension?
Understanding Irregular Heartbeats: Is Your Cervical Spine Affecting Your Heart?
Irregular heartbeat? Hello doctor, my heart rate is about 60 beats per minute at rest, but I experience two to three episodes of faster beats each minute, lasting for two to three beats each time. Additionally, I sometimes can feel my heartbeat. Does this count as arrhythmia? I h...
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. However, if symptoms persist, it is recommended ...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Heartbeats: Is Your Cervical Spine Affecting Your Heart?
Managing Myocardial Bridge: Medication Insights and Patient Concerns
Medications for myocardial bridge? Dear Dr. He, I was diagnosed with myocardial bridge 11 years ago through a CT scan, located at the proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery. I have been consistently taking medication and managing my hypertension, hyperlipidemia,...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, myocardial bridge does not necessarily worsen with age. In Taiwan, the final proportion of patients undergoing bypass surgery is 0. Medication should primarily focus on controlling the three highs (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes). Currently, there are no effect...[Read More] Managing Myocardial Bridge: Medication Insights and Patient Concerns
Does Concan Cause Erectile Dysfunction in Heart Patients?
Can cancer cause sexual dysfunction? The patient has a stent in the heart and takes half a tablet of Concor 5 mg daily, one tablet of Lipitor 5/20 mg, and one tablet of Clopidogrel 75/100 mg. The patient also has high cholesterol and hypertension issues. Clopidogrel is used for t...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Kankun is a beta-blocker used for cardiovascular purposes and can also lower blood pressure. If it affects sexual function, you can discuss with your prescribing physician about switching to another medication.[Read More] Does Concan Cause Erectile Dysfunction in Heart Patients?
Managing Blood Pressure After Stroke: Key Considerations and Tips
Blood pressure control Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my mother, who had a stroke on January 11 of this year. During her hospitalization, her blood pressure was controlled between 120-150 mmHg. However, after moving and switching hospitals, her blood pressure is now betw...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, "Your daughter has a history of hypertension and stroke. Since her stroke in January, her blood pressure has been relatively stable in the range of 120-150, but recently there have been greater fluctuations, now ranging from 130-170, mostly aro...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure After Stroke: Key Considerations and Tips
Understanding Myocardial Ischemia: Insights from Perfusion and Catheter Tests
Myocardial perfusion imaging combined with cardiac catheterization? Hello Dr. He. Below is the English report from my myocardial perfusion test last year. I copied it from the health insurance app, and I'm not sure if it's the actual report. At that time, the technician...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, myocardial perfusion imaging can have false positive results. If the cardiac catheterization shows no issues, then there is truly nothing to worry about. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Ischemia: Insights from Perfusion and Catheter Tests
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation
Six months after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation? First of all, thank you, doctor, for selflessly answering everyone's questions; it is truly touching. I underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in March of this year, during which there were no arrhythmi...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, an episode of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation lasting 6 hours can be considered a recurrence. Is there a chance it won't happen again? Of course, there is, but it's not very high. It's best to start medication to stabilize the condition and see if we can coex...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation
Understanding Your Myocardial Perfusion Report: Key Insights on Heart Health
Myocardial perfusion report Please help me interpret my myocardial perfusion report, thank you! Myocardial Perfusion Clinical Impression: Suspected CAD with angina equivalent (+ exercise treadmill test reported at an outside hospital); Hypertension; Smoker (smoking index >60...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, congratulations! Everything is fine. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Your Myocardial Perfusion Report: Key Insights on Heart Health
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Causes and Relief Strategies
Left chest pain and numbness in the hand? 1. What methods can relieve left chest pain and a feeling of tightness in the chest, along with ulnar nerve numbness in the elbow? Note: This has been ongoing since last night. 2. Can someone without hypertension, diabetes, high choleste...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Based on your symptoms, it does not appear to be a typical myocardial infarction. Given your young age and lack of chronic diseases, your risk of heart disease is very low. However, if the symptoms persist, it is still advisable to go to the hospital for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Causes and Relief Strategies
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Heart Attack Insights
Left chest pain with numbness behind the elbow? 1. Pain in the left chest along with numbness in the outer part of the left elbow and little finger is usually caused by issues related to the heart, such as angina or myocardial infarction, but it can also be due to musculoskeletal...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
1. It is recommended to consult a neurologist for an examination. 2. The risk factors include: Age: males > 45 years or females > 55 years; Gender: the incidence of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction is higher in males than in females; Hypertension; Dyslipidemia; Dia...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Numbness: Heart Attack Insights