Hypertension and Mitral Valve Prolapse: What You Need to Know
Hypertension and Mitral Valve Prolapse Hello, Doctor. My blood pressure has been between 140 and 150 for over ten years. Since I haven't experienced any complications, I haven't paid much attention to it. However, during a recent health check-up, the doctor said this is...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: Long-term blood pressure readings between 140 and 150 can cause damage to the cardiovascular system. It is advisable to take antihypertensive medication to control blood pressure, along with dietary management. Approximately 90% of hypertension is classified as primary hyp...[Read More] Hypertension and Mitral Valve Prolapse: What You Need to Know
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: When to Seek Medical Attention
Recently, I've been experiencing a rapid heartbeat along with some other issues? Hello, I am currently 23 years old and have issues with being overweight and high blood pressure. Recently, I have noticed that my heart rate has increased significantly; it used to be around 50...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin, based on your inquiry, you are taking medication for hypertension and have recently experienced chest pain and a rapid heartbeat. However, your previous echocardiogram results were generally normal, which typically indicates no major issues. Angina can indeed prese...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding the Link Between High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction
Hypertension issues? Last year, I suddenly experienced low libido and difficulty achieving an erection. I went to see a doctor, and my hormone levels were normal. I also tried traditional Chinese medicine for a while but didn't notice any improvement. Recently, I've bee...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it seems that the symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction caused by excessive stress have led to high blood pressure, which can result in arteriosclerosis and erectile difficulties, particularly in older adults. High blood pressure may only become a noticeable iss...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction
Managing Hypertension: Concerns About Discontinuing Atenolol
The issue of discontinuing antihypertensive medication? Hello, Doctor: I have a problem with hypertension and am currently taking Atenolol 50mg daily to manage my blood pressure. My blood pressure is well-controlled and even tends to be below the standard values, with readings so...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, since you are taking a beta-blocker, it is normal to experience some withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication. It is recommended to taper off gradually; start by reducing the dose to half a tablet. If you experience no discomfort after a few days, you can then...[Read More] Managing Hypertension: Concerns About Discontinuing Atenolol
Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Hypertension Symptoms
Shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing? Doctor He would like to ask you a question. Since childhood, I have occasionally experienced difficulty breathing, where I feel like I can't get enough air despite trying hard to inhale. Sometimes I can breathe normally, but it v...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you seem to be quite anxious. The symptoms you mentioned may be related to hyperventilation syndrome. Continue with your running; mild hypertension typically has few symptoms, and blood pressure readings should be used to assess it. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Hypertension Symptoms
Understanding Sudden Bradycardia: Causes and Solutions for Your Heart Rate
Sudden decrease in heart rate? Hello, doctor. I am 37 years old, with a blood pressure of 170/70. I have a habit of smoking. Over the past two years, due to excessive alcohol intake, approximately one bottle of red wine per day, I developed hypertension and sought medical attenti...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you can first visit the cardiology outpatient clinic for an examination, which showed no other abnormalities. You may consider reducing the SSRI medication as a trial. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Bradycardia: Causes and Solutions for Your Heart Rate
Understanding the Differences Between Calcified and Soft Plaques in Heart Health
Cardiovascular plaque issues? Hello, doctor. Recently, I underwent a routine health check at my company, which included a 640-slice cardiac CT scan. The report indicated that there is one calcified plaque and four soft plaques, totaling five plaques, with a very mild degree of va...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, mild. All five plaques are below 22%. There is no significant correlation with increased physical activity, which can reduce risk factors including smoking, cholesterol control, and management of hypertension and diabetes. The difference between soft plaques and calcified ...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Calcified and Soft Plaques in Heart Health
Assessing Treatment Options for LBBB Post-AMI in a 61-Year-Old Patient
Persistent LBBB on ECG after AMI? Hello! I would like to inquire about my father's condition and whether there is a possibility of needing to change his treatment plan. AGE: 61 years, Hx: Hypertension for 20 years. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: If the electrocardiogram (ECG) continues to show left bundle branch block (LBBB) after a myocardial infarction, it may be due to ischemic injury causing ECG abnormalities. It is advisable to discuss the need for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with a cardiothoracic ...[Read More] Assessing Treatment Options for LBBB Post-AMI in a 61-Year-Old Patient
Understanding White Coat Hypertension: Anxiety or Real Health Risk?
Is it white coat hypertension or just anxiety? Hello Dr. He, I have a few concerns regarding my blood pressure readings. When I measure my blood pressure at the hospital, the values are significantly higher than those taken at home (about a 100 mmHg difference in systolic press...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you are too anxious. You know that your readings tend to be higher when you are nervous. Let's avoid measuring for now and focus on lifestyle adjustments, such as exercise, controlling salt intake, and maintaining a stable routine. We can start measuring again in a mo...[Read More] Understanding White Coat Hypertension: Anxiety or Real Health Risk?
Does Duloxetine and Bromazepam Increase Heart Rate and Blood Pressure?
Tachycardia Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if taking Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Bromazepam (Lexotan) for depression can cause an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure? My mother is 68 years old, and her blood pressure has been measured around the 140s over the past y...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat may be related to autonomic nervous system excitability. It does not necessarily mean that you have hypertension. You might consider starting with a low dose of a beta-blocker to adjust the autonomic nervous system and then monitor t...[Read More] Does Duloxetine and Bromazepam Increase Heart Rate and Blood Pressure?
Understanding the Link Between Hypertension and Diabetes Risks
Hypertension and Diabetes Hello, doctor. I have primary hypertension, and whenever I read health-related books, I often see that diabetes can easily lead to high blood pressure. My question is, conversely, can high blood pressure also increase the likelihood of developing diabete...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there is no theory suggesting that hypertension causes diabetes, so please don't worry. Just maintain your body shape and exercise regularly. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Hypertension and Diabetes Risks
Understanding Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Your Health Questions Answered
Does this qualify as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? Hello Doctor, during my military service physical examination, my blood pressure was elevated (I have been taking antihypertensive medication regularly) and my electrocardiogram showed abnormalities (suspected left ventricular hyp...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it should not be classified as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy since there is a specific structure involved. It is not just a single data point; the entire area is hypertrophied, not just the posterior wall. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Your Health Questions Answered
Understanding Your Echocardiogram: Key Insights on Heart Health
Echocardiogram Report Hello Dr. He, I received my health check report which shows: 1. Elevated white blood cell count (11.75 x 10^3/µL) 2. Echocardiogram shows: mild mitral valve prolapse, left ventricular ejection fraction 57%, mild tricuspid regurgitation, very mild mitral regu...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your doctor is correct; there is no need to worry. Your left ventricular ejection fraction is 57%, which is normal. The mentioned mitral valve prolapse and insufficiency are not indicative of heart disease. Rest assured, Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Your Echocardiogram: Key Insights on Heart Health
Understanding Blood Pressure and Pulmonary Artery Pressure: Key Insights
Blood pressure and pulmonary artery pressure? Hello, Dr. He. Due to my high blood pressure and tendency to get nervous, my blood pressure has always been elevated during military service physical examinations. As a result, I was required to wear a 24-hour blood pressure monitorin...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you mentioned two issues: high blood pressure and elevated pulmonary artery pressure. In terms of military service, a 24-hour monitoring is sufficient; there is no need to perform cardiac catheterization or echocardiography solely for diagnosing hypertension, as pulmonary ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure and Pulmonary Artery Pressure: Key Insights
Understanding Left Ventricular Wall Thickness: Causes, Treatment, and Risks
Regarding left ventricular wall thickness? Hello Dr. He, after my recent cardiac ultrasound during a health check-up, I was informed that the left ventricular wall is thicker than normal, while the valves and overall heart size are considered fine. My only concern is the thickene...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, left ventricular wall thickness? = Left ventricular hypertrophy. I wouldn't say that this term is officially recognized in medical terminology; I suggest you clarify this with your outpatient physician or refer to relevant reports for a more appropriate response. It i...[Read More] Understanding Left Ventricular Wall Thickness: Causes, Treatment, and Risks
Is It Safe to Switch Blood Pressure Medications Suddenly?
Switching antihypertensive medications? Hello, Doctor. I usually take Atenolol 50mg for hypertension. On March 1, I forgot to take my blood pressure medication, and when I woke up on March 2, I felt unwell. I was supposed to go to work, but after walking a few steps, I felt very ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there is nothing unsafe; it’s just that the original medication was a beta-blocker with stronger exclusivity. The process of switching may cause some discomfort, but it is not dangerous, so please rest assured. Alternatively, you may suggest to your doctor to prescribe Con...[Read More] Is It Safe to Switch Blood Pressure Medications Suddenly?
Does Atenolol Cause Insomnia in Hypertension Patients?
Can antihypertensive medications cause insomnia? Hello, doctor. I have a history of hypertension and I am taking Atenolol 50mg to control my blood pressure. I notice that whenever I take the medication, I tend to experience insomnia at night, but when I stop taking it, I sleep we...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I haven't heard of that side effect, but everyone has a different constitution. It's hard to say. If you are experiencing this issue, please discuss with your physician whether it is possible to switch to another medication. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Does Atenolol Cause Insomnia in Hypertension Patients?
Understanding Calcium Channel Blockers: Safety, Dosage, and Concerns
Calcium channel blockers Hello Dr. He, I am currently undergoing treatment for coronary heart disease. During my follow-up appointment yesterday, my doctor discontinued "Kankun" 10 mg (to be taken once daily) and switched me to "Cardizem SR" 90 mg (to be taken...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I am not sure why the medication needs to be adjusted. You can discuss this with your physician. Generally, taking 10 mg of Concor (Bisoprolol) will definitely slow down the heart rate. It is possible that the doctor thinks it is too slow, which is why the adjustment is be...[Read More] Understanding Calcium Channel Blockers: Safety, Dosage, and Concerns
Understanding Blood Pressure and Lab Results: Key Questions Answered
Blood Pressure and Medication (Continued) Hello Director He, I apologize for bothering you again. I previously consulted you about blood pressure issues, and my attending physician later asked me to undergo blood and urine tests. After reviewing the reports, I would like to ask s...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there are no issues with the first and second tests, so there's no need to worry. The presence of protein in the urine is a bit more difficult to explain and is likely related to exercise. If you're concerned, you may want to visit a nephrology clinic for further...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure and Lab Results: Key Questions Answered
Managing Blood Pressure: Insights on Weight Loss, Medication, and Exercise
Regarding blood pressure and medication? Hello, Director He. I have been on antihypertensive medication for over four years. Initially, I attributed my high blood pressure to being overweight, but I have gradually lost weight, and in the last three months, I have lost about 10 ki...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I believe your persistent anxiety is causing your blood pressure to remain abnormal despite multiple measurements. Moderate exercise is sufficient; the recommendation is 30 minutes a day. Diuretics are not related to lower back pain, and excessive weight loss or intense ex...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure: Insights on Weight Loss, Medication, and Exercise