Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scans: Necessity and Safety Concerns
Myocardial perfusion imaging - Dynamic Dipyridamole & Resting Hello Dr. Lin, I have some symptoms of mild hypertension and have been taking antihypertensive medication, but I do not take it regularly due to forgetfulness, which has led to interruptions of several days or wee...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: The dosage of the contrast agent required for myocardial perfusion imaging has established standards. This examination has been performed for many years. For elderly patients suspected of having cardiovascular obstruction diseases, when it is not suitable to arrange for a ...[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scans: Necessity and Safety Concerns
Should I Consult a Cardiologist About My ECG Results?
I would like to ask the doctor for advice? Hello Doctor: This is my electrocardiogram (ECG) taken while brisk walking, http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/59/26989710982508244442010.jpg/ and this is my ECG taken during class (at rest), http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/257/26...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: Your static electrocardiogram shows a clear P wave, indicating a sinus rhythm with no arrhythmia. However, 24-hour Holter monitoring is typically interpreted by a cardiologist. Therefore, it is acceptable for the reporting physician to be a general internist or family medi...[Read More] Should I Consult a Cardiologist About My ECG Results?
Are Unusual Bruising and Bleeding Side Effects of Dilatrend 6.25mg?
Is there a risk of unusual bleeding or bruising as side effects from taking "Daliquel 6.25mg"? Hello Doctor: Five weeks ago, my current attending physician switched my original medications from Diovan 80 mg and Cintsu 240 mg (half a tablet) to HYZAAR 100/12.5 mg and Bet...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I haven't heard of this medication having such side effects. Are you taking any other medications? Given your age, why do you need to take the aforementioned medications? Is it for hypertension? Heart failure? We may need to further understand your condition in order ...[Read More] Are Unusual Bruising and Bleeding Side Effects of Dilatrend 6.25mg?
Understanding PDA in 30-Year-Old Women: Risks, Treatment, and Pregnancy
30-year-old female patient with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask about my girlfriend who is 30 years old. She recently underwent a cardiology examination and was found to have a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and some mild cardiac hypertrophy. Si...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello Justin, regarding your question: your girlfriend is 30 years old and has a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with some mild cardiac hypertrophy. Since she currently has no significant symptoms, is there a definite need for catheterization surgery? If she becomes pregnant, are ...[Read More] Understanding PDA in 30-Year-Old Women: Risks, Treatment, and Pregnancy
Understanding Heart Rate Variations: When to Seek Medical Attention
Heartbeat issues Hello Dr. Lee, my father is currently taking antihypertensive medication, anticoagulants, and gastrointestinal medications. He previously underwent chemotherapy five times for a benign oral tumor, which has now been discontinued. Recently, his blood pressure has ...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello Ivy, your father has a history of hypertension and oral tumors, and he has completed chemotherapy. He regularly takes antihypertensive medication, anticoagulants, and gastrointestinal medications. You mentioned that he has recently experienced elevated blood pressure and a ...[Read More] Understanding Heart Rate Variations: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Heart Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Heart failure consultation? Hello, recently my mother (63 years old with a history of diabetes and hypertension for over 18 years) went to the hospital due to lower limb edema and was referred to urology, but there was no improvement in the swelling. Her urine tests were normal, ...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: For patients with heart failure who have severe clinical conditions, it is still recommended to return for a follow-up appointment to have a cardiologist assess whether hospitalization is necessary. As for which specific tests should be arranged first, this may vary depend...[Read More] Understanding Heart Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding High Blood Pressure: Essential Tests to Identify Causes
High blood pressure? Hello Doctor: I have a slim build and I exercise regularly, but I have consistently high blood pressure, which has recently increased to 150/100 (heart rate 67). I recently went to the hospital for tests on triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting glucos...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
Hypertension is influenced by multiple factors, including constitution, age, occupation, stress, lifestyle, exercise habits, and dietary conditions. Additionally, the presence of other health factors, such as blood glucose levels, kidney function abnormalities, or other specific ...[Read More] Understanding High Blood Pressure: Essential Tests to Identify Causes
Understanding Hypertension and Leg Edema: Causes and Tests
Hypertension and lower limb edema issues? Hello, Dr. Lin: (1) Can long-term smoking lead to hypertension and/or lower extremity edema? (2) What kind of examinations should be conducted for hypertension and lower extremity edema?
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: (1) Long-term smoking is one of the main culprits of cardiovascular diseases, as it can damage endothelial cells in blood vessels over time, potentially leading to damage in the lower limb venous system and resulting in lower limb edema. However, there are many factors tha...[Read More] Understanding Hypertension and Leg Edema: Causes and Tests
Seeking Treatment Advice for Suspected Myocardial Ischemia
Inquire about treatment recommendations for myocardial hypoxia? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent chest tightness and chest pain, so I visited a nearby cardiology clinic (not the original medical institution for my diagnosis). Today, I underwent a stress e...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: For a 15-year-old male, the likelihood of having coronary artery disease is relatively low. It is recommended to discuss further with your clinician whether additional tests should be arranged to clarify the condition. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Chi-Hsiung, Taoyuan Hospital, Depar...[Read More] Seeking Treatment Advice for Suspected Myocardial Ischemia
Understanding Post-Stent Surgery Care: Medication, Checkups, and Doctor Changes
Vascular stenting procedure My father underwent a vascular stent procedure at Cathay General Hospital four months ago. After the surgery, due to the poor attitude of the doctors at Cathay General Hospital, he decided to get his cardiovascular medication from the National Health I...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: 1. After undergoing vascular stenting surgery, it is essential to continue taking medication, and do not discontinue it without the physician's consent. 2. There are no strict regulations on how long after cardiovascular interventional procedures one should wait b...[Read More] Understanding Post-Stent Surgery Care: Medication, Checkups, and Doctor Changes
Can Multivitamins Prevent Cardiovascular Disease? A Public Inquiry
Regarding the Health Department (Forwarded from the Presidential mailbox to the Director's mailbox) Hello, Mr. President. I would like to ask for your assistance. Currently, many people in our country are taking vitamins, and some doctors advocate that multivitamins can prev...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
In principle, "only taking vitamins" cannot prevent cardiovascular diseases, as these diseases are caused by multiple factors, including smoking, hypertension, diabetes, overwork, excessive stress, obesity, lack of exercise, high blood lipids, genetic predisposition, an...[Read More] Can Multivitamins Prevent Cardiovascular Disease? A Public Inquiry
Understanding Cardiovascular Health in Teenagers: Key Insights
Supplementary Information Hello: I apologize for not providing my personal information earlier. I do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, and I am currently 15 years old with no harmful habits. I hope the doctor can further address my questions.
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
Hello: Most cardiovascular diseases are related to factors such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and smoking. Young individuals typically do not experience heart disease.[Read More] Understanding Cardiovascular Health in Teenagers: Key Insights
Understanding Blood Pressure Ranges: Normal to Severe Levels Explained
Could you please provide the latest blood pressure values from the Department of Health (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? Here is a blood pressure classification table: - Normal: Systolic < 120 mmHg and Diastolic < 80 mmHg - Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mmHg and ...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
According to the guidelines from the Taiwan Society of Cardiology for hypertension treatment, the classification of blood pressure is as follows: Normal: <120 and <80 Prehypertension: 120-139 or 80-89 Stage 1 Hypertension: 140-159 or 90-99 Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥160...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Ranges: Normal to Severe Levels Explained
Understanding Variations in Echocardiogram Results: What You Need to Know
Recently, I had two ultrasounds, and the results were different each time? Hello Doctor: I hope you can help me with my concerns. In December of last year, an ultrasound at a small clinic revealed mild mitral valve prolapse, pulmonary regurgitation, and tricuspid valve prolapse. ...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
1. You can discuss your concerns with your physician regarding the results from both tests. 2. The degree of incompetence has objective standards, but there are also subjective components involved. 3. Without your basic information such as age, gender, smoking status, alcohol...[Read More] Understanding Variations in Echocardiogram Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Heart Ablation Surgery and 24-Hour Monitoring
Regarding cardiac ablation surgery and 24-hour monitoring? About five years ago, I underwent a 24-hour Holter monitor test. At that time, it was found that there was an abnormal period, and the doctor mentioned that a procedure like catheter ablation could improve the condition. ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Dear Shio, it is possible to review past medical records. This is known as paroxysmal arrhythmia. If episodes occur during a 24-hour Holter monitor period, they can be detected and diagnosed. The absence of findings during the examination does not mean that episodes are not prese...[Read More] Understanding Heart Ablation Surgery and 24-Hour Monitoring
Understanding Symptoms: Leg Pain and Head Discomfort Related to Vascular Issues
Discomfort in the head and feet? Hello, doctor. Initially, I noticed purple veins appearing on my left foot. Later, certain areas of the skin on my foot became painful when pressed, and there was slight swelling on the outer side of my thigh, although it wasn't very noticeab...
Dr. Ding Zhizhong Reply:
Hi Tina: Don't scare yourself! Cases of venous embolism causing a stroke are very rare because it requires a right-to-left shunt to occur within the heart (more commonly seen in end-stage congenital heart disease with pulmonary hypertension). As for the symptoms in your left...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Leg Pain and Head Discomfort Related to Vascular Issues
Managing Skin Rash from Hypertension Medications: What You Need to Know
Side effects of antihypertensive medications - rash? If you are experiencing side effects such as a rash and darkening and itching of the soles of your feet and calves while taking hypertension medications like Diltiazem HCl, Aprovel FC 150mg, and Ismo-20, it is important to cons...
Dr. Zhu Junyuan Reply:
Diltiazem is classified as an antianginal and antiarrhythmic medication, with a modest effect on lowering blood pressure. Side effects may include dizziness or lightheadedness, facial flushing (sensation of warmth), headache, extreme fatigue, bradycardia, gastrointestinal discomf...[Read More] Managing Skin Rash from Hypertension Medications: What You Need to Know
How Long After Heart Stent Surgery Can You Fly?
How long after getting a stent placed in the heart can a person fly? Hello Doctor: How long after having a stent placed in the heart can a patient fly (to the United States)? The patient is 70 years old and has hypertension and diabetes. Should they wait until a certain period? T...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
After the placement of a stent, it is generally safe to fly or travel once you are stable! This usually refers to a period of two weeks to one month afterward. It is advisable to consult your attending physician for their opinion, but remember to take your medications on schedule...[Read More] How Long After Heart Stent Surgery Can You Fly?
Understanding Cardiovascular Issues After Chest Trauma: Causes and Connections
Why can cardiovascular diseases occur after a chest injury? Hello, Doctor: I experienced compression on the left side of my chest and upper back due to gravity. My chest was impacted by a mechanical force, with a screw measuring 1.8 cm in diameter and approximately 6 to 8 cm in l...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I do not believe that trauma can cause heart damage unless the heart itself is directly injured. However, various complications can easily stimulate the heart, leading to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which may result in high blood pressure and arrhythmias. I thi...[Read More] Understanding Cardiovascular Issues After Chest Trauma: Causes and Connections
Understanding Arterial Stiffness: Insights from Your Test Results
Vascular Stiffness Test Report Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I went to the hospital for a vascular stiffness test. The examination report showed a right ABI of 1.12 and baPWV of 1508, and a left ABI of 1.10 and baPWV of 1430. The preliminary report indicates possible arterial sti...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, basically I believe your report is within the normal range, so there is no need to be anxious. Atherosclerosis can occur as early as age three, and it is certainly related to risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Smoking status is also a fac...[Read More] Understanding Arterial Stiffness: Insights from Your Test Results