Managing Lipid Medications: Concerns for Fatty Liver Patients
Issues with lipid-lowering medications? I would like to inquire about medication usage. Blood tests show the following results: Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (AST/GOT) 23, Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (ALT/GPT) 30, Triglycerides 662 mg/dl, Glycated Hemoglobin...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, a triglyceride level of 662 may be related to fatty liver. Fenofibrate is unlikely to increase the risk of hepatitis, so it should be safe to take. If you're concerned, you can simply manage your diet by reducing fried foods and fatty meats. Take care from Changhua Ho...[Read More] Managing Lipid Medications: Concerns for Fatty Liver Patients
Understanding Amiodarone: Benefits, Risks, and Managing VPC Symptoms
Missed doses, medication consultation? Thank you, Doctor. I have previously asked you many questions about VPC, and I have received reassuring answers. My symptoms can be very good at times and very bad at others. Recently, I've been experiencing frequent missed beats, which...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it's actually not that serious. It's just that he has true arrhythmia, and using strong medication is unnecessary. Taking a large dose long-term, like three pills a day, could potentially affect the thyroid, but half a pill is unlikely to have a significant impac...[Read More] Understanding Amiodarone: Benefits, Risks, and Managing VPC Symptoms
Vaccination Concerns for Patients with Heart Conditions: What You Need to Know
Concerns about vaccination? Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old and three years ago I was hospitalized due to symptoms of rapid heartbeat, panic, difficulty breathing, and a near-death sensation. For a while, I experienced premature contractions, ranging from 2 to 400 times a day, bu...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is suitable for you to get vaccinated. You can take your medications as scheduled, and it will not affect the vaccination. Don't worry, Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Vaccination Concerns for Patients with Heart Conditions: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Echocardiogram: Key Insights on Heart Health and Risks
Echocardiogram 1. The echocardiogram report indicates that your left ventricular function is normal with an ejection fraction (EF) of 64-65%. This suggests that your systolic function is within normal limits. However, as you age, there is a possibility of gradual decline in cardi...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, is it normal for contractions to weaken with age? No one knows what the future holds, and the probability of developing aortic regurgitation or mitral/tricuspid regurgitation leading to chronic mortality is not necessarily higher. Your condition is not that severe regardin...[Read More] Understanding Your Echocardiogram: Key Insights on Heart Health and Risks
Should You Continue Taking Medications for Heart Failure After Vaccination?
Should heart failure medications be continued? After receiving the Moderna vaccine, on the fourth day, I experienced irregular heartbeats and shortness of breath. The doctor prescribed Kankun 1.25 mg and Erispan 0.25 mg. I also take Crestor 10 mg daily. I have undergone a resting...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If blood pressure is not elevated, it is recommended to discontinue the use of Concor and discuss this with the prescribing physician during an outpatient visit.[Read More] Should You Continue Taking Medications for Heart Failure After Vaccination?
Can a 13-Year-Old with Myocarditis Safely Get the BNT Vaccine?
Myocarditis after receiving the BNT vaccine? Hello, Doctor! I was diagnosed with acute myocarditis at the age of five and stayed in the intensive care unit for two weeks. It was suspected to be a viral infection, but no specific virus was identified. I have been following up at N...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Please follow the vaccination guidelines provided by the Central Epidemic Command Center and consult with a vaccine specialist.[Read More] Can a 13-Year-Old with Myocarditis Safely Get the BNT Vaccine?
Post-Catheterization Chest Discomfort During Exercise: What to Know
Post-cardiac catheterization exercise-related chest discomfort issues? Hello, Dr. Huang! I underwent my second cardiac catheterization on August 17, where a third stent was placed. The first procedure was on August 12, during which two stents were inserted. However, during the pl...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: It is quite common to feel some chest tightness or discomfort one to two weeks after undergoing coronary angioplasty with stenting. The stent opens the blood vessel, but it takes time for the vessel to heal. As long as there is no acute embolism leading to a myocardial inf...[Read More] Post-Catheterization Chest Discomfort During Exercise: What to Know
Do Medications Like Xyzineanxokastrocolone Raise Blood Pressure?
Can medication side effects cause an increase in blood pressure? Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. I would like to ask if the medications XyzineanxokastrocolonewelizenCabidrin film-coated AXOLDICLOFENACachelex can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, regarding your medication inquiries, it would be advisable to consult a professional pharmacist or the physician who prescribed your medication. They should be able to provide you with better answers. The Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about ...[Read More] Do Medications Like Xyzineanxokastrocolone Raise Blood Pressure?
Why Does My Heart Rate Increase at Night While Lying Down?
Normal during the day, but experiences increased heart rate when lying down at night? Hello Doctor: I have been taking half a 5 mg dose of Concor and a quarter of a 160 mg dose of Datan for about two years without any issues. Recently, my lifestyle and eating habits have not been...
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] Why Does My Heart Rate Increase at Night While Lying Down?
Understanding Ventricular Premature Contractions: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) At the end of May, I was worried about possibly being diagnosed with COVID-19. While having dinner and watching the news about "happy hypoxia," I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe and sensed my pulse stopping, along wit...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I believe that you can take medication when an episode occurs or is about to occur. What he said is correct; it only indicates a certain percentage is normal! No one can guarantee a hundred percent, but constantly undergoing tests for that extremely low probability is not ...[Read More] Understanding Ventricular Premature Contractions: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
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?
Vaccination Anxiety: Heart Rhythm Medication and B Vitamins Concerns
Vaccination Issues Hello Dr. Wu, I have been feeling extremely anxious lately due to the upcoming vaccination. I usually take antiarrhythmic medication because of my fast heartbeat. I’m wondering if I can take a dose of my antiarrhythmic medication to calm my nerves before gettin...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Vaccines do not affect the use of beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic medications. If you truly feel anxious or experience palpitations, you may take your antiarrhythmic medication first.[Read More] Vaccination Anxiety: Heart Rhythm Medication and B Vitamins Concerns
Managing High Blood Pressure Medications: Key Considerations for Patients
Issues with Hypertension Medications Hello Doctor: My mother regularly takes one cholesterol-lowering medication (aridity) and two antihypertensive medications (relazide and COSAR F.C. TAB. 50MG) in the morning. Her family doctor advised that if her blood pressure is higher in wi...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, you can take one pill first and monitor your blood pressure in the evening. If it remains elevated, you can take a second pill. If it's below 140, just continue to observe. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure Medications: Key Considerations for Patients
Safe Pain Relief Options for Patients on Antiplatelet Medications
If you are taking Kebo-Shuan-Tong (a medication for improving blood circulation), which pain reliever and antipyretic can you use? Due to having a heart stent, I am currently taking Clopidogrel (antiplatelet), Lipitor, and Concor. I am scheduled to receive the AZ vaccine soon. If...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
If you experience a fever after receiving a vaccine, it is recommended to take acetaminophen (Tylenol).[Read More] Safe Pain Relief Options for Patients on Antiplatelet Medications
Post-Catheter Ablation Concerns: Understanding Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence
Post-procedure issues following cardiac catheterization and cryoablation? Hello, about 12 years ago, I was diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, occurring about 1-2 times every three months. I took Dronedarone for 10 years, and after 8.5 years, I stopped experiencing epi...
Dr. Huang Yinghe Reply:
Hello: It is quite common for patients to experience recurrent atrial arrhythmias within three months after catheter cryoablation for atrial fibrillation, with an incidence of about 40%. This is generally believed to be related to the inflammatory response of the atrial tissue po...[Read More] Post-Catheter Ablation Concerns: Understanding Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence
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 Lipitor Side Effects: What to Do When Symptoms Arise
Questions related to Lipitor? Hello, Doctor He: My mother is 60 years old. Yesterday, she visited the hospital and the doctor prescribed her one tablet of Lipitor 20mg. After taking it today, she experienced facial flushing, fatigue, and mild chest discomfort, which gradually imp...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, symptoms are not necessarily caused by Lipitor. The most common side effect of Lipitor is muscle pain, but each individual's constitution is different, and reactions to medications can vary. You might try stopping the medication to see if the symptoms improve. If the ...[Read More] Understanding Lipitor Side Effects: What to Do When Symptoms Arise
Could My Symptoms Indicate a Vascular Issue After Using Betamethasone?
Is this a venous embolism? Hello Dr. Wu: Before applying the medication, I had no abnormalities, but a month and a half ago, after applying Betamethasone ointment on the left foot's fourth toe, about an hour later, I experienced weakness in that toe, inability to bend it, an...
Dr. Wu Xueming Reply:
Based on your description, it does not align with the presentation of venous embolism; however, if the symptoms persist, it is still recommended to visit a hospital outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate a Vascular Issue After Using Betamethasone?
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