Understanding Wenckebach: Insights on Second-Degree AV Block and Symptoms
Atrioventricular block Hello Doctor: For the past month, I have been feeling a lot of stress and discomfort in my heart. Occasionally, it feels like my heart skips a beat. I went to the hospital for an echocardiogram, and the results showed no issues with my heart, except for a v...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, don't be nervous, everything is fine. Especially at night, the heart is resting and there is no risk of sudden death. Type 2, level 1 really does not require medication and will not worsen. Numbness in the hands and feet is unrelated, so don't worry. Changhua Hos...[Read More] Understanding Wenckebach: Insights on Second-Degree AV Block and Symptoms
Understanding Heart Rate Variability: Insights on Bradycardia and Stress
Bradycardia Hello Doctor: My blood pressure is normal, and I feel fine while running; my heart feels normal and I don't experience any discomfort. In October, I had a lot of work-related stress. During that month, I noticed that on several days, at random times during the da...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is normal for your heart rate to slow down while you sleep. The heart also needs to rest for more than 3 seconds. Considering the installation of a pacemaker is not wrong, but it should be based on daytime standards. If there are no discomforts at night, there is no imm...[Read More] Understanding Heart Rate Variability: Insights on Bradycardia and Stress
Can Dental Implants Be Safe for Patients with Pacemakers?
Can a person with a pacemaker undergo dental implants? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. A senior family member has a pacemaker, but due to poor dental health, they are considering dental implants. Are there any special precautions or considerations that we should...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, there is no need to worry about infection; using some preventive antibiotics will suffice. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Can Dental Implants Be Safe for Patients with Pacemakers?
Understanding Arrhythmias After Pacemaker Implantation: Risks and Concerns
Even with a pacemaker installed, arrhythmias still frequently occur? Hello Doctor: After I received a pacemaker due to third-degree atrioventricular block, my breathing and heart rate have improved significantly. However, after six months, I experienced an episode of arrhythmia t...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, a pacemaker is only designed to maintain a minimum heart rate. If your heart rate exceeds the programmed rate of the pacemaker, it will not intervene, and your heart is beating on its own. Therefore, occasional arrhythmias may occur, but they are not related to fatal condi...[Read More] Understanding Arrhythmias After Pacemaker Implantation: Risks and Concerns
Managing Leg Edema in Elderly Patients with Heart Conditions
Unilateral edema Hello, I would like to ask about an elderly person who is 93 years old and has a history of high uric acid, a heart condition with a pacemaker, and high blood pressure. Recently, he has been experiencing noticeable swelling in his left leg, which is less pronounc...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is not always necessary to see a cardiologist if there are no apparent issues. Elderly individuals often have less efficient circulation, which can lead to conditions like edema. Some medications prescribed by doctors may contain diuretics, which can help prevent swelli...[Read More] Managing Leg Edema in Elderly Patients with Heart Conditions
Understanding Ventricular Fibrillation and Mitral Valve Prolapse Risks
Arrhythmia-related issues? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if mitral valve prolapse can lead to the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation. If so, what is the likelihood? Additionally, what is idiopathic ventricular fibrillation? Where can I find related information? It seems ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this matter should not be related to the mitral valve prolapse. As for your question, to be honest, I do not know. I do not have the relevant medical records on hand, and the doctors present are unable to provide an explanation. We cannot make assumptions without reviewing...[Read More] Understanding Ventricular Fibrillation and Mitral Valve Prolapse Risks
Is a Pacemaker Safe for Stroke Patients? Key Considerations
Cardiac pacemaker Hello Doctor: My father has had a stroke (weakness in his right hand and leg) for six months. Is it advisable to install a pacemaker? Will it pose any risk to his life?
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
After a stroke, if there is weakness in the limbs, it is not resolved by installing a cardiac pacemaker. You can discuss with a neurologist whether it is appropriate to transfer to the rehabilitation department for rehabilitation. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Chi-Hsiung, Director of Cardio...[Read More] Is a Pacemaker Safe for Stroke Patients? Key Considerations
Is This Heart Palpitation? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Does this count as palpitations? Hello Dr. Lin, this evening around 8 PM, while I was at rest, I experienced a sensation in the area between my collarbones (just below the Adam's apple) that felt like something was trying to jump out, synchronized with my heartbeat, lasting ...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: When you feel a noticeable heartbeat, it can be described as palpitations. In individuals who exercise regularly or professional athletes, the heart rate is often slower. During episodes of severe arrhythmia, in addition to an increased heart rate, blood pressure may also ...[Read More] Is This Heart Palpitation? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Stroke Patients and Heart Procedures: Risks and Legal Considerations
Stroke Hello, Doctor: 1. Can a patient who has suffered a stroke undergo a minimally invasive cardiac pacemaker procedure without life-threatening risks? 2. Is there no risk of death for a patient who has had a stroke undergoing cardiac catheterization and stent placement? 3. C...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Mr. Wu: Unless one is merely an observer, any intervention in medical practice carries both risks and benefits for the patient. Medical ethics is a crucial aspect of physician training, emphasizing four fundamental principles: respect for patient autonomy, non-maleficence, benefi...[Read More] Stroke Patients and Heart Procedures: Risks and Legal Considerations
Understanding Pacemakers and Stents for Stroke and Heart Disease Patients
Stroke.. Coronary Heart Disease Hello Doctor: 1. Under what circumstances does a patient need to have a pacemaker installed without undergoing surgery? 2. Under what circumstances does a patient require the installation of a coronary stent? What is the associated risk of death...
Dr. Lin Jixiong Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, when a patient has bradycardia (a heart rate of less than 40 beats per minute), there are many possible causes (which can be referenced in related literature), and consideration may be given to implanting a pacemaker. If a temporary pacemaker is used, surge...[Read More] Understanding Pacemakers and Stents for Stroke and Heart Disease Patients
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Pacemakers in Congenital Heart Conditions
Issues regarding the reimbursement threshold for cardiac pacemakers? Dear Dr. He, Regarding the issue of arrhythmia and the CT scan, I previously inquired on June 29. Today, the imaging diagnosis indicated that the conduction abnormalities are caused by congenital ventricular hy...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, please don't worry too much. There should be substantial evidence for the physician to make such a recommendation, and it may involve the implantation of an internal defibrillator. We usually explain to patients that if the National Health Insurance does not approve i...[Read More] Understanding Insurance Coverage for Pacemakers in Congenital Heart Conditions
Understanding Pacemaker Options for Elderly Patients with Heart Issues
Elderly patients have pacemakers implanted in their hearts? Hello, Doctor! My father is 82 years old and recently underwent a 24-hour Holter monitor test, which showed that his heart rate sometimes spikes to 200 beats per minute and drops to as low as 50 beats per minute. The doc...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the installation of a pacemaker is intended to meet the body's needs. I haven't seen the electrocardiogram, but if a cardiologist recommends it, there must be a necessity for the procedure. It is a minor surgery that anyone can undergo. Based on your description ...[Read More] Understanding Pacemaker Options for Elderly Patients with Heart Issues
Managing Heart Health During Hospitalization: A Patient's Dilemma
Consult a physician? Dr. Bu: My father was hospitalized two days ago due to some fluid accumulation and inflammation in his lungs, and he is currently under the care of the pulmonology department. He has had a cardiac pacemaker for nearly ten years and has also been dealing with ...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
If you still have questions, please discuss your condition and treatment options with your attending physician.[Read More] Managing Heart Health During Hospitalization: A Patient's Dilemma
Is It Dangerous to Delay Pacemaker Installation for Arrhythmia?
excuse me? If you have symptoms of arrhythmia and your heart rate is mostly slow (around 50 beats per minute), and your doctor recommends installing a pacemaker, is there a risk if you do not proceed with the installation immediately?
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I have not seen your electrocardiogram, so I cannot make a judgment. However, if a cardiologist recommends that you get an implant, there must be a valid reason for it. The risks of not getting the device may be higher. Currently, the technology for implanting devices has ...[Read More] Is It Dangerous to Delay Pacemaker Installation for Arrhythmia?
Understanding Pacemakers and Heart Rate Changes in Elderly Patients
Cardiac pacemaker and heartbeat? Dear Doctor: I would like to inquire about the issues related to my father's pacemaker and heart rate. He is 73 years old and had a pacemaker implanted 8 years ago after a cardiologist deemed it necessary following a cardiac catheterization....
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
Many factors can affect the condition after pacemaker implantation. Typically, if the pacemaker is set to 60 beats per minute, it means that when the heart rate is too slow, the pacemaker can stimulate the heart to beat at 60 beats per minute. However, heart rates exceeding 60 be...[Read More] Understanding Pacemakers and Heart Rate Changes in Elderly Patients
Uncommon Recovery from Myocarditis: A Patient's Journey
Questions about recovery from myocarditis sequelae? I am Alex, who submitted a case four years ago. After recovering from myocarditis, I developed complete heart block, which caused my heart rate to slow down. About two and a half years ago, following my doctor's advice, I h...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
It is possible to recover after myocarditis. If you have already recovered, there is no need for a pacemaker. Your physician will also monitor your condition. The variability in medical situations can be significant, and statistical data often serves only as general information, ...[Read More] Uncommon Recovery from Myocarditis: A Patient's Journey
Risks of Replacing a Pacemaker Battery in Elderly Patients
What are the risks of heart rhythm regulator implantation? Dr. Bu: Hello! May I ask: My mother is 78 years old. Is there any risk involved in replacing the battery of her pacemaker? Thank you!
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
The term "replacing the battery of a cardiac regulator" refers to the surgical procedure of removing the old battery, testing the electrode leads, and if the leads are in good condition, connecting them to a new battery before suturing the site again. The general risks ...[Read More] Risks of Replacing a Pacemaker Battery in Elderly Patients
Understanding PSVT and VT: Key Differences, Risks, and Treatment Insights
Questions regarding VT and PSVT diseases? 1. Can PSVT and VT be distinguished from an electrocardiogram (ECG)? 2. What are the main differences between PSVT and VT in terms of symptoms and risk? 3. What is the mortality rate associated with VT? 4. Under what circumstances (e.g., ...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
Typically, general medical consultations should not address such specialized questions, as this level of inquiry exceeds the boundaries set by general ethics. Medicine is not only a science but also a "mystical art," encompassing a wide range of aspects. Therefore, medi...[Read More] Understanding PSVT and VT: Key Differences, Risks, and Treatment Insights
Understanding Pacemakers: Lifestyle Changes and Health Concerns
Cardiac pacemaker Dr. Bu: Hello! My mother underwent a 24-hour electrocardiogram at the hospital, and the doctor recommended that she get a pacemaker due to her heart stopping for 2.5 seconds. However, I have heard that after getting a pacemaker, all daily activities need to be c...
Dr. Bu Shiyun Reply:
Many elderly individuals require the implantation of a pacemaker, and most of them can lead a normal life afterward. The presence of a pacemaker does not prevent the use of common household electrical appliances (it has almost no impact!). How long one lives is ultimately determi...[Read More] Understanding Pacemakers: Lifestyle Changes and Health Concerns
Understanding Second-Degree AV Block: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Atrioventricular (AV) block In 2004, during my military service medical examination, I was diagnosed with second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, Mobitz type II, intermittently. At the end of 2005, I underwent a cardiac catheterization, and the doctor stated that my heart was ...
Dr. Lin Yongguo Reply:
To KEN / 25 / 0:1. Second-degree atrioventricular block, Mobitz type II, intermittent. A cardiac catheterization was performed at the end of 1994, and the doctor stated that the heart is healthy with no issues, indicating a conduction disturbance. Generally speaking, Mobitz type ...[Read More] Understanding Second-Degree AV Block: Symptoms, Risks, and Management