Managing Lupus: Treatment Options and Dietary Considerations
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Dr. Tseng: Thank you for your response. My friend is currently hospitalized for treatment of lupus erythematosus, but the high fever has not subsided. Almost all kinds of tests have been conducted, yet the cause remains undetermined. Is st...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who present with high fever must be evaluated to differentiate whether the fever is due to an infection or an exacerbation of the lupus disease itself. If the fever is caused by the disease, corticosteroids may be used for manageme...[Read More] Managing Lupus: Treatment Options and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Kidney Function and Cholesterol Levels in Patients
Kidney function and cholesterol? I have a history of hypertension and hyperglycemia for about three years and have been on medication. On April 5, 2002, my blood test results showed HDL-C 75, LDL-C 75, Total Cholesterol 163, Triglycerides 60, BUN 20, Creatinine 1.2, and Uric Acid...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. BUN and Creatinine generally indicate kidney function. The differences in your two test results are within acceptable ranges, so it cannot be concluded that kidney function has deteriorated based on this. 2. Elevated LDL, decreased HDL, an...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function and Cholesterol Levels in Patients
Where to Buy Lipitor for Lowering Cholesterol in Taiwan?
Lipid-lowering medications Where can I buy Lipitor in the country?
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello Ms. Feng: Lipitor is a relatively new lipid-lowering medication manufactured by Pfizer. It is prescribed by physicians in various medical centers, large regional hospitals, and some private clinics based on lipid profile indices, and it is covered by health insurance. If yo...[Read More] Where to Buy Lipitor for Lowering Cholesterol in Taiwan?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Parents
Blood test results Hello: On March 9, 2002, my blood test results were as follows: Triglycerides: 221 mg/dL, Cholesterol: 259 mg/dL, Blood Glucose: 97 mg/dL, Total Protein (TP): 7.6 g/dL, Albumin (ALB): 4.5 g/dL, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): 86 U/L, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALK...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Hello Mr. Max: Please note that the standard values set for each testing instrument may vary slightly. I will explain your test results as follows: triglycerides 221, cholesterol 259, with other values normal. Both of these values should not exceed 200. I recommend starting with ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Parents
Understanding Low Triglycerides: Health Implications and Management Tips
Low triglycerides? I found related questions in the FAQ, but I still cannot understand my situation. I would greatly appreciate Dr. Tseng's clarification! I am 162 cm tall and weigh 50 kg, a non-smoker, and I usually eat little meat and almost no seafood, preferring sweet fo...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
If the total cholesterol is greater than 200 mg/dL without other risk factors, dietary and lifestyle modifications can be initiated, and a follow-up should be done after three months. If the levels remain high, medication treatment may be considered. It is recommended that you co...[Read More] Understanding Low Triglycerides: Health Implications and Management Tips
Understanding Cholesterol and Uric Acid Levels: Risks and Treatment Options
Borderline cholesterol levels with accompanying uric acid? My cholesterol levels are around 110-120. What are the potential complications? How should it be treated? I have a uric acid level of about 22. Are there any interactions between these two conditions? Is medication treatm...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
1. Cholesterol (CHOL TG) includes two main components, and it is important to pay attention to the cholesterol content in your diet. Regular exercise is essential, and quitting smoking is also necessary. If hyperlipidemia persists, it is advisable to consider lipid-lowering medic...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Uric Acid Levels: Risks and Treatment Options
Impact of Peanuts on High Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
High cholesterol Hello Dr. Lee, does eating peanuts have any adverse effects on individuals with high cholesterol levels?
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Eating peanuts does not have adverse effects on individuals with high cholesterol levels.[Read More] Impact of Peanuts on High Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
Understanding Moderate Myocardial Ischemia: Severity, Treatment, and Lifestyle Tips
Moderate myocardial ischemia Hello Dr. Ke: How serious is moderate myocardial ischemia in terms of heart disease? What are the treatment options? Additionally, what should patients pay attention to in their daily activities and diet? Thank you!
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Mr. Wu: For myocardial ischemia, the diet must be low in fat, low in salt, and low in cholesterol, and long-term follow-up treatment at a cardiology clinic is essential. If there are conditions such as hypertension or diabetes...[Read More] Understanding Moderate Myocardial Ischemia: Severity, Treatment, and Lifestyle Tips
Improving Low HDL and Managing High Cholesterol Through Diet
High cholesterol Hello Dr. Lee: My father is 57 years old, and during his health check-up, it was found that he has high cholesterol levels—specifically, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Additionally, his trigl...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Do you know your father's cholesterol levels? If only the cholesterol is elevated while the triglycerides are normal or below normal, it is referred to as pure hypercholesterolemia. If HDL is low, there is a potential risk for vascular hardening. Management can be divided in...[Read More] Improving Low HDL and Managing High Cholesterol Through Diet
Understanding Good vs. Bad Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
Good and bad cholesterol? My mother went to the hospital for a cholesterol check. The doctor said there are good and bad cholesterols, and that my mother's bad cholesterol is close to 100. For a normal person, the bad cholesterol level is about 150. The doctor advised her to...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Good cholesterol refers to HDL, which should ideally be above 35 mg/dL, while bad cholesterol refers to LDL, which should ideally be below 130 mg/dL. To increase good cholesterol, it is beneficial to consume more deep-sea fish oil, while bad cholesterol can be reduced through reg...[Read More] Understanding Good vs. Bad Cholesterol: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Fatty Liver: Health Implications and Dietary Tips
Polyp in the gallbladder Recently, during a health check-up, an abdominal ultrasound revealed (1) a polyp in the gallbladder and (2) fatty liver. Are these issues a concern for health, and do they require further treatment? How should I adjust my daily diet accordingly?
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
1. For gallbladder polyps, it is recommended to follow up in the outpatient clinic every three to six months if the size does not exceed 1 centimeter; if it exceeds 1 centimeter, surgical resection is advised due to the potential for malignancy. 2. The causes of fatty liver inclu...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Fatty Liver: Health Implications and Dietary Tips
Understanding Obesity-Related Diseases: Key Conditions and Their Impacts
Diseases related to obesity? Hello Dr. Tseng: I would like to inquire about diseases related to obesity: 1) Hypertension 2) Hypercholesterolemia 3) Hyperglycemia 4) Hyperinsulinemia 5) Type 2 Diabetes. Please provide their Chinese names and a brief profile for each. Additionally,...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
1) Hypertension 2) Hypercholesterolemia 3) Hyperglycemia 4) Hyperinsulinemia 5) Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus It is recommended that you obtain relevant educational pamphlets or health manuals from a hospital or health department clinic.[Read More] Understanding Obesity-Related Diseases: Key Conditions and Their Impacts
Understanding Low Cholesterol: Its Link to Hepatitis B and Recovery Tips
Low cholesterol A few days ago, I read a report in the newspaper stating that low cholesterol levels can also lead to hepatitis B. My mother has low cholesterol and also has hepatitis B. Is there a connection between the two? How can low cholesterol levels be restored to normal? ...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Hepatitis B is a type of viral hepatitis caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. Cholesterol is a type of lipid in the body that provides some energy and is necessary for hormone synthesis, so there is no direct relationship between the two. Under normal circumstances, ch...[Read More] Understanding Low Cholesterol: Its Link to Hepatitis B and Recovery Tips
Understanding the Health Impacts of Low Cholesterol Levels
Low cholesterol I recently had a simple health check-up (blood test and urinalysis), and the doctor mentioned that my cholesterol levels are too low. I would like to ask the doctor: What are the potential health impacts of low cholesterol, and are there any ways to improve this c...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hui! Patients with low cholesterol generally do not require special treatment; however, if there is a tendency for selective eating (commonly seen in vegetarians), dietary habits should be improved. It is recommended that you visit the Metabolism Clinic for further ex...[Read More] Understanding the Health Impacts of Low Cholesterol Levels