Understanding Cardiac Catheterization: Purpose, Risks, and What to Expect
Cardiac catheterization Hello Dr. Lee: I went for a check-up for heart disease, and in addition to an electrocardiogram and cardiac imaging, the doctor is now requesting that I be hospitalized for a cardiac catheterization. What is cardiac catheterization? Why is this test necess...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
In simple terms, cardiac catheterization or cardiac catheter therapy refers to the procedure of inserting a thin tube through the skin and into the blood vessels to reach the heart for further examination, evaluation, or treatment. From your description, it is understood that you...[Read More] Understanding Cardiac Catheterization: Purpose, Risks, and What to Expect
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It a Heart Issue?
Heart I often feel a tightness in my chest, as if I can't catch my breath. When I pat my chest, it feels like a cough, and releasing a breath makes me feel somewhat better. It gets worse at night, and I can only sleep on my side. Could this indicate a heart problem? Can an e...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
You have autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and after improving your living environment and using medication, you can see improvement in 3 to 4 days.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It a Heart Issue?
Managing Irregular Heartbeats: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips
Arrhythmia Hello, doctor. Recently, I often feel my heart skip a beat for one or two seconds. I went to the hospital for an examination and was diagnosed with arrhythmia. I have received treatment. Could this condition be affected by the weather? I would like to ask if there are ...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Arrhythmias should be evaluated with an electrocardiogram (ECG) and continuous monitoring, so please consult a cardiologist to determine the underlying cause and treatment.[Read More] Managing Irregular Heartbeats: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips
Health Check Report: Key Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Health Screening Report Dr. Li: Hello, I had a health check-up last month, and the physician's overall assessment is as follows. Should I go for a follow-up at the hospital? Are there any specific concerns I should pay attention to? 1. Mild fatty liver, liver cysts, and gall...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
The recommendations are as follows: 1. For mild fatty liver, liver cysts, and gallbladder polyps, an ultrasound follow-up once a year is sufficient. 2. Schedule a repeat blood cell count for comparison; if abnormalities are confirmed, consult a hematologist for clarification. 3. ...[Read More] Health Check Report: Key Concerns and Follow-Up Recommendations
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Mitral valve prolapse I experience sharp pain in my chest, located slightly to the upper left between my breasts. The frequency of the pain varies; sometimes it occurs when I change positions or move my body. The episodes can last for two to three days and have persisted for six ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Mild mitral valve prolapse may not be discernible with a standard stethoscope. It is recommended to follow up at a cardiology clinic and arrange for an echocardiogram for a more accurate assessment.[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Right Atrial Enlargement and Right Axis Deviation in ECG
Electrocardiogram Issues I would like to ask a question regarding a previous electrocardiogram (ECG) I had at a public hospital. The report includes the following findings: RT. ATRIAL ENLARGEMENT (RAE) (33/3102) RIGHT AXIS DEVIATION (RAD) (-/ENTER). What does the "data"...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
RAE indicates right atrial enlargement, while RAD refers to right axis deviation of the cardiac vector axis. Generally speaking, these findings are for reference or research purposes and do not hold significant clinical meaning, as patients typically do not exhibit symptoms. As f...[Read More] Understanding Right Atrial Enlargement and Right Axis Deviation in ECG
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Chest pain? I experience sharp pain in my chest, located slightly to the upper left between my breasts. The frequency of the pain varies; sometimes it occurs when I change positions or move my body. The episodes can last for two to three days and have been ongoing for six years w...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Emma: If the chest X-ray and electrocardiogram are normal, the most likely conditions are neuralgia or mitral valve prolapse. Please visit a cardiologist for examination and treatment (echocardiogram).[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bloating, Chest Tightness, and Breathing Difficulties: Liver Warning Signs?
Chest tightness and difficulty breathing due to bloating? I often experience bloating, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Could this be a warning sign related to my liver?
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
In simple terms, your symptoms can be categorized into two areas: 1. gastrointestinal issues and 2. respiratory issues. Conditions such as gastritis, duodenitis, or gastric or duodenal ulcers can often lead to bloating or a sensation of chest tightness, and even difficulty breath...[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Chest Tightness, and Breathing Difficulties: Liver Warning Signs?
Distinguishing Symptoms of Coronary Artery Blockage vs. Valve Dysfunction
Blood pressure is 90/60, heart rate is 100, and feeling very fatigued? Coronary artery obstruction and valvular insufficiency present different clinical symptoms. Coronary artery obstruction typically leads to symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Almin Chen: Coronary artery obstruction must be evaluated through an electrocardiogram and cardiac catheterization, while valve insufficiency needs to be assessed using echocardiography. Please schedule an appointment with the cardiology clinic for examination and treatment...[Read More] Distinguishing Symptoms of Coronary Artery Blockage vs. Valve Dysfunction
Understanding Facial Flushing: Causes and Solutions
Easily blush? When I quietly read or work for a while, my face becomes flushed and feels warm. Sometimes, when I go to crowded places, such as attending a wedding or chatting over coffee, my face turns red and feels hot after sitting for a while, and I feel a bit stuffy. What cou...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Julier: Generally, having these symptoms is a normal response (vasodilation). If you experience chest discomfort, please go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram and thyroid function tests.[Read More] Understanding Facial Flushing: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Pressure When Sleeping on the Left Side
Chest compression When I sleep on my left side, I experience a strong feeling of pressure on my heart, which is very uncomfortable. However, when I sleep on my right side, I do not have this issue. I also do not experience this sensation when sitting or standing. This phenomenon ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello THC: It is recommended that you go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram (ECG) and X-ray examination. (Symptoms like these can be related to thoracic or cardiopulmonary issues.)[Read More] Understanding Chest Pressure When Sleeping on the Left Side
Understanding Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block: Symptoms and Precautions
Electrocardiogram Issues I recently underwent a comprehensive health examination, and the report indicated that my electrocardiogram showed "incomplete right bundle branch block." The examining physician suggested that I should monitor it regularly. I would like to know...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Whether it is "complete" or "incomplete" right bundle branch block, there are usually no symptoms of discomfort, so there is no need to worry. Most cases are of unknown origin and may be secondary to myocardial infarction or valvular heart disease; regular fol...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block: Symptoms and Precautions
Understanding Slow Heartbeat and Breathing Difficulties in Middle-Aged Women
Shortness of breath and bradycardia? Your mother is 50 years old and has not yet reached menopause. Her usual blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg. Recently, she has been experiencing a sensation of a slow heartbeat (measured pulse is 72 beats per minute, heart rate is 80 beats per minu...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Your mother is 50 years old and has not yet experienced menopause, but her menstrual cycle may be irregular. Her blood pressure is acceptable, and her pulse rate is within the normal range, but it's unclear if it is consistent. It is recommended that you take your mother to ...[Read More] Understanding Slow Heartbeat and Breathing Difficulties in Middle-Aged Women
Understanding Chest Pain Near the Heart: Causes and Concerns
I have pain near my heart on the left side of my chest? Recently, I have gained about 15 kilograms in weight over the past year. Additionally, I previously experienced a trauma to my left chest due to a car accident, which has resulted in pain in that area. This pain has been pre...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
I am not sure when your car accident occurred. Was it serious enough to require hospitalization? The purpose of these two questions is to determine the relationship between the symptoms you described and the left chest contusion. After the accident, did you have a chest X-ray, an...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain Near the Heart: Causes and Concerns
Understanding ECG Results: Insights for Patients with Heart Concerns
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) A patient with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis has a 23-year medical history, standing at 147 cm tall and weighing approximately 30 kg. For over 30 years, the patient has occasionally experienced wheezing, and multiple physicians have noted the presen...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
1. A chest X-ray typically does not reveal cardiac enlargement or ischemic changes; however, it can show whether there is cardiac enlargement. Additionally, we can assess for myocardial hypoxia or ventricular hypertrophy through an electrocardiogram (ECG). 2. Regarding discomfort...[Read More] Understanding ECG Results: Insights for Patients with Heart Concerns
Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Could you please provide more context or specify what aspect of breathing you would like to know about? The family member has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 23 years and occasionally experiences shortness of breath and wheezing (feeling fatigued while breathing). Ge...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
The statements you provided are fragmented and lack specificity, making it difficult to identify the issue at hand. I suggest that your family undergo some basic examinations, which may help uncover some clues. For example, a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (ECG) could be be...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients