Optimal Timing for Taking Metformin: Should It Be Taken with Meals?
The timing of metformin administration? Hello doctor, I heard that metformin should be taken with meals for better effectiveness. Is this true? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: 1. The action of Metformin is to activate the energy-regulating enzyme AMPK, which reduces hepatic glucose production; this consequently inhibits gluconeogenesis, as well as the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol in the liver. At the same time, it increases ...[Read More] Optimal Timing for Taking Metformin: Should It Be Taken with Meals?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Assessing Chest Pain and Heart Attack Risk
Symbolic significance of specimens 1. The laboratory results you provided show the following values: - White blood cell count: 10,000 cells/µL (normal range is typically 4,000 to 11,000 cells/µL) - Neutrophils: 76.1% (normal range is usually around 40-70%) - Lymphocytes: 15.3% ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the only test result showing is a slightly elevated CRP at 0.8 (normal <0.5), while all other results are normal. Based on your tests and symptoms, a diagnosis of myocardial infarction cannot be made. If you have concerns, it is recommended that you consult a cardiologi...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Assessing Chest Pain and Heart Attack Risk
Sudden Shortness of Breath: Possible Causes and Concerns
Sudden shortness of breath? There was an incident where I suddenly felt unable to breathe while in a car, and I felt like I was going to die with my heart racing. In the end, I took a deep breath from my chest and felt better. Previously, in my second year of high school, I exper...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is possible that anxiety or transient arrhythmia may be the cause. It is recommended to consult a cardiologist to get the opinion of a heart specialist.[Read More] Sudden Shortness of Breath: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Is It Asthma or Heart Issues?
Chest pain or angina? I have been experiencing sudden chest pain for a week, with each episode lasting 5 to 10 minutes. The pain is severe enough to make me feel nauseous and cause difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. It even extends to abdominal pain. I have no worries,...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, a simple symptom statement can sometimes make it difficult to determine the condition. It is advisable to discuss with a cardiologist and undergo appropriate examinations to confirm the diagnosis. Dr. Lin Chi-Hsiung.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Is It Asthma or Heart Issues?
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Diabetes Management
Glycated hemoglobin Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about glycated hemoglobin. There is a family history of diabetes, and I have been vigilant and actively exercising and controlling my diet since December of last year. My height is 155 cm, and my weight has decreased from ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The measurement of fasting plasma glucose in clinical practice refers to the plasma glucose level after fasting for more than 8 hours. The normal value is below 100 mg/dL; if it falls between 100 and 125 mg/dL, it is termed impaired fasting glycemia. For most i...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Diabetes Management
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chest tightness/chest pain Hello doctor, I have been experiencing chest tightness and chest pain for more than half a month, and sometimes I have difficulty breathing. On March 17, I went to the emergency room, and the doctor ordered blood tests which came back normal. I was advi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online user: There are many causes of chest pain, and it is recommended to see a pulmonologist for evaluation and examination. If the emergency blood test results are normal, should further in-depth tests be conducted? This should be determined after a consultation with a ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Fast Heart Rate and Dizziness: Understanding the Connection and Causes
Rapid heartbeat and dizziness? About a week ago, I consulted a doctor at a clinic due to chest tightness. The doctor noted that my heart rate was quite fast and suggested that it might be due to stress or other psychological factors, prescribing medication to help slow it down. H...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you frequently experience a rapid heartbeat and dizziness, please go to the hospital for an examination. Conditions such as anxiety, high stress, hyperthyroidism, or arrhythmias can cause a rapid heartbeat. Additionally, if you notice any lumps in your body, you should ...[Read More] Fast Heart Rate and Dizziness: Understanding the Connection and Causes
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain Recently, I have experienced occasional chest pain, a condition that hasn't occurred for a long time. The most severe episode happened during my middle school years when I suddenly felt chest pain and difficulty breathing while asleep. I quickly drank some water, ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. There are many causes of chest pain, which can originate from superficial chest wall issues (such as shingles, costochondritis, shoulder arthritis, spinal nerve compression, breast lesions, etc.) or from deeper organ-related pain (such as angina, myocard...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Possible Heart Issues and Anemia
Sudden dizziness? Hello Doctor: On Tuesday, while I was taking a bus back to school from Taichung, I fainted at the station. Before fainting, I experienced symptoms such as cold sweats, tinnitus, nausea, blurred vision, and rapid heartbeat, after which I lost consciousness. Accor...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. A lack of family history of heart disease does not mean that you are personally free from heart disease. 2. Whether you have anemia can be determined through a blood test; however, having anemia does not necessarily mean that your symptoms are solely due to anemia witho...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Possible Heart Issues and Anemia
Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath in Teens
Chest pain sometimes accompanied by unexplained shortness of breath? Hello, I am a middle school student. After about a month of starting middle school, I occasionally feel a slight pain on the left side of my chest when taking deep breaths. This has continued until now, and even...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, Yujing: I recommend that you first see a pulmonologist, who can then determine whether you need to consult a cardiologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath in Teens
Understanding Complete Right Bundle Branch Block: Symptoms and Risks
Complete right bundle branch block? Two days ago, I went for a military physical examination, and the doctor said I have complete right bundle branch block. What is this condition, and does it require treatment? What symptoms might I experience? Is there a risk to my life?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Please consult a cardiologist for an explanation from a heart specialist.[Read More] Understanding Complete Right Bundle Branch Block: Symptoms and Risks
Which Specialist to See for Persistent Abdominal and Urinary Discomfort?
If you are experiencing discomfort in various parts of your body, you should consider visiting a primary care physician or a general practitioner. They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to the appropriate specialist if needed? I have been experiencing persistent pain in my...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
In response to your inquiry, it seems you may have some medical background. 1. "Persistent left lower abdominal pain for several days, especially at night, to the point of being unable to sleep, with increased nocturia. Recently (for about a month), daytime urinary frequen...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Persistent Abdominal and Urinary Discomfort?
Understanding Leg Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Similar to edema? Hello, for the past two days, my calves have been unusually swollen and painful when pressed. This occurs after dinner and after taking a shower before going to bed, but in the morning, everything seems fine. What could be the cause of this?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many causes of lower extremity edema; common ones include poor venous return, heart failure, cirrhosis, impaired kidney function, excessive salt intake, certain medications, and pregnancy, among others. Rare causes may include tumors, lymphatic obstruction, and paras...[Read More] Understanding Leg Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Chest tightness and chest pain? Hello! I have recently encountered a problem where I experience chest pain whenever I cough, sneeze, or bend over. Sometimes the chest pain is accompanied by a sudden increase in heart rate. Which specialist should I see?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you see a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Managing Hyperthyroidism: Is a Decrease in Heart Rate Normal?
Hyperthyroidism with decreased heart rate? Hello Dr. Hsieh, I would like to ask about hyperthyroidism medication (carbimazole 10mg). After taking two tablets a day for a month, I reduced the dosage to one and a half tablets per day on January 12. Now my heart rate has decreased...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If your heart rate has decreased, you can generally continue taking the medication. Hyperthyroidism rarely resolves in just one month; you should return for follow-up appointments and consult your attending physician. Thank you for your message![Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism: Is a Decrease in Heart Rate Normal?
Understanding Sudden Hypoglycemia: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Why does sudden hypoglycemia feel very uncomfortable? Hello, doctor. Today at 8:30 AM, I had breakfast consisting of sweet potatoes and whole grain bread, along with green tea. At 12:30 PM, I started experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia: cold sweats, trembling, weakness, rapid h...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to determine whether your symptoms are caused by hypoglycemia. In addition to low blood sugar, there are many other conditions that can present with similar symptoms. Typically, undiagnosed and untreated diabetes pr...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Hypoglycemia: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Falls, Blood Sugar, and Blood Pressure in Seniors
Falls, blood sugar, blood pressure? Hello! The elderly person fell on November 27, 2015, and was taken to the hospital for examination. The doctor said, "There is an injury to the thoracic spine with a compression fracture; a brace is needed! The lumbar spine was also injure...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the user: After the fall, you mentioned having a poor appetite, difficulty eating, and feeling dizzy. There could be many reasons for this. I recommend seeking medical attention for an evaluation, as it's not possible to provide a simple answer. Thank you for your que...[Read More] Understanding Falls, Blood Sugar, and Blood Pressure in Seniors
Understanding Chest Pain After Trauma: When to Seek Medical Attention
My boyfriend physically assaulted my chest? My boyfriend struck me forcefully in the area just below my chest, around the rib cage (slightly to the left of the center below the left breast) during an argument. I experienced about one to two seconds of inability to breathe, follow...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: You should consult a surgeon for your question.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain After Trauma: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Low hemoglobin levels? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if my health check report shows only low hemoglobin and a fast heart rate, while everything else is normal, does that indicate anemia? I have been experiencing frequent dizziness and severe headaches when I get up in the mo...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult with a "Hematology" (Hematology-Oncology) specialist to determine if further examination and treatment are necessary.[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal Systolic Blood Pressure in High School Students
Abnormal systolic blood pressure in high school students? I would like to ask about my recent health check at school. Most of my results were normal, but my systolic blood pressure was abnormal at 153, which is significantly higher than average. Additionally, my heart rate seems ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult a cardiologist, as they can address both blood pressure and heart rate issues.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Systolic Blood Pressure in High School Students