Pregnancy Concerns for Women with Mitral Valve Prolapse: What to Know
Is there any concern regarding pregnancy for women with mitral valve prolapse? Hello, Dr. Ke: After being diagnosed by Dr. Mackay, I have symptoms of "mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation." I occasionally experience palpitations in the middle of the night. I would l...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Anny: Mitral valve prolapse occurs in approximately 3 to 4 percent of the population, and it is more common in females. Generally, it does not cause any impairment of heart function and can be considered a "benign" condition. Therefore, it usually does not have an...[Read More] Pregnancy Concerns for Women with Mitral Valve Prolapse: What to Know
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Increased heart rate? Hello doctor, last December I went to the emergency room at a large hospital because of a rapid heartbeat. They performed an electrocardiogram (ECG) and said everything was fine, and they also drew arterial and venous blood, which came back normal. After tha...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Ms. BABY: Please schedule an appointment with a cardiologist for a 24-hour Holter monitor and thyroid function tests to determine if there is hyperthyroidism or arrhythmia, which will allow for effective treatment.[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Mitral Valve Insufficiency: Concerns and Care Tips
Cardiac Issues Dr. Ke: Hello, I experienced mitral valve regurgitation due to a cold and fever during my childhood. In 1986, during a health check-up, the doctor informed me that my heart was enlarged and recommended urgent surgery for repair, which I underwent in May of that yea...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Ms. Yuequan: After heart valve surgery, it is essential to continue follow-up care with a cardiologist and to adhere to long-term medication therapy. It is normal for the heart to remain slightly enlarged after the surgery, so there is no need for excessive concern. A low-so...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Insufficiency: Concerns and Care Tips
Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Nausea in Elderly Patients
Headache Hello, I would like to inquire about my mother. Since she fainted last November (the doctor said it was due to a lack of thyroid hormone and advised her to drink more electrolyte solutions), she has been experiencing dizziness and nausea. She has a history of hypertensio...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Kany: Based on your description, your mother has hypertension, dizziness, and suspected intestinal adhesions. It is recommended to schedule an appointment with a neurologist to adjust her antihypertensive and dizziness medications. Additionally, for the issue of intestinal ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Nausea in Elderly Patients
Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Nausea: A Guide for Caregivers
Headache Hello, I would like to inquire about my mother. Ever since she fainted last November (the doctor mentioned a deficiency in thyroid hormones and advised her to drink more electrolyte solutions), she has been experiencing dizziness and nausea. She has a history of hyperten...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Seeing you write extensively indeed leaves you, as children, unsure of what to do. In fact, simplifying matters and focusing on the key points is essential. The most common situation in outpatient clinics is that after prolonged illness, patients often lose sight of the main issu...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Nausea: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Nausea: A Guide for Caregivers
Headache Hello, I would like to inquire about my mother. Ever since she fainted last November (the doctor said it was due to a lack of iodine and advised her to drink more sports drinks), she has been experiencing dizziness and nausea. She has a history of hypertension and has be...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
The patient has hypertension, endocrine disorders, electrolyte imbalances, and postoperative enteritis, which may clinically present with elevated white blood cell counts associated with bacterial infection. Additionally, the patient's use of corticosteroids may lead to decr...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Nausea: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Hypoxia: Symptoms and Potential Causes in Adults
Cerebral hypoxia I have the following symptoms: there are two cords under both ears that run down along my neck, and I often feel a tightness in my throat. Additionally, the muscles in the back of my neck feel very tense, and pressing on them causes soreness. These symptoms frequ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Jen: Your symptoms seem to be caused by excessive tightness in the neck muscles, which is often due to lack of sleep or overexertion. You can start with local heat therapy, and if necessary, you may consult a rehabilitation specialist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Hypoxia: Symptoms and Potential Causes in Adults
Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Nausea: A Guide for Caregivers
Headache Hello, I would like to inquire about my mother. Since she fainted last November (the doctor said it was due to a lack of iodine and advised her to drink more sports drinks), she has been experiencing dizziness and nausea. She has a history of hypertension and has been ta...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
There are many causes of dizziness, including brain diseases, vestibular nerve disorders, cardiopulmonary diseases leading to insufficient cerebral blood flow, psychogenic factors, and postmenopausal syndrome in women. Regarding the condition you mentioned, if the patient already...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Nausea: A Guide for Caregivers
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
Dizziness While Swimming: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Dizziness while swimming? Hello, doctor: I personally experience discomfort, such as dizziness and nausea, when swimming or soaking in hot springs if the water level exceeds my chest for half an hour to an hour. I've heard that this might be related to heart issues. Is that ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Mark: Before swimming, it's advisable to do some warm-up exercises and gradually acclimate to the water temperature before entering the pool. If the water temperature is very high (above 40 degrees Celsius), limit your time to 15 minutes at a time, then take a break an...[Read More] Dizziness While Swimming: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Unusual Heart Symptoms: Dizziness, Palpitations, and Weakness
My heart feels strange? Dizziness, palpitations, continuous shortness of breath, generalized weakness and numbness, and occasional chest pain.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Mini: It is common for young women to experience symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath. Common causes include anxiety, arrhythmias, and asthma. It is advisable to follow up with a cardiology clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Unusual Heart Symptoms: Dizziness, Palpitations, and Weakness
Understanding Aneurysms in the Coronary Arteries: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Arterial aneurysm Hello Dr. Li: My uncle is 69 years old and has been diagnosed with a vascular aneurysm located in the heart (specifically on the coronary artery), with a history of two ruptures (which he was unaware of). He has been hospitalized for two days, and the doctors ha...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
I'm not sure where your uncle's vascular tumor is located. Based on your description, there have been two recorded ruptures, but there is no mention of a myocardial infarction, and the patient's overall condition seems stable, which is less indicative of a coronary...[Read More] Understanding Aneurysms in the Coronary Arteries: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Can Arrhythmia Be Diagnosed with Just an ECG?
Is an electrocardiogram (ECG) sufficient for diagnosing arrhythmias? I would like to ask Anita if the doctor prescribed any medication for her after she was diagnosed with arrhythmia. (Or could the doctor provide me with Anita's email address so I can reach out to her direct...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Jane: The diagnosis of arrhythmia through an electrocardiogram (ECG) is essential. If necessary, a 24-hour Holter monitor should be performed. Please follow up for treatment at the cardiology outpatient clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Can Arrhythmia Be Diagnosed with Just an ECG?
Understanding Post-Exercise Heart Palpitations and Breathing Issues
Increased heart rate after exercise? Hello Dr. Ke, I would like to ask you about a heart-related issue. I often experience rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath after exercising, which usually resolves with a bit of rest. However, yesterday was more severe; after cycling, I had...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Antia; it is recommended that you undergo an exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for any arrhythmias and signs of cardiac hypoxia.[Read More] Understanding Post-Exercise Heart Palpitations and Breathing Issues
Does Early Detection of Heart Disease Lead to Better Outcomes?
Is early detection of heart disease better than late detection in terms of severity? Will the treatment outcomes also be better compared to cases diagnosed later? You also mentioned the sympathetic nervous system. What I'm more interested in is whether delaying medical treat...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
If it is indeed "viral myocarditis" (the initial symptoms are similar to those of a cold, but the virus type is different), early diagnosis and treatment will certainly affect the condition, quality of life, future lifespan, and even the risk of arrhythmias, heart failu...[Read More] Does Early Detection of Heart Disease Lead to Better Outcomes?
Severe Back Pain: Understanding Nighttime Discomfort and Possible Causes
Excruciating back pain? I would like to inquire about back pain (approximately located at the back, between the ribs) that is very painful (to the point of being unbearable) and occurs mainly at night. The individual has a history of ovarian tumor removal, and I wonder if this is...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
There are many causes of back pain, ranging from the simplest and most common, which is muscular and nerve pain, to more serious conditions such as stones or tumors (for example, chronic back pain could be a sign of colon cancer with bone metastasis) or severe back pain due to ao...[Read More] Severe Back Pain: Understanding Nighttime Discomfort and Possible Causes
Understanding Your Arrhythmia: Insights on Heart Health and Treatment
Heart disease What type of arrhythmia do I have? I have previously experienced shortness of breath and sought medical attention. I am currently managing it with medication, but since I was not treated by a cardiologist and considering the seriousness of heart disease, I would lik...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
"Arrhythmia" may not require treatment in mild cases, but severe cases can lead to hemodynamic abnormalities, which may necessitate the use of medications, catheter ablation, or pacemakers, depending on the type of arrhythmia. I apologize, but based on the information y...[Read More] Understanding Your Arrhythmia: Insights on Heart Health and Treatment
Emergency Steps to Take During a Heart Attack: A Family Guide
How to handle a myocardial infarction in an emergency? Hello, my mother has a history of myocardial infarction, and we are concerned about the possibility of another episode. I would like to know what we can do as a family while transporting her to the hospital if it happens agai...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Bear: First, it is essential to have regular follow-up treatment at the cardiology outpatient clinic. You should keep sublingual nitroglycerin tablets at home for chest pain relief. During an episode, provide oxygen (it is best to have a small oxygen tank at home) and immed...[Read More] Emergency Steps to Take During a Heart Attack: A Family Guide
Is Arrhythmia a Serious Heart Condition? Safety of Surgical Treatments Explained
Arrhythmia can be considered a serious heart condition in the context of heart disease? Arrhythmia can indeed be a serious heart condition in the context of heart disease. Recently, I came across reports indicating that arrhythmias can be treated through surgical procedures. What...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
"Arrhythmia" is a broad topic that can be generally divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological arrhythmias are usually benign; however, pathological arrhythmias require treatment based on the individual's symptoms and hemodynamic stability. It...[Read More] Is Arrhythmia a Serious Heart Condition? Safety of Surgical Treatments Explained
Understanding Palpitations: Is It Ventricular Premature Contraction?
Palpitations Hello Dr. Lee: I previously consulted you about my palpitations and took your advice to record the occurrence times and seek medical attention. Thank you for your guidance. I have been experiencing irregular heartbeats for about a year, and in the past couple of mont...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
If your palpitations are clearly reflected as abnormalities on the electrocardiogram (ECG), and the frequency can reach over 2000 times a day, along with associated discomfort symptoms, this indicates a condition that requires treatment. Since I cannot see your ECG records, I can...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations: Is It Ventricular Premature Contraction?