EXPERT
Tien C. Cheng
Cardiologist
Dr. Tien Cheng is a cardiologist practicing in Gurnee, Illinois. Dr. Cheng specializes in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. These conditions include heart attacks, heart murmurs, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Dr. Cheng also practices preventative medicine, helping patients maintain a heart-healthy life.
Tien C. Cheng
- Gurnee, Illinois
- Kaohsiung University Medical School
- Accepting new patients
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Can atrial septal defect be cured?
There are 2 types of atrial septal defect (ASD). During in utero, we need ASD. ASD usually will close after birth. The kind of ASD which persists and becomes significant requires READ MORE
There are 2 types of atrial septal defect (ASD). During in utero, we need ASD. ASD usually will close after birth. The kind of ASD which persists and becomes significant requires surgery (or patch) to repair it.
Heart beat per minute?
If you feel great and comfortable, I don’t think you need to worry about the numbers you provide. I tell my seniors if the heart rate while in deep sleep is above 40/min and nothing READ MORE
If you feel great and comfortable, I don’t think you need to worry about the numbers you provide. I tell my seniors if the heart rate while in deep sleep is above 40/min and nothing happens when he/she wakes up, you will be fine. If you have doubts, you can wear a Holter to monitor your heart beat/rhythm to make sure nothing is wrong.
How is ECG done for women?
Regular ECG (EKG) is done with 12 leads. 6 small patches, each a bit larger than a quarter, will be placed at your left chest wall below the breast. Other patches above your ankles READ MORE
Regular ECG (EKG) is done with 12 leads. 6 small patches, each a bit larger than a quarter, will be placed at your left chest wall below the breast. Other patches above your ankles and wrists. The test is painless and takes less than 10 minutes by an experienced technician. ECG records your heart beat, rate per minute, rhythm, and some numbers (your doctor needs).
What causes my chest pain?
Chest pain lasting more than 3.5 months and not associated with difficulty of breathing or sweating or weakness is unlike a heart attack or pre-heart attack warning. I suggest READ MORE
Chest pain lasting more than 3.5 months and not associated with difficulty of breathing or sweating or weakness is unlike a heart attack or pre-heart attack warning. I suggest you consult a cardiologist. Your cardiologist may refer you to consult a gastroenteritis if he/she feels the pain is not of cardiac origin. Sometimes a plain chest X-ray is helpful to be sure ribs and lungs are nothing unusual. In the meantime, you may also want to check Medscape or Google to learn about Costochondritis/Tietze Syndrome.
How do you lower high blood pressure?
High blood pressure management usually requires prescription medications given by your doctor, although there are some self-proclaimed experts who recommend otherwise. First, keep READ MORE
High blood pressure management usually requires prescription medications given by your doctor, although there are some self-proclaimed experts who recommend otherwise. First, keep an active lifestyle, manage stress and anxiety with good and adequate sleep. Medications are very effective to lower the number (in general, below 130 mm Hg systole, below 90 mmHg diastole). In most cases, 2 kinds of medications are enough. In some cases, 3 or 4 kinds are needed. In very rare cases, 5 kinds are required. There is active investigation going on to tackle the renal artery to lower blood pressure to reduce the burden of medications. I recommend my patients to buy a home blood pressure kit to monitor blood pressure.
Is a heart attack painful?
Not necessarily. Heart attack can be “painless” particularly if you tolerate pain very well and you may not “feel” it. Heart attack in my experience almost always occurs in association READ MORE
Not necessarily. Heart attack can be “painless” particularly if you tolerate pain very well and you may not “feel” it. Heart attack in my experience almost always occurs in association with shortness of breath, weakness, and sweating.
How long do you need antibiotics for endocarditis?
It all depends on the organism (bacteria, fungus), which heart valve is involved, and whether the host is a drug addict. Your cardiologist and infectious disease consultant will READ MORE
It all depends on the organism (bacteria, fungus), which heart valve is involved, and whether the host is a drug addict. Your cardiologist and infectious disease consultant will make the best decision for you.
Does an echocardiogram show a heart murmur?
In general it will tell you if there is diseased or abnormal heart valve or shunt. Both conditions are the usual cause of heart murmur.
Where is chest pain located for a heart attack?
I tell my patient any pain above navel needs careful consideration particularly in association with shortness of breath and/or sweating
When should I be worried about an irregular heartbeat?
The best way is to consult your cardiologist or electrophysiologist . Do not imagine anything to disturb your mind.
Are you intubated for cardiac ablation?
In general No. It only requires conscious sedation with cardiac and O 2 monitor.
Can you have a heart attack after triple bypass surgery?
Yes. It is known even non-obstructive coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack. Heart attack also can occur if bypass is not complete.
Can anxiety cause coronary artery spasm?
Yes. That is why experts tell people relax, meditate, peace in mind, and learn “mind and body connection.”
What diet should you have if you have a bad heart?
Eat healthy and be active are most important. Mediterranean diet is a good choice.
How serious is a heart arrhythmia?
There is no easy answer. The best thing you should do is to consult your cardiologist or electrophysiologist.
After a bypass, how many times should you go for a cardiac checkup?
First visit is within 2 weeks (medicare and most insurance recommend). Next visit is 3 months then 6 months. If everything is good with return of previous activity well then every READ MORE
First visit is within 2 weeks (medicare and most insurance recommend). Next visit is 3 months then 6 months. If everything is good with return of previous activity well then every 6-12 months is fine. The most important is medications such as lowering LDL to less than 50, A1C below 6.5 to 7.0 pending your age, good kidney funntion and an exercise program to keep you fit.
Can heart blockages be cleared with medicine?
The straight and easy answer is No. Proven critical obstructive coronary lesions are best treated with balloon/stenting or CABG. Studies have shown early intervention by modifying READ MORE
The straight and easy answer is No. Proven critical obstructive coronary lesions are best treated with balloon/stenting or CABG. Studies have shown early intervention by modifying and reducing risk factors, ie, BP, LDL, DM, body weight, waist circumference, increase activity and manage stress will offer long term CV benefits
At what age is one at a high risk of a heart attack?
Yes, age can be a risk factor. Nothing is immune from the damaging aging process. Known risk factors increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Don't spoil it, even your parents READ MORE
Yes, age can be a risk factor. Nothing is immune from the damaging aging process. Known risk factors increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Don't spoil it, even your parents may have given you good genes. Bad habits such as excessive drinking or smoking exposure risk an individual to die from alcoholic cirrhosis of liver or lung cancer. Anxiety or stress hastens the risk of heart attack even at your (young) age. You are obese. Instead of worrying about your age or thinking you are protected because your parents live a long life, start a programmed exercise, eat a better and sensible diet first. Screen your risk, i.e., blood sugar, cholesterol level, liver and kidney function, and work to lower your risk. If you are still anxious, consult your doctor or take up yoga or meditation; biofeedback classes may help.
I have symptomatic PVCs. When do they become dangerous?
Assume you are a low risk individual, normotensive, non-diabetic with LDL below 70, I will recommend a maximal stress test. If it is normal , the most I will recommend is coronary READ MORE
Assume you are a low risk individual, normotensive, non-diabetic with LDL below 70, I will recommend a maximal stress test. If it is normal , the most I will recommend is coronary CT calcium score. If it is blow 100, I will recommend Metoptolol succinate starting dose 25 mg po daily to keep resting heart rate at 65 beats/min.
