![Tien C. Cheng M.D., Doctor](/doctor_images/d/d1/8121071.jpg?v=0812)
Tien C. Cheng M.D.
Cardiologist | Interventional Cardiology
5101 Washington St. Suite 24 Gurnee Illinois, 60031About
Education and Training
Kaohsiung University Medical School
University of Illinois College of Medicine
Kaohsiung Medical University 1968
Board Certification
Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine
Internal MedicineAmerican Board of Internal MedicineABIM
Provider Details
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Tien C. Cheng M.D.'s Expert Contributions
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 surgery (or patch) to repair it. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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). READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 with shortness of breath, weakness, and sweating. READ MORE
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 make the best decision for you. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 READ MORE
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. READ MORE
Are you intubated for cardiac ablation?
In general No. It only requires conscious sedation with cardiac and O 2 monitor. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
Can anxiety cause coronary artery spasm?
Yes. That is why experts tell people relax, meditate, peace in mind, and learn “mind and body connection.” READ MORE
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. READ MORE
How serious is a heart arrhythmia?
There is no easy answer. The best thing you should do is to consult your cardiologist or electrophysiologist. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 and reducing risk factors, ie, BP, LDL, DM, body weight, waist circumference, increase activity and manage stress will offer long term CV benefits READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Awards
- Secretary of Board of Health, Lake County, IL.
- Chairman, Execetive Committee of the St. Therese Medical Center Medical Staff nter
- Who
- Columnist
Treatments
- Anemia
- Heart Disease
- Heart Failure
- Stroke
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
- Pneumonia
- Pain
- Vascular Disease
Treatments
- Heart failure; hypertension, lipid disorder; Atrial fibrillation
Internships
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Cook County Hospital in Chicago
Fellowships
- University of Illinois
Professional Society Memberships
- American Heart Association; American College of Physicians;American College of Cardiologuy
Professional Affiliations
- North American Taiwanese Medical Association (former president)
What do you attribute your success to?
Areas of research
- Lipid dosorder; Heart failure
Philanthropic Initiatives
Teaching and speaking
Areas of research
Lipid dosorder; Heart failureTien C. Cheng M.D.'s Practice location
Tien C. Cheng M.D.'s reviews
Write ReviewPatient Experience with Dr. Cheng
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