Forte Cardiology Clinic

20/11/2025

Cardiomegaly is a frequent finding on chest X-ray. However, it is important to understand that a CXR does not visualize the heart muscle directly but instead interprets its shadow. As an indirect measurement, this finding is not definitive.

Several technical and anatomical factors can affect the appearance of the heart's size on an X-ray. These include an individual's body habitus, the phase of respiration during the image, and the specific projection used to take the X-ray.

If your chest X-ray report notes cardiomegaly, it is important to follow up with a cardiologist for a complete evaluation. The next steps usually involve tests like an EKG and an echocardiogram (a heart ultrasound) to get a clear picture of your heart's health and understand the reason behind the X-ray finding.

13/11/2025

The Frank's sign, identified as a distinct diagonal earlobe crease, is a recognized clinical marker associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

It is named after Dr. Sanders T. Frank, who first described an association between this crease and an increased risk of coronary artery disease in a 1973 article in the New England Journal of Medicine.

While its presence does not definitively diagnose heart conditions, numerous studies have established a significant statistical link to coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.

Therefore, noticing a Frank's sign should not cause alarm but should raise awareness and encourage a thorough evaluation of traditional risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes to ensure comprehensive preventive care.

11/11/2025

Did you spot us on screen? 👀

10/11/2025

02/11/2025

🌙 Did You Know? Your Sleep Affects Your Heart ❤️

Poor sleep isn’t just about feeling tired — it can seriously impact your cardiovascular health. 🫀 Lack of quality sleep contributes to risk factors for heart disease such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, and inflammation.

Some common sleep disorders include:
😴 Sleep Apnea
🌑 Insomnia
🦵 Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
💤 Narcolepsy

💗 Quality sleep is just as important for your heart as diet and exercise!

If you snore loudly, feel constantly tired, or struggle to get restful sleep, talk to your doctor — better sleep could mean a healthier heart.

30/10/2025

A widespread misconception is that the cholesterol in your blood comes directly from the food you eat. The truth is more complex. Approximately 80% of your body's cholesterol is not dietary at all; it is produced by your own liver to perform vital functions. Only about 20% comes from external, dietary sources like animal products.

Understanding this 80/20 balance is the first fundamental step toward better heart health. It’s not just about skipping eggs—it’s about adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet low in unhealthy fats, regular exercise, and, for some, lipid lowering medication to help regulate the liver's production.

This explains why simply cutting cholesterol from your diet doesn't always lead to perfect levels. Effective cholesterol management requires a comprehensive approach. Always consult with a doctor for personalized cholesterol lowering plan based on your individual health profile.

26/10/2025

🌙❤️ Sleep Well, Protect Your Heart! ❤️🌙

Did you know that getting enough quality sleep is one of the best things you can do for your heart?

Adequate sleep (7–9 hours a night, as recommended by the American Heart Association) helps maintain heart health by:
💤 Lowering blood pressure
💤 Reducing stress hormones
💤 Supporting a healthy weight

Studies show that good sleep is linked to a 20–35% lower risk of heart disease and stroke, and a 10–15% lower risk of hypertension.

Prioritize your rest — your heart will thank you!

21/10/2025

坚持低盐饮食是控制血压的有效基石。过多的盐分会迫使身体吸收更多水分，增加血容量，从而加剧血管压力，导致血压升高。

通过减少食盐、酱油、腌制食品及加工品的摄入，能显著减轻心脏与血管的负担。培养清淡口味，不仅能让血压更平稳，更是对心血管健康的长远投资，为身体减负，为健康加分。

辅德与您 携手打造更健康的每一天。

#高血压 #低盐 #日常生活 #饮食疗法 #健康 #健康飲食 #心脏病 #医生

20/10/2025

🪔✨ Wishing You a Bright & Beautiful Diwali! ✨🪔

May this Festival of Lights fill your home with happiness, your heart with love, and your life with success and prosperity.

Let’s celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Here’s to laughter that echoes, sweets that melt in your mouth, and memories that last a lifetime 💛

Have a safe, sparkling, and joyful Diwali! 🌟
Happy Diwali!

14/10/2025

While chest pain understandably raises concerns about a heart attack, it's important to know that not all discomfort originates from the heart. Musculoskeletal issues are a very common cause.

Key differences can offer clues. Cardiac pain is often described as pressure, squeezing, or tightness that may radiate to the arm, jaw, or back, and can be accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating. It's frequently triggered by exertion.

In contrast, musculoskeletal pain is often sharp, stabbing, and localized. It may be reproducible by pressing on the area or specific movements, like twisting your torso.

However, self-diagnosis is risky. The symptoms can overlap. When in doubt, your safest action is to seek immediate professional evaluation. Don’t ignore chest pain; let us help you understand its cause.

09/10/2025

💓 KNOW YOUR NUMBERS: HEART RATE EDITION 💓
Understanding your Maximum Heart Rate and Target Heart Rate Zone is key to getting the most out of your workouts — safely and effectively!

✅ Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) = 220 minus your age

✅ Target Heart Rate Zone = 50% to 85% of your MHR
This is where the magic happens — improved endurance, fat burn, and cardiovascular health!

05/10/2025

🌕✨ Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! ✨🌕

Wishing everyone a joyful celebration filled with bright moonlight, sweet mooncakes, and precious moments with loved ones. May this festival bring you peace, happiness, and a harvest of good fortune.

Let’s gather under the glowing full moon and cherish the bonds that light up our lives. 🌙💖

Enjoy this beautiful season by embracing heart-healthy habits:
🍂Savor mooncakes in moderation
🌿Stay active with loved ones
🌙Manage stress and find moments of calm under the moonlight

May your heart be as full and bright as the moon tonight. Here’s to a healthy, happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

月餅香甜傳溫暖，
親友團圓共此時。
願你中秋多安康，
月圓人圓幸福長。