3. Doug S.

A 58-years-old soldier, who has had a normal heart rate of around 50 beats per minute. Rides bicycle 8.2 km every day.

a. 2023-05-25.
Six weeks ago, Doug started experiencing weakness in the calves and followed by a burning sensation in the thighs four weeks ago. At the same time, he felt discomfort in the chest area with irregular heart rate spikes, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness and sensation of head rotating to the right. He also veers towards the right side while walking.

He was admitted to the emergency room. During emergency examination, his heart rate ranged from 39 to 55 at rest, 72 while moving and then reached up to 152 after walking to the bus stop. Blood pressure was 120/88, and blood oxygen level was 96-97%. Currently, he needs to walk to the bus stop at half the usual speed (heart rate 109) to avoid dizziness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and discomfort in the chest area.
Acupuncture points used: Unspecified, Neiguan, Xinchan, Zusanli.

b. 2023-05-26.
After the acupuncture session yesterday, Doug felt relieved, legs were stronger, and no discomfort in the chest area. Blood pressure ranged from 115/67 to 120/73, and heart rate was between 60 to 80. No dizziness. This morning, he woke up feeling refreshed and remained so until midday. After exerting force to throw away garbage and help neighbor with garbage disposal, he walked to a bus stop, then his heart rate increased to 141. Because of the symptoms mentioned above, he felt anxious and stressed.
Swelling and tenderness in both ankle and inner heel. Pulse on the left wrist is fine, but difficult to locate.
Acupuncture points used: Unspecified, Neiguan, Xinchan, Zusanli, Taichong, Shenguan.

c. 2023-05-30.
Irregular heart rate. From past week’s records, the fluctuation of heart rate was slightly milder than the previous week but increased dramatically after walking. He felt tightness in the left chest during deep breaths. He experienced anxiety due to concerns about the potentially life-threatening heart problem. Western medical examination indicated no heart issues, and the doctor prescribed anti-anxiety medication, of which side effects include symptoms that he was experiencing such as irregular heart rate, chest pain, increased blood pressure, and dizziness. Thus he didn’t take the prescribed medication yet.
Diastolic blood pressure ranges from 100 to 118, and systolic blood pressure ranges from 70 to 78. Upon waking up, the heart rate is 99, while normal range is 69-78, and it increases to 109 after walking.
Acupuncture points used: Unspecified, Neiguan, Xinchan, Zusanli, Taichong, Shenguan.

d. 2023-06-02.
After the last treatment, Doug felt good overall with all symptoms improved. Heart rate is generally fine (with some fluctuation, but not as dramatic) and increases temporarily upon waking up and during exercise. It normalizes after a while (normal heart rate of 64-72, 100-114 after physical activity). Diastolic blood pressure ranges from 105 to 120, and systolic blood pressure ranges from 69 to 81. (Refer to the attached figure for heart rate and blood pressure readings).
Self-perceived symptoms: Pulsing sensation in the lower abdomen during deep breaths disappears. Slight tightness in the left chest during deep breaths. Feels relaxed in the morning and slightly anxious in the afternoon. Overall is more relaxed. Dizziness is minimal.
Pulse on the left wrist is smooth, and pulse on the right wrist is slightly weak but stronger than before.
Acupuncture points used: Neiguan, Dizong, Shenguan, Tongren, Taichong.

While acupuncture session ended, Doug told me that it was amazing that he always feels solace while lying on the acupuncture table, and feels relaxed during and after the treatment. The relaxed feeling generally lasted even when returning home. However, symptoms fluctuated when walking more.

e. 2023-06-06.
After the last treatment, symptoms continued to improve. Normal heart rate is 50 (returning to the normal heart rate while he was a soldier), and ranges from 97 to 103 after physical activity (lower than three days ago). No significant discomfort such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, or dizziness during daily activities and walking to bus stops. The feeling of tightness in the left chest during deep breaths, pulsation in the abdomen, and swelling in both ankles disappeared. Anxiety is also reduced. Diastolic blood pressure ranges from 100 to 110, and systolic blood pressure ranges from 69 to 83.
Acupuncture points used: Neiguan, Dizong, Shenguan, Tongshen.

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