[18F] Experiencing chest pressure, heart palpitations, and breathlessness

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female reports experiencing intense chest pressure and heart palpitations for approximately 2.5 years. The palpitations are described as having an irregular rhythm with both rapid and skipped beats, and are not associated with specific triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, or smoking. The patient also experiences shortness of breath following the palpitations, with a severity of 7 out of 10. Additionally, the patient describes episodes of dizziness and lightheadedness that last about 5 seconds, leading to shakiness and fatigue. These symptoms are not related to the patient's activity level and can occur while at rest. The patient finds some relief from chest pressure when laying down. There is no mention of any prior medical diagnosis or current medications. The patient is a student and reports frequent stress and feeling overwhelmed.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Panic Disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate; sweating; trembling or shaking; sensations of shortness of breath, smothering, or choking; and feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint.

    • Treatment for panic disorder often involves a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.

  • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): This is a condition where your heart suddenly beats much faster than it should. It usually happens while you're at rest. You might feel a rapid fluttering in your chest, or a pounding heart (palpitations), along with dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or fainting.

    • Treatment for SVT can include maneuvers (certain movements you can do with your body), medications, or procedures to correct your heart's rhythm.

  • Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms can include rapid heart rate, palpitations, nervousness, or irritability, increased sweating, and feeling hot.

    • Treatment for hyperthyroidism can include medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery.

Please note that these are only possibilities, and the only way to get a definitive diagnosis is to see a healthcare provider.

What you can do

  1. Make an appointment to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can evaluate your symptoms and may order tests such as an EKG or blood tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
  2. Try to notice if there are any triggers for your symptoms. This could be certain activities, foods, or even stress. Avoid these triggers if possible.
  3. Practice deep breathing exercises and other stress management techniques. This may help reduce your symptoms if they are related to anxiety or panic disorder.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms become more frequent or severe
  • You experience chest pain
  • You faint or lose consciousness
  • You have difficulty breathing

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of panic disorder?

Common symptoms of panic disorder include sudden periods of intense fear, palpitations, accelerated heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, and feeling faint. These symptoms can occur unexpectedly and may not be linked to any specific triggers.

How is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) diagnosed and treated?

SVT is typically diagnosed through an electrocardiogram (EKG) which records the electrical activity of the heart. Treatment options include vagal maneuvers, medications to slow the heart rate, or procedures like catheter ablation to correct the heart's rhythm.

What are the signs of hyperthyroidism and how is it managed?

Signs of hyperthyroidism include rapid heart rate, palpitations, nervousness, irritability, increased sweating, and feeling hot. Management may involve medications to reduce thyroid hormone production, radioactive iodine to shrink the thyroid, or surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland.

What should I do if I experience severe chest pressure and palpitations?

If you experience severe chest pressure and palpitations, it's important to seek immediate medical attention, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing. These could be signs of a serious condition that requires prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider.

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