[19F] With fast heart rate, shaking, and feeling faint

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential diagnoses and unifying conditions that could explain your symptoms:

1. Anxiety Disorder

• Rationale: Anxiety can cause a range of physical symptoms, including a fast heart rate, shaking, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and feeling faint. Given your history of anxiety, it's possible that your symptoms are related to this condition.
• Typical Treatments: Treatment often includes therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medications (like SSRIs or benzodiazepines), and lifestyle changes.

2. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

• Rationale: POTS is a condition that affects circulation (blood flow). It involves the nervous system and can cause symptoms like a rapid heart rate, dizziness, and feeling faint when standing up. This could explain why your symptoms worsen with physical activity and improve when you sit down.
• Typical Treatments: Treatment may include increasing fluid and salt intake, medications to regulate blood pressure and heart rate, and physical therapy.

3. Alcohol Withdrawal

• Rationale: Even if you don't drink heavily, regular alcohol consumption followed by a period of reduced intake can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including shaking, anxiety, and a fast heart rate.
• Typical Treatments: Gradual reduction of alcohol intake, hydration, and sometimes medications to manage withdrawal symptoms.

4. Hormonal Imbalance

• Rationale: Irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, and anxiety can be signs of a hormonal imbalance, such as thyroid issues or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Typical Treatments: Hormonal therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications to manage specific symptoms.

What you can do

Fast Heart Rate, Shaking, and Feeling Faint

• Seek Medical Attention: Given the severity and sudden onset of these symptoms, it's important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may perform tests like an EKG, blood tests, or a tilt table test to diagnose the issue.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and consider electrolyte solutions to help maintain your blood pressure.
• Limit Alcohol: Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption to see if your symptoms improve.
• Monitor Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share your notes with your healthcare provider.

Anxiety

• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage anxiety symptoms.
• Therapy: Consider speaking with a mental health professional for therapy options.
• Medication: If you are not already on medication for anxiety, discuss this option with your healthcare provider.

Stomach Cramping

• Dietary Changes: Avoid foods that can irritate your stomach, such as spicy or fatty foods. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Over-the-Counter Medications: Antacids or anti-gas medications may help alleviate stomach cramps.

Shortness of Breath and Chest Tightness

• Seek Immediate Care: If these symptoms worsen or are accompanied by severe pain, seek emergency medical care.
• Breathing Exercises: Practice slow, deep breathing to help manage shortness of breath.

What you should look out for

Given the severity of your symptoms and the potential for serious underlying conditions, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Persistent or worsening shortness of breath
• Severe or worsening shaking

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to continue the conversation.