[20M] With visual disturbances and heart palpitations

Patient Description

A 20-year-old male has been experiencing slight blurriness in vision for almost a month, which comes and goes and can last the whole day. Blue glasses or shades sometimes help. The blurriness is not triggered by specific lighting but is affected by activities like playing games or looking at moving objects, causing unsteadiness described as going in and out of focus. Additionally, the patient reports heart palpitations with a sensation of pressure in the chest, but no dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or sweating. The patient experienced tingling in the left arm that lasted around two days. Anxiety and a possible panic attack occurred about three weeks ago. Family history includes heart disease and high blood pressure. Recent blood work showed low vitamin D and HDL levels. Blood pressure and sugar levels are normal. The patient has no known allergies and is not on any medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Your symptoms could be related to a few different issues:

  1. Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Given your recent panic attack and feelings of anxiety, these could contribute to your heart palpitations, chest pressure, and visual disturbances. Anxiety can sometimes cause physical symptoms like tingling in the arms and a sensation of unsteadiness.

  2. Vision and Balance Issues: The blurriness and unsteadiness might be related to visual strain or vestibular issues, especially if they worsen with head movement or visual activities.

  3. Heart Concerns: While your family history of heart disease is important, your normal blood pressure and sugar levels are reassuring. However, palpitations and chest pressure should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out any cardiac issues.

What you can do

For Anxiety and Palpitations:

  • Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
  • Consider speaking with a mental health professional about your anxiety.
  • Keep a journal of your symptoms using MDandMe to track patterns and triggers.

For Vision and Balance:

  • Limit screen time and take regular breaks to reduce eye strain.
  • Continue using blue light glasses if they help.
  • Ensure good lighting when reading or using screens.

For Overall Health:

  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamin D and healthy fats to improve your HDL levels.
  • Engage in regular physical activity to support cardiovascular health.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening chest pain.
  • Shortness of breath or fainting.
  • Persistent or severe tingling in your arm.
  • Any new or worsening symptoms.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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2 mo ago

People Also Ask

Can anxiety cause physical symptoms like heart palpitations and tingling in the arms?

Yes, anxiety can cause a range of physical symptoms, including heart palpitations, chest pressure, and tingling in the arms. These symptoms occur due to the body's stress response, which can affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

What are some ways to reduce eye strain and improve vision clarity?

To reduce eye strain, take regular breaks from screens, use blue light glasses, ensure good lighting, and practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. These practices can help improve vision clarity.

How can family history of heart disease affect my health, and what should I do about it?

A family history of heart disease can increase your risk, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups can help manage this risk. It's important to monitor any symptoms and consult with a healthcare provider.

What are the potential causes of low vitamin D and HDL levels, and how can they be improved?

Low vitamin D levels can result from insufficient sunlight exposure or dietary intake. Low HDL levels can be improved by consuming healthy fats, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. Supplements and dietary changes can help address these deficiencies.

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