[28F] Experiencing heart palpitations, chest pain, blurred vision, and tingling

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female reports experiencing heart palpitations accompanied by occasional sharp chest pain and pressure, which has been occurring on and off for a couple of weeks. The patient also describes a consistent, shaky blurred vision that started today around mid-morning and a tingling sensation in the hands and face, similar to pins and needles, which began concurrently with the vision issues. Additionally, the patient mentions shortness of breath, dizziness, and unintentional weight loss, as well as panic attacks due to concern over these symptoms. The patient has no known pre-existing conditions, allergies, or adverse reactions to medications and is not currently on any medication.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, the following conditions could be possible:

  • Panic Disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Symptoms can include palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling sensations. The worry about having these attacks can lead to significant anxiety.

    • Treatment often involves cognitive behavioral therapy and sometimes medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines.
  • Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, weight loss, and anxiety. Sometimes it can also cause changes in vision and tingling in the hands and face.

    • Treatment often involves medications to decrease the production of thyroid hormone, and sometimes surgery or radioactive iodine.
  • Hyperventilation syndrome: This is a condition where you breathe too quickly or too deeply, often in response to stress or anxiety. This can cause a variety of symptoms including palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling in the hands and face.

    • Treatment involves learning techniques to control your breathing, and sometimes medications to help manage anxiety.

Please note that these are just possibilities based on the symptoms you've described. It's important to see a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

  1. If you're feeling anxious and having a panic attack, try to find a quiet place and practice deep breathing or mindfulness techniques.
  2. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, seek immediate medical attention.
  3. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your symptoms. They may want to do some tests to check your thyroid function, among other things.
  4. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep. This can help manage symptoms of anxiety and improve your overall health.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe chest pain or pressure
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fainting
  • Severe dizziness
  • Symptoms that are rapidly worsening

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your personal circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of panic disorder?

Common symptoms of panic disorder include sudden and repeated panic attacks, heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling sensations. These symptoms can be very distressing and may lead to significant anxiety about having future attacks.


How can hyperthyroidism affect my body?

Hyperthyroidism can cause a variety of symptoms including increased heart rate (palpitations), unintentional weight loss, anxiety, tremors, heat intolerance, and sometimes changes in vision or tingling sensations in the hands and face. It results from the thyroid gland producing too much thyroid hormone.


What is hyperventilation syndrome and how is it treated?

Hyperventilation syndrome occurs when you breathe too quickly or deeply, often due to stress or anxiety. This can lead to symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling in the extremities. Treatment typically involves learning breathing techniques to control your breathing and sometimes medications to manage anxiety.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for chest pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention for chest pain if it is severe, accompanied by difficulty breathing, fainting, severe dizziness, or if the symptoms are rapidly worsening. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires urgent care.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback