[28F] With severe sweating, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female reports experiencing severe whole-body sweating, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat for the past 3-4 days to a week. The sweating occurs anytime she gets up, eats, or walks outside, and is so profuse that her clothes become wet. The dizziness is described as a severe spinning sensation that makes her nauseous and unable to walk, requiring her to sit down and stay seated all day. She also reports not being able to feel her body during these episodes. The rapid heartbeat ranges from 100-128 bpm and is accompanied by a known heart murmur. The patient finds some relief from dizziness by laying down and focusing on her breathing. The nausea has been present for about a week.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, several potential conditions could be considered:

  • Anxiety or Panic Attacks: These can cause sweating, dizziness, a racing heart, and nausea. Anxiety can sometimes manifest with physical symptoms that are quite severe.

    • Treatment: Treatment usually involves a combination of therapy (like cognitive-behavioral therapy) and sometimes medication. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises can also be helpful.
  • Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can cause symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and nausea.

    • Treatment: Treatment may involve medications to reduce thyroid hormone levels, radioactive iodine, or surgery in some cases.
  • Cardiac Issues: Given your history of a heart murmur, it's possible that your symptoms are related to a heart condition.

    • Treatment: This would require a thorough evaluation by a cardiologist. Treatment could involve medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures to address any underlying heart issues.
  • Vestibular Disorders: Conditions affecting the inner ear can cause dizziness and imbalance, which can be severe enough to cause nausea and sweating.

    • Treatment: Treatment may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications, or sometimes surgery.
  • Infections: Some infections can cause systemic symptoms like sweating, dizziness, and nausea.

    • Treatment: This would depend on the specific infection and might involve antibiotics or antiviral medications.

What you can do

While you should definitely seek medical attention, here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help manage dizziness and nausea.
  2. Rest: Make sure to rest and avoid strenuous activities.
  3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of your symptoms, noting when they occur and their severity. This can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
  4. Deep Breathing Exercises: These can help manage anxiety and may help with your rapid heartbeat and dizziness.
  5. Avoid Triggers: If you notice certain activities or foods make your symptoms worse, try to avoid them.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe chest pain or shortness of breath: This could indicate a serious heart issue.
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness: This could be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
  • Severe headache or vision changes: These could indicate a neurological issue.
  • Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down: This could lead to dehydration and requires medical attention.

Remember, while this information can be helpful, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider to get a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask


What could be causing my severe whole-body sweating and dizziness?

Severe whole-body sweating and dizziness can be caused by several conditions, including anxiety or panic attacks, hyperthyroidism, cardiac issues, vestibular disorders, or infections. Each of these conditions can lead to the symptoms you're experiencing, and a healthcare provider can help determine the exact cause.


How can anxiety or panic attacks lead to physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat and nausea?

Anxiety or panic attacks can trigger the body's 'fight or flight' response, leading to physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, and nausea. These symptoms occur because the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which prepare the body to respond to perceived threats.


What are the potential treatments for hyperthyroidism?

Treatment for hyperthyroidism may involve medications to reduce thyroid hormone levels, radioactive iodine to shrink the thyroid gland, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. The specific treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for my symptoms?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe chest pain or shortness of breath, fainting or loss of consciousness, severe headache or vision changes, or persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down. These symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical evaluation.


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