[31F] Experiencing extreme fatigue, high heart rate, and excessive sweating

Patient Description

A 31-year-old female has been suffering from extreme fatigue, high heart rate, and excessive sweating for over 5 months. The fatigue is severe, preventing her from functioning normally, and worsens progressively throughout the day despite long periods of sleep. The sweating is significant enough to wet her clothes and is constant throughout the day. She also experiences dizziness and occasional shortness of breath but no chest pain at the moment. She has been on Heather (birth control, 0.35mg) and Paxil (antidepressant, 20mg) for five years and has a history of depression diagnosed five years ago. The patient has allergies to Aspirin, Augmentin, and Sulfa drugs. There is no known family history of thyroid or other endocrine disorders, and she denies the use of tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms of extreme fatigue, high heart rate, excessive sweating, and dizziness, there are a few conditions that could be considered:

  • Hyperthyroidism: This condition occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, excessive sweating, and fatigue.

    • Diagnosis usually involves blood tests to check your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine.
    • Treatment typically involves medication to slow down your thyroid, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
  • Anemia: This condition occurs when you have a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and fatigue.

    • Diagnosis usually involves blood tests to check your red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.
    • Treatment typically involves dietary changes or supplements to increase your iron intake, and in severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.
  • Heart conditions: Certain heart conditions, such as heart disease or arrhythmias, can cause symptoms like a high heart rate and excessive sweating.

    • Diagnosis usually involves tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or stress test.
    • Treatment can range from lifestyle changes and medication to surgery, depending on the specific condition and its severity.
  • Side effects of medication: Some medications, including certain types of antidepressants and birth control, can cause side effects like increased heart rate and excessive sweating.

    • If you suspect your medication may be causing your symptoms, it's important to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss your symptoms. They can perform a physical examination and order necessary tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

  2. Keep a symptom diary. Note when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This can help your doctor in diagnosing your condition.

  3. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. This can help manage your symptoms and support your overall health.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Severe dizziness or lightheadedness

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

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include increased heart rate, excessive sweating, fatigue, weight loss, nervousness, and irritability. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels.


How can anemia be diagnosed and treated?

Anemia is diagnosed through blood tests that check red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels. Treatment often involves dietary changes or iron supplements, and in severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.


Can medications like antidepressants and birth control cause symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating?

Yes, some medications, including certain antidepressants and birth control pills, can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and excessive sweating. It's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor before making changes to your medication.


What lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of heart conditions?

Lifestyle changes that can help manage heart conditions include maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress. It's important to follow your doctor's advice for specific recommendations.


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