[35F] Experiencing heart palpitations, nausea, and abdominal pain

Patient Description

A 35-year-old female reports experiencing rapid and strong heart palpitations that have been occurring for approximately 2 hours, particularly when trying to sleep, and are exacerbated by exercise. The patient also describes a weakness with a severity of 7 out of 10, feeling heavy and unable to pick herself up, lasting for about 1.5 hours. Additionally, the patient has been dealing with cramping and sharp stomach pain in the middle and lower abdomen for a couple of days, with a severity of 7 out of 10, not alleviated by any measures. The patient has been experiencing restlessness, insomnia, and chills tonight, along with a fever, characterized by fluctuating sensations of being hot and cold. The patient also notes nausea with an acidic taste in the throat. The patient has a medical history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypoglycemia but is not currently on any medications and has no known drug allergies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, several conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Anxiety or Panic Disorder: Your symptoms of a pounding heart, restlessness, and insomnia could be related to anxiety or a panic disorder. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms like those you're experiencing, especially if you've been feeling more stressed lately.

    • Treatment for anxiety often involves a combination of therapy and medication. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, can also help manage symptoms.
  • Hyperthyroidism: This condition, which is an overactive thyroid gland, can cause symptoms like a rapid heart rate, anxiety, and weight loss. Given your history of Hashimoto's disease, you may be at a higher risk for this condition.

    • Treatment for hyperthyroidism typically involves medication to slow down your thyroid, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the esophagus. GERD can cause a wide array of symptoms including the acidic taste in your mouth, nausea, and abdominal pain.

    • Treatment for GERD usually involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If these don't help, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications or even surgery.
  • Infection: Given your fever and chills, it's possible that you have an infection. This could be a viral infection like the flu or a more serious bacterial infection.

    • Treatment for an infection depends on the cause. Viral infections usually resolve on their own, while bacterial infections require antibiotics.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and medical history in person.

What you can do

  1. Try to rest and stay hydrated. This can help your body fight off any potential infection and can also help with your symptoms of fatigue and weakness.
  2. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help with fever and pain.
  3. Try to eat small, frequent meals to help with your nausea and stomach pain. Avoid foods that are spicy, fatty, or hard to digest.
  4. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your heart rate is consistently above 100 beats per minute or irregular
  • You have severe abdominal pain
  • You have difficulty breathing
  • You become confused or have difficulty staying awake
  • Your fever is very high or doesn't improve with medication

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the symptoms you've told me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism and how is it related to Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hyperthyroidism symptoms include rapid heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, and increased appetite. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that typically causes hypothyroidism, but it can sometimes lead to periods of hyperthyroidism, known as Hashitoxicosis.


How can anxiety or panic disorders cause physical symptoms like heart palpitations and insomnia?

Anxiety or panic disorders can trigger the body's 'fight or flight' response, leading to physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, restlessness, and insomnia. Stress management techniques and therapy can help alleviate these symptoms.


What lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of GERD?

Lifestyle changes for managing GERD include eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, not lying down immediately after eating, and elevating the head while sleeping. These changes can help reduce acid reflux symptoms.


When should someone seek medical attention for fever and chills?

Medical attention should be sought for fever and chills if the fever is very high, persistent, or accompanied by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, confusion, or severe abdominal pain, as these could indicate a serious infection or other medical condition.


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