[38M] Experiencing episodes of tachycardia with associated symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Panic Disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, or a feeling that something terrible is going to happen.

  • Treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.

• Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

  • Treatment can involve medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery.

• Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT): This is a condition where the heart can go into periods of rapid heart rate. It can occur at rest and is often not associated with other heart diseases.

  • Treatment can involve maneuvers to slow the heart rate, medication, or a procedure to disrupt the electrical pathway causing the rapid heart rate.

• Pheochromocytoma: This is a rare tumor of the adrenal glands which can cause too much adrenaline to be produced. This can lead to high blood pressure and rapid heart rate.

  • Treatment typically involves surgery.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to manage your symptoms:

1. Try to stay calm and take deep, slow breaths when you feel your heart rate increasing.
2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can stimulate your heart and potentially increase your heart rate.
3. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and managing stress, as these can also affect your heart rate.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If you experience chest pain or pressure, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or if your heart rate is consistently above 100 beats per minute at rest.
• If you notice any new symptoms or if your symptoms worsen.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor. You should seek care from a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.