[55F] Experiencing a range of symptoms including palpitations and hearing loss

Patient Description

A 55-year-old female presents with a variety of symptoms that have been persisting over several years. The most concerning to her are heart palpitations that occur mostly when changing positions, described as her heart skipping beats. She has been experiencing these palpitations for 3 years. Additionally, she reports a loss of hearing in her left ear for the past year, rated a 3 out of 10 in severity, accompanied by loud high-pitched tinnitus lasting about 30 seconds. She also describes short-term and some long-term memory loss over the past 2 years, which affects her ability to recall recent events. Hair loss has been a long-standing issue for 35 years, with noticeable thinning above the ears and at the nape of the neck. Muscle twitching in the legs, described as a deep vibration, has been occurring on and off for 25 years. She suffers from a chronic gum infection affecting all her teeth, with symptoms including bleeding, pain, and loose teeth, which has been present for 35 years. She also experiences constant pain in the pads and outer edges of her feet. The patient has a family history of autoimmune disease, specifically her sister with vitiligo. She is currently on Zoloft (25 mg daily for 6 years), an estradiol patch (twice weekly), and progesterone, and reports allergies to sulfa and cephalosporin antibiotics.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Hypothyroidism: This is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms can include fatigue, depression, memory loss, hair loss, and heart palpitations. It can also cause a low body temperature and water retention.

    • Treatment typically involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
  • Menopause: This is a natural biological process that marks the end of menstrual cycles. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and mood changes. It can also cause hair thinning and loss.

    • Treatment can involve hormone replacement therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.
  • Anemia: This is a condition where you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeats, and shortness of breath.

    • Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition but can include dietary changes, supplements, and medications.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency: This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, memory loss, and depression. It can also cause a smooth tongue and tingling in the feet.

    • Treatment typically involves dietary changes and B12 supplements or injections.
  • Autoimmune disease: Given your family history of vitiligo, it's possible that your symptoms could be related to an autoimmune disease. These diseases occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. Symptoms vary widely but can include fatigue, hair loss, and muscle twitching.

    • Treatment depends on the specific disease but often involves managing symptoms and reducing immune system activity.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms, but only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

It's important to consult a healthcare professional about your symptoms. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following:

  1. Keep a symptom diary: This can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and triggers for your symptoms.
  2. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: This can help manage symptoms like fatigue and hair loss.
  3. Regular exercise: This can help improve mood and energy levels.
  4. Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help manage your gum infection.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention include:

  • Severe chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Sudden or severe worsening of any of your symptoms
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a rash

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.

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8 mo ago


People Also Ask


What could be causing heart palpitations when changing positions?

Heart palpitations when changing positions can be caused by several factors, including dehydration, anemia, thyroid issues, or changes in blood pressure. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.


How can hearing loss and tinnitus in one ear be related to other health conditions?

Hearing loss and tinnitus in one ear can be related to conditions such as ear infections, Meniere's disease, or even autoimmune disorders. A thorough evaluation by an audiologist or ENT specialist is recommended to determine the cause.


What are common causes of memory loss in middle-aged adults?

Memory loss in middle-aged adults can be due to stress, depression, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies (such as B12), or early signs of neurodegenerative diseases. A healthcare provider can help identify the cause through assessment and testing.


How can chronic gum infections be managed or treated?

Chronic gum infections can be managed with good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, and professional dental cleanings. In some cases, antibiotics or other treatments may be necessary to address underlying issues.

1 Comments


Madelyn#94

8 mo ago

Have you gone for a tilt table test to see if postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is what you have? My sister has it and describes it as her heart racing whenever she stands up too quickly.

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