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HI. I Am A 57 Year Old Female In Fairly

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Posted on Sun, 28 Apr 2019
Question: HI. I am a 57 year old female in fairly good health, however, I have struggled off and on with anxiety attacks. They seem to be coming more frequently. Before I may have had one every two months, now it is about once a week. Basically my heart begins to race, I start shaking and find it hard to concentrate. It obviously scares me and that, I believe, makes it worse. Could I be struggling with a blood pressure issue or diabetes - both run in the family. At my last physical, nine months ago, I did not have issues in these areas.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
unlikely the cause

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be concerned. The palpitations (racing heart rate) are not likely related to high blood pressure or diabetes though both of these can affect the heart.

Heart disease from diabetes or high blood pressure is usually due to long term uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure. This means that a person with either or both of these illnesses (diabetes or high blood pressure), who for whatever reason is not able to get them under control, is likely to develop heart disease.

It can also occur in persons who have these illnesses for a very long period of time.

Since your last physical ruled out both of these and heart disease takes a very long time to develop in persons with diabetes/high blood pressure, these are not likely related to your symptom of palpitations

This is likely related to the anxiety unless there are other causes that may be present: caffeine use, side effect of medications or supplements, anemia (low blood count- likely checked in last physical)

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (12 hours later)
Thank you.,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
Wishing you all the best

If there are any other queries, can feel free to ask
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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HI. I Am A 57 Year Old Female In Fairly

Brief Answer: unlikely the cause Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be concerned. The palpitations (racing heart rate) are not likely related to high blood pressure or diabetes though both of these can affect the heart. Heart disease from diabetes or high blood pressure is usually due to long term uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure. This means that a person with either or both of these illnesses (diabetes or high blood pressure), who for whatever reason is not able to get them under control, is likely to develop heart disease. It can also occur in persons who have these illnesses for a very long period of time. Since your last physical ruled out both of these and heart disease takes a very long time to develop in persons with diabetes/high blood pressure, these are not likely related to your symptom of palpitations This is likely related to the anxiety unless there are other causes that may be present: caffeine use, side effect of medications or supplements, anemia (low blood count- likely checked in last physical) I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions