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Hi In The Last Few Weeks. I Have Some Issues
Question: Hi
In the last few weeks. I have some issues i can be sitting at office and i feel my head is going light and i feel i will die soon. then my hearts starts racing like i am having a heart attack. my arms and hands feel heavy and hands get cold. I feel so hot i take off my hat and socks i fear i will die or something?
this is happening a couple of times a week? what can cause such feelings?
In the last few weeks. I have some issues i can be sitting at office and i feel my head is going light and i feel i will die soon. then my hearts starts racing like i am having a heart attack. my arms and hands feel heavy and hands get cold. I feel so hot i take off my hat and socks i fear i will die or something?
this is happening a couple of times a week? what can cause such feelings?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I passed carefully through your concern and would explain that your symptoms are suggestive of panic attacks and anxiety.
As a cardiologist, I would exclude any possible cardiac issues based on your description.
You should know that anxiety can mimic all this clinical situation, even chest pain or nausea.
This is explained by the increased adrenaline levels, triggered by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system during anxiety. Increased adrenaline levels are responsible for rhe increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and the tingling and numbness sensation in your limbs.
Anyway, before coming to this conclusion I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a routine evaluation, including a physical exam and some tests:
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid gland dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalances
- a resting ECG.
If all these tests result normal, I would recommend focusing on your anxiety.
In such case, consulting with a specialist of this field may be necessary ( psychiatrist, psychologist).
In the meantime, I would recommend avoiding coffee intake.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I passed carefully through your concern and would explain that your symptoms are suggestive of panic attacks and anxiety.
As a cardiologist, I would exclude any possible cardiac issues based on your description.
You should know that anxiety can mimic all this clinical situation, even chest pain or nausea.
This is explained by the increased adrenaline levels, triggered by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system during anxiety. Increased adrenaline levels are responsible for rhe increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and the tingling and numbness sensation in your limbs.
Anyway, before coming to this conclusion I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a routine evaluation, including a physical exam and some tests:
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid gland dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalances
- a resting ECG.
If all these tests result normal, I would recommend focusing on your anxiety.
In such case, consulting with a specialist of this field may be necessary ( psychiatrist, psychologist).
In the meantime, I would recommend avoiding coffee intake.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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