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My Heart Has Been Racing For About An Hour And

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Posted on Tue, 20 Aug 2019
Question: My heart has been racing for about an hour and my breathing is trying to keep up. I am 71, in good health. I don't take any prescription drugs
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
palpitations, best to be assessed

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Palpitations (feeling of increased heart beat) can have different possible causes.
The heart beats at a particular beat and also rhythm.

Palpitations can occur if the either one of these or both, are abnormal.

One of the most abnormal rhythms is atrial fibrillation, referred to as a fib.
In a fib, the heart rate is increased and the rhythm is entirely irregular. It can be treated if it is found

Palpitations are commonly associated with a change in breathing

You would need to consider an EKG to take a look at the heart rate and rhythm to see the reason for the symptoms that you are experiencing.
It would be best to have this done as soon as possible since it is affecting your breathing.
In addition to the EKG, blood tests such as a complete blood count and thyroid function test , may also be done as well.

You would be assessed and treatment started as needed

Most persons with palpitations have no issues once treatment is started

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (17 hours later)
Thank you Dr. Gibson for your information.

I called my friend who knows me well and is a herbalist and healer. She made me take deep breaths while she let me vent. Seems that I had a stress attack.
Didn't take too long and my heart slowed down - the beats were not irregular.

I slept well and woke up feeling normal. Again, thank you for being there!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
glad you are doing a lot better

Detailed Answer:
HI

So very glad that it wasn't serious

Deep breathing is one of the best forms of relaxation, works really well

Wishing you the best
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. 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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My Heart Has Been Racing For About An Hour And

Brief Answer: palpitations, best to be assessed Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic Palpitations (feeling of increased heart beat) can have different possible causes. The heart beats at a particular beat and also rhythm. Palpitations can occur if the either one of these or both, are abnormal. One of the most abnormal rhythms is atrial fibrillation, referred to as a fib. In a fib, the heart rate is increased and the rhythm is entirely irregular. It can be treated if it is found Palpitations are commonly associated with a change in breathing You would need to consider an EKG to take a look at the heart rate and rhythm to see the reason for the symptoms that you are experiencing. It would be best to have this done as soon as possible since it is affecting your breathing. In addition to the EKG, blood tests such as a complete blood count and thyroid function test , may also be done as well. You would be assessed and treatment started as needed Most persons with palpitations have no issues once treatment is started I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions