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What Causes Rapid Heart Rates?
Hello. I m 24 and i have a question it s hard to explain but just recently I woke up out of breathe my heart racing and feeling so anxious I couldn t control the feeling and in the middle of the nite I walked out trying to calm myself pacing back and forth and gasping for air. I ve felt this way a couple of times before but during the day
Fri, 21 Aug 2015
Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
With highest probability, these are episodes of panic attacks or anxiety attacks that you experience, after experiencing an event in your body, which you find to be worrisome. All types of anxieties are characterized by a group of symptoms, which are related to the adrenaline and noradrenaline flush to the system, at that moment, i.e. shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, rising blood pressure, dizziness etc. If this is what really happens, I would recommend a consult with a clinical psychologist, to decide whether you should take a sedative when these phenomena occur.
However my index of suspicion is very low, I would also recommend an EKG and an echocardiogram, and, depending on the results, a 24-hour rhythm monitor, if needed. There is a group of genetic disorders of heart rhythm and conductance, that can be elicited in youngsters and during physical activity. This is why I am suggesting these tests, although the chance of you having it is very low.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care.
Dr. Meriton
With highest probability, these are episodes of panic attacks or anxiety attacks that you experience, after experiencing an event in your body, which you find to be worrisome. All types of anxieties are characterized by a group of symptoms, which are related to the adrenaline and noradrenaline flush to the system, at that moment, i.e. shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, rising blood pressure, dizziness etc. If this is what really happens, I would recommend a consult with a clinical psychologist, to decide whether you should take a sedative when these phenomena occur.
However my index of suspicion is very low, I would also recommend an EKG and an echocardiogram, and, depending on the results, a 24-hour rhythm monitor, if needed. There is a group of genetic disorders of heart rhythm and conductance, that can be elicited in youngsters and during physical activity. This is why I am suggesting these tests, although the chance of you having it is very low.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care.
Dr. Meriton
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