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Hi, During This Week, Since Last Friday, 3 Times I
Question: Hi,
During this week, since last Friday, 3 times I felt my heart racing to a point where I thought I was going to pass out. It lasted about 15 minutes than subsided. Then I felt very tired. I was prescribed Z-pack for a chest cold, I tool it before, never with any side effects. I cannot tell if this is my heart, which I never had problem with, or I am experiencing anxiety due to all this what is going on.
During this week, since last Friday, 3 times I felt my heart racing to a point where I thought I was going to pass out. It lasted about 15 minutes than subsided. Then I felt very tired. I was prescribed Z-pack for a chest cold, I tool it before, never with any side effects. I cannot tell if this is my heart, which I never had problem with, or I am experiencing anxiety due to all this what is going on.
Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests>
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to different possible causes:
- Z-pack can very rarely cause palpitations and cardiac arrhythmia
- possible cardiac arrhythmia not related to Z-pack
- anxiety
- an electrolyte imbalance.
I would like to know if your pulse was rhythmic or erratic during this episode.
There is no interaction between Z-pack and Anastrazole.
Coming to this point, if these episodes repeat (now that you are off Z-pack), I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound
- complete blood count for anemia
- blood electrolytes for possible electrolyte imbalance
- thyroid hormone levels.
An ambulatory 24/48 hours ECG monitoring would help examine your heart rhythm trends for a prolonged time and exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation, etc., which could mimic this clinical situation.
All these tests can be performed ambulatory, but considering the actual corona virus risk, it may be difficult to consult with your doctor.
In such case, I would recommend smart watch or smart phone application to help monitor your heart rate and rhythm.
In the meantime, I recommend avoiding caffeine intake and straining physical activity, having some rest and taking plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend performing some tests>
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to different possible causes:
- Z-pack can very rarely cause palpitations and cardiac arrhythmia
- possible cardiac arrhythmia not related to Z-pack
- anxiety
- an electrolyte imbalance.
I would like to know if your pulse was rhythmic or erratic during this episode.
There is no interaction between Z-pack and Anastrazole.
Coming to this point, if these episodes repeat (now that you are off Z-pack), I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound
- complete blood count for anemia
- blood electrolytes for possible electrolyte imbalance
- thyroid hormone levels.
An ambulatory 24/48 hours ECG monitoring would help examine your heart rhythm trends for a prolonged time and exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation, etc., which could mimic this clinical situation.
All these tests can be performed ambulatory, but considering the actual corona virus risk, it may be difficult to consult with your doctor.
In such case, I would recommend smart watch or smart phone application to help monitor your heart rate and rhythm.
In the meantime, I recommend avoiding caffeine intake and straining physical activity, having some rest and taking plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Doctor,
Thank you for your prompt response, the palpitations were rhythmic not erratic.
Also, I know all people have different symptoms for the Corona, however, my co-workers husband was very sick, was tested last week, still awaiting results, she was sick with scratchy throat and fever, 2 days later I was home with fever,
After z-pack no more fever, but I developed these palpitations. Do you think it can be Corona. I will try to get tested.
Thank you for your prompt response, the palpitations were rhythmic not erratic.
Also, I know all people have different symptoms for the Corona, however, my co-workers husband was very sick, was tested last week, still awaiting results, she was sick with scratchy throat and fever, 2 days later I was home with fever,
After z-pack no more fever, but I developed these palpitations. Do you think it can be Corona. I will try to get tested.
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
We can not exclude Corona virus based on the fact that you had fever in this period and have had contacts with someone with fever.
Anyway these palpitations could be just sinus tachycardia. .
If you experience such symptoms, it would be reasonable going to the ER for a resting ECG.
Hope to have been helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
We can not exclude Corona virus based on the fact that you had fever in this period and have had contacts with someone with fever.
Anyway these palpitations could be just sinus tachycardia. .
If you experience such symptoms, it would be reasonable going to the ER for a resting ECG.
Hope to have been helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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