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Suggest Medical Tests To Rule Out Cardiac Issues
Question: Hi, I've been having problem with fatigue and tachycardia now for 4 months. What general tests can be done to rule out problems with the heart? I know, there are full-on cardiology tests, but I'm looking for something very minimal to rule out problems. For instance, an ultrasound or a halter monitor. What minimal tests can rule out problems?
Thanks
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Thanks
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Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms could be related to different disorders:
- cardiac arrhythmia
- low blood pressure or orthostatic intolerance
- other metabolic causes (thyroid or adrenal gland dysfunction, chronic anemia, vitamin deficiency, etc.)
For this reason I would recommend performing some tests to investigate for the possible causes:
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound to examine your cardiac function and structure
- an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring to examine your heart rhythm trends during the day and exclude cardiac arrhythmia
- a Head Up Tilt test if orthostatic intolerance is suspected. Exacerbation of your symptoms in standing up position (palpitations, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, etc.) could indicate possible orthostatic intolerance.
- complete blood count for anemia
- blood electrolytes for possible electrolyte imbalance
- thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid dysfunction
- cortisol plasma levels for possible adrenal gland dysfunction
- vitamin B12 and vitamin D plasma levels.
If all these tests result normal, you should consider anxiety as the main cause of your symptoms.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Feel free to ask me again if you have any other uncertainties!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms could be related to different disorders:
- cardiac arrhythmia
- low blood pressure or orthostatic intolerance
- other metabolic causes (thyroid or adrenal gland dysfunction, chronic anemia, vitamin deficiency, etc.)
For this reason I would recommend performing some tests to investigate for the possible causes:
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound to examine your cardiac function and structure
- an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring to examine your heart rhythm trends during the day and exclude cardiac arrhythmia
- a Head Up Tilt test if orthostatic intolerance is suspected. Exacerbation of your symptoms in standing up position (palpitations, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, etc.) could indicate possible orthostatic intolerance.
- complete blood count for anemia
- blood electrolytes for possible electrolyte imbalance
- thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid dysfunction
- cortisol plasma levels for possible adrenal gland dysfunction
- vitamin B12 and vitamin D plasma levels.
If all these tests result normal, you should consider anxiety as the main cause of your symptoms.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Feel free to ask me again if you have any other uncertainties!
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
Answered by
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