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Suggest Treatment For Chest Pains And Palpitations
Question: Having chest pains and palpitations from time to time. I have had many ECG's, 24hr monitor and an echo showing no structural/electrical issues. I am just worried as when i have the palpitations it is quite scary in how quickly it can happen and also how quickly it stops. It doesn't happen all the time only when I'm too warm, exerting myself too much, bending over or stressing. I have been put on Citalapram 10mg once a day to help which it has. There is no family history of heart disease at all. I am just worried and it could all just be in my head which is good and bad I guess. I can crack my chest and after a while it hurts alot (obviously) so I think this might be causing my stinging chest pains. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated
Brief Answer:
Could be due to panic attacks
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic
I have read your query and I can understand your problem.
The symptoms you have mentioned like palpitations and scary chest pains could occur due to a number of possibilities.
First of all we should rule out some cardiac problem especially some arrhythmia. Your ECG and Echo came normal so we can easily rule out this.
Second possible reason can be panic disorder. Panic is acute onset episodic anxiety that develops quickly and last for few minutes only. Palpitations, impending sense of doom, chest pains are commonly seen. Your symptoms get aggravated in stress which also strengthen diagnosis.
Other possibility is some nutritional deficiency. Palpitations and chest pains can be main presentation of anaemia especially iron deficiency anaemia. Get your hemoglobin checked to rule out anaemia. Low vitamin B12 deficiency also results in increased incidence of panic. Start taking B12 supplements and get your B12 level checked.
One more reason for such symptoms is hyperthyroid state. Increased thyroid levels can present with anxiety, panic attacks, but other symptoms like sweating, tremors should also be there.
Now if all tests come normal consult your Psychiatrist again for treatment. SSRIs like Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline etc have good results in reducing frequency of attacks. You have already taken citalopram so it should suit you. For acute attacks and symptomatic control medicines like low dose benzodiazepines like Etizolam, or drugs like propranolol prove useful. Both these drugs help in episodes of atrack.
Apart from that relaxation exercises and yoga help in relaxing individual and will reduce frequency of attacks.
Thanks, hope this helps you. If you have more doubts you can ask again.
Could be due to panic attacks
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic
I have read your query and I can understand your problem.
The symptoms you have mentioned like palpitations and scary chest pains could occur due to a number of possibilities.
First of all we should rule out some cardiac problem especially some arrhythmia. Your ECG and Echo came normal so we can easily rule out this.
Second possible reason can be panic disorder. Panic is acute onset episodic anxiety that develops quickly and last for few minutes only. Palpitations, impending sense of doom, chest pains are commonly seen. Your symptoms get aggravated in stress which also strengthen diagnosis.
Other possibility is some nutritional deficiency. Palpitations and chest pains can be main presentation of anaemia especially iron deficiency anaemia. Get your hemoglobin checked to rule out anaemia. Low vitamin B12 deficiency also results in increased incidence of panic. Start taking B12 supplements and get your B12 level checked.
One more reason for such symptoms is hyperthyroid state. Increased thyroid levels can present with anxiety, panic attacks, but other symptoms like sweating, tremors should also be there.
Now if all tests come normal consult your Psychiatrist again for treatment. SSRIs like Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline etc have good results in reducing frequency of attacks. You have already taken citalopram so it should suit you. For acute attacks and symptomatic control medicines like low dose benzodiazepines like Etizolam, or drugs like propranolol prove useful. Both these drugs help in episodes of atrack.
Apart from that relaxation exercises and yoga help in relaxing individual and will reduce frequency of attacks.
Thanks, hope this helps you. If you have more doubts you can ask again.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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