Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Lightheadedness, Increased Heart Rate And Shortness Of Breath
Question: I have been experiencing the following symptoms for over a year. Lightheadedness, increased heart rate with activity (up/down stairs, transplanting flowers, light yard work etc) and shortness of breath. Also, I have drenching night sweats that awaken me. I have had several lab tests, an echo, ct scan of the abdomen to check adrenals and I have been to the XXXXXXX Clinic to check for pots. They told me I passed the qsart test. I also did a tilt table test that I would say I failed. I wore a heart monitor for 30 days, have yet to hear final results but the doctor "thought it was ok". One of my doctors recently tested my fsh level and that was normal. They put me on stronger bcp and couldn't offer an explanation for the night sweats. I am 38 years old and just wondering what is wrong with me. I have a hx of svt with cardiac ablation. Strong family hx of various cancers. Also, some cardiac disease in the family.
Brief Answer:
Do not panic and undergo few more tests as stated.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thank you for writing to us.
I understand your concern.I read your condition and questions carefully. I would like to ask you to get a thyroid profile test to rule out hyperthyroidism. I hope you are not on any antidepressant or oral diabetic medications which can cause these problems. Stress and emotional problems that cause sweating during the day can often have the same effect at night.
Coming to the point where you said you have a strong family history of cancers,i would say night sweats are sometimes early symptom of cancers like lymphoma. In lymphoma patient might also have sudden weight loss and fevers.I would advise to you to reach your nearest doctor and undergo screening test for this cancer.
You might have pheochromocytoma and you should get diagnosed by a MIBG scan or a PET scan.Sometimes minute tumors in adrenal cannot be picked by CTscan.In the meantime you can
Drink fluids
Have an airy room,try not to make it too hot.
Avoid spicy food.
Avoid exercising before sleeping.
Hope this helped.Feel free to ask anymore queries.
Do not panic and undergo few more tests as stated.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thank you for writing to us.
I understand your concern.I read your condition and questions carefully. I would like to ask you to get a thyroid profile test to rule out hyperthyroidism. I hope you are not on any antidepressant or oral diabetic medications which can cause these problems. Stress and emotional problems that cause sweating during the day can often have the same effect at night.
Coming to the point where you said you have a strong family history of cancers,i would say night sweats are sometimes early symptom of cancers like lymphoma. In lymphoma patient might also have sudden weight loss and fevers.I would advise to you to reach your nearest doctor and undergo screening test for this cancer.
You might have pheochromocytoma and you should get diagnosed by a MIBG scan or a PET scan.Sometimes minute tumors in adrenal cannot be picked by CTscan.In the meantime you can
Drink fluids
Have an airy room,try not to make it too hot.
Avoid spicy food.
Avoid exercising before sleeping.
Hope this helped.Feel free to ask anymore queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you for responding, Dr. XXXXXXX
I should have mentioned that I am on lexapro. I have been on that for about one year now. The night sweats and lightheadedness/shortness of breath started before this medication. Also, my doctor has tested my thyroid and those numbers were ok. I delivered twins in Dec. 2011 and lost a lot of weight while I nursed them. I am now back to my pre-pregnancy weight and have been maintaining that weight. In regards to the night sweats those started out a long time ago. (probably before 2011) I can't pinpoint the time as it wasn't so bad; meaning it didn't happen as frequently as it does now. Just this last winter is when I figured out it couldn't be normal and I should mention it to my doctor. I did use fertility treatments with our pregnancy. Just last week or so I updated our reproductive endocrinologist and her office told me they didn't know the cause and to try stronger pills. She checked my FSH and it was in normal range.
I have seen a cardiologist and he told me it was my lifestyle and to consider bystolic. The doctor at the XXXXXXX Clinic has also told me to try bystolic. For some reason I'm just leary to start that med. Would a stress test be out of line? Thank you so much for your input. I appreciate your comments and will look into your suggestions. Sincerely, Dusty Duis
I should have mentioned that I am on lexapro. I have been on that for about one year now. The night sweats and lightheadedness/shortness of breath started before this medication. Also, my doctor has tested my thyroid and those numbers were ok. I delivered twins in Dec. 2011 and lost a lot of weight while I nursed them. I am now back to my pre-pregnancy weight and have been maintaining that weight. In regards to the night sweats those started out a long time ago. (probably before 2011) I can't pinpoint the time as it wasn't so bad; meaning it didn't happen as frequently as it does now. Just this last winter is when I figured out it couldn't be normal and I should mention it to my doctor. I did use fertility treatments with our pregnancy. Just last week or so I updated our reproductive endocrinologist and her office told me they didn't know the cause and to try stronger pills. She checked my FSH and it was in normal range.
I have seen a cardiologist and he told me it was my lifestyle and to consider bystolic. The doctor at the XXXXXXX Clinic has also told me to try bystolic. For some reason I'm just leary to start that med. Would a stress test be out of line? Thank you so much for your input. I appreciate your comments and will look into your suggestions. Sincerely, Dusty Duis
Brief Answer:
Pheochromocytoma/lymphoma/carcinoid
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Welcome back.
So you are already on anti anxiety medication, which will take care of anxiety related issues. After reading all your history i would strongly suggest you to get scanned for these diseases like pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome (includes symptoms as diarrhea, wheezing, abdominal cramping) and lymphoma.
If you go for a screening test and rule out these diseases, then you are left with nocturnal hyperhydrosis, as the culprit causing these problems. Though i have not assessed you personally i can just think of provisional diagnosis as per your history.
You should try to stay away from any kind of heat and stress. Start doing meditation and taking healthy diet. Let me know if you have anymore queries. I would be happy to help.
Thank you for follow up question. Hope you get well soon. Good luck.
Pheochromocytoma/lymphoma/carcinoid
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Welcome back.
So you are already on anti anxiety medication, which will take care of anxiety related issues. After reading all your history i would strongly suggest you to get scanned for these diseases like pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome (includes symptoms as diarrhea, wheezing, abdominal cramping) and lymphoma.
If you go for a screening test and rule out these diseases, then you are left with nocturnal hyperhydrosis, as the culprit causing these problems. Though i have not assessed you personally i can just think of provisional diagnosis as per your history.
You should try to stay away from any kind of heat and stress. Start doing meditation and taking healthy diet. Let me know if you have anymore queries. I would be happy to help.
Thank you for follow up question. Hope you get well soon. Good luck.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
