Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Persistent Arrhythmia And Lack Of Concentration
Question: HI, I am actually an MD (graduated in 1997), but my specialty is pathology. I have experienced an arrhythmia for most of yesterday, which lasted until I went to sleep. When I woke up this morning, it was gone, but it started up again this afternoon. It is an irregularly irregular rhythm and the palpitations are almost constant. I have not tested my blood pressure, but I am not feeling dizzy when I stand or walk. I am feeling quite uncomfortable and am having difficulty focusing on anything but the palpitations. If I am not hypotensive, how urgently should I be evaluated. It is New Year's Eve and clinics will be shut until Monday. Would you suggest that I go to an urgent care center or ER if this does not subside tonight?
Brief Answer:
you should go ASAP!
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although some arrhythmias can be transient and benign, there are others which may cause serious complications. A fairly common one is atrial fibrillation which may come and go (paroxysmal) but it can also be present without symptoms when the rhythm is tolerable. This particular arrhythmia may lead to stroke and other serious (embolic) conditions, so immediate assessment is required.
Other arrhythmias may cause serious trouble too, including syncope. It's great that you didn't have any symptoms but that's not enough! You should go to the ER right away because you may need urgent treatment. You haven't mentioned anything about your medical history so I guess you're otherwise healthy. In cases of arrhythmias a general blood test (hematocrit and biochemical panel including the electrolytes) and thyroid tests will have to be done.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Happy New Year!
you should go ASAP!
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although some arrhythmias can be transient and benign, there are others which may cause serious complications. A fairly common one is atrial fibrillation which may come and go (paroxysmal) but it can also be present without symptoms when the rhythm is tolerable. This particular arrhythmia may lead to stroke and other serious (embolic) conditions, so immediate assessment is required.
Other arrhythmias may cause serious trouble too, including syncope. It's great that you didn't have any symptoms but that's not enough! You should go to the ER right away because you may need urgent treatment. You haven't mentioned anything about your medical history so I guess you're otherwise healthy. In cases of arrhythmias a general blood test (hematocrit and biochemical panel including the electrolytes) and thyroid tests will have to be done.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Happy New Year!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
