Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Intermittent Light-headedness And Heart Palpitations?
Question: Hi, I am a 38 year old female who has recently been having episodes of feeling light headed with a racing heart. I also have a constant "lump" in my throat that feels like mucus. My swallowing has not been compromised. I can best describe it as a feeling of panic. My symptoms began 1 month ago after no inciting event. I have been to the ER where all labs, including Thyroid and Troponin, came back normal. They even did a head CT and chest X-ray which were also normal. The only abnormal thing was that I was throwing random PVCs while on the heart monitor. I followed up with my PCP who thinks it is all anxiety related. All of the research I have done also points to anxiety but I have never had any issues with anxiety before and have always been very healthy. I exercise regularly. I am concerned that I need to see a cardiologist. Can anxiety start overnight? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to any cardiac disorders.
You should know that some isolated PVCs can be related to anxiety of physical activity.
So, they do not indicate any serious medical condition.
From the other hand, as all your performed cardiac tests have shown a normal heart function and structure, there is nothing to worry about.
Thyroid dysfunction and chronic anemia have been excluded too, from your performed tests.
So, to conclude, I agree with your doctor that anxiety could be the cause underlying your symptoms.
I understand that you have not felt anxious before, but you should know that anxiety can cause different manifestations that may mimic a lot of disorders including the brain, the heart and other organs.
So, I would recommend starting alprazolam 0.25mg three times daily for some days. If your symptoms are improved by this drug, it would be indicative of anxiety as the main cause underlying your troubles. In such case, consulting with a psychiatrist and discuss on the possibility of starting an antidepressant would be needed.
Meanwhile, I recommend continue performing a lot of physical activity because it is the best thing to do to maintain a healthy heart and mind.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to any cardiac disorders.
You should know that some isolated PVCs can be related to anxiety of physical activity.
So, they do not indicate any serious medical condition.
From the other hand, as all your performed cardiac tests have shown a normal heart function and structure, there is nothing to worry about.
Thyroid dysfunction and chronic anemia have been excluded too, from your performed tests.
So, to conclude, I agree with your doctor that anxiety could be the cause underlying your symptoms.
I understand that you have not felt anxious before, but you should know that anxiety can cause different manifestations that may mimic a lot of disorders including the brain, the heart and other organs.
So, I would recommend starting alprazolam 0.25mg three times daily for some days. If your symptoms are improved by this drug, it would be indicative of anxiety as the main cause underlying your troubles. In such case, consulting with a psychiatrist and discuss on the possibility of starting an antidepressant would be needed.
Meanwhile, I recommend continue performing a lot of physical activity because it is the best thing to do to maintain a healthy heart and mind.
Hope to have been helpful!
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
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
