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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Heart Palpitations, Chest Pain And Breathing Difficulties While On Sertraline?

I m a 22 year old female. I m 5 6 and weigh 210 lbs. In the past, I have been diagnosed with possible hypothyroid 3 years ago (and took NatureThroid for about 1 year n 50 mg doses) and pre-diabetic (taking 100 mg Metformin for about 7 months) 2 years ago. I m currently taking 100mg of Sertraline daily as my doctor has explained that my depression is coming mainly from all of my anxiety. I will not be able to make an appointment with my doctor until next week but I sometimes get heart palpitations, my chest will shake. I sometimes get chest pain with the occurrences and sometimes my throat will feel like it s closing up; I have to focus on breathing as it becomes difficult. All 3 have never happened at the same time, but sometimes 2 of the 3 symptoms have happened in tandem. Should I be worried? They re frequent occurrences.
Tue, 12 May 2020
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Most people have palpitations as a result of anxiety. Anxiety is the commonest cause for palpitations for a few seconds and if your heart examination is normal, you may need to get evaluated for increased stress related anxiety.

ECG is a basic cardiology investigation to measure the electrical activity of the heart. If it is normal then I suppose there is no reason to worry. However, if you have a strong family history of heart diseases and hypertension then getting a complete cardiology examination including an echocardiography may help to rule out any heart disorders. In a small number of patients, palpitations can result from thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism). You may get tested for thyroid also if you otherwise have no stress related anxiety.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon
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What Causes Heart Palpitations, Chest Pain And Breathing Difficulties While On Sertraline?

Hi, Most people have palpitations as a result of anxiety. Anxiety is the commonest cause for palpitations for a few seconds and if your heart examination is normal, you may need to get evaluated for increased stress related anxiety. ECG is a basic cardiology investigation to measure the electrical activity of the heart. If it is normal then I suppose there is no reason to worry. However, if you have a strong family history of heart diseases and hypertension then getting a complete cardiology examination including an echocardiography may help to rule out any heart disorders. In a small number of patients, palpitations can result from thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism). You may get tested for thyroid also if you otherwise have no stress related anxiety. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon