Suggest treatment for heart palpitations
Patient: Having heart palpitations (feels like extra or skipped beat) for last two weeks straight everyday more than a few times a day. Never happened before. In the past only getting an occasional palpitation once in a blue moon. After first week of palpitations started getting chest pain or discomfort also in upper back ( like how it feels after your muscles hurt from exercise) and dwelling anxious from it all. EKG yesterday said it was normal except for slower heart rate (59 compared to last years EKG 60). Had a physical 3 months ago and everything seemed pretty normal. Doc suggested a chest X-ray eventually and Xanax. She thinks its anxiety or stress and I would have agreed with her normally only with the heart palpitations I don t feel like its that since I ve had a lot of past anxiety over the years but I ve never had these consistent palpitations and its pretty scary. I feel like the anxiety im experiencing now is just due to being scared about the palpitations and the fear and paranoia of something more serious? I m 36 5 1 103 lbs. normally healthy no history of heart disease in family. Doctor: Hello and thanks for writing.I can understand your concern and would try to help you in the best possible way. Your problems do not seem to be of cardiac origin as your EKG and other tests are normal. Your doctor may be right that it is due to anxiety or panic attacks. One more possibility could be an overactive thyroid which can be ruled out by a thyroid profile testing.I suggest you can speak to your GP regarding that plan the test accordingly. I would also advice you that you are in a good health right now. try to divert your mind away from illness. Start some exercise program like walking, gymming and also share quality time with your family. It would definitely help you stay fit and divert your mind of all unnecessary thoughts.