Seeking Guidance on Persistent Cardiovascular Symptoms: A Patient's Journey - Cardiology

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Please consult Dr. He for guidance. Thank you?


Dear Dr.
He,
Good day.
I have been experiencing a health issue since the end of May this year, which has persisted for over two months now.
I have consulted several doctors from different hospitals and specialties, but I have not found a solution.
I would like to seek your advice and hope for your response.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Chief complaint: In January of this year, I was training with a 20-kilogram sandbag and fell while running.
I landed on my left side, using my left hand to brace myself.
I experienced pain in my left palm, but it gradually subsided by March, and I recovered without pain.
At the end of May: I was preparing for an exam and had resigned from my job to focus on studying full-time (starting at the end of April).
At the end of May, I experienced a sudden onset of symptoms after two consecutive nights of only three hours of sleep.
Prior to this, I had a sensation of poor blood flow in my thighs, feeling as if they were not my own, and I was uncomfortable lying down and unable to sleep well.
After breakfast one morning, I suddenly felt short of breath and broke out in a cold sweat (possibly due to anxiety, as I had never experienced this before).
I immediately rode my motorcycle to the emergency department at St.
Paul’s Hospital in Taoyuan.
By the time I arrived, I felt somewhat better.
After the situation eased, I felt a rush of blood flow in my chest, and my legs felt suddenly light but somewhat weak.
The emergency physician performed an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a chest X-ray, and during the consultation, they suggested that it might be stress-related, stating that everything appeared normal.
I returned home to rest, but I continued to experience a feeling of tightness in my chest.
Since the end of May until now, I have had intermittent episodes of shortness of breath and chest tightness, with several instances of feeling particularly severe while in the car.
Currently, I still experience shortness of breath and chest tightness, along with other symptoms that appear intermittently or together, including: a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, difficulty swallowing, bloating, alternating pain and numbness in the fingers of my left hand, and severe dizziness.
Over the past two months, I have had multiple consultations across various specialties:
1.
Emergency department at St.
Paul’s Hospital in Taoyuan: ECG and chest X-ray were performed; the emergency physician assessed it as normal.
2.
Second visit to the emergency department at St.
Paul’s Hospital: ECG and chest X-ray were performed; the emergency physician assessed it as neuralgia.
3.
Emergency department at Taoyuan Hospital: ECG and chest X-ray were performed; the emergency physician assessed it as neuralgia.
4.
Cardiology specialty at Taoyuan Hospital: ECG and echocardiogram were performed; the cardiologist diagnosed mitral valve prolapse.
5.
Cardiology specialty at Min-Sheng Hospital in Taoyuan: Chest X-ray, ECG, and echocardiogram were performed; the cardiologist stated that the heart was normal but had mild regurgitation, which was not a concern.
6.
Internal medicine at Zhongli New National Hospital in Taoyuan: The physician suspected hyperthyroidism, but blood tests returned normal results.
7.
(Most recent visit) Neurology clinic in Bade, Taoyuan: The family medicine physician assessed it as autonomic nervous system dysfunction and prescribed four medications for one week (I emphasized my insomnia during the consultation): Solaxin, Cephadol, Lorazepam, and Gascon.
After taking these medications for a week, I have been sleeping well, and most of the symptoms upon waking have disappeared.
However, I still experience pain in specific areas: below the right side of the left nipple, below the left scapula, and across the left chest muscle and its left ribs.
This pain has been persistent and does not subside regardless of whether I am sitting, lying down, or standing.
I would like to ask Dr.
He:
1.
Should I return to the family medicine clinic for a follow-up consultation and continue medication, or do I need to seek further evaluation from a pulmonologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, or orthopedic specialist?
2.
I am very concerned that this may be a heart-related issue.
Despite undergoing multiple heart examinations at different hospitals, which only included ECGs and echocardiograms that were normal, are these tests sufficient for my situation? I do not smoke or drink, and I have been monitoring my blood pressure with a machine for the past month, with the following averages:
- Three weeks ago: Day 134/85, heart rate 79; Night 107/66, heart rate 87 (the blood pressure monitor indicated early hypertension).
- Two weeks ago: Day 102/65, heart rate 72; Night 99/62, heart rate 76.
- One week ago: Day 108/72, heart rate 80; Night 99/61, heart rate 84.
- Latest (July 26): Average of three readings: Day 110/76, heart rate 81.
Additionally, I have been using a pulse oximeter, which shows oxygen saturation levels of about 96-99%.
However, during these checks, my heart rate often exceeds 100 or is in the high nineties, which seems inconsistent with the blood pressure readings.
What should I consider as the more reliable record?
3.
Is there a need for further cardiac evaluations?
4.
Based on your professional judgment, what do you think is happening with me? I have seen many doctors without improvement, and my work and mental health are starting to be affected.
I feel truly helpless.
Thank you, Dr.
He, for your patience in reading my detailed account.
I appreciate your guidance and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

John, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/26

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology


Hello, the symptoms you described sound like a case of autonomic nervous system dysregulation syndrome combined with some neuromuscular symptoms.
You have undergone multiple cardiac evaluations, and since your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels are all normal, there should be no cause for concern.
There's no need to worry about seeing a psychosomatic specialist.
Take care, and we at Changhua Hospital are here for you.

Reply Date: 2016/07/26

More Info


It sounds like you have been experiencing a complex array of symptoms that have persisted for several months, and I understand how distressing this can be. Your journey through various medical evaluations and consultations has not yielded a definitive diagnosis, which can be frustrating. Let's break down your concerns and provide some guidance.


Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Chest Discomfort and Breathing Issues: The sensation of not being able to breathe and chest tightness can be alarming. These symptoms can arise from various causes, including anxiety, panic attacks, or even musculoskeletal issues, especially given your history of physical exertion and the fall you experienced. Stress and anxiety can manifest physically, leading to symptoms that mimic cardiovascular issues.

2. Neurological Symptoms: The sensations of pain and numbness in your left hand and fingers, along with severe dizziness, could suggest a neurological component. This might be related to anxiety or stress, but it could also indicate a need for further neurological evaluation.

3. Cardiac Evaluations: You have undergone multiple cardiac evaluations, including electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiograms, which have returned normal results. These tests are generally effective in ruling out significant structural heart disease or major arrhythmias. However, if you still have concerns about your heart, it may be worth discussing with your cardiologist the possibility of more advanced testing, such as a stress test or Holter monitor, to assess your heart's function under stress or over a longer period.


Recommendations
1. Follow-Up with Your Primary Care Physician: Since you have seen various specialists, it might be beneficial to return to your primary care physician or the family medicine doctor who prescribed you medication. They can help coordinate your care and determine if further evaluations are necessary.

2. Consider Psychological Factors: Given the timing of your symptoms with your exam preparations and the stress you described, it may be worthwhile to explore the possibility of anxiety or panic disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of counseling can be very effective in managing anxiety-related symptoms.

3. Musculoskeletal Evaluation: Since you mentioned pain in your left chest and back, consider consulting with a physical therapist or an orthopedic specialist. They can assess for any musculoskeletal issues that may be contributing to your discomfort.

4. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare providers in diagnosing your condition.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Ensure you are engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness or yoga. These can help improve your overall well-being and potentially alleviate some of your symptoms.


Conclusion
Your symptoms are multifaceted, and while it is understandable to be concerned about your heart health, the normal results from your cardiac evaluations are reassuring. It is essential to continue working with your healthcare providers to explore all potential causes of your symptoms, including psychological and musculoskeletal factors. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and with the right support and management, you can find relief and improve your quality of life. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

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