Chest Pain, Dizziness, and Rapid Heartbeat: Which Specialist to See?

Chest tightness, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. Which medical specialty should I consult?

Hello Doctor, this morning while commuting to work, I had to jog up about two flights of stairs to catch the MRT.
After getting on the train, I experienced some chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath (which I have never had before).
After resting for a bit, I felt fine, but on my way from the MRT station to the office, I felt slight chest tightness after walking for five minutes.
I slowed down my pace, and after another five minutes, when I reached near the office, I suddenly felt dizzy.
I squatted down to rest, and after feeling slightly better, when I stood up, the dizziness worsened.
I started sweating profusely, my heart raced, and I experienced a moment of whiteout where I couldn't see anything in front of me.
After closing my eyes, I felt a bit out of control and briefly lost consciousness, falling to the ground.
After resting, I still felt unwell.
During a company event this morning, I noticed that changing positions caused my heart to race, accompanied by dizziness and chest discomfort.
I measured my heart rate three times while at rest, and it was 92/96/98 beats per minute.
Pressing on the center of my chest caused pain.
I usually have a mild exercise routine, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and although I didn't sleep a full seven hours yesterday, I took an extra hour in the evening, so I shouldn't be sleep-deprived.
I had an early dinner and felt no anxiety, and my menstrual period just ended.
After researching online, some suggested seeing an ENT specialist, others mentioned autonomic nervous system disorders, and some recommended checking for anemia or seeing a cardiologist.
Doctor, which specialty should I consult for my symptoms? Thank you for your patience in reading this.
I am currently unable to see a doctor conveniently, so I wanted to ask you about the appropriate specialty.
Thank you!

Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/13

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! Regarding your concerns, you are primarily experiencing palpitations accompanied by postural dizziness.
Since you have already experienced syncope, it is advisable for you to visit a medical facility for evaluation.
It would be best to see a cardiologist first to confirm whether there are any arrhythmias or other heart-related issues.
Thank you for your question, and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2019/05/13

More Info

Based on your symptoms of chest pain, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat, it is crucial to approach this situation with caution. Given the nature of your symptoms, the best specialist to consult would be a cardiologist. Here’s why:
1. Cardiac Symptoms: Your symptoms, particularly the chest pain and rapid heartbeat, could indicate a cardiac issue. While you mentioned that you experienced these symptoms after a brief exertion, it is essential to rule out any underlying heart conditions. Conditions such as angina, arrhythmias, or even more serious issues like myocardial infarction (heart attack) can present with similar symptoms. A cardiologist is trained to evaluate these conditions through appropriate diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or stress tests.

2. Dizziness and Syncope: The episodes of dizziness and near loss of consciousness (syncope) you described are concerning and warrant a thorough evaluation. Dizziness can be caused by various factors, including cardiovascular issues, dehydration, or even neurological conditions. A cardiologist can help determine if your dizziness is related to your heart's function or if it stems from another cause.

3. Exclusion of Other Conditions: While other specialists, such as an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor or a neurologist, may be suggested, their focus would not primarily address potential cardiac issues. For instance, ENT specialists often deal with balance and inner ear issues, while neurologists focus on the nervous system. Given your symptoms, it is prudent to first rule out any cardiac causes before exploring these other avenues.

4. Anxiety and Stress: Although you mentioned that you do not feel anxious, it is essential to consider that physical symptoms can sometimes be exacerbated by stress or anxiety, which can lead to palpitations and dizziness. A cardiologist can help differentiate between anxiety-related symptoms and those stemming from a physical condition.

5. Immediate Action: Given the severity of your symptoms, especially the fainting episode, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you experience similar symptoms again, do not hesitate to go to the emergency room.
6. Lifestyle Considerations: While waiting for your appointment, consider monitoring your symptoms closely. Keep track of when they occur, their duration, and any associated activities. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider. Additionally, ensure you stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine or stimulants, which can exacerbate heart palpitations.

In summary, I strongly recommend that you see a cardiologist to evaluate your symptoms comprehensively. They will be able to conduct the necessary tests to determine if there is an underlying heart condition that needs to be addressed. If the cardiologist rules out any cardiac issues, they may then refer you to other specialists as needed. Your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms promptly is crucial for your well-being.

Similar Q&A

Struggling with Unexplained Symptoms: Which Specialist Should You See?

I have been feeling unwell for the past two to three months. I often have difficulty breathing, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get enough air. I feel a tightness around my heart, and I often feel like I'm about to faint. Several times while exercising, I'...

Dr. Huang Jianling reply Family Medicine
Hello, Welsh Corgi: Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness can have many underlying causes. It is recommended to visit a major hospital's cardiology or family medicine department for an examination or to undergo a comprehensive health check-up. Pleas...

Which Specialist to See for Heart-Related Symptoms?

Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I have a few symptoms that I would like to ask which specialty I should consult. 1. Fever (occasionally accompanied by chest pain) 2. Shortness of breath 3. Mild diarrhea 4. Sore throat 5. Occasional abdominal pain 6. Cough 7. Mus...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
Due to the complexity of the symptoms, it is recommended that a physician assess the possible conditions based on the examination results.

Understanding Heart-Related Symptoms: Chest Pain, Dizziness, and More

Since February of this year, my body has been signaling that something is wrong. Last year, I visited a cardiologist who diagnosed me with early repolarization of the atria, which is a type of arrhythmia, and advised me to continue monitoring my condition. Previously, due to acad...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, it seems that you are experiencing discomfort due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation. You can observe the situation for now, as it does not appear to be related to heart disease. Don't worry, Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Should I See a Doctor for My Heart Symptoms?

I often experience chest pain, sudden heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and sometimes dizziness. I'm unsure if I should get checked out; these symptoms have been present since middle school. When I was in elementary school, I underwent a school health check, and the d...

Dr. Chen Guifeng reply Cardiology
Given the current situation of arrhythmia or the presence of heart murmurs, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist for further evaluation.