Heart Health: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Advice

Medical consultation

Hello, doctor! I often experience pale lips, occasional chest tightness and pain, and I have woken up suddenly while sleeping due to a sensation of my heart skipping beats and difficulty breathing.
My heart rate is quite fast, often around 145 beats per minute even at rest, and I frequently experience blackouts when standing up from a seated position or rising from a squat, which gradually resolves after a moment.
What could be causing these symptoms? What condition might this be? Should I seek medical attention? If left untreated, could it worsen? Thank you for your response, doctor.

Xiao Ru, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/25

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, it is recommended to visit the outpatient clinic for an examination to understand what the issue is.
Knowing the problem is essential to determine whether it may worsen.
Ping An Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2022/07/25

More Info

Understanding heart health is crucial, especially when experiencing symptoms like pale lips, chest tightness or pain, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, and episodes of dizziness or fainting. These symptoms can be indicative of various underlying conditions, and it is essential to approach them with caution.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe—such as pale lips and chest discomfort—could suggest a potential issue with oxygen delivery to your tissues, which may be due to several factors, including anemia, cardiovascular problems, or respiratory issues. The sensation of your heart racing (with a resting heart rate of 145 BPM) and the feeling of not being able to breathe properly can be alarming and may indicate an underlying arrhythmia or other cardiac condition. The episodes of dizziness or blackouts when standing up could be a sign of orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops significantly upon standing, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain.

Given these symptoms, it is highly advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, blood tests, and possibly an electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram, to assess your heart's function and rule out any serious conditions. Conditions such as arrhythmias, heart valve disorders, or even structural heart issues could be contributing to your symptoms.

In terms of potential risks, ignoring these symptoms could lead to worsening conditions. For instance, untreated arrhythmias can lead to more severe complications, including heart failure or stroke. Additionally, if there is an underlying issue such as anemia or a respiratory condition, it could progressively worsen without appropriate treatment.

Lifestyle factors can also play a significant role in heart health. Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential. This includes:
1. Regular Exercise: Engaging in moderate physical activity can improve cardiovascular health and help manage symptoms.

2. Balanced Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support heart health. Reducing salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats is also beneficial.

3. Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help reduce stress levels, which may alleviate some symptoms.

4. Avoiding Stimulants: Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can help stabilize heart rhythms and reduce anxiety.

In conclusion, while some symptoms may seem benign, the combination of pale lips, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and dizziness warrants a thorough medical evaluation. It is crucial to address these symptoms promptly to prevent potential complications and ensure your heart health is adequately managed. Please consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms and receive appropriate care.

Similar Q&A

Chest Pain and Irregular Heartbeat: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Since last year, I initially experienced some arrhythmia, where my heart would suddenly race when I stood up or got out of bed, but it would return to normal after about 10 seconds. Later, I had a few episodes of sudden severe chest pain, which then resolved. Now, I have intermit...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
Due to your young age and the absence of chronic diseases, your risk of developing heart disease is low. Many factors in life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to adj...

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.

Understanding Heart Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms

Hello Doctor: When I was five years old, I underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure due to a suspected atrial defect. However, I haven't had a follow-up appointment in about ten years. Recently, over the past year or two, I've been experiencing sharp pains in my ch...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, it may not necessarily be related to the heart, but if you are still experiencing discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical attention for further evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Assessing Heart Health During COVID: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello doctor, given the current tense pandemic situation, I am concerned about occupying hospital medical resources. What symptoms should I pay attention to that would require a follow-up visit, or how should I assess my condition based on your recommendations? I have been experi...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. A heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute...