Heart Palpitations and Circulation Issues: When to Seek Help

Q: Heart Palpitations and Circulation Issues: When to Seek Help

Hello： Although palpitations and chest tightness may indicate a heart problem, the likelihood of cardiovascular issues at the age of 19 is low. <br>Based on the symptoms you described, it is difficult to determine the exact nature of the problem. <br>The presence of unusual facia

Palpitations, chest tightness, skin tingling, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and poor blood circulation?

Hello, Doctor.
About 2-3 months ago, I started experiencing symptoms such as a slight tremor in my beard area, a sensation of a foreign body in my throat, palpitations, and chest tightness (though they do not affect my daily life).
However, my blood circulation issues have become quite severe, affecting my sleep.
I experience these symptoms in all four limbs, with the left upper and lower limbs being particularly affected (I can only lie flat).
This week, I noticed a tingling sensation on the inner side of my left thigh (with no signs of allergies or insect bites).
The discomfort eases when standing, but after sitting for about 30 minutes to an hour, the pain starts, with a pain level of about 5-6 out of 10.
I initially thought it might be a thyroid issue, so I consulted an endocrinologist, and blood tests showed no abnormalities.
The doctor prescribed propranolol, which has improved my palpitations and circulation issues, but I still feel palpitations during severe episodes even after taking the medication.
I would like to ask for your advice based on your experience regarding which specialty I should consult for my symptoms or what tests I should undergo.
Thank you.

Pan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/14

Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology

Hello: Although palpitations and chest tightness may indicate a heart problem, the likelihood of cardiovascular issues at the age of 19 is low.
Based on the symptoms you described, it is difficult to determine the exact nature of the problem.
The presence of unusual facial hair, increased body hair, weight gain, and irregular menstruation may suggest a gynecological issue.
It is advisable to have a physician conduct a direct examination for confirmation.
You may consider starting with a family medicine or general internal medicine physician for an initial assessment.

Reply Date: 2023/06/14

More Info

When experiencing symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest tightness, and circulation issues, it is essential to approach the situation with a comprehensive understanding of potential underlying causes. Your symptoms, which include a sensation of a lump in the throat, palpitations, and discomfort in the limbs, particularly the left thigh, warrant a thorough evaluation.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Heart Palpitations: These can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, stress, caffeine intake, or underlying cardiac conditions. The fact that you have been prescribed propranolol, a beta-blocker, suggests that your healthcare provider is considering the possibility of anxiety or a tachyarrhythmia as contributing factors to your palpitations.

2. Circulation Issues: Poor circulation can manifest as numbness, tingling, or pain in the extremities. The pain you describe in your left thigh, which improves when standing and worsens when sitting, could indicate vascular issues, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) or even nerve compression.

3. Throat Sensation: The feeling of a lump in the throat (globus sensation) can be associated with anxiety, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or even thyroid issues, although you mentioned that thyroid tests were normal.

When to Seek Help
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider who can perform a comprehensive evaluation. Here are some recommendations on the type of specialists you might consider seeing:
1. Cardiologist: Since you are experiencing palpitations and chest discomfort, a cardiologist can perform tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or even a Holter monitor to assess your heart's rhythm and function. They can also evaluate for any underlying coronary artery disease or structural heart issues.

2. Neurologist: If your symptoms of limb pain and circulation issues persist, a neurologist may be able to assess for any nerve-related problems, such as neuropathy or radiculopathy, which could explain the pain and discomfort in your thigh.

3. Endocrinologist: Although you have already seen an endocrinologist, if you continue to have symptoms that suggest hormonal imbalances (like thyroid issues), it may be worth a follow-up visit to ensure that all potential endocrine causes have been ruled out.

4. Psychiatrist or Psychologist: If anxiety is a significant factor in your symptoms, consulting a mental health professional could be beneficial. They can provide strategies for managing anxiety, which may help alleviate some of your physical symptoms.

Recommended Tests
In addition to specialist consultations, consider discussing the following tests with your healthcare provider:
- Echocardiogram: To assess the structure and function of your heart.

- Holter Monitor: To capture your heart's rhythm over 24-48 hours, which can help identify any arrhythmias.

- Vascular Studies: Such as Doppler ultrasound, to evaluate blood flow in your limbs and check for any vascular obstructions.

- Blood Tests: To rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, including complete blood count (CBC), metabolic panel, and specific tests for inflammatory markers.

Conclusion
Your symptoms are multifaceted and could stem from a combination of physical and psychological factors. It is crucial to seek a thorough evaluation from the appropriate specialists to determine the underlying causes and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Do not hesitate to advocate for yourself and ensure that all your concerns are addressed during your medical consultations.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello, Director Wu. I would like to ask about a concern I've been experiencing over the past week. I often feel like my heart skips a beat, and then suddenly beats very hard, causing significant palpitations. Whenever my heart beats strongly, my body also shakes a bit. I rea...

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 recommended to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise. However, if symptoms persist, it is advisable ...

Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent palpitations (the kind where the heart beats very strongly, with a heart rate of about 75-80 during episodes, which is regular, but sometimes accompanied by mild pain). These episodes last for more than three hours, and I also feel ...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, it sounds like you may be experiencing autonomic nervous system dysfunction. If you are still feeling unwell, it would be advisable to visit a clinic and consider some medication. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Understanding Chest Pain and Palpitations: When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. I have read many articles and found several situations similar to mine, but none seem to fully capture my condition. Since these issues seem to be related to the heart, I decided to ask here. Since starting high school, I have been under a lot of stress and I tend ...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, the symptoms you are experiencing are primarily caused by autonomic nervous system dysregulation due to high stress. Given your age, unless there is a congenital heart condition, the likelihood of heart issues is quite low. However, the chances of discomfort due to stress ...

Understanding Palpitations: Causes and Concerns for Heart Health

Hello Doctor, I have issues with being overweight and high blood pressure. I have been continuously losing weight and taking antihypertensive medication for almost a year. At the beginning of February, I experienced a period of increased stress. On the night of February 7th, whil...