Is It Palpitations? When to Seek Medical Attention for Heart Issues

Is this considered palpitations? Should I seek medical attention?

Hello Doctor, I have recently been experiencing noticeable heartbeats without any significant discomfort.
However, if I already have some dizziness or headaches, the heartbeat seems to exacerbate my discomfort.
I often feel dizzy, sometimes to the point where I can't take a deep breath, which is quite uncomfortable, but it doesn't reach the level of vertigo or instability.
In the past, I have experienced sharp pain at a specific point in my right upper abdomen (near the ribs), which would last for a while and then resolve on its own, but sometimes it hurts when I sneeze.
Tonight, I felt a slight sharp pain in my left chest, but the pain is not in the area of the heart.
I have measured my heart rate and pulse, finding my heart rate to be in the fifties per minute and my pulse in the seventies.
Shouldn't these two values be similar? When measuring my heart rate, I sometimes feel the heartbeat very distinctly, but at other times I can't feel it at all.
Does this indicate arrhythmia? Are my symptoms related to a heart issue? Thank you, Doctor!

K, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/14

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, if you are experiencing arrhythmia, it is important not to make assumptions without seeing a patient.
However, the symptoms you describe seem more indicative of autonomic nervous system dysfunction rather than heart disease or arrhythmia.
It is advisable for you to visit a cardiologist for an examination.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2015/11/14

More Info

When it comes to heart health, understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms that could be related to your cardiovascular system, including palpitations, dizziness, and chest discomfort. Let's break down these symptoms and discuss when it is appropriate to seek medical care.

Palpitations are often described as the sensation of feeling your heart beating, which can be perceived as a fluttering, pounding, or racing heartbeat. While palpitations can be benign and caused by factors such as anxiety, caffeine intake, or physical exertion, they can also indicate underlying heart conditions, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms.

In your case, you mentioned that you frequently experience dizziness and headaches, which can sometimes accompany palpitations. Dizziness can be caused by various factors, including low blood pressure, dehydration, or even anxiety. However, if you are experiencing significant dizziness that affects your ability to breathe deeply or causes you to feel faint, it is essential to take this seriously.

The fact that you have noted a heart rate of around 50 beats per minute (bpm) is noteworthy. A resting heart rate below 60 bpm is termed bradycardia, which can be normal for some individuals, particularly athletes. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue alongside bradycardia, it may warrant further investigation. The discrepancy between your heart rate and pulse rate (with the pulse being higher) could suggest an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia, which can occur for various reasons, including electrolyte imbalances or structural heart issues.

Chest pain, even if it is not directly in the heart area, should not be ignored. You mentioned experiencing mild pain in the left chest and discomfort in the right upper abdomen. While not all chest pain is cardiac in origin, it is essential to consider the possibility of heart-related issues, especially if the pain is new, persistent, or associated with other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.

Given your history of dizziness, palpitations, and chest discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Here are some specific scenarios where you should definitely seek immediate care:
1. Severe Chest Pain: If you experience chest pain that is severe, lasts more than a few minutes, or is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea, you should call emergency services immediately.

2. Persistent Dizziness or Fainting: If you feel faint or experience severe dizziness that prevents you from functioning normally, it is crucial to seek medical help.

3. Changes in Heart Rate: If you notice significant changes in your heart rate, such as a consistently low heart rate (bradycardia) or a very high heart rate (tachycardia), especially if accompanied by symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider.

4. New or Worsening Symptoms: If your symptoms are new, worsening, or different from what you have experienced in the past, it is wise to get evaluated.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may not indicate a severe heart issue, the combination of palpitations, dizziness, and chest discomfort warrants a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. They may recommend tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or even a Holter monitor to assess your heart's rhythm and function. Early detection and management of any potential heart issues can significantly improve outcomes, so do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Your health is paramount, and it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to heart-related symptoms.

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