Left Upper Abdominal Pain and Rapid Heartbeat Symptoms

Left upper abdominal pain and tachycardia?

Recently, my heart rate has been around 105-125 beats per minute.
Upon waking up without any exertion, it is about 105-110 bpm, and during calm conversations with others, it ranges from 110-125 bpm (previously it was 60-75, occasionally dropping to around 58).
I do not experience noticeable palpitations, but sometimes I have sudden dizziness or chest tightness, although these occurrences are infrequent.
The elevated heart rate was only noticed when I used a pulse oximeter, prompting me to pay attention to it.
Occasionally, when walking up stairs or walking briskly, I experience mild shortness of breath, which are symptoms I did not have before.

I once had a blood test that showed a hemoglobin level of 8.5, but that was due to having blood in my stool 1-2 weeks prior, possibly from hemorrhoids, although I did not get it checked out.
I simply addressed the symptoms through dietary changes, and a year later, my blood test results returned to normal.
Recently, my bowel movements have been normal.

In the past two days, I have felt a dull pain in the area from my left rib cage to the upper left abdomen (not very painful, just uncomfortable).
When I press near my stomach, the pain is more pronounced.
Taking a deep breath causes a sharp pain about three fingers' width from the left rib cage towards the side of the abdomen, and pressing on the left abdomen also elicits pain, although it is mild.
I can't quite describe the discomfort, but I wonder if it might be due to a muscle strain from bending over and lifting heavy objects the day before.
This pain is more noticeable when I wake up and change positions in bed, leading me to suspect it could be a strain.
I previously went to a gastroenterologist due to severe bloating, stomach pain, and nausea.
An ultrasound was performed, and the doctor said everything appeared normal, but I had significant bloating.
The doctor remarked, "It's strange that you're so bloated, but don't worry, you're young and it's nothing serious." However, this comment left me feeling uncertain.
Since I wasn't in pain afterward, I did not pursue further evaluation, even though the sensation of bloating persisted.
Sometimes, when I press on my abdomen, I feel like I can touch something, but I'm afraid I'm overreacting, so I haven't seen a doctor, as my symptoms are mild or improve over time.
Then, when more noticeable symptoms arise, they improve again.
I tend to worry unnecessarily, but I'm also afraid of making a big deal out of nothing, so I haven't consulted a doctor, fearing I might be overthinking things, which feels a bit embarrassing.

Xiao Zhuo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/16

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for examination.
The rapid heartbeat may be caused by anemia, the cause of which needs to be investigated.
Additionally, considering the abdominal discomfort, an endoscopy may be necessary.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2016/02/16

More Info

Understanding the symptoms of left upper abdominal pain and rapid heartbeat can be quite complex, especially when there are multiple factors at play. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that include elevated heart rate, discomfort in the left upper abdomen, and occasional dizziness. Let's break down these symptoms and explore potential causes and considerations.

Elevated Heart Rate
Your reported heart rate of 105-125 beats per minute, especially when at rest or during light conversation, is significantly higher than the normal resting heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute. This condition, known as tachycardia, can be caused by various factors including anxiety, dehydration, anemia, or even underlying heart conditions. Given your history of low hemoglobin levels (8.5), it's crucial to consider that anemia can lead to compensatory tachycardia as the body attempts to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissues.

Left Upper Abdominal Pain
The discomfort you are feeling in the left upper abdomen could be related to several potential issues. Since you mentioned that the pain is more pronounced when you press on the area, it could be muscular in nature, especially if you have recently engaged in physical activity that involved lifting or straining. Muscle strain can cause localized pain that may mimic more serious conditions.

However, it’s also important to consider gastrointestinal issues. Conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or even splenic issues can present with pain in the left upper quadrant. Given your previous experiences with abdominal bloating and discomfort, it might be worth revisiting a gastroenterologist for a thorough evaluation, including possibly an endoscopy or further imaging if necessary.

Dizziness and Shortness of Breath
The occasional dizziness and shortness of breath you experience, particularly when exerting yourself, could be linked to your elevated heart rate and possibly to your previous anemia. When the heart is racing, it can lead to feelings of lightheadedness, especially if the body is not receiving enough oxygenated blood. This could also explain the mild shortness of breath when walking or climbing stairs.

Psychological Factors
It’s also worth noting that anxiety can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and even gastrointestinal discomfort. If you find that your symptoms worsen during stressful situations or if you have a history of anxiety, it may be beneficial to explore this aspect with a healthcare professional.

Recommendations
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider who can perform a comprehensive evaluation. This may include blood tests to check for anemia, thyroid function tests, and possibly an echocardiogram to assess heart function.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any associated activities. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Consider lifestyle changes that can help manage your symptoms. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in iron (to address any potential anemia), and incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness or yoga may be beneficial.

4. Follow-Up on Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Since you have a history of gastrointestinal discomfort, it may be worthwhile to follow up with a gastroenterologist to rule out any underlying conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may seem mild or sporadic, they warrant attention, especially given your history of anemia and the recent changes in your heart rate. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional can help clarify the underlying causes and guide you toward appropriate management. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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