HomeAnswersInternal MedicinearrhythmiasI am experiencing shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat. Why?

Is an electrocardiogram helpful in detecting arrhythmias?

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Published At March 4, 2024
Reviewed AtMarch 4, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have already visited the emergency department, and they are going to fit me with a heart monitor for 48 hours. I went there due to shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and some chest sensations but no real pain, and I seemed to have more gas than usual. While these symptoms are still persistent, they are not as severe as before. Additionally, I had a severe infection two years ago that affected my ability to speak. Currently, I am taking Isotretinoin for my skin condition. I am a 46-year-old male, 6.2 feet tall, and weighs 180 pounds. The shortness of breath has been somewhat present since the infection two years ago but not to the extent I experienced it recently.

They x-rayed my abdomen and did not find anything out of the ordinary except for some moderate fecal loading, for which they prescribed a cleanser. They also performed an ECG, but I have not received the results yet. Additionally, the blood work came back clean.

Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are two possibilities here: one is gastritis, acidity, and reflux disease due to Isotretinoin, and the other is cardiac arrhythmia like SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), as you are also experiencing palpitations and a fast heart rate. Gastritis and reflux can also cause all of your symptoms; however, there is no harm in getting a monitor attached as it will help in diagnosing any arrhythmias. It is important to review the ECG (electrocardiogram) report as well.

You should avoid fatty, oily, and spicy foods. Instead of resting after meals, take a short walk. Opt for multiple small meals instead of heavy ones. Maintain regular sleep habits and manage stress. Incorporate plenty of green leafy vegetables and fruits into your diet. Avoid smoking and alcohol if you indulge in them. I suggest you take a tablet containing a combination of Domperidone and Pantoprazole or Esomeprazole with Domperidone before breakfast once a day for two weeks to address your gas and probable gastritis. If symptoms are not adequately relieved, then you should add syrup Sucralfate, two teaspoons three times a day for a week. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent.

You are also experiencing constipation, so I recommend incorporating a high-fiber diet including fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, and green leafy vegetables like spinach and raw cucumber. Avoid smoking, refined foods, and fatty or oily foods. Ensure you consume plenty of fluids and engage in regular exercise. Additionally, consider taking a syrup like lactulose, 15 to 30 ml at bedtime, to maintain soft stools or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode
Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Cardiology

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