Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode
Cardiology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 25-year-old woman and 21 weeks pregnant. I have always noticed some irregular things with my heart but none have ever been detected on a monitor. However, it is much worse since becoming pregnant. I have noticed after eating any food, drinking caffeine, or feeling anxious my heart flutters and I feel dizzy and short of breath. Sometimes, I get a sudden wave of extreme fatigue. I am concerned I have atrial fibrillation or some other heart rhythm problem that my doctors are not finding. This triggers my anxiety and makes the symptoms worse. How would I know if it is just anxiety that seems to come at certain times, or if it is a problem with my heart? I have had a few EKGs and one 24 hour Holter monitor but did not experience symptoms during the tests.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
All these symptoms may just indicate anxiety. However, we should make some attempt to rule out arrhythmias. Now, your symptoms which occurs including fluttering and dizziness can occur with anxiety or caffeine. Caffeine itself can produce palpitations and various symptoms. So overall, I would keep anxiety as the first possibility. But, whenever you get symptoms, you should try to feel pulse for pulse rate in one minute if possible for you. Or else if you have electronic BP apparatus then it may show your pulse rate. So it may indicate the possibility of atrial fibrillation.
Next, ectopics are quite a common arrhythmia in the young patient, and it can be there in you. May get aggravated by pregnancy. It can give you the feeling of a skipped beat. Now, we should confirm it objectively. So the best way other than Holter is, you order Alivecor Kardia monitor, which is a mobile-based system, which is portable and you can attach yourself at home and it will record your rhythm and can be analyzed. Alternatively, various watches are available which can record your pulse rate throughout the day and we can at least analyze the heart to consider the possibility of atrial fibrillation. Overall, it does not appear anything serious to me at the moment. I guess you must have had an echo done, right?
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
They did a Holter monitor and several EKGs and I do not remember if they have ever done an echo. Can I order the monitor you suggested without a prescription? Also, if I check my pulse when having symptoms what should I look for or measure?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, you may certainly order it. Many of patients are successfully using it and it is helpful. You may have an analysis of the rate and rhythm round the clock. It is available without a prescription. You should first look for pulse rate and if you can analyze like irregular beating pulse with pauses in between which suggest the atrial fibrillation. But this would be difficult for you, so just focus on heart rate.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
When I feel like there could be something wrong with my health I get extremely anxious. Do you think anything it could possibly be would be life threatening or do you think I should be worried? It is hard when my doctors do not want to investigate any further. they have done what they feel are sufficient tests and they say I am young and healthy and my heart is fine. But the symptoms are scary.
I should also add that usually when I take my medication for anxiety, Lorazepam, the symptoms decrease or stop altogether. However, I am trying not to take it due to the pregnancy. I take it only when I have tried other things and they do not work. Does the fact that it works mean it is more likely to be anxiety? Or could it still be a rhythm problem?.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
No, I do not think there is anything life-threatening. So you should not worry about it. But, you may monitor your heart rhythm at home with a monitor. Yes, if it is getting better with Lorazepam, then it suggests anxiety more likely. Rhythm problem will not resolve with Lorazepam.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you very much. That helps me to feel a little better.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You are welcome.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Cardiology
Related Questions
Can implantable cardioverter defibrillator cause AFib?
What will happen if I take Potassium chloride tablet without the need?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD)
Can anxiety and stress cause frequent urination?
What causes dizziness and blackout with swollen throat?
I get dizziness when I look up or get up. What is causing this?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
