What could cause chest pain and an increase in heartbeat?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am 26 years old. I have noticed that sometimes I wake up with my heart beating too fast and can feel my heart. This first happened when I woke up and took a look at my little child and thought my child was not breathing. That time my heart rate increased strongly. After this, sometimes when I take a nap in the afternoon I wake up with my heart rate increasing and a little pain in my chest that lasts for a few seconds.
My heart goes back to normal within a few seconds. It does not happen at night. I am a stressful person and always worried. I am overweight too. Also, I have a trivial MR that was diagnosed last year. But, I was not advised to have any treatment. My oxygen level is always above 96. What do you think about this? Is it just due to anxiety or a heart problem?
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Please follow exercise and diet to reduce weight. Trivial MR (mitral regurgitation- a common heart valve disease that occurs when the mitral valve on the left side of the heart does not close properly) can progress and cause atrial fibrillation (irregular fast heartbeat). So, for now, check your thyroid functions (T3, T4, and TSH - thyroid-stimulating hormone), ECG (electrocardiogram), echo (to see MR status), and Holter monitor (a 24-hour ECG).
Take a tablet of Lonazepam-MD 0.5 mg (Clonazepam) under the tongue while you have this episode, because it can be due to panic or anxiety. Check plasma glucose for diabetes and check lipids also.
I hope that you get your answer.
Please let me know if you want more help.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I had an EKG and x-ray of my chest today and everything was normal. Blood pressure and pulse were also normal. Do you think it is just due to anxiety? Or do I need the 24-hour monitor? Please advise.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Mostly, it can be due to anxiety. If it is atrial fibrillation then your doctor will prescribe some blood thinner.
If you get these episodes again then Holter monitoring is required and during that 24-hour please carry on with regular activities like walking and do not just relax during that day to get a correct reading. Thyroid, hemoglobin, and lipid (fasting) levels are also good to be done.
I hope that you get your answer.
Please let me know if you want more help.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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