Persistent Heart Palpitations for Over a Day
A 28-year-old woman weighing 190 pounds and standing 5 feet 2 inches tall reports experiencing heart palpitations for more than 24 hours. She is currently not on any medication and is 13 weeks pregnant. Previously, she had a clean bill of health until last November, when she began to experience episodes of lightheadedness and fainting intertwined with a rapid heartbeat (resting pulse rate ranges from 95 to 120 beats per minute). After a particularly serious episode in January, she was hospitalized for comprehensive tests. Fortunately, numerous diagnostic procedures, including echocardiograms and several EKGs, yielded no alarming results. It was around this time that she found out about her pregnancy, which has since led her doctors to suggest a termination due to the alarming increase in her symptoms despite the lack of diagnoses, with the procedure scheduled for next week. Just yesterday, after completing some grocery shopping, she noticed the onset of palpitations when she settled into her vehicle. While she had experienced palpitations occasionally before, this particular instance proved different as the sensations persisted without any sign of relief. Throughout the night, her sleep was severely disrupted, and she noted that the palpitations continued. Moreover, she has been monitoring her heart rate, which has been fluctuating between 100 and 130 beats per minute, even during periods of complete rest, since the palpitations began. Now, after enduring over a full day of this condition, she reflects that she has never faced such a prolonged episode of palpitations. Attempting to reach her cardiologist has yielded no response, and her primary care physician is unavailable today. She finds herself questioning the severity of her situation. Is this a cause for concern? While searching for answers online has exacerbated her anxiety, she is also hesitant to seek emergency care for fear of overstating the issue.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 12:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Persistent heart palpitations for over 24 hours, especially during pregnancy and accompanied by lightheadedness, can be concerning. It’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely and take steps to manage anxiety while prioritizing your health.
Explanation: Heart palpitations can result from various factors, including anxiety, hormonal changes during pregnancy, or other underlying conditions. Given your history of lightheadedness and fainting, along with the increased heart rate and the duration of your current symptoms, it would normally be advisable to seek immediate medical attention to rule out any significant issues, especially since you are pregnant.
It's understandable to feel anxious about your situation, but your health and the health of your pregnancy are vital. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to symptoms like these.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional changes in your symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting. Note how long the palpitations last and any triggers you observe.
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Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing or relaxation techniques to help reduce anxiety, which may alleviate some palpitations. Try inhaling deeply through your nose and then exhaling slowly through your mouth.
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Stay Hydrated: Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can exacerbate palpitations. Aim for at least 8-10 cups a day unless otherwise advised due to your pregnancy.
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Avoid Stimulants: Cut back on any caffeine or sugar, which can increase heart rate and contribute to palpitations.
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Seek Emergency Care If Necessary: If your palpitations continue without relief or worsen (e.g., significant fatigue, chest pain, or fainting), go to the emergency room. It’s crucial to address any potential complications during pregnancy.
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Follow-Up: As soon as possible, contact your primary care physician or cardiologist again for a follow-up to discuss your symptoms and any immediate concerns regarding your heart health and pregnancy.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance. Your health matters, and addressing these symptoms promptly is important.
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