Seeking Guidance for Heart-related Symptoms to Discuss with My Doctor
I am a 31-year-old woman experiencing unexpected developments over recent months, including elevated blood pressure and a notably high resting heart rate, accompanied by significant difficulty with physical exertion. My typical readings hover around 145/85 mmHg for blood pressure and pulse rates fluctuating between 90 to 100 bpm while at rest. Even minor activities, such as ascending a few flights of stairs to my third-floor apartment, leave me fatigued and lead to prolonged recovery times. Last year, during May and June, I began to notice frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) that were symptomatic and adversely impacted my overall well-being. After undergoing Holter monitoring, it was determined that I was experiencing 1% PVCs. An echocardiogram revealed a mild case of pericarditis with associated pericardial effusion. Subsequently, I was prescribed a course of Advil and colchicine for three months, which ultimately resolved the PVCs entirely. However, starting this January, I have noticed troubling symptoms re-emerging, including a sensation of pounding in my ears, bouts of dizziness, and recurrent headaches, along with a rapid resting heart rate. I have had several EKGs, all of which came back normal. Blood tests—including checks for thyroid function, anemia, electrolyte levels, d-dimer, troponin, and creatinine—have all yielded normal results, as did a recent chest X-ray. Could this signify a return of my pericarditis? I maintain an active lifestyle and generally eat a healthy diet, leading me to suspect that this might not just be straightforward hypertension. While I have a previous history of anxiety, it is managed effectively with citalopram. I am contemplating whether a follow-up echocardiogram would be advisable to further assess my condition. Current Medications: Suboxone 20mg (celebrating five years of sobriety) and citalopram 40mg, along with Flovent and Ventolin for asthma management.
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 5:10:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing several concerning symptoms that may be linked to your heart health, particularly given your history of pericarditis and PVCs. The symptoms you're describing—elevated blood pressure, a high resting heart rate, fatigue with physical activity, dizziness, and headaches—warrant careful monitoring and may indicate underlying issues that should be addressed promptly.
Explanation
Your recent symptoms could potentially suggest a recurrence of pericarditis, although the normal results from your EKGs and blood tests indicate that your heart's electrical activity and immediate health markers are stable. Given your previous experience with pericarditis and PVCs, it is reasonable to remain vigilant, especially in light of your elevated heart rate and persistent symptoms. Factors like stress and anxiety can indeed exacerbate heart-related symptoms, but your described physical symptoms deserve further evaluation.
Next Steps
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Symptom Diary: Start keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, their intensity, and any activities that may trigger or alleviate them. This log can help both you and your healthcare provider in understanding the patterns and possible causes.
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Follow-Up Echocardiogram: It would be prudent to discuss the option of a follow-up echocardiogram with your doctor. This test will help evaluate the structure and function of your heart and check for any signs of pericarditis or other concerns.
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Monitor Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Regularly check and record your blood pressure and heart rate, particularly during episodes of symptoms. If your blood pressure continues to rise or your heart rate doesn't improve, it may indicate a need for treatment adjustments.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: While you already lead a healthy lifestyle, consider incorporating more stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or other calming practices that can help regulate your heart rate and improve overall well-being.
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Discuss with Your Doctor: When you meet with your healthcare provider, bring up not only your symptoms but also your concerns about anxiety and how it might be impacting your physical health. There may be options for additional support or treatment adjustments.
It sounds like you are committed to your health, and keeping track of your symptoms and discussing them thoroughly with your doctor is a great step. If you notice any significant changes or worsening symptoms, such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness, seek medical attention immediately. Remember, you're not alone in this, and there are pathways to better health.
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