Unusual Heart Rate Observations
Age: 38, BMI: 25.4. I do not engage in smoking, vaping, or drinking. An echocardiogram was performed last October, revealing no irregularities. Typically, my resting heart rate ranges from 75 to 84 beats per minute. Although I don’t use a smartwatch, I take my blood pressure several times daily, which is how I keep track of these numbers. We also utilize a pulse oximeter that measures my heart rate. Recently, I have experienced elevated levels of mental and emotional stress over the last day or so. Today, I noticed instances where it felt like my heart was ‘pounding in my throat’ or fluttering, lasting just a few minutes. During one of these episodes, I had the oximeter on hand because I was concerned about my heart rate being too high; upon checking it, I was surprised to see my heart rate drop from 80 to 64 beats per minute within seconds, only to then rise back to 78 shortly after. I observed this rapid fluctuation again once more, with readings of 76-65-80. Our blood pressure monitor has a feature to identify irregular rhythms, but by the time I retrieved it from another room and sat down to take a reading, my blood pressure was slightly elevated (119/84) compared to my usual readings (which are typically under 115/80). However, my pulse had stabilized at 79, and the device did not indicate any irregular patterns, aside from my diastolic pressure exceeding 80. Could this situation be linked to anxiety? I appreciate any insight!
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 7:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning yet common symptoms that could indeed be linked to anxiety, especially given the recent increase in mental and emotional stress you've mentioned. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening and some actionable steps you can take.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms, including feeling your heart “pounding” or fluttering, along with fluctuating heart rates, can be associated with anxiety or stress responses.
- The recent stress you are experiencing may be triggering these physical sensations.
- It's positive to hear that your echocardiogram revealed no irregularities, indicating that there are no underlying heart conditions contributing to these symptoms.
Explanation:
When you experience anxiety or high stress levels, your body can respond in several ways, including elevated heart rate, palpitations, and changes in blood pressure. These physical symptoms result from your body's fight-or-flight response, which is a natural reaction to stress. Fluctuations in heart rate, like the ones you're observing, can occur when the body is trying to regain a sense of calm after a stressor.
Next Steps:
-
Practice Stress Management Techniques: Incorporate relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to help manage your stress levels. Try to dedicate a few minutes daily to these practices.
-
Monitor and Journal Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of when these episodes happen, including triggers, feelings, and heart rate readings. This can help identify patterns and better understand your anxiety.
-
Stay Hydrated and Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Ensure you're drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular physical activity, which can help mitigate stress and support overall cardiovascular health.
-
Limit Stimulants: Reduce or eliminate caffeine and sugar, as these can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and lead to more noticeable heart palpitations.
-
Consider Engagement in Supportive Activities: Connect with supportive friends or family, or consider joining a group or class focused on stress reduction or anxiety management.
-
Evaluate Your Stressors: Reflect on any specific situations that are contributing to your current stress. Addressing these concerns, whether through proactive discussions or adjustments, may help reduce your overall anxiety.
If your symptoms persist, worsen, or significantly impact your quality of life, seeking professional help from a mental health provider can be beneficial. A therapist can work with you on strategies tailored to manage anxiety effectively. Remember, you are not alone, and it's completely okay to seek support.
Related Questions
Are My Anti-Depressants the Wrong Choice?
Greetings everyone, I am a 25-year-old woman dealing with depression, mild anxiety, and some PTSD. I also experience hypermobility and have a heart murmur. My height is 170 cm, and my weight is 90 kg. I'm seeking guidance on whether the medication prescribed to me is the appropriate choice, as I'm concerned that, based on the label, it might not be suitable for me. In my younger years, I faced challenges with OCD, severe anxiety, and depression. Initially, I was given Escitalopram, which was effective for several years until my anxiety escalated dramatically, prompting a switch to Fluoxetine. During that transition, I realized I had been experiencing more side effects from Escitalopram than I initially recognized, such as significant sweating. After a little over a year on Fluoxetine, I felt better and chose to stop taking it, remaining medication-free for the last three years. However, in the past six months, my depression has worsened considerably. After consulting with my doctor, I resumed Fluoxetine treatment. Now, three weeks into this round of medication, I'm experiencing side effects that I may not necessarily link directly to the medication but still mentioned them during my follow-up. The symptoms include excessive sweating in my palms and feet, increased heart palpitations, and a two-week delay in my period. I've read that this medication can cause heavier menstrual bleeding, yet my pregnancy tests have all come back negative. This situation has left me quite perplexed. My doctor advised me to discontinue Fluoxetine and instead prescribed me Propranolol. To the best of my understanding, this medication is typically used for immediate relief of anxiety symptoms rather than addressing depression. The label also cautions against its use in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or a history of self-harm, and it notes that it may lead to depression or suicidal thoughts. Is it correct for me to think that Propranolol is not classified as an anti-depressant? It seems odd that my GP would choose this to manage symptoms from a medication she told me to stop. I have already spoken with a former pharmacist, an occupational therapist, and am currently awaiting a callback from my pharmacy, as I expressed my concerns regarding the safety of this prescription. I'm feeling apprehensive about taking it, and I’m frustrated that my doctor has not considered prescribing a different anti-depressant. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Keep in mind, I am not a medical professional—just someone navigating the complexities of mental health. I want to assure you all that I am safe and have support available for when I'm feeling vulnerable. At present, I do not have thoughts of harming myself or anyone else; I simply wish to be heard and find the right help.
Assessing Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Should I Seek Emergency Care?
To condense my situation, I am now on the 21st day of my menstrual cycle with no sign of it concluding. The flow has been unusually heavy throughout, to the extent that I’ve had to change my menstrual discs within just a couple of hours due to overflow, accompanied by significant clotting. I visited a new gynecological office yesterday to establish care since my regular GYN won’t be available until June. However, this appointment allows me to see another clinician at the end of April. During my visit, we talked about scheduling a transvaginal ultrasound, and I began a course of medroxyprogesterone at a daily dosage of 10 mg, which I will take for the next ten days. Unfortunately, my night was quite troublesome, marked by excessive bleeding even with an ultra tampon in use. My primary concern right now is the risk of anemia. I ordered a CBC test through Labcorp on Monday out of sheer curiosity, which revealed my red blood cell count was at 3.64 and my hemoglobin level was at 10.9. The provider repeated the CBC along with an iron panel, and as of early yesterday afternoon, my results were: - Red Blood Cells: 3.3 - Hemoglobin: 9.9 - Hematocrit: 31 - Iron: 24 - Iron saturation percentage: 6 - Ferritin: 12 I am trying to remain calm and patient with the progression of events, but I recognize that I have been losing a considerable amount of blood since these tests. With the weekend here, I’m increasingly anxious as I likely won’t receive any updates until Monday. Do my lab results indicate the need for immediate medical attention? I intend to commence taking 325 mg of oral ferrous sulfate today to address my iron levels.
Seeking Guidance from India: Battling Burping Attacks During Exercise
At the age of 45, I maintain a lifestyle that involves no smoking or drinking. Employed in the IT sector, I typically have a sedentary routine and do not engage in regular physical activity. My body mass index (BMI) stands at 26, categorizing me as ‘skinny fat’—I’m not overweight, but I do possess some abdominal fat. My predominant concern arises when I attempt to exercise. Even after ensuring a three-hour interval post-meal, I frequently endure unexpected bouts of burping. These episodes are accompanied by a heavy, tight sensation in my chest, leading to breathing difficulties that provoke feelings of anxiety. Even mild exercises like cycling or performing two to three push-ups can trigger these episodes, and the discomfort persists for over an hour before finally easing. Interestingly, I do not experience heartburn or burping at any other time, only during or following physical exertion. I sought expertise from a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which indicated mild gastritis but showed no signs of a hiatal hernia or other irregularities. Additionally, a cardiology assessment that included CT Coronary Angiography revealed no concerns, and a pulmonologist confirmed that my lung function is satisfactory. Due to my limited physical activity, my endurance is quite low. My desire to exercise and adopt a healthier lifestyle is strong, yet the sensations I feel—similar to air trapped in my chest wishing to escape—thwart my efforts. I've noticed that exercising on an empty stomach, particularly early in the morning, seems to stave off these burping issues. My professional environment is not overly demanding, which adds to my frustration. After incurring significant expenses for medical advice, I find myself at a loss with no clear indication of how to move forward. The root cause remains elusive and raises questions: Could it be linked to anxiety or stress? Even simple tasks, like playing football with my son or carrying heavy bags, can instigate these uncomfortable burping attacks, which linger for an hour or two. In this situation, I feel bewildered, disheartened, and utterly spent.
Navigating Alcohol Consumption While on Antidepressants
I am currently prescribed Escitalopram at a dosage of 10mg and Trazodone 50mg, which I take before bed for my mental health. Additionally, I use Clonazepam to help manage my anxiety. Earlier today, I joined a few friends for a social gathering where we had some drinks. I informed them that due to my medication, I usually avoid alcohol; however, I opted to have a single beer so I could participate in the festivities without feeling out of place. Now, approximately three hours later, I do not sense any lingering effects of alcohol. If there were any, they are quite subtle. My question is: Is it safe for me to take my medications in light of this?
Concerns About Potential Brain Damage at 16
To begin, I’d like to clarify that I’m currently located in Europe, where I observe that many individuals in my environment engage in more extreme behaviors than I do, even as I strive to partake in social activities without crossing the line into recklessness. My journey with alcohol commenced at the age of 14, albeit in a very mild manner. By the time I turned 15, I started drinking more regularly, making sure to space out my experiences approximately weekly to monthly, totaling around ten instances of intoxication. Notably, I noticed I had an adverse physical reaction to alcohol—specifically, skin flush the following day—which prompted me to transition to cannabis as it felt easier on my body. I limited my cannabis use to weekends while adhering to similar spacing, with one exception. At 16, I found myself smoking almost every day for a week after a particular incident, but I was able to regain control thereafter. When I was 15, I also experimented with psilocybin mushrooms on two occasions, which proved to be positive experiences and made me realize I needed to cut back on alcohol consumption. Recently, I had a successful experience with 150 micrograms of LSD after careful preparation. This evening, I intend to consume half an edible instead of resorting to drinking or smoking, aiming to increase my intervals between substances to once a month at a minimum while maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an athlete. Despite my efforts, my naturally anxious disposition makes me concerned about anything that may cause irreversible damage to my brain, including, for instance, excessive screen time. I would greatly value insights from professionals regarding these worries. For context: I’m 16 years old, assigned female at birth but have been on testosterone for seven months, standing at 5'4" and weighing 125 pounds.