Experiencing Palpitations Along with Upper Back and Left Shoulder Discomfort: When Should You Seek Emergency Care?
I’m a 28-year-old female, weighing 150 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches, living in Texas. I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, chronic low blood pressure that causes fainting spells, and I’m managing OCD and ADHD. My current medication is Fluvoxamine, taken at a dosage of 100mg once daily. I don’t smoke and consume alcohol socially, limited to 1-2 beers. I maintain good hydration levels. In 2020, I underwent a bilateral salpingectomy along with a uterine ablation, alongside other exploratory surgeries prior to that year. Last night, I experienced heart palpitations accompanied by a sharp, constrictive pain located between my shoulders in the upper back region, extending to my left shoulder. There was no accompanying shortness of breath, and the episode lasted several hours until I managed to fall asleep. The symptoms disappeared today until about 4 PM, and now, at 8:40 PM, I'm still feeling some discomfort, although it is considerably milder than last night. The sensation is quite subtle at this point. No movements or activities seem to aggravate or alleviate the symptoms. My general practitioner has previously mentioned the possibility of evaluating me for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), but I haven’t yet pursued a consultation with specialists. I'm at a loss regarding any potential muscle strain, as I have circulatory issues related to my hEDS and experience frequent joint dislocations. Given my OCD, anxiety is a constant presence, though it's not as overwhelming lately. While I’ve been reassuring myself that the shoulder discomfort is likely just a manifestation of my usual joint pain, it feels distinct from what I typically encounter. I’m striving to remain calm, but I’m concerned that my urge to share this situation might stem from compulsive behavior. It’s a struggle to keep from panicking, and I’m feeling conflicted about my concerns.
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 1:50:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about experiencing heart palpitations and discomfort in your upper back and left shoulder, especially given your medical history and current symptoms. It's essential to differentiate between symptoms that may be related to your existing conditions (like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and low blood pressure) and those that may require urgent care.
Summary of Key Points:
- Symptoms Overview: Heart palpitations and discomfort between the shoulders may relate to several factors, including anxiety, musculoskeletal issues, or circulatory factors due to your existing conditions.
- When to Seek Emergency Care: Look for signs such as worsening pain, difficulty breathing, or new symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or fainting, which would necessitate immediate attention.
Explanation:
Your symptoms of palpitations and shoulder discomfort can result from various conditions, including anxiety or muscle strain, particularly given your history of joint issues. However, discomfort in the left shoulder could be a sign of cardiac involvement, even if it seems mild now.
Considering you have a complex health background, vigilance is important. While anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, it’s crucial to listen to your body and be aware of changes, especially when you have a history of fainting spells and low blood pressure.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any changes or patterns, especially if they worsen. Note the frequency of palpitations and the intensity and nature of the shoulder discomfort.
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Calming Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to help with anxiety. This may also positively influence your physical sensations.
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Emergency Signs: Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Severe or worsening chest, back, or shoulder pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Nausea or sweating.
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Specialist Consultation: Since you mentioned previously discussing POTS with your doctor, consider following up about this or other relevant specialists (like cardiology or pain management for your joint issues) as soon as you're able.
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Re-evaluating Medications: If your anxiety or OCD symptoms feel overwhelming or are contributing significantly to your distress, discuss medication effectiveness with your healthcare provider or consider behavioral therapy options.
It's completely normal to feel conflicted about your symptoms and the urge to seek help. Trust your instincts, and prioritize your health. Please take care of yourself and be kind to yourself as you navigate through these sensations.
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