Possible Alternatives to Heart Attack Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 27-year-old female dealing with OCD and GERD, and I had my gallbladder removed last year. Recently, I've experienced multiple episodes of fainting. Specifically, last Wednesday night, I woke up feeling an urgent need to urinate, followed by an intense burning sensation in my chest that radiated to my limbs. My feet became clammy, I struggled to breathe, and for a brief moment, I lost consciousness. Since that incident, I've had six additional similar episodes, although only once did I actually black out; the others were marked by extreme anxiety instead. Despite my history of GERD, I can confidently say this is not related to that condition, as I take omeprazole to manage it. Since the initial episode, I’ve been closely monitoring my heart rate and blood pressure throughout the day. I've experienced significant shakiness, frequent urges to urinate, and alternating between feeling sweaty and cold. My heart rate occasionally spikes unexpectedly to over 150, while my blood pressure, which usually rests around 105/65, has surged to 140/105, leaving me unable to get off the ground. My blood glucose levels are within the normal range, as verified by testing, and my electrolytes were also normal according to lab results. I had to visit the emergency room due to my blood pressure reaching 150, uncontrollable shaking, and the burning sensation in my chest. The results from the EKG and chest X-ray were normal. However, I continue to wake up in the night feeling faint, and during the day, I endure a heavy pounding in my chest. Could there be other explanations for these symptoms? They closely resemble the descriptions of a heart attack, albeit without any localized pain. Additionally, I’ve been on 100mg of sertraline for my OCD for over six years. Any advice or insights that I could present to my primary care physician would be invaluable. I have small children, and I cannot afford to risk my safety or well-being. In summary, I've been experiencing episodes of fainting or near-fainting, but all lab results appear normal. Since these episodes began, I've been feeling unwell throughout the day.
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 1:20:57 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing some distressing symptoms that can be quite concerning, especially as a busy parent. Your episodes of fainting or near-fainting, accompanied by chest discomfort and changes in heart rate, warrant careful consideration, especially since you’ve ruled out several other potential causes based on your past medical history and lab results.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
The symptoms you're describing—intense burning in the chest, clammy feet, shakiness, and a significant spike in heart rate—could potentially be linked to several factors, such as:
- Anxiety or panic attacks: Given your history of OCD and the stress from these episodes, anxiety could be contributing to both your physical symptoms and the feeling of losing consciousness.
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or Orthostatic Hypotension: These conditions can cause dizziness and fainting due to blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations, especially when changing positions.
- Vasovagal syncope: This is a common cause of fainting that can be triggered by stress, pain, or even dehydration.
These alternative explanations are more benign but can still significantly impact your quality of life, particularly as a parent.
Next Steps:
Here are some prioritized actions you can take:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document the episodes, including what you were doing right before the episode, your feelings of anxiety, your heart rate, and any other symptoms. This information can provide valuable insights to your doctor.
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Monitor Your Hydration and Dietary Intake: Ensure you're staying well-hydrated and consuming enough electrolytes, especially since you have a history of GERD. Dehydration can worsen symptoms.
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Adjust Your Environment: Create a calm environment and try relaxation techniques (like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness) to help manage anxiety.
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Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment: Present your findings and the symptom diary to your primary care physician. Discuss the possibility of testing for conditions like POTS or exploring your anxiety further.
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Consider Evaluating Your Current Medications: Discuss with your doctor the effects of sertraline as it may impact your symptoms, especially concerning anxiety and heart rate.
Reassurance:
You're taking the right steps by being proactive about your health. It's essential to address these symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine their root cause accurately. Remember, your safety is the priority, and there are strategies to help manage your symptoms effectively. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed but keep focused on your well-being—for your sake and your children. If there's anything specific you want to clarify or if you have additional questions, feel free to ask!
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