OpenHealth Q&A

Concerning Fluctuations in Health Measurements

Age: 37, Weight: 45 kg, Height: 171 cm Former smoker; currently uses vaping devices. **Existing health issues:** - Osteoporosis - Hiatus hernia - Chronic neutropenia - Lymphopenia - Peripheral neuropathy **Current medications:** - Concerta 36 mg, taken twice daily - Lorazepam 1 mg, as needed (up to twice daily) Over the last two weeks, I've experienced a decline in my overall well-being, but I’ve been feeling unwell for about two years without any clear diagnosis. I haven't undergone any medical evaluations or routine check-ups in the last year. Recently, my Apple Watch has been recording abnormal data that I find concerning. I believe the condition I may be experiencing is referred to as tachy-brady syndrome, although I am not entirely sure. My respiratory rates have shown unusual fluctuations, something I have not encountered before. Notably, I've recorded three significant spikes in my readings: - June 28th, from 15:00 to 17:00: a shift from 25.5 bpm to 7.5 bpm - July 6th, from 05:00 to 12:00: a drop from 22.5 bpm to 8 bpm - July 9th, from 03:00 to 05:00: a change from 28 bpm to 8.5 bpm Additionally, my heart rate has followed a similar pattern, varying significantly and frequently throughout the day, often fluctuating from 40 or 50 bpm up to 110 or 130 bpm within the same hour. I have also noticed that my heart rate variability (HRV) sometimes dips into single digits, occasionally as low as 5 ms. For the past two years, I have battled with symptoms, including sudden jolts of breath followed by moments of hearing loss accompanied by ringing. There are stabbing pains in my legs, and my body often feels heavy. Fatigue has rendered me nearly bedbound over the past year, making it difficult to stand or move without feeling excessively tired. I also experience sharp, stitch-like chest pains that seem to come and go. In the last week, my appetite has diminished significantly, and I sometimes feel dizzy, whether I'm standing or lying down. I’m questioning the seriousness of these symptoms and whether they warrant concern, as my previous medical exams have not indicated any issues. It’s perplexing to consider whether I might be overreacting, or how reliable the data from my Apple Watch is. However, these readings are new for me, and they correlate with my worsening condition. I understand that anyone online can't provide medical advice and that consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action. Yet, I’m left wondering just how troubling this situation is. After feeling unwell for such an extended time without a clear diagnosis, I feel lost on how to assess my health status effectively.

Answers (1)

7/11/2025, 7:40:58 PM

OpenHealth AI

Main Points: Your symptoms and fluctuating health measurements are concerning and may indicate the need for a prompt medical evaluation. Key issues to focus on include your significant heart rate variations, respiratory rate changes, fatigue, and other troubling symptoms.

Explanation: You've described a range of serious symptoms, including tachycardia (fast heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate), fluctuations in respiratory rates, and significant fatigue. The combination of your existing health conditions, such as osteoporosis and chronic neutropenia, could complicate your overall health status. The abnormal data from your Apple Watch, particularly the extreme fluctuations in heart rate and respiratory rate, raise red flags.

Your feelings of dizziness, diminished appetite, and sharp chest pains are particularly alarming and should not be ignored. Given your complex medical history and current symptoms, it’s understandable to feel lost and worried about the implications of these changes.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary: Document your symptoms, including heart rate, respiratory rate, levels of fatigue, appetite changes, and any other unusual occurrences. This information will be invaluable when discussing your health with a healthcare provider.

2. Hydration and Nutrition: Aim to stay hydrated and try to eat small, nutritious meals to help combat your diminished appetite. Simple foods such as broths, smoothies, or light snacks can be more manageable.

3. Manage Stress: Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching to help alleviate some stress, which may also assist in managing some of your symptoms.

4. Seek Medical Attention Promptly: It is crucial to connect with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Given the seriousness of your symptoms and the described fluctuations in your vital signs, a thorough evaluation, including potentially blood tests, imaging studies, and a review of your medications, is important to rule out any critical issues.

5. Limit Vaping: If possible, try to reduce or stop vaping, as it can complicate respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms.

6. Monitor for Red Flags: If you experience severe or worsening symptoms, such as significant shortness of breath, chest pain that becomes unbearable, or sustained dizziness and confusion, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Please remember that your health is important, and taking these steps to address your concerns is essential. You’re not overreacting; your symptoms indicate that you deserve professional evaluation and support.