OpenHealth Q&A

20-Year-Old Anxious About Persistent Mild Symptoms Exacerbated by Movement

I'm currently feeling overwhelmed and perhaps I’m just venting, as truthfully, I don't foresee any solutions in the near future unless an ER visit becomes necessary. For nearly five months, I have been experiencing persistent, mild symptoms that are rather vague. I also deal with severe anxiety, which adds to the unpredictability of my symptoms. What genuinely alarms me is the sensation of feeling somewhat unwell whenever I engage in physical activity or even simple movements. Each time I get up or move around, I often experience a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness. More frequently, I experience a general sense of weakness rather than being on the verge of fainting. To clarify, the only instances I have felt true presyncope—where my vision darkens and sounds become muffled—were connected to blood draws and once during a childhood PE class in hot weather. In addition to these, I often have other unusual symptoms. Occasionally, these relate directly to my chest—such as mild tightness (typically on the left side), a sensation of fullness, or a slight ache. At other times, I notice various symptoms like pressure in my head or ears, a feeling of visual distortion (without actual blurry vision; I suspect I might be dissociating), or a tightness in my throat, but not quite gasping for air; it’s more of an uncomfortable sensation. I've considered the possibility of POTS since my heart rate sometimes fluctuates significantly—jumping over 40 beats per minute just from standing. However, there are moments when it doesn't react as much. My symptoms vary day to day and even throughout the day, generally becoming milder in the evenings. I'm aware that I am deconditioned, yet even prior to my current situation, I wasn’t particularly active. A couple of weeks ago, I attempted a ten-minute workout intended for seniors; it left me sore, and my heart rate soared to 190. Nowadays, my physical activity largely consists of forcing myself to walk around my home or yard for a few minutes several times daily, engaging in very gentle yoga, preparing meals, and managing personal hygiene. Additionally, I've had to confront agoraphobia, so my outings are minimal, limited to controlled exposure exercises. With a move occurring in two weeks, I feel anxious about the physical toll it may take on me. For the past few evenings, I have spent around thirty minutes packing up my belongings, which has been challenging, but manageable. However, when I attempted to pack earlier in the day, I felt so exhausted that I had to stop after about forty minutes. This pattern keeps repeating, and today I even experienced brief, sharp chest pains while packing, in addition to the usual chest tightness. Every day brings a heightened awareness of how simple tasks now feel perilously challenging, given these concerning symptoms. Just today, I encountered these sensations while taking out the trash and even when playing the piano. I’m in the process of finding a new primary care physician since my previous one closed their practice, but it might be weeks before I secure an appointment. Back in March, I had a telehealth consultation and some blood tests that didn’t provide me with much reassurance, as my results showed only minor, potentially insignificant irregularities. I remain uncertain if my symptoms relate specifically to cardiac issues, which has been a constant source of worry. I had a normal EKG and a Holter monitor around two years ago, but I feel that’s not enough to rule out potential problems. I plan to request a referral for another cardiologist once I establish care with my new PCP.

Answers (1)

7/18/2025, 7:40:51 AM

OpenHealth AI

I can sense that you are feeling overwhelmed by your persistent symptoms, especially with the upcoming move and your current anxiety. It's essential to address both your physical sensations and the emotional aspects. Your symptoms, including dizziness, chest tightness, and fluctuations in heart rate, can be distressing, but there are practical steps you can take to help manage these concerns in the interim.

Explanation

Many of the symptoms you describe, such as lightheadedness, weakness with movement, and chest tightness, can stem from several factors: anxiety, potential postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), or even deconditioning due to limited activity. Your history of anxiety can amplify how you perceive these symptoms, making it essential to tackle both the physical and emotional aspects.

Moving and packing can stress your body further, especially if you're not feeling your best. It’s prudent to focus on small, manageable tasks and recognize the importance of rest and self-care.

Immediate Steps to Consider

1. Pacing Activities: Break tasks into smaller segments. For example, if you need to pack, do it for 10-15 minutes, followed by a rest period where you sit comfortably and breathe deeply.

2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen dizziness and fatigue. Ensure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily symptom diary to note when you feel worse and what activities trigger your symptoms. This can help you identify patterns over time and discuss them with your new physician.

4. Gentle Movement and Stretching: Continue with gentle yoga and light stretching to help improve your blood circulation and possibly mitigate some symptoms. Aim for a few minutes of movement but listen to your body.

5. Anxiety Management: Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness exercises, which can help alleviate symptoms related to anxiety.

6. Limit Stressful Activities: Since you're preparing for a move, be mindful of your reaction to stress. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a step back, and focus on something calming.

7. Set a Follow-Up Plan: Once you secure a new primary care physician, express your concerns regarding the variability in your symptoms, and consider requesting evaluations that can assess your cardiovascular health if symptoms persist, along with testing for POTS if indicated.

Conclusion

Your concerns are valid, especially given the variations in how you feel day to day. By pacing your activities, managing hydration, and taking time to relax, you can help your body cope better during this hectic period. Continue to express your worries in your diary and prepare for a thorough evaluation with your new physician to ensure you address all your symptoms comprehensively.