Symptoms of AFIB?
A 25-year-old woman weighing 43 kg has been facing episodes of breathlessness, chest discomfort, and an irregular heartbeat predominantly over the last few days. She is considering a visit to a cardiologist but is leaning towards going directly to the emergency room due to persistent and bothersome palpitations. These pounding sensations are often paired with difficulty in breathing and mild chest pain. Despite taking ample time to rest and sleep, she finds that these issues persist. She has abstained from caffeine for several days without any improvement. Additionally, she works on a rotational shift schedule with only one day off, which may contribute to her stress levels, yet she recognizes the importance of obtaining professional medical advice.
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 7:30:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning symptoms, including breathlessness, chest discomfort, and an irregular heartbeat. Given the persistence and combination of these symptoms, it's wise to take them seriously.
Understanding Your Symptoms: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) can present with feelings of a racing or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Factors like stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes can contribute to these issues, particularly in individuals with demanding schedules. Since your symptoms are bothersome and persistent, especially after trying to manage them with rest and dietary changes, seeking immediate care is appropriate.
Next Steps:
-
Emergency Room Visit: Given your description of ongoing palpitations, chest discomfort, and difficulty in breathing, it is advisable to go to the emergency room. These are significant symptoms that require prompt evaluation.
-
Track Your Symptoms: As you prepare to go to the ER, if possible, note the following:
- When the palpitations occur and how long they last.
- Any activities or stressors that seem to trigger your symptoms.
- How severe the breathlessness and chest pain are on a scale from 1 to 10.
-
Self-Care Before Visit: While en route to the ER, try to stay calm. Deep, slow breathing can sometimes help reduce discomfort. Positioning yourself comfortably could also alleviate some symptoms.
-
Gather Information for the Medical Team: When you see the healthcare professionals, share all the details about your symptoms, your eating and sleeping patterns, and any lifestyle factors like shift work that might impact your heart health.
-
Follow Up: After your visit to the ER, make sure to schedule a follow-up with a cardiologist if advised. They can provide long-term management and investigate any underlying issues.
It's understandable to feel anxious about these symptoms, but getting timely medical help is the most important step you can take right now. Take care, and prioritize your health.
Related Questions
Do I Need to Be Concerned About My Heart?
I'm a 19-year-old male, weighing 209 pounds and standing at 5'11. Recently, I noticed that my heart felt like it was pounding really hard, especially when I bent over, or occasionally just felt a single strong beat followed by a normal rhythm. This has made me quite anxious, as I fear there might be an issue with my heart. I frequent the gym regularly, and a few months back, I went to the emergency room where they conducted an ultrasound and various blood tests. The results indicated that my heart was in excellent condition, described as 'beautiful' by the doctors. Despite this, I'm still deeply worried that something may not be right. Unfortunately, I can't afford another visit to the hospital right now. I've also been experiencing mild headaches at night and find myself getting winded rather quickly while jogging or running. Should I be genuinely concerned about these symptoms? I have a strong fear of something potentially serious happening to me.
Experiencing Heart-Related Symptoms?
M20 Currently, I am not on any medication but ceased taking Velaflax 37.5 mg a week ago. In recent weeks, I have been experiencing discomfort in my chest, along with occurrences of skipped heartbeats and sensations that my heart pauses momentarily before resuming—it’s often followed by a stronger heartbeat. The episodes of chest pain can vary; they may last anywhere from a minute to over an hour. There was at least one occasion where walking seemed to exacerbate the pain, although this is not always the case. Additionally, even during periods of rest, it takes a considerable amount of time for the discomfort to subside. I underwent an ECG that showed normal results. There was one instance where I felt a brief, burning sensation in my chest, and another time when I experienced a sharp and localized pain that seemed rhythmic in nature—it would intensify, then diminish, before returning again. The pain sometimes starts shortly after taking a walk, but there are also instances where it appears without any apparent trigger, simply coming and going at random intervals. I consulted with chatgpt and shared detailed symptoms (noting that I’m aware chatgpt may not be the most reliable source for medical advice), which suggested undergoing an ECG, Holter monitoring, and possibly a stress test. It also recommended seeking emergency care, as my scheduled appointment with the cardiologist is still nearly two months away. Chatgpt advised against taking walks alone, discontinuing exercise, and to avoid walking if I am experiencing pain. I’m seeking advice: Should I head to the emergency room or wait for my upcoming appointment? Furthermore, I am anxious to resume my walking and exercise routines—is it safe for me to do so?
When Your Doctor Overlooks Worsening Heart Issues: Seeking Solutions
Since August, I've been grappling with daily bouts of wheezing, chest constriction, and sharp sensations radiating from my shoulder down my arm. While these episodes typically only persist for about a minute, they extended up to an hour in February. After a brief hiatus in November, my symptoms re-emerged following a bout of flu in January. Additionally, I’ve been facing increasingly severe episodes of hypotension and tachycardia, alongside drastic changes in my appetite which include both complete aversion to food and overwhelming hunger. I also contend with nausea and debilitating fatigue. My situation is deteriorating; the intensity of my blood pressure drops and rapid heart rate has reached a level that leaves me feeling disoriented and unable to maintain my balance. I have a prior diagnosis of asthma, and my physician continues to attribute these complications to it. However, I strongly believe that the reality is fundamentally different, and I'm struggling to convey this to him. While I know the symptoms could suggest asthma on paper, the experience feels entirely distinct. I have visited the emergency room multiple times due to severe breathing difficulties, and the sole treatment that has yielded any positive effect has been corticosteroids. Just to add context, I relocated in August and recently returned to live with my parents. Right now, I’m unsure how to communicate my distress to my doctor effectively—I’m trapped in discomfort and can't endure this any longer.
Oral Iron Supplements After Ferric Iron Infusion: A Personal Inquiry
I’m a 31-year-old female, measuring between 5'5'' and 5'6'' and weighing 120 pounds. My health journey began in middle school when I was diagnosed with IBS. By eighth grade, I discovered I had an iron deficiency. I started menstruating at 15, but by 17, my health took a downturn as I experienced severe anemia due to overwhelming menstrual cycles—having them twice a month lasting 10 days each. My doctor is currently investigating potential underlying issues related to my heavy and prolonged periods, with an ultrasound scheduled for further assessment. Thankfully, I’m now experiencing a more manageable cycle of every 4 to 5 weeks instead of the previous bi-monthly sequences. Around a year ago, I started suspecting a gluten sensitivity and opted for a gluten-free diet. Although I’m hesitant to undergo testing due to the severe reactions I experience when consuming gluten, I find it better to avoid it altogether, as it necessitates taking time off work due to the resultant illness. In my 20s, I suffered from a fecal impaction that led to significant weight loss, which was concerning as I am already quite slender. In an attempt to cope with the intense pain, I resorted to medication that unfortunately aggravated my condition further. Once the impaction was resolved, I faced a new challenge in the form of chronic gastritis, leading to episodes of vomiting brown, foul-smelling material after consuming even mildly spicy foods. For a prolonged period, my diet consisted primarily of yogurt and ice cream. Fortunately, my situation improved gradually after I began monitoring my hydration and using probiotics, although those earlier days were quite difficult. Now, I only experience vomiting when I inadvertently consume gluten or excessively oily foods. Currently, I take Restoralax on a daily basis (a significant reduction from the initial 10 doses I required previously) and I’m also on a regimen involving 6 mg of Suboxone. The positive side is that since eliminating gluten from my diet, my IBS symptoms have shown marked improvement. While I tried a low FODMAP diet, it didn’t yield significant results for me, apart from avoiding onions and garlic, which I still steer clear of. However, I do find myself occasionally consuming gluten accidentally, and the consequences are much more pronounced now, likely since I no longer feel constantly unwell. **Here’s where I need some guidance: I’ve received conflicting advice regarding the continuation of oral iron supplements after my ferric iron infusion. One physician recommended I keep taking them while another advised waiting for 8 weeks to avoid any potential interactions that might reduce the effectiveness of the infusion. Online sources state a waiting period of 4 to 12 weeks. What would be the best course of action regarding my oral iron supplements?** The infusion was prescribed because I had been taking oral iron supplements since my teenage years without sufficient improvement in my iron levels. Additionally, my gastrointestinal issues limit the quantity of oral iron I can tolerate. Thankfully, my ferritin levels have significantly improved over the last year, rising from a concerning 2 and 4 to a healthy 13, and I’m no longer anemic.
Experiencing Chest Pain During Illness?
Age 19, female. Last week, I visited the emergency department due to experiencing difficulty in breathing, though the examination revealed no immediate concerns. Previously, healthcare professionals have noted that my chest discomfort could stem from inflammation, possibly costochondritis. Ever since that visit, my health has dramatically deteriorated. I'm still struggling with shortness of breath and I've noticed a significant increase in chest pain, which is now particularly intense in my back, predominantly on the left side. Additionally, I'm dealing with a persistent cough, a sore and dry throat, extreme fatigue, a loss of appetite, strong palpitations, and feelings of nausea, which make me feel truly terrible. Complicating matters, I also suffer from severe health anxiety, causing me to question whether I might have a serious condition that demands attention, or if I'm simply dealing with a common flu that has triggered my costochondritis. With this uncertainty, I'm caught between the possibility of visiting my doctor, facing dismissal due to my anxiety, or reverting to the emergency room yet again, only to leave without any answers for the tenth time.