OpenHealth Q&A

Young Adult Anxious About Moving Due to Mild Cardiac Symptoms and Delay in Doctor Appointment

I’ve been experiencing mild yet concerning symptoms for nearly five months now, and my background includes severe anxiety, so it’s no surprise that I often find myself feeling unwell. However, what genuinely alarms me is how I consistently feel somewhat ill whenever I engage in any physical activity or movement. Every time I get up or walk around, I encounter feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness. For the most part, it’s less about nearly fainting and more about an overall sense of weakness and lightness in my body. The only times I’ve truly experienced near-fainting sensations—such as darkening vision and muffled hearing—were after blood draws and once during a physically exhausting activity as a child. In addition to this, I frequently notice other unusual symptoms. Sometimes, these are related to my chest, such as mild tightness on the left side, a sense of fullness, or, occasionally, slight soreness. At other times, I experience random sensations like pressure in my head or ears, a feeling that my vision is off without any actual blurriness, or mild shortness of breath—not gasping for air, but rather a sensation that my airways are tight or unusual. I’ve also considered the possibility of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), especially because my heart rate can spike significantly—over 40 beats per minute—just from standing. However, there’s inconsistency in these episodes, with my symptoms fluctuating daily, and they generally seem better in the evenings. I recognize that I’m out of shape, but even before this decline in my health, my activity levels were limited. A couple of weeks ago, I attempted a brief, gentle workout designed for seniors and found myself extremely sore afterward, with my heart rate soaring to 190. Nowadays, my exercise consists of forcing myself to do light activities like walking around my house or yard for a few minutes several times a day, engaging in low-intensity yoga, meal preparation, and personal care. Additionally, I am recovering from agoraphobia, so I haven’t been venturing out much except for scheduled exposure exercises. I’m facing a move in less than a week, and I’m genuinely frightened that the physical demands of packing will land me in the hospital. Recently, I’ve started light packing for 30 to 60 minutes daily, but I often have to stop because I feel utterly exhausted. At these times, I experience that familiar chest discomfort, where on some days I feel sharp or fleeting pains and on others merely general tightness or dull soreness in the left side of my chest, which comes and goes. Consistently, I also notice an odd sensation resembling air hunger. My oxygen saturation levels are consistently normal, which complicates my understanding of any respiratory issues I might be facing. The chest discomfort varies, but it has never escalated to something unbearable; it’s more like an annoying sensation, yet because it’s in my chest, it’s indeed worrying. I suspect these symptoms correlate with my ongoing anxiety about the move, but I haven’t been able to assist in packing as much as I would like. In recent days, while packing has slowed down since most items are packed, I anticipate a surge of stress from the move ahead. Although I’ve been less active, this persistent chest discomfort—ranging from tension in my upper chest to vague tightness on my left side—seems to have increased. I feel significantly more fatigued and disconnected than usual. This discomfort occasionally appears after physical activity but can also emerge unexpectedly. Interestingly, there were a few days where I attributed a lingering tight sensation on the left side of my chest to specific movements, which lasted for an hour or two but ultimately subsided. Every day, I become increasingly aware of how potentially risky even basic tasks have become in light of these troubling symptoms. Just today, I experienced discomfort while taking out the trash and even while playing the piano, which should be a relaxing activity. I am currently in the process of finding a new primary care physician since my last one has closed their practice, but my first appointment won’t happen for several weeks—definitely not before the move. Back in March, I had a telehealth consultation that included blood tests, which thankfully didn’t reveal any serious concerns (though there were some minor, potentially insignificant irregularities). I remain uncertain about whether my symptoms point to cardiac issues, despite having had a normal EKG and Holter monitor two years ago. Given these lingering concerns, I certainly plan to request a referral to a cardiologist when I finally meet my new doctor. I’m at a loss for what to do; I don’t want to feel helpless during the moving process, yet if my anxiety continues, I fear I won’t be able to contribute meaningfully due to worries about my safety. I’ve even considered going to urgent care before the move, although I’m unsure what more they could do beyond performing another EKG or blood tests, which may not provide definitive answers. The last thing I want is to end up in the emergency room on moving day. If it weren’t for the upcoming move, I might have opted to wait and see my new PCP, but I’m increasingly anxious to just get through that day as best as I can.

Answers (1)

7/28/2025, 9:50:59 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re experiencing significant physical and emotional distress related to your symptoms and the upcoming move. It's completely understandable to feel anxious, especially with your history of anxiety and current challenges. Let’s address your symptoms and how to manage them effectively as you prepare for this transition.

Key Points:

• You are experiencing mild cardiac symptoms (chest discomfort, lightheadedness) possibly related to anxiety and physical activity.
• Your symptoms fluctuate and seem to worsen with stress, which is common in anxiety disorders.
• It’s important to find ways to manage your symptoms effectively to ease your mind during the move.

Explanation:

The lightheadedness and chest discomfort you’re experiencing can be influenced by both physical factors and anxiety. While you’ve had previous evaluations that suggest no significant cardiac issues, persistent symptoms can understandably lead to increased worry. The connection between anxiety and physical health can create a cycle where stress exacerbates physical symptoms, leading to more anxiety.

Given your symptoms, it's possible that simple physical exertion and anxiety are part of the problem, especially since your heart rate increases significantly with mild activity. Your experience of dizziness and lightheadedness might also suggest a form of orthostatic intolerance, which could be related to your anxiety or other factors like dehydration or lack of physical conditioning.

Next Steps:

1. Pace Yourself: Since you’re preparing for a move, break down packing into very small tasks. Instead of packing for 30-60 minutes nonstop, try 10-15 minutes, then take breaks. Focus on one box at a time.

2. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals. Low blood sugar and dehydration can worsen feelings of dizziness.

3. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary. Note when discomfort occurs, what activity you were doing, and any associated feelings of anxiety. This can help you identify triggers and patterns.

4. Breathe and Relax: Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation. These can be effective for managing acute anxiety and may help reduce physical symptoms.

5. Engage Support: If possible, enlist help from friends or family during moving day. They can assist with the physical tasks, allowing you to take care of yourself without overexerting.

6. Consider Urgent Care if Needed: If your symptoms worsen significantly or you feel highly anxious about them, it’s reasonable to visit urgent care for reassurance. A quick evaluation can help alleviate worries and guide you on immediate actions regarding your health.

7. Post-Move Reflection: Once settled, focus on scheduling your new primary care appointment, and don’t hesitate to discuss your symptoms in detail to explore further evaluations or referrals.

As you navigate this challenging time, remember that it’s okay to prioritize your health and well-being. Moving is a significant stressor on its own, and listening to your body while managing your anxiety is crucial. You are not alone in this process, and taking it one step at a time can help you feel more in control.