OpenHealth Q&A

20-Year-Old Anxious About Moving Due to Mild Cardiac Concerns and Delayed PCP Appointment

For nearly five months, I've been experiencing persistent, non-specific symptoms that leave me feeling uneasy. Compounding this is my history of debilitating anxiety, which leads to sporadic symptoms. However, what truly terrifies me is that any form of physical activity makes me feel somewhat unwell. Whenever I stand up or walk, I often feel dizzy or lightheaded. Generally, it’s more of a sensation of weakness rather than an imminent blackout. To note, I’ve only ever experienced genuine presyncope (darkening vision and muffled hearing) post-blood draws and once during physical education as a child on a hot day. Accompanying these feelings are various unusual symptoms. Occasionally, I notice mild tightness or fullness in my chest, predominantly on the left side, along with some soreness. Other strange sensations pop up randomly, such as pressure in my head or ears, distorted vision (though not blurry or lost sight, likely linked to dissociation), and a slight feeling of constriction in my airways without actual gasping. I have pondered the possibility of POTS, as my heart rate can drastically increase—sometimes jumping over 40 beats per minute simply from rising to a standing position. Yet, this can fluctuate daily, and often my symptoms seem less severe later in the day. While I am aware of my deconditioned state, even prior to the onset of these issues, I wasn’t particularly active. A couple of weeks back, I attempted a brief ten-minute senior workout, and it left me sore and escalated my heart rate to an alarming 190 BPM. Currently, my physical activity is limited to short walks around my home and garden, gentle yoga sessions, food preparation, and basic self-care routines. As someone recovering from agoraphobia, my outings are few and involve minimal predetermined exposures. With a move approaching in under a week, anxiety grips me at the thought. Recently, I began packing lightly for 30 to 60 minutes daily but would find myself utterly exhausted, forcing me to halt. Typically, this would trigger some degree of chest discomfort—one day, I would experience brief, stabbing pains along with persistent tightness; another day, it would present as a dull pain in my left chest. Disturbingly, I frequently endure a sensation of air hunger, although my oxygen saturation remains normal, which confuses me since difficulty breathing can occur independently of low oxygen levels. Simply put, the chest discomfort tends to be an annoying yet decidedly unsettling experience. I believe these symptoms simply reflect my ongoing concerns, though heightened by my anxiety about moving. Consequently, I regretfully haven’t contributed much to the packing process. In recent days, as packing has reduced, I’ve noticed the discomfort in my chest seems more continuous, ranging from a general tightness in my chest and neck to a dull pressure primarily on my left side. I also feel increasingly fatigued and dissociated. Sometimes, the discomfort appears triggered by movement, yet other times it occurs unexpectedly. Notably, I had several days of tightness and fullness on the left side of my chest, which persisted for an hour or two while I was resting, only to vanish completely afterward. Over the last few months, I’ve experienced “flare-ups” of both chest discomfort and fatigue, which can last for one to two weeks before subsiding, albeit others might worsen in the interim. Each day, I become increasingly aware of how basic activities feel perilous due to these relentless symptoms. Today, even simple tasks like taking out the trash or playing the piano induced these sensations. Currently, I’m in the process of finding a new primary care physician since my last one closed their practice, but it might be weeks before I secure an appointment—definitely after the move. My last telehealth appointment in March and subsequent blood tests yielded no significant reassurance; I had some minor abnormal results that may be insignificant. As of now, I’m uncertain if my symptoms indicate a cardiac issue, although this remains my primary concern. Two years ago, I underwent a normal EKG and holter monitor test, but I feel it is prudent to request a referral to a cardiologist as soon as I establish care with my new PCP. I’m at a loss about how to handle the upcoming moving day; I want to help but my anxiety makes me fear I won’t be able to contribute adequately, worrying about my symptoms. I’ve considered visiting urgent care before the move, but I doubt they would do much outside of an EKG or basic blood tests—all of which still leave many questions unanswered. The thought of ending up in the emergency room on moving day is something I dread. If I weren’t facing this move, I might simply wait for my new PCP appointment, but my primary concern is making it through that day in one piece.

Answers (1)

7/29/2025, 4:02:23 AM

OpenHealth AI

You’re dealing with a lot right now, and it sounds genuinely challenging. Your symptoms of dizziness, chest discomfort, and fatigue, compounded by your anxiety, are understandably causing you distress, especially with a move approaching. It’s important to acknowledge how significant this is for you, and while it sounds like your symptoms might be related to anxiety and possibly deconditioning, it’s wise to take some precautions and steps to manage your situation.

Understanding Your Symptoms

• Dizziness and Lightheadedness: These can be linked to anxiety but can also be due to changes in blood pressure or heart rate, particularly if you have a condition like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
• Chest Discomfort: This can stem from anxiety, muscle strain, or other non-cardiac issues, especially if the symptoms fluctuate and you’ve had prior cardiac assessments without significant findings.
• Fatigue and Dissociation: These can often escalate during stressful periods, and you're going through a significant life change.

Next Steps

1. Calm Your Routine: Since moving is stressful, try breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, and take breaks frequently. Consider enlisting help from friends or family to lighten your load on moving day.

2. Self-Care Techniques:

   • Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to help with anxiety and chest tightness. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for six. Repeat this several times when you feel anxious.
   • Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re drinking enough water and eating regular meals to support your energy levels.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a simple journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur and their intensity. This can help you track patterns and may provide helpful information for your new PCP.

4. Physical Activity: Gentle movements, like stretching or light yoga, can be beneficial. Aim for short, low-impact activities instead of longer, strenuous ones that might leave you feeling more fatigued.

5. Plan for the Move: Have a plan for moving day that includes breaks, hydration, and possibly having someone alongside you to support you.

6. Consider Urgent Care: If your symptoms worsen, or if you feel an increase in chest discomfort or dizziness that doesn’t improve with rest, don’t hesitate to go to urgent care. Even though you might think they won't do much, they can provide reassurance or quick checks that might ease your mind.

7. Follow-Up Plans: Once you settle in, prioritize making an appointment with your new PCP. Discuss your symptoms in detail, bringing your symptom journal, and ask for referrals or any diagnostic tests you feel are necessary based on their recommendation.

Reassurance

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed with all that’s happening. Remember, many people experience anxiety during significant life transitions. Allow yourself to lean on your support system, and take it one day at a time. You’re taking the right steps by monitoring your health, seeking help, and being mindful of your well-being during this transitional period.