Should I be concerned about my heart rate?
Hi there, I'm a 15-year-old girl, measuring 5'3" and weighing 125 lbs. In February, I encountered some breathing difficulties. Initially, a physician dismissed my symptoms, but I later sought help at an urgent care facility. They suspected I had an enlarged heart, but ultimately diagnosed me with a pericardial effusion in addition to pleural effusions in both lungs. Consequently, I underwent a procedure to insert tubes, leading to a hospital stay of approximately two weeks. During my time in the hospital, my resting heart rate fluctuated between 120 to 160 beats per minute. Since then, I've noticed that if I rise too quickly, my vision begins to darken, and my heart can race up to 180 beats per minute, as recorded by my Apple Watch. This issue occasionally occurs even while I’m sitting down, although my heart rate remains normal when I am asleep. Additionally, while in the ICU, I experienced internal bleeding, initially suspected to be coming from my aorta, but fortunately, it resolved on its own. I also encountered a pericardial friction rub, which I've learned is somewhat common. However, the medical team seemed quite focused on it, which has left me uncertain. A cardiologist suggested that my vision blackouts might be due to inadequate hydration. Despite refilling my water bottle numerous times each day, I'm still unsure about the cause. I’m curious if these ongoing issues are connected to my previous condition from February or if they signify a new concern. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated! P.S. I realized I forgot to mention that I’ve recently started taking Twirla birth control, just within the last three months!
Answers (1)
8/13/2025, 7:11:12 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about your heart rate and the other symptoms you're experiencing, especially given your medical history. Here’s a summary of the key points and advice:
Main Points
- Your elevated resting heart rate and episodes of racing heart can be connected to your previous medical condition.
- Symptoms like vision changes when standing and rapid heart rate can suggest orthostatic intolerance or other factors.
- Staying adequately hydrated is important, but these symptoms may require further evaluation.
Explanation
Given your history of pericardial effusion and other complications, fluctuations in heart rate and symptoms like lightheadedness are not uncommon. Your heart may be reacting to changes in posture or fluid status, which could relate to your past medical issues or the medications you're currently taking.
The fact that your heart rate is normal when you are asleep is a good sign, but changes in heart rate upon standing, such as when you rise too quickly, may indicate that your body's cardiovascular system is struggling to adapt to postural changes. This could be due to dehydration, but there may also be other underlying factors, especially considering your recent medical history.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Hydration: Continue to focus on adequate hydration. Aim for at least 8-10 cups of water a day, especially because you’re active. Consider adding electrolyte-rich drinks (like sports drinks) occasionally, as they may help if you are losing fluids through sweat or other means.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to track when your heart rate increases, what you were doing, and any other associated symptoms (like dizziness or lightheadedness). This can help identify patterns or triggers.
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Posture Awareness: Be cautious when changing positions. Rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the chance of lightheadedness. This may involve sitting up for a minute before standing fully.
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Regular Check-Ins: Make a note to follow up with your cardiologist or healthcare provider about your ongoing symptoms. Mention how they affect your daily activities, so they can assess if further testing or adjustment in your management plan (considering your new birth control method) is needed.
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Educate Yourself: Learn more about how your new birth control method may affect you, as some medications can influence heart rate and blood circulation.
Always listen to your body, and if you experience severe symptoms like chest pain, excessive shortness of breath, or fainting, seek urgent medical attention. It’s important to address these concerns with a professional to ensure your heart health is properly managed.
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