Experience of Heart Palpitations and Diminished Vision
As a 30-year-old female, I found myself on the couch enjoying some snacks when abruptly, it felt as if my heart had momentarily stalled, accompanied by a troubling sensation of my vision fading to darkness. While I have previously experienced what seemed like heart palpitations, this particular incident felt more alarming due to the prolonged gap between beats and the fact that it impacted my sight. I am feeling uneasy about the situation but am hesitant to seek emergency care unless absolutely necessary. My only regular medication is xyzal for allergies, which I use on occasion. Although I sometimes consume THC edibles, I didn’t today. My activities didn’t stray much from my normal daily routine, making this episode even more perplexing.
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 3:11:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that experiencing heart palpitations along with diminished vision can be concerning, and it's completely normal to feel uneasy about such symptoms. It’s important to recognize that while these symptoms can be benign, they can also indicate something that needs attention, especially when accompanied by changes in vision.
Explanation:
Heart palpitations can occur for various reasons, including stress, caffeine intake, dehydration, or hormonal changes. The sensation of your heart "stalling" and the fading vision you experienced may relate to changes in blood flow or oxygen levels, which can happen during brief episodes of increased heart rate or anxiety.
Since you mention occasional use of THC, it’s worth noting that substances like THC can affect heart rate and may contribute to sensations of heart palpitations. However, if you are feeling consistently uneasy about your heart and vision, it's important to take note of these symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your heart rate, any palpitations, and episodes of vision changes. Note when they happen, how long they last, and if they occur under certain conditions (like after eating or at rest).
-
Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking enough water throughout the day, as dehydration can contribute to feeling faint or lightheaded, which can affect vision.
-
Rest and Relax: Engage in calming activities such as deep breathing exercises or light meditation, especially if your palpitations seem related to stress or anxiety.
-
Limit Stimulants: For now, consider reducing your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these can exacerbate heart palpitations.
-
When to Seek Help: If you have another episode that causes significant discomfort or persists for a longer period, or if you experience additional symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or fainting, you should seek medical attention promptly.
Please continue to monitor your symptoms closely, and if your unease persists or worsens, do not hesitate to reach out for professional help. Your health and peace of mind are important.
Related Questions
Maximizing Insurance Benefits: Labs and Referrals for Chronic Health Issues
At 33 years old, I've finally reached my deductible limit, which encourages me to prioritize addressing various health concerns that I've deferred in the past. Currently, I have a few months of enhanced insurance coverage I wish to utilize. Recent standard lab tests returned normal results, although my glucose level was slightly elevated (the A1C test was normal). **Upcoming Appointments:** - Ophthalmology on August 26 (focused on dry eyes, with allergy testing available) - Colonoscopy scheduled for September 18 - GYN appointment (to be arranged) **Symptoms I am Experiencing:** - **Ocular Issues (new as of 2023):** Daily sensations of burning, redness, discharge of mucus, sensitivity to light, and the presence of floaters, along with morning crusting. After over 15 years of wearing contact lenses, I had to stop using them this year due to increased irritation. - **Gastrointestinal Concerns (since 2018-19):** Experiencing chronic diarrhea, often with urgency, leading to more than five bowel movements in the morning about 12 hours after meals. There is also frequent blood and mucus in my stools. Symptoms become exacerbated by certain foods, especially around my menstrual cycle. I lost approximately 40 pounds unintentionally over two months while following a low-FODMAP diet, which I struggled to maintain. Stool and celiac tests in 2020 came back normal, with no subsequent testing done. - **Menstrual Issues:** Diagnosed with PMDD during my teenage years, it has intensified as I entered my 30s. My menstrual cycles range from 20 to 35 days, accompanied by severe cramps (sometimes debilitating, with Midol sometimes ineffective), hot flashes, nausea, and marked irritability/emotional fluctuations. - **Neurological/General Symptoms (progressive over past years):** Ongoing numbness and tingling in my hands, sporadic weakness or coordination issues in my grip, episodes of dizziness/vertigo, heat intolerance, chronic fatigue (potentially linked to dry eyes), and occasional night sweats that result in waking around 2-3 AM. My blood pressure was recorded as slightly low (101/58) during my most recent appointment. - **Dermatological Issues:** Diagnosed with Keratosis Pilaris (received a prescription for triamcinolone), experiencing hormonal and stress-related acne, as well as a recurring sebaceous cyst on my breast. - **Other Considerations:** After relocating from New York to Florida in 2021, I've encountered mold exposure in my apartment, noticeable on air vents and certain leather items in my closet. My symptoms have notably worsened from 2023 to 2024. My mother also suffers from significant mold allergies. **Medical History:** - Autism and ADHD (combined type) diagnosed later in life - PMDD symptoms since adolescence - Positive for HSV-2 since 2023 **Current Medications:** - Zoloft 25 mg daily - Trileptal 300 mg daily - Strattera 18 mg daily (started on August 3, 2025 — this has improved focus but my period is currently six days late, in addition to experiencing some mild side effects) - Midol and Allegra as needed **Inquiry:** Considering my array of symptoms, which additional laboratory tests or specialist referrals, if any, should I pursue over the next few months while I’m under this favorable insurance plan?
Concerns About a Painful Spot on My Dad's Left Buttock
My father, an 81-year-old man who stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 143 pounds, generally maintains good health, apart from his need for medication to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Today, he pointed out a sensitive area on his left buttock, describing it as painful but not itchy. My initial thought was that it could be ringworm, given its appearance and the fact that this area comes into contact with surfaces he sits on, particularly when he's outdoors. However, the absence of itching raised my suspicions. He’s uncertain whether this spot was present yesterday, and it’s challenging to observe since it has a very pale color. To get a better look, I asked him to stretch the skin, revealing a patch that appeared dry and slightly raised. Interestingly, its location corresponds perfectly with where he might have sat on a public toilet, possibly after going for a run in the past. Could this condition potentially be ringworm?
Large Reddish Purple Bump in the Pubic Region – Seeking Advice!
Hello! I’m a 24-year-old woman and I've recently discovered a sizable lump positioned just below my abdomen, towards the right side of my pubic area. The bump has a prominent reddish-purple hue and feels mostly soft, though I can detect a slight firmness when I apply pressure. Interestingly, it lacks a head, and the skin appears to fold together if I attempt to squeeze it. I do not take any medications, do not smoke, and consume alcohol only in moderation. Could anyone provide insight into what this might be or suggest possible treatments? Would it be advisable for me to visit a doctor? Thank you!
Potential Benefits of N-Acetylcysteine in Chronic Paracetamol Use
When an individual regularly consumes paracetamol at a level of 3000mg each day over an extended duration, and occasionally exceeds this dosage, their body's glutathione levels may become significantly reduced. This reduction can lead to an increased risk of liver damage. In such cases, orally administering N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could theoretically enhance the body’s production of glutathione, potentially compensating for the depletion caused by consistent paracetamol use. By doing so, it may help to gradually restore glutathione levels and offer some level of protection to the liver. As a medical professional, do you find merit in this assertion? I find myself grappling with a codeine dependency, and in the UK, the only available source for this medication is through cocodamol. My intake amounts to about six tablets per day, translating to approximately 75mg of codeine along with 3000mg of paracetamol. There have been occasions where I have surpassed this amount. If I begin a daily regimen of NAC supplements, could this mitigate the damage I may be inflicting on my body? Unfortunately, my doctor has declined to assist with a tapering plan and referred me to a service that claims my condition doesn’t warrant their support. I’m feeling quite trapped in this situation.
Seeking Answers: Persistent Diarrhea in My Mother
I am sharing my mother’s health situation, hoping to gain some insight. She developed a serious case of diarrhea about a week ago, which necessitated her hospitalization under the supervision of a gastroenterologist. The main concerns during her hospital stay included: 1. A significant fever, peaking at 102°F upon admission. 2. Frequent loose stools that were green in color. 3. Mild abdominal discomfort. On her first day in the hospital, she was administered Monocef 1g (Ceftriaxone Injection). However, by the second day, as her condition had not improved and the diarrhea persisted, the treating team decided to switch her medication to Meropenem Injection and also prescribed two loperamide tablets. This treatment seemed to have a temporary effect, as her diarrhea subsided for a while. She was eventually discharged from the hospital; however, she continues to experience loose stools. Currently, she is taking faropenem tablets. We are feeling quite helpless and are unsure of the next steps to take. Does anyone have any suggestions or insights regarding the potential underlying causes? Her blood tests and ultrasound results came back normal!