Experiencing Intense Heart Palpitations?
Occasionally, I encounter a moment where my heart races, feeling both erratic and robust, reminiscent of the thrill of a theme park ride. This sensation typically lasts no longer than thirty seconds, but in that brief time, it leaves me with a chilling dread, almost as if I might faint. The palpitations are incredibly intense, often accompanied by nausea and blurred vision. What could be causing this? I’ve previously had EKGs that indicated issues with diastolic dysfunction, yet I hesitate to seek further evaluation unless absolutely necessary, and thankfully, it has never seemed critical. I appreciate any insights. For context, I weigh 110 pounds and have a history of bulimia, currently experiencing episodes of vomiting 1-2 times daily.
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 4:03:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing intense heart palpitations can understandably be alarming, especially when accompanied by symptoms like nausea and blurred vision. Your history of diastolic dysfunction and ongoing issues with vomiting could be contributing factors to these sensations. It’s important to prioritize your health and address these concerns.
Explanation:
Heart palpitations are often harmless and may result from factors such as anxiety, stress, excessive caffeine, or changes in hydration. However, given your symptoms and medical history, it’s crucial to consider potential underlying issues, such as an imbalance caused by frequent vomiting, which can lead to electrolyte disturbances affecting heart function. Additionally, your history of bulimia makes it essential to monitor how your body responds to these episodes.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your palpitations, noting the frequency, duration, any triggers (like stress or specific foods), and what symptoms accompany them. This can help identify patterns.
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Stay Hydrated and Balanced: Focus on staying hydrated and maintaining balanced electrolytes. This means consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, including potassium (like bananas and spinach), and sodium if appropriate.
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Reduce Stress and Caffeine: Consider strategies for reducing stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise. Also, limit caffeine intake, as it can contribute to heart palpitations.
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Scheduled Check-up: Even if the symptoms feel manageable, it's wise to follow up with a healthcare provider to discuss your feelings, the intensity of your symptoms, and your history of heart issues. This will ensure appropriate monitoring and address any concerns regarding diastolic dysfunction or related conditions.
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Emergency Signs: If you ever experience severe symptoms like persistent faintness, chest pain, or prolonged blurred vision, seek immediate medical attention.
Taking these steps can help provide insight into your symptoms while supporting your overall health. Please feel free to ask if you have further questions or need clarification on any points.
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