Persistent Breathlessness and Irregular Heartbeat Accompanied by Arm Discomfort
I am a 20-year-old female experiencing ongoing breathlessness, an irregular heartbeat, and discomfort in my right arm. The only medication I regularly use is Vienva, which is a combination birth control pill. Over the weekend, I encountered instances where my heart rate would spike, accompanied by a slight sensation of breathlessness. Initially, I dismissed it as a result of my anxiety. However, yesterday morning, an hour after awakening, I was struck by a sudden, intense pain across my entire right arm. During physical exertion at work, I began to notice an increased heart rate and shortness of breath. When I returned home from work around 4:45 PM, I settled on the couch, and shortly thereafter, the breathlessness returned, quickly followed by my heart racing again, although my arm felt considerably less painful at that moment. Despite trying to push through my evening activities—preparing dinner, showering, and taking care of my pets—my breathing difficulties worsened significantly by 8 or 9 PM, to the point where I felt I was truly struggling to breathe. In an effort to alleviate my symptoms, I took a Benadryl, hoping it would help me relax and get some rest. Unfortunately, I was so weak that my boyfriend had to assist me in opening the pill packet. I managed to get some sleep but awoke frequently, gasping for air as my body didn’t seem to be managing its breathing properly. When I rose this morning, I felt relatively alright, but as soon as I got out of bed and resumed my morning routine, the symptoms returned with a vengeance and persisted despite my attempts to rest. I visited my doctor, who recommended an EKG to investigate further, and it indicated I was experiencing borderline tachycardia. I have an appointment scheduled with a cardiologist in two weeks. What could be causing these symptoms of rapid heart rate, severe breathlessness, and arm pain? My doctor initially considered POTS as a possible diagnosis, but I have been tested for it in the past and it was ruled out. Moreover, it seems illogical for these issues to persist even during extended periods of rest. I was advised to go to the ER if I experience another episode of profound breathlessness, which I encountered last night, and I regret not seeking immediate help then.
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 6:40:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your symptoms, especially with the combination of breathlessness, irregular heartbeat, and arm discomfort. These can signify several underlying issues, and it's good that you are seeking help. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and what steps you can take.
Main Points
- Your symptoms may be linked to anxiety, hormonal effects from birth control, or cardiovascular issues.
- The combination of breathlessness, irregular heartbeat, and arm pain raises concerns, especially with past instances of tachycardia.
- Seeking immediate help during severe episodes is crucial, as your symptoms may indicate a need for urgent care.
Explanation
Breathlessness and irregular heartbeats can stem from various factors such as anxiety, physical strain, or heart-related issues. The discomfort in your right arm, while it can sometimes indicate cardiac issues, might also be due to muscle strain or anxiety-related tension. It's notable that you experience difficulties even when resting, which emphasizes the need to investigate further. Your previous testing for POTS is relevant, and it’s worth discussing any other potential causes with your cardiologist.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated activities or stressors. This can inform your upcoming appointment with the cardiologist.
-
Identify Triggers: Try to identify any specific physical or emotional triggers for your breathlessness and increased heart rate (e.g., stress, activity levels). Understanding patterns can be helpful for managing situations.
-
Rest and Relaxation: Prioritize rest and employ relaxation techniques. Consider methods like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle stretching to help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
-
Emergency Preparedness: If you experience severe breathlessness again, do not hesitate to seek emergency care. Your health and safety are paramount.
-
Cardiologist Follow-Up: Prepare for your upcoming cardiologist appointment. Bring your symptom diary and be ready to discuss all aspects of your experience, including any family history of heart disease.
Take care and be attentive to your body. Don't hesitate to ask for help as you navigate through this challenging time.
Related Questions
Concerns Over Multiple Medications Prescribed to Boyfriend
My boyfriend, a 26-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 202 pounds, has recently been given a range of prescriptions including prednisone, levofloxacin, nasal azelastine, and nasal fluticasone. For more than two months, he has struggled with a stuffy nose, a nasally voice, a persistent cough, and has recently developed a runny nose along with an aggravated cough. After undergoing a 10-day antibiotic regimen, he found little relief. Subsequently, about a month later, he received two different nasal sprays, which unfortunately seemed to exacerbate his mucus problems. What concerns me is the absence of any CT or X-ray imaging in his evaluation. I’m wondering whether it is standard practice to prescribe such antibiotics and corticosteroids based solely on a tentative diagnosis of "acute sinusitis." I am worried about the potential side effects associated with these medications. Thank you in advance for any insights you can provide.
Understanding Clivoaxial Angles: Are My Measurements Standard?
I am a 43-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 100 pounds. There's a possibility that I have a connective tissue disorder, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. My current medication regimen includes pregabalin and mirapex. I experience a range of health issues, notably orthostatic hypotension, severe dysphasia, high muscle tension, diaphragmatic dysfunction, rib pain, and chronic headaches. Additionally, I have moderately severe emphysema in the upper regions of my lungs and mild emphysema in the lower parts, which is compounded by severe hyperinflation and pulmonary hypertension, all of which have placed a strain on the right side of my heart. As a former smoker, I am currently facing significant functional impairments, including episodes of temporary paralysis in both my arms and legs. Since I was 18, I have been undergoing physical therapy to address the burning sensations in my neck. Recently, I underwent a standing MRI with my head in a flexed position. Due to restrictions on shoulder movement, I wasn't able to extend my neck backward as far as I typically can. The measurements I obtained show a clivoaxial angle of 131° in a neutral position, 121° when flexed, and 167° in extension. I’m curious if these angles fall within the normal range. I am also aware of some pre-existing conditions, including bulging discs and stenosis in my cervical spine between C4 and C7. If anyone could shed light on whether these angles are considered usual or if they indicate a concern, I would greatly appreciate it.
Concerns About Possible Spleen Issues or Just Anxiety?
I’m a 24-year-old female, standing at 5'3" and weighing 135 pounds. I smoke weed daily and consume alcohol on a regular basis, about one to four times a week. The only medication I take is 50mg of sertraline to help with my depression and anxiety. Beginning on August 13, I encountered a rather unpleasant illness characterized by a sore throat, coughing up green mucus, fever, and headaches. I visited urgent care on the 16th as I was experiencing wheezing at night. I tested negative for COVID-19, strep throat, and the flu. The doctor prescribed me antibiotics, which unfortunately led to a yeast infection—though that’s an entirely different problem—and sent me home. My cough persisted for a couple of weeks and has mostly resolved now, nearly a month later. However, my throat issues improved for a time but have unfortunately returned. I still have slightly swollen tonsils with noticeable red streaks and white patches. Today, I've been experiencing sharp pains beneath my left ribcage that seem to fluctuate based on my posture, along with a feeling of bloating in my abdomen. I am left wondering whether this might indicate mononucleosis or perhaps an enlarged spleen, or if I’m simply overreacting. I have a routine doctor's appointment scheduled in two weeks, but I’m considering whether it would be wise to reschedule for an earlier visit. I’d appreciate your thoughts on the symptoms I’ve described!
Options for Kidney Failure Treatment Without Insurance
My brother, who is in his forties, has recently received a dire prognosis—he's been told he has only sixty days left to live. His kidneys have ceased to function, and according to his nephrologist, there are no further treatment options available. Due to his history of alcoholism, he does not qualify for a transplant, and it seems he’s also not considered suitable for dialysis, although the reasons for this are unclear to me. This situation has left my mother in a profound state of sadness, especially since he is the father of three young children, all of whom are now without a maternal figure. I find myself wondering if it would be feasible to acquire a dialysis machine and provide it to him, should I have the financial means. I am aware that his home would require adaptations for water supply and electrical connections, and he would need some training to operate the machine. Alternatively, is it possible for me to directly pay for his treatment at a medical facility? If I can handle the costs, are there any legal or ethical barriers preventing me from financing a way to extend his life? I have noticed that second-hand dialysis machines are listed online for under $5,000, which raises significant questions for me. Why is he facing death when a relatively small sum of money could potentially prolong his life? It feels absurd to me that my nephews might have to endure the loss of their father over such a manageable expense. I can't help but feel that there must be a crucial detail I am overlooking in this frustrating scenario.
Understanding Non-Diabetic High Anion Gap
I am a 27-year-old individual, standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 210 pounds. Health Concerns: I have been diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and multi-level cervical spondylosis, with a possibility of lumbar and thoracic stenosis. However, neurology specialists have opted not to proceed with further orders, as my assessments do not point to myelopathy. In my past, I actively participated in marathons and cycling. Unfortunately, I've been dealing with various health issues that have remained undiagnosed for several years. My symptoms include dizziness, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, and an abnormal lipid profile, among other health concerns. Though I can provide a detailed list of test results if needed, I'll summarize my situation for brevity. In December 2023, while training for marathons, I experienced significant fluctuations in my heart rate, even during rest. This sparked a journey to uncover the reasons behind these changes and to assess whether I was genuinely as healthy as my lifestyle suggested. I have consulted with cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, and urology specialists. Although findings like hyperlipidemia and multi-level cervical stenosis have offered some clarity, I continue to seek answers. Currently, I have noticed that my anion gap is elevated, sitting at 15.9, despite not being a diabetic. Due to the various symptoms mentioned earlier, I haven’t been able to maintain my usual workout routine, but I try to engage in light activities, such as zone 2 cycling and walking, whenever possible. My A1C level is reported at 5.6. I would greatly appreciate any guidance on this matter. If you require more detailed information or additional test results, feel free to ask; I am happy to share further details.