OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding Elevated Heart Rate and Difficulty Breathing: Insights Needed

I’m a 40-year-old Caucasian woman residing in the UK, standing at 168 cm tall and weighing 67 kg. I am definitely not expecting a child, am a non-smoker, consume alcohol only on rare occasions, and lead a moderately active lifestyle with regular cycling and walking. My current medications include Sertraline, which has recently been increased from 100 mg to 150 mg over the past month; I had been at the lower dose for six years. Additionally, I've started taking magnesium and vitamin D supplements. Regarding my health history, I've dealt with mild lower back pain for over seven years and suffer from significant anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Aside from these issues, I have no notable medical problems. On my father's side, there is a history of cancer, including prostate and breast cancers. I have tested negative for BRCA and related mutations, and last year I underwent my first mammogram as part of an early detection program due to my family history, which returned normal results. I believe I might be entering perimenopause as evidenced by some symptoms such as shorter menstrual cycles, itchy vulvar skin, and since my mother experienced menopause at 45, I suspect I may be having similar changes. Currently, I have been feeling a sensation of "air hunger," as if I'm unable to fully inhale, paired with an increased heart rate, resting around 80 beats per minute, over the last four days. Prior to this, I experienced mild discomfort in my upper back and shoulders along with tension headaches that have since subsided. Yesterday I sought treatment at the A&E due to my breathing difficulties and heart palpitations. My blood oxygen saturation was noted to be around 96-97%, and my blood pressure remained normal. Upon admission, my heart rate was initially 130 beats per minute, later dropping to 107. I underwent an EKG, which indicated a normal rhythm but was fast, and subsequent blood tests showed results mostly within acceptable ranges except for a low APTT and APTT ratio, and a slightly elevated MCHC. The D-dimer test returned negative, and I’ll provide a detailed account of my blood results in a comment shortly. No chest X-ray was performed; however, a physician assessed my breathing and back with a stethoscope, concluding that there were no abnormal sounds detected. The normal blood test results suggest that anemia, which could explain my symptoms, is not an issue. I do recognize that anxiety and panic can present with similar symptoms, but this current episode feels different to me, lasting longer than typical and lacking a clear emotional or psychological trigger. I am particularly worried about the implications of having a low APTT, which I understand can point to bleeding disorders or malignancies. Other conditions influencing APTT don't seem relevant to my situation as far as I'm aware. I also fear the possibility of a pleural effusion potentially linked to some form of cancer due to my symptoms of breathing difficulties and elevated heart rate. Notably, I do not have a cough or experience hemoptysis, nor do I have any chest pain, although I occasionally sense a mild pressure or tightness in the area. Would it be prudent for me to pursue specific follow-up actions? Is it advisable to wait and see if my breathing and heart rate issues improve on their own?

Answers (1)

12/16/2025, 4:50:52 PM

OpenHealth AI

Your experience of elevated heart rate and breathing difficulties can understandably cause concern, especially given your health history and recent changes. It’s reassuring that your tests have mostly shown normal results, and while low APTT can raise questions, there are many potential causes that might not relate to serious conditions.

Key Points

1. Understanding Symptoms: Your feelings of "air hunger" and elevated heart rate can be linked to anxiety, hormonal changes, or even physical tension in your back and shoulders.
2. Monitoring the Situation: Given that you recently had an evaluation that ruled out many serious conditions, observing your symptoms while adopting some self-care strategies might be a reasonable next step.

Explanation

• Normal Test Results: Your blood oxygen saturation and other tests showing mostly normal results offer some reassurance. Low APTT can be due to various factors, such as hydration levels or how your body processes certain medications, and it does not automatically indicate a serious issue.
• Connection to Anxiety: Symptoms like difficulty breathing and heart palpitations can indeed stem from anxiety or panic attacks, which may manifest differently at times and can vary in duration.
• Hormonal Changes: As you mentioned possible perimenopausal symptoms, hormonal fluctuations can also influence heart rate and breathing patterns.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your daily symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any patterns you observe. Look for potential triggers or improvements in your state throughout the week.

2. Self-Care Strategies:

   • Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or meditation to help manage anxiety and promote relaxation. These methods can help ease your "air hunger."
   • Physical Activity: Continue your activities like cycling and walking, which are great for overall health, but listen to your body. If you're feeling off, moderate the intensity and duration of your workouts.

3. Follow-Up Care: If your symptoms persist, worsen, or if you experience any new concerning symptoms (like significant chest pain or changes in consciousness), consider reaching out to your healthcare provider. They may recommend further evaluation or monitoring of your blood tests, particularly regarding your APTT levels.

While it may feel alarming to experience these symptoms, it is often helpful to focus on proactive and positive self-care. Remember to reach out for support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if you're feeling overwhelmed. You're not alone in this, and your health journey is worth monitoring carefully.