Coping with Heart Palpitations, Persistent Cough, and Ongoing Dizziness
This title may seem a bit ambiguous, but capturing my situation in few words is challenging. Before diving in, I’d like to share that I struggle with a panic disorder and severe health-related obsessive-compulsive disorder. At the age of 18 and biologically female, I have been feeling unwell for the past seven months. Four months ago, I experienced a viral infection, but currently, I don't have a fever, yet the cough persists. Importantly, I have no asthma history, nor do I have any evident lung issues—my lungs were thoroughly examined three times, with no concerns detected. Alongside the cough, I’ve been experiencing significant heart issues. Even light physical activity, like running for a moment, elevates my heart rate to around 180 beats per minute, which is extremely concerning. As a result, dizziness and headaches frequently accompany me, along with leg discomfort and tingling sensations in my fingers. My resting heart rate typically ranges from 60 to 80 beats per minute. I also underwent cardiac evaluations due to chest pains, but thankfully, all the results came back normal. Currently, I am taking various medications, including Melatonin, Fluoxetine, B12, and Vitamin D. Additionally, I have an arm implant for birth control, which I’ve had for about a year now.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 12:50:30 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex mix of symptoms that can be really distressing, especially given your background with panic disorder and health-related OCD. Heart palpitations, persistent cough, and dizziness can overlap with anxiety, but it's essential to consider various factors, especially since these symptoms have persisted for several months.
Explanation:
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Heart Palpitations: It's common for anxiety and panic disorders to amplify awareness of heart rhythms, leading to sensations that feel alarming. However, given the rapid heart rate with physical activity and your normal cardiac evaluations, the cause may not be purely psychological but could relate to several factors including deconditioning, stress, or even side effects from medication.
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Persistent Cough: Since you had a viral infection, it is possible for cough to linger as a post-viral symptom. It's reassuring that you have had thorough lung examinations without issues, which is important.
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Dizziness and Tingling: These symptoms can often accompany anxiety or can be due to hyperventilation from panic attacks. They may also relate to other factors, such as hydration, blood pressure, or even nutrient imbalances.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms & Triggers:
- Keep a detailed diary of when each symptom occurs, including physical activities, emotional states, and any food or environmental triggers. This information can be very helpful for identifying connections and informing future discussions with healthcare providers.
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Focus on Relaxation Techniques:
- Engage in mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises to help manage anxiety and potentially reduce palpitations. Techniques like deep belly breathing can be particularly grounding when experiencing dizziness.
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Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Ensure you're staying well-hydrated and eating regular, balanced meals to support your energy levels and overall well-being. Consider integrating gentle physical activity, like walking, to gradually build your endurance.
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Reevaluate Medications:
- Discuss your current medications with a healthcare provider. While they are intended to manage various symptoms and conditions, some medications may contribute to palpitations or dizziness.
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Follow-Up on Physical Health:
- Continue to monitor your heart rate and recovery from exertion. If the rapid heart rate and symptoms of dizziness continue or worsen, it may be beneficial to pursue further investigations with a healthcare professional.
Support:
Remember, you're not alone, and it’s okay to seek support for both your physical and mental health. Ongoing challenges like these can feel overwhelming, but addressing them in a structured way can lead to improvements over time. If any new or concerning symptoms arise, prioritize addressing those as they can help steer further actions. Don't hesitate to reach out for support in managing your anxiety as well.
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