Anxious About Lab Results and Heart Palpitations
**About Me** - 26 years old, female, residing in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, height is 5'3", weight is 147 lbs. - Medical background includes OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). - Family history indicates high blood pressure on my mother's side; she was born with a heart murmur that resolved itself in early adulthood. - I do not smoke, have abstained from alcohol for the past two years, and occasionally used marijuana until approximately 1.5 years ago. - Current medications: 50 mg Lamictal, recently discontinued 25 mg of Seroquel, and taking 40 mg Famotidine. **My Situation** Apologies for the lengthy introduction. I seek advice regarding my lab results due to experiencing unusual heart rhythms last week, which led to an emergency room visit. All lab tests, including CBC, CMP, Troponin levels, Thyroid functions, and Magnesium levels, returned normal results. The ECG and chest X-ray were also unremarkable. When I discussed my symptoms with the medical team, they suggested it likely resembled premature ventricular contractions (PVC). I mentioned this to my psychiatrist, who concurred that PVCs were a probable cause. The sensations I felt resembled regular heartbeats, interrupted by a pause followed by a pronounced thump, which seemed like my heart was compensating for the missed beat. This unsettling sensation often occurred in my chest area, extending to the back of my sternum and throat, occasionally catching me by surprise and leaving me breathless. I was given an optional referral to a cardiologist, which I accepted, and I have an appointment scheduled in a couple of weeks. The irregular feelings have not completely subsided; on the day of the ER visit, they were quite frequent, nonexistent on Saturday, present again on Sunday and Monday, frequent on Tuesday, some on Wednesday, and minimal on Thursday. I had a follow-up with my primary care physician, who ordered a lipid panel. I received the results today, which I’ll share below along with the reference ranges: - Total cholesterol: 121 mg/dL (normal range: 0-200 mg/dL) - Triglycerides: 81 mg/dL (normal range: 0-150 mg/dL) - HDL cholesterol: 50 mg/dL (considered low; normal range: 60 mg/dL and above) - LDL cholesterol: 54.8 mg/dL (normal range: 0-100 mg/dL) - Cholesterol/HDL ratio: 2 (normal range: 5 and below) - Non-HDL cholesterol: 71 mg/dL (normal range: below 130 mg/dL) - VLDL cholesterol: 16.2 mg/dL (normal range: 0-40 mg/dL) While I'm relieved that the majority of my cholesterol levels are within normal limits, I'm particularly anxious about the low HDL, especially considering my heart palpitations. It's puzzling that other values are fine. Should I be concerned about this aspect of my results? I definitely plan to discuss this with my cardiologist during our upcoming appointment, but I'm feeling uneasy about the waiting period until then. My anxiety is quite elevated at the moment.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 7:30:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
You're experiencing heart palpitations and are understandably anxious while waiting for your cardiology appointment, especially considering your lab results. Let's break down your situation to help provide clarity and next steps.
Key Points:
- Your heart palpitations, suspected to be premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), are common and often benign, especially with normal lab and imaging results.
- Low HDL cholesterol can be a risk factor for heart health, but it needs to be interpreted in context with your other cholesterol levels and overall health.
- Managing anxiety during this waiting period is crucial for your well-being.
Explanation:
- Heart Palpitations: PVCs can feel alarming but are usually not serious if there are no other concerning symptoms or underlying health issues, especially since your tests have come back normal.
- Lab Results: Your total cholesterol and LDL levels are healthy, while your HDL is slightly low. Low HDL (often referred to as "good cholesterol") can be concerning as it plays a role in heart health. However, many factors contribute to heart health, and your physician and cardiologist can provide tailored advice.
- Mental Health Context: It’s important to acknowledge your feelings of anxiety and worry. Both the physical sensations of palpitations and the waiting for test results can contribute to heightened anxiety levels.
Next Steps:
- Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your palpitations, noting frequency, duration, and any potential triggers (like stress or dietary factors). This can help during your cardiology appointment.
- Focus on Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Exercise: Aim for regular aerobic activity (like walking or jogging), which can help raise HDL levels. Start gradually if you're not currently active.
- Diet: Incorporate healthy fats (like those from avocados, nuts, and olive oil) and increase fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains). Avoid trans fats, which can lower HDL.
- Hydration & Sleep: Ensure you drink plenty of water and practice good sleep hygiene to help reduce anxiety.
- Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Consider mindfulness, breathing exercises, or meditation to help manage anxiety while waiting for your appointment. These techniques can be beneficial for both heart health and mental well-being.
- Prepare for Your Cardiology Appointment: List out your symptoms, questions regarding HDL levels, and any connections you feel between your anxiety and physical sensations. This can help make the appointment more productive.
Conclusion:
It's natural to feel anxious while waiting for results and appointments. Focus on tracking your symptoms, incorporating healthy lifestyle changes, and practicing anxiety-reducing techniques. Your upcoming cardiology appointment will provide more individualized guidance on your heart health and cholesterol concerns. Always remember, you're taking important steps toward understanding and managing both your physical and mental health.
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