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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Palpitations

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Posted on Fri, 10 Oct 2014
Twitter Fri, 10 Oct 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 3 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : Hi. For the past several weeks I've been experiencing a lot of anxiety. (stressful stuff going on) But my big complaint is my heart POUNDING. I also have palpatations which I've had on and off during my adult life. The last several days when I'm crying like can't stop over things that shouldn't trigger such a strong reaction. I am a healthy almost 44 yr old woman who eats well and exercizes. Do I need to get an ECG or some other test or is it likely stress. Thanks XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes you need a cardiac evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern.

The anxiety, palpitations and constant crying over trivial triggers justifies a psychiatric workup. The palpitations in association with the anxiety could be panic attacks. This can only be confirmed properly if a XXXXXXX mental state exam is performed to ascertain whether its anxiety or depression that are manifesting your symptoms.

It could most likely be stress but other serious causes must be ruled out first.

I would advise you to get a cardiac evaluation done. ECG and Echocardiogram should be done. Blood Pressure and heart rate monitoring at home should be done. A lipid profile will also be required as part of this evaluation. You may be prescribed a Beta blocker if your heart rate is significantly increased, Beta blockers would help in both the anxiety episodes as well as the palpitations.

I would recommend you undergo routine investigations to rule out any underlying metabolic cause for your symptoms. These should include

Complete blood count
Thyroid Function Tests
Renal Function Tests
Electrolytes
LIVER FUNCTION Tests
Fasting Blood Sugar
Urine R/E

Let me know if you have any query

wishing you best of health

Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Palpitations

Brief Answer: Yes you need a cardiac evaluation Detailed Answer: Hello and Welcome I appreciate your concern. The anxiety, palpitations and constant crying over trivial triggers justifies a psychiatric workup. The palpitations in association with the anxiety could be panic attacks. This can only be confirmed properly if a XXXXXXX mental state exam is performed to ascertain whether its anxiety or depression that are manifesting your symptoms. It could most likely be stress but other serious causes must be ruled out first. I would advise you to get a cardiac evaluation done. ECG and Echocardiogram should be done. Blood Pressure and heart rate monitoring at home should be done. A lipid profile will also be required as part of this evaluation. You may be prescribed a Beta blocker if your heart rate is significantly increased, Beta blockers would help in both the anxiety episodes as well as the palpitations. I would recommend you undergo routine investigations to rule out any underlying metabolic cause for your symptoms. These should include Complete blood count Thyroid Function Tests Renal Function Tests Electrolytes LIVER FUNCTION Tests Fasting Blood Sugar Urine R/E Let me know if you have any query wishing you best of health Thanks