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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Episodes Of Heart Palpitations And Light Headedness?

I have recently been having situations where I would have palpitations along with light headedness. This has been accompanied by a slight sense of nausea and at times periods of mild diarrhea. I had been admitted to the ER on 2 occasions when these situations occurred. I have also been seen by a cardiologist and several tests, i.e., EKG, halter monitor, event monitor, stress echo and regular echo cardiograms. All tests came back nearly normal. Blood work was done and a thyroid test was done with good results. I am at a loss as to what is causing these palpitaions and my doctor says that I can carry on with normal living and not be concerned. That is OK for him to say since he is not experiencing it. They have also suggested that perhaps it may be an anxiety situation which is causing this . I don t feel necessarily nervous or anxious about anything in particular. It is difficult for me to go about an normal lifestyle and not constatnly be thinking about when the next similar situation may once again arise. Any thoughts about what may be causing this would be appreciated. Thanks, Ben
posted on Fri, 12 Aug 2016
Twitter Wed, 31 Jul 2019 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 1 Aug 2019 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

One possibility is heart rhythm disorders such as SVPT--Supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia. You should check your pulse and EKG? Another possibility is MVP or mitral valve prolapse (common in 40% of people) --it can lead to similar symptoms.
One way to abort these attacks is to pinch your nostrils and blow hard through your mouth. This is called Valsalva's manouevre. Alternately feel the carotid artery inside the sternocleidomastoid muscle in your neck--(any doctor can show you) on any one side of the neck and gently massage. This will also abort the attack. But never do it on both sides simultaneously. Personally, I do not think they are panic attacks considering your personality. And instead of 25 mg of Metoprolol, Verapamil or Propranolol will keep you under control. You can revert back.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
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What Causes Episodes Of Heart Palpitations And Light Headedness?

Hello, One possibility is heart rhythm disorders such as SVPT--Supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia. You should check your pulse and EKG? Another possibility is MVP or mitral valve prolapse (common in 40% of people) --it can lead to similar symptoms. One way to abort these attacks is to pinch your nostrils and blow hard through your mouth. This is called Valsalva s manouevre. Alternately feel the carotid artery inside the sternocleidomastoid muscle in your neck--(any doctor can show you) on any one side of the neck and gently massage. This will also abort the attack. But never do it on both sides simultaneously. Personally, I do not think they are panic attacks considering your personality. And instead of 25 mg of Metoprolol, Verapamil or Propranolol will keep you under control. You can revert back. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon