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Are Light-headedness And Heart Palpitations Signs Of Anxiety?
Question: I have recently lost my job, got a divorce decree and moved out of state in the last 45 days. For about the last 2 weeks, I am now experiencing lightheadedness that seems to come out of nowhere and am noticing times where my heartbeat is fast and pounding. Not sure if that's anxiety, but I feel a need to sit down and breath slowly and deeply to get in under control.
Brief Answer:
may be anxiety but other causes should be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Based on the many changes that you have described, it is possible that the symptoms are related to anxiety but this should only be considered after other causes have been ruled out.
Because the symptoms improve with deep breathing which is a very effective relaxation technique, it is possible that anxiety is playing a role.
An increased heart beat would affect the blood flow to brain which can cause lightheadedness.
Lightheaded sensations can occur not only in palpitations but also as a result of :(1) side effect of medication
(2)dehydration or abnormal electrolytes (eg sodium)
(3)infections
(4)hypoglycemia- low blood sugar
(5)hypotension-low blood pressure
(6)head trauma
In most cases, blood tests such as complete blood count (to check for anemia and infection) and thyroid function tests (high thyroid hormones cause palpitations.
An ECG may also be considered because of the palpitations if you have not done one recently
Blood pressure and blood sugar can also be easily assessed.
These would be the baseline tests and if normal and if there is no reason to suspect any of the other causes then this may be all of the tests done.
If they are normal then anxiety can be considered
If this is the case, counselling along with the meds that you are using, may be helpful
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be anxiety but other causes should be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Based on the many changes that you have described, it is possible that the symptoms are related to anxiety but this should only be considered after other causes have been ruled out.
Because the symptoms improve with deep breathing which is a very effective relaxation technique, it is possible that anxiety is playing a role.
An increased heart beat would affect the blood flow to brain which can cause lightheadedness.
Lightheaded sensations can occur not only in palpitations but also as a result of :(1) side effect of medication
(2)dehydration or abnormal electrolytes (eg sodium)
(3)infections
(4)hypoglycemia- low blood sugar
(5)hypotension-low blood pressure
(6)head trauma
In most cases, blood tests such as complete blood count (to check for anemia and infection) and thyroid function tests (high thyroid hormones cause palpitations.
An ECG may also be considered because of the palpitations if you have not done one recently
Blood pressure and blood sugar can also be easily assessed.
These would be the baseline tests and if normal and if there is no reason to suspect any of the other causes then this may be all of the tests done.
If they are normal then anxiety can be considered
If this is the case, counselling along with the meds that you are using, may be helpful
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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