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I Keep Experiencing Like Palpitations. My Heart Feels Like It
Question: I keep experiencing like palpitations. My heart feels like it stops and then comes back with a thud. I have had an ECG that was normal and a 24 hour tape that has shown an arrhythmia with query atrial fibrillation though not definite. I am really scared while I wait for an appointment with Cardiology as I worry I will die of like a sudden cardiac event. I suffer a lot with anxiety and panic attacks can you reassure me I wont die. I dont have chest pain or anything like that but it is really frightening.
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia, not lifethreatening. It can be treated and well-managed.
So, there is nothing to worry about sudden cardiac death.
Anyway, I would recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound in order to examine your heart function and structure and some blood lab tests (complete blood count for anemia, thyroid hormone levels for thyroid gland dysfunction, blood electrolytes for possible imbalance), in order to exclude possible metabolic causes that may trigger cardiac arrhythmia.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia, not lifethreatening. It can be treated and well-managed.
So, there is nothing to worry about sudden cardiac death.
Anyway, I would recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound in order to examine your heart function and structure and some blood lab tests (complete blood count for anemia, thyroid hormone levels for thyroid gland dysfunction, blood electrolytes for possible imbalance), in order to exclude possible metabolic causes that may trigger cardiac arrhythmia.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi I have had echocardiogram they said my heart is a normal structure with no damage seen and said my heart looks good. I have had all blood tests as you say and they have all come back within normal limits.
Do you think this is more anxiety related?
Do you think this is more anxiety related?
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information! Yes, anxiety could play an important role in all this clinical situation.
For this reason, it is important focus on your anxiety. In this regards, Yoga and meditation can really help.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information! Yes, anxiety could play an important role in all this clinical situation.
For this reason, it is important focus on your anxiety. In this regards, Yoga and meditation can really help.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your help and prompt response
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other uncertainties in the future, please feel free to ask me directly at any time!
I would be happy to answer to all of your questions!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other uncertainties in the future, please feel free to ask me directly at any time!
I would be happy to answer to all of your questions!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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