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Suggest Remedies For Sweaty Hands Caused By Severe Anxiety
Question: A few months back, out of nowhere, I get sweaty and clammy especially on the back of my neck, my ears start ringing loudly, I turn pale, my heart races very, very fast and I feel confused. It helps when I sit or lie down. These episodes usually last 10-20 minutes. I went to the ER and was diagnosed with Raynaud's, as on that particualr day, my hands turned purple and were very cold. These episodes are happeming more often- people say it is stress. The idea of going back to the doctor who doesn't know where to start is frustrating.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Those symptoms could well be due to anxiety, it can commonly manifest in this way and anti anxiety medication may be considered since symptoms have become persistent and not simply an isolated episode.
However before labeling it as due to anxiety one must be sure there aren't other issues at play. Those symptoms may be caused by heart rhythm issues. So beside a simple EKG which you may have done at the ER I would suggest a Holter EKG a prolonged monitoring of heart rhythm for at least 24 hours through a device which you can carry during daily activities. A heart ultrasound should be considered as well.
Some routine blood tests should also be done for metabolic or hormonal issues, such as blood sugar, liver and kidney function, electrolyte panel, thyroid function, blood count and inflammation markers.
If Raynaud phenomenon has happened also repeatedly apart from that time at ER I would also suggest some blood tests for rheumatological conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis etc whic may commonly include Raynaud among their symptoms.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Those symptoms could well be due to anxiety, it can commonly manifest in this way and anti anxiety medication may be considered since symptoms have become persistent and not simply an isolated episode.
However before labeling it as due to anxiety one must be sure there aren't other issues at play. Those symptoms may be caused by heart rhythm issues. So beside a simple EKG which you may have done at the ER I would suggest a Holter EKG a prolonged monitoring of heart rhythm for at least 24 hours through a device which you can carry during daily activities. A heart ultrasound should be considered as well.
Some routine blood tests should also be done for metabolic or hormonal issues, such as blood sugar, liver and kidney function, electrolyte panel, thyroid function, blood count and inflammation markers.
If Raynaud phenomenon has happened also repeatedly apart from that time at ER I would also suggest some blood tests for rheumatological conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis etc whic may commonly include Raynaud among their symptoms.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your reply. I wanted to add that I get a full CBC panel each year (it's good) and had a full body scan of my arteries, veins, etc one year ago- all clear- ZERO % plaque build up around my heart. I did that because my mom is adopted and diabetic and wanted some family history.
Some think I may have hypogycemia- of course, I recently googled and I have all symtpoms of that.
I understand you saying anxiety but, if anyone knows me, I am one of the most laid-back, happy people around. Then again, in the last month, we moved 3 homes...yes, that was very stressful but, that is over. In "my mind" I am not stressed but, now too many, including you say it is a "possibility." I will contact my internist today.
My biggest concern is it comes on so quickly out of nowhere when I am standing talking to people at work, sitting and reading, etc- no rhyme or reason to the "when". Naturally, my hubby is concerned it is heart-related. Could I be having small TIAs or could this possibly be signs of an oncoming heart attack? Is that why you recommend a Holter EKG and heart ultrasound? I guess that is my real question. Thank you.
Some think I may have hypogycemia- of course, I recently googled and I have all symtpoms of that.
I understand you saying anxiety but, if anyone knows me, I am one of the most laid-back, happy people around. Then again, in the last month, we moved 3 homes...yes, that was very stressful but, that is over. In "my mind" I am not stressed but, now too many, including you say it is a "possibility." I will contact my internist today.
My biggest concern is it comes on so quickly out of nowhere when I am standing talking to people at work, sitting and reading, etc- no rhyme or reason to the "when". Naturally, my hubby is concerned it is heart-related. Could I be having small TIAs or could this possibly be signs of an oncoming heart attack? Is that why you recommend a Holter EKG and heart ultrasound? I guess that is my real question. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
Anxiety is a very common issue, about 30% of the population has issues with it. So it doesn't have to be necessarily related to the people you have around, it is an issue of genetic predisposition as well. In addition from your medication field it seems you have thyroid issues, that alone makes you prone to anxiety. However as I said I wouldn't want to rush an anxiety diagnosis either, should be considered when the rest has been excluded.
The fact that you had had a scan of the blood vessels doesn't exclude heart arrhythmia, the scan detects narrowing and atherosclerotic plaques of the blood vessels, but arrhythmias may happen in the absence of any changes visible on a scan.
It is not a question of a heart attack though, no reason to suspect that given that normal scan, heart attacks are due to plaques in blood vessels. TIAs aren't likely with those symptoms and given your normal vessels either. Furthermore you are under Coumadin, that would be the medication affording the highest protection towards clots in blood vessels such as in TIA and heart attacks.
So while you should make the tests I mentioned you should relax and do not overworry.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
Anxiety is a very common issue, about 30% of the population has issues with it. So it doesn't have to be necessarily related to the people you have around, it is an issue of genetic predisposition as well. In addition from your medication field it seems you have thyroid issues, that alone makes you prone to anxiety. However as I said I wouldn't want to rush an anxiety diagnosis either, should be considered when the rest has been excluded.
The fact that you had had a scan of the blood vessels doesn't exclude heart arrhythmia, the scan detects narrowing and atherosclerotic plaques of the blood vessels, but arrhythmias may happen in the absence of any changes visible on a scan.
It is not a question of a heart attack though, no reason to suspect that given that normal scan, heart attacks are due to plaques in blood vessels. TIAs aren't likely with those symptoms and given your normal vessels either. Furthermore you are under Coumadin, that would be the medication affording the highest protection towards clots in blood vessels such as in TIA and heart attacks.
So while you should make the tests I mentioned you should relax and do not overworry.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
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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