Suggest Treatment For Palpitations And Breathing Difficulty

Posted on Fri, 20 Jun 2014

Question: Two weekend ago I ended up in the emergency room for a "panic attack" as my heart was racing and I felt like I couldn't breathe. They doctors did ekg and it was fine. Oxygen levels were 100%. Heart rate normal (about 67). They gave me IV relaxer in the hospital and sent me home with a prescription for 10 valium. Since then, I had to take a Valium the following Wed, then Saturday night. Also had to take one last night. Sometimes I feel like my heart doesn't feel right and I can't breathe right. Last night when I was lying down, I felt like my heart was going to stop. I gasped for air and then of course, got nervous and then my heart was racing. Was up until 4am when I finally fell asleep. I went to see a regular GP on Friday and did blood workup which I am waiting for the results. I don't understand how I can be perfectly healthy - never even really been to a doctor, no health issues, etc. and then feel like I am falling apart now,. I had to take a 1/2 valium this morning because I just wasn't feeling right. When I take the valium, it does make me feel better, so it could be associated with anxiety. The ER doctor from last weekend told me that my T4 levels were elevated. Is there anything I can do while I wait. I don't want to take a valium why this gets figured out. I am scared that my heart will stop. I don't have a reason to have anxiety so I don't know where this "panic attack" came from. Not a nervous person, never been sick, not on medication, no personal problems. I feel like I am going crazy.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hello, not to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Good day.
Sorry to hear that you have palpitations and breathing difficulty.
Noted your history and went through the ER reports including the blood works.
Your Free T4 is elevated ( 2.30) where as TSH is normal. This is unusual. When Free T4 goes high, we expect TSH to go down. However, since your GP has done some blood works ( I presume he has repeated your thyroid function tests) we shall await that report too. By any chance did you take any pills which contain thyroid medications ( Synthroid or Armor Thyroid) by mistake?
Did you take any other pills or drugs on that day?

The said symptoms can be due to a variety of reasons.
1. Anxiety episodes- Panic attacks
2. Hyperthyroidism
3. Rare hormone disorders where excess adrenaline is produced ( very very rare)
5.Menopausal symptoms.
6. Excess caffeine/caffeinated drinks

Please relax and you may continue to take the valium for few days. Avoid smoking and excess alcohol. Stop Coffee and caffeinated drinks and colas for few days.

Try meditation and yoga. Listen to music and try to meditate. Once you have the blood results from the GP, please write back with reports.

Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (7 minutes later)

I did not take any medication/pills/drugs that day and do not take any medication at all. I have cut back dramatically on smoking. Was smoking one pack per day, now about 3 cigarettes per day. I found that when I didn't smoke at all, I also felt weird. Not sure if that is part of the withdrawal of it. I try to calm myself down when I get in these "panic attacks" where my heart is racing, but it doesn't help so I end up taking the valium. I don't want to take valium but it seems to be the only thing that helps at the time. What should I ask my GP to focus on.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hi

Detailed Answer:
You should ask your GP to get full thyroid profile ( TSH and Free T4 and Free T3 as well). It may be a good idea to get an ECG with long lead 2 to check if your heart beat is okay. You may also request him to examine your thyroid gland.
Are you having periods or are you in menopause?

Try E-cigarette and a change of place or even a small holiday away from busy city for few days with a good friend may surely help.
Regards
B

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 minute later)

In menopause I believe as I haven't had a period in over a year.
I was relaxing away on vacation when this happened. Never has this happened before so I am very confused.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hi

Detailed Answer:
Okay,
Since your ECG etc was normal and oxygen levels were 100% during the episode, you can be sure that there is nothing serious. Please wait for the blood works done by your GP and we shall decide further. My sincere request would be to avoid searching in google. Else, you will get confused with so many false information there.
Just relax. It may be a good idea to take valium for next 7-8 days at night ( don't worry, short course will not cause addiction).
Put on a headphone, dim the lights and listen to XXXXXXX music or chineese bamboo music in youtube. Please Write back to me with the blood reports results.
Wish you good health
Regards
B

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar