PALPATIONS

Posted By  CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on March 30, 1999 at 08:35:33:

In Reply to: Re: Re: PALPATIONS posted by Amanda on March 28, 1999 at 14:05:00:

: Hi my name is Amanda, i am 24 and for the past 3 months i have been experiencing heart palpitations.  Sometimes they are so sever that i have to catch my breath, I cant helpl but think there is something really wrong. My doctor says that i am suffering from panic attacks, i dont feel thats my problem.  I often feel lightheaded and i am always tired!!!  Can anyone out there offer my some advice. Thanks!

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

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Dear Amanda
Your symptoms could all be due to either heart arrhythmia or panic attacks (except the constant tiredness - arrhythmia would not cause that, depression might). A Holter monitor (or event monitor) would help answer the question. If you experience your symptoms and the Holter is normal, then you do not have an arrhythmia. I think it is important to do this test before concluding you have panic attacks. If it does turn out to be panic attacks, there are medications that can help with that also.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.