Is this an emergency situation?

My friend complained of feeling anxious, dizzy, light-headed and slightly nauseated, and tightness in her neck, shoulders and chest area.  As she was laying down, I observed her chest moving side to side.  She is a very thin person, and this movement was easily observable.  After about 20-30 minutes, the sensations subsided but when she attempted to resume activity, she had to lie down again.  After an hour or so, she seems to be fine.  I've made her promise to call her doctor tomorrow, but in fact the ekg she had done recently showed normal.  Should I worry her?

[Koregol Prabhakar, MD]

Dear Claritsa,

The symptoms are more likely an anxiety episode.

However the way you have described the symptoms and signs there is strong possibility of a supraventricular tachycardia, that is abnormal fast and regular heart beats. To detect it she needs to take an ECG during the episode of the symptoms. This disorder, even if present is not very dangerous situation but does require evaluation and treatment.

She should definitely visit doctor next day morning but having her in the hospital or clinic during the symptoms would be more informative. A short term admission in the hospital helps for a better evaluation. After evaluating her clinically and if the primary ecg is normal doctors may also suggest further test such as Holter Monitoring, Echocardiogram and tread mill test (TMT) which should help them arrive at presence or absence of cardiac problem.

So my opinion is she should reach the emergency or cardiologist as soon as possible.

Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.

Thank you for using MedHelp's "Ask an Expert" Service, where we feature some of world's renowned medical experts in their fields. Millions have benefitted from our service to get personalized advice for them and for their loved ones.

Best Regards,
Dr. Prabhakar

[miche31263]

How is your friend?  I was going to mention, I have both supraventricular tachycardia and anxiety/panic disorder (bad at times)  I have had on numerous occasions exactly what you have described.  The majority of the times it was just an anxiety attack, and yes, they happen out of nowhere, when your not even stressed.  BUT, I also have had that happen with a supraventricular attack too, and it took almost 6 years from when I first started having these for the doctors to diagnose because they are identical, and if your not having that episode while your being on an EKG, or holter monitor, it doesn't show it.  Those tests only show what is happening at the time that test is being done.  A 30 day event holter monitor might be her best option.  But like the Dr. said, even if SVT, it's not usually dangerous, and most times medication will help it.  Take Care, Michelle