Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

Dear Dr,
I

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

An autonomic nervous system dyfunction is possible, but it certainly is not the first second or third thing that comes to mind when someone has a fast heart rate at rest. Thyroid disease and primary heart rhythm conditions should be looked at first and foremost. You may need more prolonged testing of your heartrate like a special holter monitor that you can wear at home for a 24 hour period to see if they can catch the abnormal heart rate. A single EKG at one point in time is not going to cut it when looking for rhythm abnormalities that happen sporadically. Routine blood tests to look for thyroid problems should also be done. A disorder called pheochromocytoma in which excess adrenaline is put out by the body can also cause sporadic increases in heart rate and blood pressure with sweating. Anxiety is also a possibility. Further testing should be considered especially if this happens in the absence of exercise and stress. Depending on what the heart rhythm is and the cause, this may be a serious condition requiring treatment. Get a second opinion or see a cardiologist. Best of luck

[marthaclair49]

A related discussion, autonomic nervous system dysfunction was started.