Hi, I am a 21 year old healthy female. On oct.6 i woke up a pounding heart beat and felt short of breath, so I went to the ER and they said I had tachycardia, however by the time I go into an actual bed, my heart rate had lowered. They rain blood work and said my hemoglobin was fine, so I was sent home. I returned the next day with the same problems, they ran more blood work, chest xray, which all came back fine, so they released me. For the next week I was exhausted and weak, and so I made an appointment with a GP, and he ordered more blood work, which came back saying I had low iron stores and low ferritin (not sure if thats the same thing) but my hemoglobin was a good number and said I wasn't anemic. I was put on iron supplements oct 19th, and have only just started to feel better. I was wondering if the tachycardia and breathing would have been a result of low iron? I keep getting different opinions from doctors so I am pretty confused...
Any help would be great! Thanks.
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Yes, low iron can cause tachycardia and breathing problems. Slightly lower BP can cause tachycardia. It can also be due to anemia (like iron deficiency anemia you have), hyperthyroidism, fever, low blood sugar, anxiety and panic disorder, heart causes like sinus tachycardia and palpitations, alcohol, coffee, effect of certain drugs etc. Please discuss these possibilities with your doctor if you do not get complete relief from iron supplementation. Cut down on coffee and alcohol and see. It can also be acidity and gastric reflux. Take Omeprazole empty stomach in morning and an antacid gel at bedtime. Refrain from smoking, alcohol, fuzzy drinks and spicy food. See if this helps. Take care!