“Heart palpitation and dizziness?”
I've been having anxiety related heart palpitations for a few years now related to cardiophobia which all too often can cause the anxiety to spiral. The palpitations are usually just a single skipped beat and have never come with pain, but instantly instill fear in me when I feel them. On more rare occasions, this one skipped beat will be immediately followed by a second or lightheadedness which is also very scary to me.
My question is, can the adrenalin rush of fear that comes with feeling the palpitation be causing the wave of lightheadedness, or is it likely something more serious? I've had two ECGs since my first panic attack and both were fine. Blood tests have never found enzymes indicative of heart damage. An echocardiogram a year ago also returned as normal. I do not have a history of heart disease in my family. I get in 30 to 40 minutes of cardio 6 days a week and do not have any issues while working out. When these episodes happen, I do feel lingering effects that match up with how an adrenalin rush would make you feel, but I can't find anything regarding the instant, a brief hit of lightheadedness. Is this something you're familiar with?
My question is, can the adrenalin rush of fear that comes with feeling the palpitation be causing the wave of lightheadedness, or is it likely something more serious? I've had two ECGs since my first panic attack and both were fine. Blood tests have never found enzymes indicative of heart damage. An echocardiogram a year ago also returned as normal. I do not have a history of heart disease in my family. I get in 30 to 40 minutes of cardio 6 days a week and do not have any issues while working out. When these episodes happen, I do feel lingering effects that match up with how an adrenalin rush would make you feel, but I can't find anything regarding the instant, a brief hit of lightheadedness. Is this something you're familiar with?
Male | 42 years old
2 Answers
CardiologistPsychiatrist
Not my area of expertise. That said, check out these links:
https://symptomchecker.webmd.com/multiple-symptoms?symptoms=dizziness%7Cpalpitations-(fluttering-in-chest)&symptomids=81%7C175&locations=2%7C14
and
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/symptoms-causes/syc-20373196
https://symptomchecker.webmd.com/multiple-symptoms?symptoms=dizziness%7Cpalpitations-(fluttering-in-chest)&symptomids=81%7C175&locations=2%7C14
and
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/symptoms-causes/syc-20373196
It sounds like you have mostly ruled out underlying medical/cardiac disorder or disease process. Have you considered full hormonal screening, blood levels of testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, as well as thyroid and adrenal panels? Do you take any nutritional supplements that may contain high levels of caffeine or other natural stimulants? Have you processed this experience with a trained, experienced therapist? Have you considered why you become "afraid" every time you have a slight tachycardia reaction? You have already determined you are not in any real danger when you experience a slightly irregular heart beat, so your thought process of being afraid may be overly adapted to the reality of your actual situation and health status.
