Heart Palpatations, Exhaustion, Etc. Anyone Know What Is Going On?

Posted by annapan @annapan, 4 days ago

Let me start by saying that both sides of my family have a history of heart disease. My family eats well – rarely eat out and almost all the food is low in sugar and homemade. We get plenty of exercise and are all in good shape. I’m 21.

I have had heart palpitations for over three years and chest pain off and on. I have palpitations whenever I get up quickly, whenever I bend over, if I do any heavy lifting or running or any type of exercise that is more than walking. They also happen if I’ve been eating much sugar (like a cookie and no other sugar in the day) and with any foods that are high in carbs. The past few months I’ve been extremely tired and I can’t seem to focus on anything despite getting eight hours of sleep. I’ve also been dizzy, my chest is heavy, I get winded walking up the stairs, and over all I just feel awful. I don’t know if this is something I should be worried about or if it’s all just anxiety and I’m worrying for nothing. If anyone has any idea what is going on, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

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Amy | @amysep67 | 4 days ago

You have enough symptoms and concerns to consult a doctor. Hopefully it’s nothing serious and can be easily remedied.

jachrist | @jachrist | 4 days ago

Being dizzy, heavy chest, being winded and a hereditary history of heart problems are all signs to be examined by a Cartiologist. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can occur at any age. Get examined.

markdeegan | @markdeegan | 3 days ago

In reply to @amysep67 "You have enough symptoms and concerns to consult a doctor. Hopefully it’s nothing serious and can..." + (show)

Possibly heart failure

jc76 | @jc76 | 3 days ago

@annapan
You are only 21. That is very young.

With your symptoms why are you not seeking medical help? Sometimes overworry can cause symptoms too but only a doctor can (by doing tests and evaluations) to be able to diagnose you and advise what is going on.

We on MCC do not have your medical history, your medications, stress/anxiety in your life, etc. Please consider seeing your doctor and be honest with your symptoms and anything else going on in your life.

You also posted you get same symptoms when eating sugar. Very puzzling and something you really need to address with a doctor. I know you are young but does diabetes run in your family. My wife has simiiar symptoms when her diabetes gets out of wack. But then she also gets same symptoms because of her gatro perises (spell) so you can see why so important to have a medical professional diagnose you.

Debra, Volunteer Mentor | @karukgirl | 3 days ago

Hi @annapan, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

You've come to a great place to find information, but Mayo Clinic Connect members are just like you, we are just people with symptoms, conditions or diseases who share our stories and offer advice. We can't diagnosis your symptoms. Even if we were doctors.

In the short time since you posted, you've already been given some great advice: See your doctor and ask for a referral to a cardiologist. I echo those same suggestions.

Being only 21 means only that you are 21!
It doesn't mean you cannot have a heart disease you were born with and just don't know it yet. I had your same symptoms and was eventually diagnosed with HOCM, Hypertrophic Obstructed Cardiomyopathy after many years of being diagnosed with a variety of heart issues. Murmurs, palpitations, SVTs, small vessel disease...the list goes on.
I was born with it and didn't know. Shocking!
I was first diagnosed with a MVP (mitral valve prolapse) at the age of 21. I had open heart surgery at the age of 62. That's how long I lived with what was going on in my heart before finally it took over my life in a bad, bad way.

There have been other members here on Connect who had HCM/HOCM who are your same age, and I emphasize this is just information...I am not suggesting you may or may not have this congenital heart disease. I am stating it only to share that young people and older people can have the same condition.

Your symptoms warrant being seen by a cardiologist. This is your life and you have a lot of road in front of you left to travel...be your own best friend and make an appointment soon.

You mention that relatives on both sides of your family have heart disease. Do you know what those are?
Do you have a cardiologist in your family that you would feel comfortable seeing?

minnesota10 | @minnesota10 | 3 days ago

I think more than one thing is going on. I would see my GP. Ask for help.
Have you gone to ER when this is going on. Many time the doctors need to see you when you have these episodes.
Be your own detective. It will take a few weeks to figure this out. It could be stress, Diet, Environment, Our family history, just to name a few things that I could think of..
I am a firm believer in writing things down and being a good detective about your life.
I wish you the

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