I've been experiencing palpitations and sudden quick shortness of breath...what could it be?

Question

I'm a 23 year old male with no past medical/surgical history. I do not take any prescription drugs; however, for the past 4-5 years, I've been taking the over the counter weight loss supplement called "Xenadrine." I took it for 3 years WITH the ingredient ephedra, and 2 years without it, after the FDA removed that ingredient. My weight went from 310 to 155, and recently up to 185 (i'm trying to lose 30 pounds but that's a whole other story).

For the past few months, I've had a few very scary episodes of sudden shortness/loss of breath accompanied at the same time by a feeling in my chest as if my heart stopped for a split second. This does not happen when I'm active - it ONLY occurs when I'm at rest, such as when I'm sitting or laying in bed. There are no other symptoms, and it only happens about once or twice a week. What could this possibly be? I prefer answers only from healthcare professionals please, because I am not interested in uneducated guesses. Thanks.

Answer 1

The ephedra in the diet pill can cause lasting effects on your heart, your best bet would be to go to your doctor, you will need an EKG to determine if you are in a normal sinus rhythm. Also, since it sounds like your symptoms are intermittent, it may be helpful to wear a monitor that records your heart rhythm, you can get one of these from a cardiologist. Central theme here is to go to your doctor. Most likely, because of your age it is something benign such as anxiety, however, because you have used a substance like ehedra, your risk for cardiac injury increases.

Answer 2

Go to www.medscape.com
There was an article in there a couple of weeks ago similar to your problem.
You'll have to dig around in the site a bit, but it's there.
If I were you I would stop taking the supplements. I believe the new ingredients are being blamed for various health problems.

Answer 3

A few years ago I was on a no- carb diet to loose some weight. Have you been on no carbs?

The symptoms you have are exactly the ones I experienced when I cut out carbs almost totally.

I went back to eating limited potatoes, bread, etc. and the symptoms went away.

The symptoms are certainly frightening.

I too was taking appetite suppressants.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

Girl, I am right there with you. Mine were so bad they put me on a beta blocker. They can be very scary, but are not life threatening. They should get better after you deliver. Things that make them worse: Food additives like MSG Dehydration (when's the last time you drank water?) Being over tired (rest on your left side) Hope this helps! Don't worry...just mention to your OB next visit.

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Answer 5

It sounds like Mitral Valve Prolapse. This is what I have and symptoms are heart palp. shortness of breath sometimes dizziness. If I get to hot or bend down to pick something up it happens often.

MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE SYNDROME

COMMON SYMPTOMS

•Chest pain
•Fatigue
•Palpitations, extra heart beat
•Lightheadedness, dizziness
•Shortness of breath
•Anxiety and/or panic attacks
•Headaches
•Low exercise tolerance
•Mood swings

Check out the site I have listed below. I hope this helps

Answer 6

You could have developed a transient recurring arrhythmia (or some other things), you should absolutely get seen by your doctor.

Answer 7

THERE'S YOUR ANSWER, THE WEIGHT-LOSS DRUG WILL KILL YOU , STOP IT !!

Answer 8

tell your doctor it could be anything

Answer 9

anxiety will do that