apollo
  • female
  • 35 Years
  • 29/01/2025

I'm really worried because after recovering from COVID in May, I've been having chest pain that comes and goes. At first, it eased up but then returned. I had a couple of ECGs; one was normal, but three months later, it showed an irregular heartbeat, although all other tests came back normal. My doctor thinks it might be costochondritis since the pain is really sharp and in the upper rib area. Last night things got intenseI woke up suddenly with really strong palpitations. A doctor I know recommended some medications including Thiospas 4 mg, Tramadol, and Dexa 4 mg for 3 days, to be tapered slowly. I've already taken steroids during my COVID treatment for about 9 days, and I'm really anxious about taking them again. Should I go ahead with this treatment? I need advice quickly.

Doctor 1

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Its understandable to be cautious after taking steroids during COVID. Given that your chest pain and irregular heartbeat are likely due to costochondritis, the suggested medications may help, but steroids like Dexa should only be taken under close medical supervision. It's important to discuss your concerns with your doctor, especially about tapering off steroids safely.

Dr. Anshul Suggests...

Consult a Cardiologist

Answered 04/07/2025

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Doctor 1Doctor 2

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I'm really worried about my heart, and it's been like this for almost a year now. I've had palpitations around 45 times, and I've done a couple of ECGs, echoes, chest X-rays, and a TMT about 8 months ago, but everything came back normal. I don't have diabetes or thyroid issues, and I don't smoke or drink. There's no family history of heart problems either, but my BP is 140, and my LDL and total cholesterol are high at 140 and 192, respectively. The doctors say I shouldn't worry and just manage my BP and LDL, but I still can't shake off this fear of a heart attack. I often feel like I'm sinking or floating, and I get wobbly and fatigued when walking, sometimes even when I'm just resting. These feelings mostly hit me in the evenings, all the way until I go to sleep. I find myself worrying all the time, and there's just no joy or excitement in my day-to-day lifeit affects my ability to do daily activities. Can you help me figure out what's going on? Do you think I need any more tests, or is there something else I should be doing? What's causing all these issues?

It sounds like you are experiencing anxiety and panic attacks rather than a heart problem, especially since your heart tests have come back normal. Your symptoms of feeling like sinking and floating, wobbling, fatigue, and worry are common in anxiety disorders. It's good that you are focusing on controlling your blood pressure and LDL levels. To address your anxiety symptoms, you can try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. Regular physical activity can also help reduce anxiety. In some cases, therapy or counseling may be beneficial. For your elevated blood pressure and LDL levels, your doctors may prescribe medications to help manage them. For high blood pressure, medications like Amlodipine or Losartan can be prescribed. For high LDL levels, medications like Atorvastatin can be used to lower cholesterol levels. It's important to continue following up with your doctors for regular check-ups and to discuss any new or worsening symptoms. If you continue to experience anxiety symptoms, you may benefit from a consultation with a mental health professional for further evaluation and management.

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Doctor 1Doctor 2

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm a bit worried because I recently experienced a sudden increase in my heart rate, and when I got an ECG, it showed something called an ST abnormality. I'm wondering, is this a cause for concern? Does it often show up on ECGs, or should I be more alarmed about it?

ST abnormalities in an ECG can indicate various cardiac conditions. It is important to determine the specific type of ST abnormality (e.g. ST elevation or ST depression) and its location on the ECG. ST abnormalities can be seen in conditions such as myocardial infarction, angina, pericarditis, myocarditis, or electrolyte imbalances. Given your sudden increase in heart rate and the presence of ST abnormalities on your ECG, it is important to further evaluate the underlying cause. Depending on the severity and type of ST abnormality, treatment may include medications such as aspirin, nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, or interventions like angioplasty or surgery. I recommend consulting with a cardiologist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management.

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Doctor 1Doctor 2

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.