Im 63 years old been diagnosed with leaky heart valves and pericardial effusion waiting for cardiologist appointment. Off sick for last 3 days palpitations light headed, nauseous, breathless on exertion, have been taking my bp and it varies between 106/60 -148/98 pulse 52-110, can you advise please?
Hello and thank you for using Chat Doctor. I carefully read your question and I understand your concern. I will try to explain you and give my opinion. You should know that this palpitation is related with a rhythm issue. They are electrical impulses that generates in parts of the heart different from normal sinus rhythm. They cause premature heart contraction, and you might experience palpitation, flattering sensation, anxiety, difficulties in breathing deeply, dizziness etc. The causes of this rhythm issue might be different to simple emotional stress or pathologies like anemia, hyperthyroidism, electrolyte imbalances, cardiovascular disease, valvular problems, active infections or pericardial effusion. So, in your case it is mandatory to evaluate the severity of valvular problem and pericardial effusion. They might be the main reason of your palpitations, breathing difficulty etc. According to blood pressure values you should know that we talk about hypertension if we have mean values above 140 / 90 mmHg. A person might have high value during stress, so it is mandatory to judge on mean values. Treating the causing factor improves all the associated symptoms. So, if I was your treating doctor I would recommend some examination like a cardiac echo, a full blood analyze, your thyroid hormones and a holder rhythm and pressure monitoring. After all this we can judge and know how to treat the problem. Hope I was helpful. Best regards, Chat Doctor. 