Q When my palpitations are severe, I feel like I'm about to faint. How can I tell whether it's autonomic dysfunction or a heart problem?
A For pre-syncope symptoms caused by orthostatic hypotension (a sharp drop in blood pressure upon standing), the first step is to immediately sit or lie down. If chest pain, shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness occurs, go to the emergency room. Structural causes must be ruled out first through ECG, blood pressure, and thyroid tests before a diagnosis of autonomic nervous dysfunction can be made.
Detailed Answer
Palpitations from autonomic nervous dysfunction typically resolve naturally in a short time and are not accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, unlike dangerous arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. However, since they cannot be distinguished by feel alone, internal medicine or cardiology evaluation must come first when symptoms begin. If you feel the warning signs of orthostatic hypotension syncope (dizziness, vision going dark), immediately sit or lie down on the floor and elevate your legs.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine treatment is applied to functional autonomic nervous imbalance after structural causes have been ruled out. If abnormalities are found in testing, treatment by the relevant specialist takes priority, followed by concurrent Korean medicine treatment. In an emergency (loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing), contact emergency services (119) without delay.
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