Hello Doctor,
I'm a 23-year-old male athlete, generally in good shape with no pre-existing conditions except for OCD and anxiety. I used to be a swimmer and I'm getting back into it. After two intense timed swims, I noticed that my heart was beating very fast, which I expected, but there were also some extra beats in there. I didn't experience any other symptoms, but as someone with anxiety and OCD, it really worried me. Is this a normal thing to happen after intense exercise?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Evaluation Recommendations:
you need to Undergo an evaluation, including an ECG and blood tests for TSH, calcium, magnesium, and electrolytes.
Possible Causes Consideration:
If these tests come back normal, your palpitations may be related to anxiety.
Comprehensive Assessment Suggestion:
To get a comprehensive assessment of your heart function, consider an echocardiogram and stress testing.
Final Note:
Don't be overly alarmed; seeking medical advice is the right step for proper evaluation.
Thanks
