Menopause Forum - Hot Flash or Heart Failure?

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Q: Hot Flash or Heart Failure?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on September 22nd, 2006

I am 49 years old and have been having severe 'premenopausal' symptoms for about 5 years. Most recently I have acquired water retention in my lower legs and ankles. Also, just today I had a pain in my left chest (heart) area and then a 'rush' feeling after. The pain wasn't sharp and didn't last but a couple seconds but then this 'rush' feeling came afterward. I got kinda warm too. This rush feeling lasted about 30 seconds or so, not too long. About 5 minutes later it happened again but quicker. I called my doctor and he called me in and did an EKG which he said was the same as the last one (which is abnormal and has been for many, many years). He had no answer for what I experienced but is having me referred to a cardiologist just in case. My question is: Can this possibly be a 'hot flash'? I've heard that it IS possible to have a chest pain along with the flash. But it didn't last very long. I'm very scared about what happened. I also suffer from panic/anxiety disorder but was just sitting at my desk when this occured. I really need someone to help me. I feel I'm going crazy with all my symptoms, especially since my blood tests seem to be normal. Am I crazy or is this real? PLEASE HELP

Replies(2)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on October 5th, 2006

Menopause Answer A1570

According to the symptoms you describe (water retention in the lower legs and ankles, pain in the left chest, a “rush” feeling…), an abnormal ECG, menopause, and pre-existing conditions (panic disorder) you might be experiencing a few conditions, not simply one.
It is most important to first exclude heart failure. An abnormal ECG and “water retention” in the lower extremities have to be evaluated for possible heart failure.
If you haven’t had a period for more than a year, then it seems that you are in menopause. Lack of estrogen and progesterone increases the levels of FSH and LH. Increased FSH and LH are responsible for hot flashes.
Panic disorder includes many vegetative symptoms like yours. You can consult a gynecologist, internist, and mental health professional for opinions, diagnoses and treatment for your symptoms.

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