Carcinoid Syndrome Symptoms
7. Palpitations
Palpitations can be defined as the sensation of having a fast-beating or pounding heart. In rare instances, heart palpitations can be a symptom of a heart condition. Patients who suffer from carcinoid syndrome can experience a carcinoid crisis. It is a life-threatening event that can cause palpitations, low blood pressure, confusion or dizziness, flushing of the skin, and breathing difficulties. In a carcinoid crisis, an abnormally fast or even irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) can occur, leading to palpitations.
A carcinoid crisis usually occurs in patients with carcinoid tumors, as a response to certain triggers such as anesthesia or tumor manipulation during surgery or biopsy. These triggers may cause the tumor to release great amounts of chemical substances; thus, causing a variety of related symptoms.
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