Dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and general weakness occur when not eating—what's the cause and what should be done?

Generally, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and general weakness when not eating may be caused by hunger, excessive dieting, anemia, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, or other conditions. These symptoms can usually be managed by timely eating, dietary adjustments, and medication. If abnormalities persist, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Hunger: Prolonged fasting leads to insufficient energy supply, causing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and general weakness. It is recommended to eat promptly, choosing carbohydrate-rich foods like bread or rice to quickly replenish energy and alleviate discomfort.

2. Excessive Dieting: Excessive dieting for weight loss or other reasons can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, impairing normal physiological functions and causing the above symptoms. Stop excessive dieting, resume a balanced diet, and ensure intake of nutrients such as protein and carbohydrates.

3. Anemia: In individuals with existing anemia, not eating further reduces energy and oxygen supply, worsening symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and general weakness. Commonly associated symptoms include pale complexion, concave nails, and dizziness. Doctors generally recommend treatment with ferrous fumarate granules, ferrous succinate tablets, vitamin B12 tablets, etc.

4. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates metabolism, causing faster energy depletion when not eating, leading to the above symptoms. Commonly associated symptoms include heat intolerance, excessive sweating, weight loss, and irritability. It is recommended to follow medical advice for treatment with medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and propranolol tablets.

5. Heart Disease: Abnormal cardiac function combined with fasting can lead to relatively insufficient blood volume, increasing cardiac workload and causing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and general weakness. Commonly associated symptoms include chest pain, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, indicating a more severe condition. Treatment should follow medical advice using medications such as nitroglycerin tablets, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, and metoprolol tartrate tablets.

In daily life, maintaining regular eating habits, avoiding prolonged fasting, planning meals reasonably, and ensuring balanced nutrition are important. If symptoms recur frequently or persist without improvement, timely medical evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment.