Symptoms · Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates
Fatigue
Feeling tired after a late night is normal. But fatigue is more than being tired. If it comes on suddenly or doesn’t go away, it may be a sign of a health problem that needs care.
Medically reviewed by Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC · Last reviewed: Pending review
- What it can mean
- Fatigue often feels like a lack of energy or drive, not just sleepiness. It can come from lifestyle, like poor nutrition. It can come from mental health, like depression. Or it can come from a medical problem, including heart rhythm disorders and coronary artery disease.
- When to see a cardiologist
- Book a visit when your fatigue is sudden or ongoing and there’s no clear reason for it.
- What happens at MCVA
- Dr. Ghalchi sees you himself. The tests you may need are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day. He reads every study himself. You leave with answers and a written plan.
- Insurance and referrals
- No referral needed. We are in-network with most major plans, and we can check yours before you come.
Same-day appointments available
Fatigue is different from being tired
Being tired or sleepy usually gets better with rest. Fatigue is often a lack of energy or motivation. Sometimes it is related to how you live. Sometimes it comes from a heart condition or another health problem.
Common causes
Lifestyle
Poor nutrition and other everyday habits can leave you without energy.
Mental health
Depression and other mental health issues can cause fatigue.
The heart
Heart rhythm disorders and coronary artery disease are among the possible causes.
Other medical conditions
Many other health problems can cause fatigue, which is why finding the cause matters.
How we look for the cause
We ask about how you live, including how you sleep and what you do each day. We may use blood and urine tests, plus heart tests such as a stress test or a heart monitor. Once we know the cause, we make a plan to treat it.
How we find the cause
Tests that may help
Dr. Ghalchi chooses tests based on your symptoms. They are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day — and he reads every study himself.
- Stress testShows how your heart works while you exercise.
- Heart rhythm monitoringA small monitor you wear to record your heart rhythm over days, not minutes.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)A quick recording of your heart’s electrical activity, done at the visit.
Related conditions
Related symptoms
Questions patients ask
Fatigue: common questions
How is fatigue different from being tired?
Being tired usually gets better with rest. Fatigue is a lack of energy or drive that can stay with you. If it is sudden or won’t go away, get it checked.
Can fatigue be a heart problem?
It can. Heart rhythm disorders and coronary artery disease are possible causes. Many other things can cause it too, so the first step is finding out which.
What happens at the visit?
Dr. Ghalchi asks about your sleep, your daily activities and your health. He may order blood and urine tests and heart tests, such as a stress test or a heart monitor.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book with Dr. Ghalchi directly. We are in-network with most major plans. If you’re not sure about your plan, call us and we’ll check.
Can I be seen today?
Same-day appointments available. You can book online up to 2 hours ahead, or call 212-686-0066. How same-day appointments work
Book
Get it checked. See Dr. Ghalchi.
Choose an open time on Dr. Ghalchi’s calendar, or call and we’ll find one with you. Same-day appointments available, in-network, no referral needed.