Beyond Symptoms – Treating Root Causes

Looking Beyond Symptoms: Addressing the Root Cause of Persistent Cardiac Concerns

An employee with a known cardiac condition visited the TargetCare clinic reporting recurring symptoms of heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Given their medical history, the provider took immediate action and secured a next-day appointment with a cardiologist to rule out any urgent cardiac concerns.

Following a full cardiac evaluation, the employee returned to the clinic with reassuring news: all testing was normal and their cardiologist had no clinical concerns. However, they continued to experience troubling symptoms that were affecting their daily life. Rather than dismissing the concerns, the TargetCare provider took time to explore the situation more deeply.

Identifying the Underlying Cause

Through additional conversations and follow-up visits, it became clear that recent life stressors may be contributing to their symptoms. The provider recognized that anxiety could be triggering physical responses that mimicked cardiac issues.

The employee was supported with practical, whole-person strategies:

• Education on the sympathetic and parasympathetic stress response
• Instruction and in-clinic practice of box breathing techniques
• Encouragement to resume nature walks and painting, a previously enjoyed hobby
• Guidance on sleep hygiene
• Education on supportive options such as melatonin and magnesium glycinate
• Recommendation to reconnect with her therapist
• Referral to their primary care provider for further evaluation and management

Meaningful Improvement

Within four weeks, the employee reported:

• Reduced episodes of heart racing
• Improved breathing and decreased shortness of breath
• Greater confidence in managing stress-related symptoms

They have since re-engaged with their therapist and is now receiving appropriate medical treatment for anxiety. The employee expressed gratitude for the time, attention, and practical tools that helped them better understand and manage their symptoms.

Why This Matters for Employers

This story highlights the value of accessible, relationship-based care:

• Timely specialty coordination ensures serious conditions are ruled out quickly
• Whole-person care helps identify non-medical drivers of physical symptoms
• Stress and anxiety management reduces unnecessary repeat medical visits
• Early behavioral health support improves employee well-being and productivity

By taking the time to listen and address the root cause, TargetCare helped this employee move from ongoing worry and symptoms to clarity, confidence, and effective treatment. This is the impact of integrated care: ensuring employees receive the right support — medical, behavioral, and lifestyle — to improve both health outcomes and quality of life.