Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Concerning Is The Very Temporary Briefly Weaker Feeling Pulse And Brief Speed Up In Pulse Rate - Again It Only Runs Fast For A Short Period Of Time?
Posted on
Wed, 29 Aug 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 29 Aug 2018
Answered on
Mon, 10 Apr 2023
Last reviewed on
Question : I am looking for counsel from a certified cardiologist.
I'm 67 and a regular aerobic walker - have been for 30 years. Blood pressure is well controlled with Ramipril and averages about 125/70. For years I would occasionally experience "skipped" hearbeats, which I understand is an extrabeat - and I could always feel it as a sensation (not painful at all) in my neck.
The last day or two I've noticed the same feeling in my neck and sometimes I can detect the skip, and sometimes I can't.
I have a finger pulse monitor and it seems when this happens, my pulse rate feels somewhat weaker and jumps up (from my normal level of 55/minute to 70 or 75). It may last from 10 to 30 seconds and immediately returns to normal levels. No pain or dizzy, no out of breadth. Probably it occurs several times an hour or more (and over the years, this timing pattern of skips was similar). In the past it might go for a couple of days.
How concerning is the very temporary briefly weaker feeling pulse and brief speed up in pulse rate - again it only runs fast for a short period of time.
Thank you.
Andy
I'm 67 and a regular aerobic walker - have been for 30 years. Blood pressure is well controlled with Ramipril and averages about 125/70. For years I would occasionally experience "skipped" hearbeats, which I understand is an extrabeat - and I could always feel it as a sensation (not painful at all) in my neck.
The last day or two I've noticed the same feeling in my neck and sometimes I can detect the skip, and sometimes I can't.
I have a finger pulse monitor and it seems when this happens, my pulse rate feels somewhat weaker and jumps up (from my normal level of 55/minute to 70 or 75). It may last from 10 to 30 seconds and immediately returns to normal levels. No pain or dizzy, no out of breadth. Probably it occurs several times an hour or more (and over the years, this timing pattern of skips was similar). In the past it might go for a couple of days.
How concerning is the very temporary briefly weaker feeling pulse and brief speed up in pulse rate - again it only runs fast for a short period of time.
Thank you.
Andy
Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to arrhythmia. Coming to this point, in order to evaluate the clinical significance of this cardiac arrhythmia, it is important for performing a resting ECG and an ambulatory 24-48 hours of ECG monitoring.
Other tests that I would recommend performing are:
- a cardiac ultrasound in order to examine the heart function and structure
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalances
-complete blood count for anemia.
You should discuss with your doctor about the above tests.
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing good health,
Thanks.
Dr.Iliri
I would recommend performing some tests:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to arrhythmia. Coming to this point, in order to evaluate the clinical significance of this cardiac arrhythmia, it is important for performing a resting ECG and an ambulatory 24-48 hours of ECG monitoring.
Other tests that I would recommend performing are:
- a cardiac ultrasound in order to examine the heart function and structure
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalances
-complete blood count for anemia.
You should discuss with your doctor about the above tests.
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing good health,
Thanks.
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
A couple of follow ups if I may. I had an ekg about 3 months ago that was normal.
I walk 3 or so miles 4-5 days a week at about a 16 minute pace with no side effects.
Also, cbc and comprehensive panel 3 months ago that was also normal.
Is it possible that this is a PAC, and after it happens the heart races to catch up for 20 or 30 seconds?
Thanks again.
I walk 3 or so miles 4-5 days a week at about a 16 minute pace with no side effects.
Also, cbc and comprehensive panel 3 months ago that was also normal.
Is it possible that this is a PAC, and after it happens the heart races to catch up for 20 or 30 seconds?
Thanks again.
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes, this could be PACs.
But, I would recommend performing an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring (Holter) in order to be sure that this is just PACs or any other types of cardiac arrhythmia.
Hope to be helpful!
I remain at your disposal whenever you have any other questions!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes, this could be PACs.
But, I would recommend performing an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring (Holter) in order to be sure that this is just PACs or any other types of cardiac arrhythmia.
Hope to be helpful!
I remain at your disposal whenever you have any other questions!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
