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What Causes A Fluttering Sensation In Chest While On Cancer Treatment?

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Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015
Question: Hello.

I'm 70 years old. Except for treatment of prostate cancer, I've been in relatively good health. I walk a few miles each day and do 20 minutes on a stationary bike. I do garden work as well.

I've been told through medical tests that I have a low heart rate, but that it has been nothing to be concerned over. For the past week or more, I have been experiencing quick flutters in my chest (no more than two seconds or so) maybe four an hour. The flutters are not followed by heart rate speeding up, no chest pains, no shortness of breath, and no light headedness.

I have an appointment with my GP for Monday, Sep 21, but am wondering what this symptom sounds like and how I can maybe direct converstaion with my doctor.

Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Further diagnostics (ekg, blood work) advisable

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

in a case like yours i would usually do some basic examinations first, this would include:
1. Normal EKG, to get first orientation on heart function, further cardiologic diagnostics will depend on the findings
2. Blood work for thyroid (ruling out overfunction), inflammation, as well as potassium (ruling out high or low pot. levels), which may all cause heart fluttering
3. Evaluaton of blood pressure (ruling out high or low bp)

Hope this gives you a first orientation on what to discuss with your gp.

Best regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (55 minutes later)
Thanks Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff

Just two months ago, I had blood tests done and all was within normal range. My bp in the gp's office registered 140/top but two weeks later at my regular PSA checkup, bp was below 130/top.

Do you think I run any great risk by having to wait two days for my appointment?

The flutters make me somehwat anxious.



doctor
Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
2 days most likely ok

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

in that case i think usually 2 days is ok to wait.

If you do feel your pulse in a flutter-moment and it seems to be irregular/ high or very low, or if the condition gets worse i would recommend seeing a doc to run an ekg first earlyer than that, f. Ex. ER to make sure.

best regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (1 hour later)

Oddly, after more than two days of a few flutters an hour, for the past hour or so, there has been no fluttering.

I had no coffee this morning and will not have my usual 375 ml of wine tonight and wait until Monday.

Thank you again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Glad i could help

Detailed Answer:
Wishing you a good weekend,

best regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 535 Questions

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What Causes A Fluttering Sensation In Chest While On Cancer Treatment?

Brief Answer: Further diagnostics (ekg, blood work) advisable Detailed Answer: Dear patient, in a case like yours i would usually do some basic examinations first, this would include: 1. Normal EKG, to get first orientation on heart function, further cardiologic diagnostics will depend on the findings 2. Blood work for thyroid (ruling out overfunction), inflammation, as well as potassium (ruling out high or low pot. levels), which may all cause heart fluttering 3. Evaluaton of blood pressure (ruling out high or low bp) Hope this gives you a first orientation on what to discuss with your gp. Best regards