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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chest And Heart Discomfort?

Every now and then (maybe a few times a month) I feel a pressure, almost a sinking feeling in my chest, and my heart beats really hard and fast then suddenly goes back to normal after maybe 5 seconds. I have no history of heart disease in my family, I am 31, in good shape and do not suffer from aniexty. I am usually relaxed when I experience this. Is this something to be concerned about?
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Mon, 5 Feb 2018 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 14 Feb 2018 Last reviewed on
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

This can be a cardiac arrhythmia like PSVT or atrial fibrillation, in which heart rate suddenly goes up and also suddenly decreases. Blood pressure falls during these episodes and one has dizziness, fainting, blackouts, sometimes syncope. Usually not a life threatening condition.
Usually ECG is normal as it is usually done in between the episodes. ECG done during episodes will show abnormality. You will need 24 hour holter monitoring.
Also, hemoglobin and thyroid test should be done. Is there any stress or anxiety associated. Till the time your evaluation is complete, you can ask your local doctor for tab Ciplar LA 20 mg once a day. If none of the above is successful then last option is of electrophysiological studies which is invasive test which can diagnose and treat the arrhythmia permanently in most of the cases.

Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.

Take Care!

Regards
Dr. Sagar Makode,
Cardiologist
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What Causes Chest And Heart Discomfort?

Hello, This can be a cardiac arrhythmia like PSVT or atrial fibrillation, in which heart rate suddenly goes up and also suddenly decreases. Blood pressure falls during these episodes and one has dizziness, fainting, blackouts, sometimes syncope. Usually not a life threatening condition. Usually ECG is normal as it is usually done in between the episodes. ECG done during episodes will show abnormality. You will need 24 hour holter monitoring. Also, hemoglobin and thyroid test should be done. Is there any stress or anxiety associated. Till the time your evaluation is complete, you can ask your local doctor for tab Ciplar LA 20 mg once a day. If none of the above is successful then last option is of electrophysiological studies which is invasive test which can diagnose and treat the arrhythmia permanently in most of the cases. Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts. Take Care! Regards Dr. Sagar Makode, Cardiologist