Question: Hi, I'm 32 years old (135 pounds and active) and for the last week, I have been experiencing intermittent heart flutter feelings off and on. At the time, I was menstruating and didn't think a whole lot of it. That menstrual cycle is now done for this month, but my blood pressure has been running high, I have been experiencing headaches and my heart rate if I sit on the couch resting for awhile is running in the 100-105 range (normal for me is 85). It has been jumping between 5-25 points on the pulse when I stand. I have been dealing with a ton of stress over the last few years, especially in the last year after being stalked by a then-work associate. (I am safe now.) Plus, my Mom's health has been a challenge. Is this concerning when I am otherwise healthy or am I worrying for nothing? When I get the headaches, they are often accompanied by ear pain, one-sided migraine-like headache pain and slight chest pain with the flutter. Sitting on the loveseat resting, my BP was 121/86 with a heart rate of 115, 15 minutes ago and 5 minutes later, it was 120/81 HR 101. Last night, it was 110/67 with a HR of 64. My Mom has a pacemaker for sick sinus syndrome; my Dad died from a heart attack and had 2 of them. We have a strong cardiology history, but I am otherwise, healthy, so this is throwing me a curve. I exercise, I'm active, and I have been under stress (poss. PTSD from the stalking). This is just not normal for me.
Thanks, XXXXXX

I have never been officially diagnosed as having migraines but I do routinely have headaches several times per month, especially around the menstrual cycle and in the week before it. My blood pressure has been running in the 120/80 range (fairly normal) with the exception of when I am the most fluttery (i.e. Last Sunday, it jumped to 141/68 with a headache). I drink enough (water and tea, mainly, because I know colas can dehydrate) and don't think I'm dehydrated. We have a family history of heart issues and autoimmune disease (Mom has Hashimoto's with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome too; some relatives have Crohn's). I wondered if maybe my thyroid with the strong thyroid history could be a source, but I haven't been anywhere yet to check it. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't being paranoid before I wasted my time and a doctor's. I am not on any medications for anything, beyond a daily multivitamin and Advil -- as needed -- for the headache. I treated the PTSD in therapy, so I don't really think it's that either -- this far out. I've done well with that with no nightmares now and what not. I will say that I had become suspicious of caffeine possibly being a problem when the headache and skippy feeling seemed to be worsened by caffeine, but I don't know. I guess I will get in touch with cardiology here and discuss a Holter. I'm familiar with them -- Mom wore one and a longer event monitor before her pacemaker. I know when my heart rate kicked up to 115 while sitting here minding my own business doing nothing strenuous, I instantly felt like crap.

I'll get with cardiology here and touch base with you again once I do to let you know what we found out -- for peace of mind. I appreciate your help! Thanks, XXXXXXX