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Suggest Treatment For Fluttering Sensation In Chest

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Posted on Thu, 30 Jul 2015
Question: I suddenly started experiencing this 'fluttering' in my chest about a week ago which has now progressed to feeling it almost all the time - after I eat. (I felt fantastic this morning on my walk). I'm generally active and have historically great 'numbers'. cholesterol, BP, thyroid - all low to normal. Sometimes I feel a bit short of breath almost like I am having a start of an asthma attack (which I have, very well controlled for YEARS)
In looking through symptoms it could be everything from I'm eating too much, having general anxiety, going through menopause (all of which are admittedly possible....I've been eating like crap lately, trying to clean that up; I'm starting my own business but otherwise unemployed, so low on cash; and just turned 47 - had a hysterectomy and 1 ovary removed about 12 years ago)
Either that or I'm about to have a heart attack - which seems extreme. I just moved to XXXXXXX area 8 months ago and haven't really gotten a doctor around here, so that's why I'm online and not making an appointment.
Thoughts, Doc?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It doesn't seem to be any obvious risks for a heart attack.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I passed carefully through your previous medical history and regarding your concern, I would like to explain you that it doesn't seem to be a heart attack. So relax!

Your "fluttering" sensation in the chest needs to be differentiated (is it a possible cardiac arrhythmia, or just a digestive implication??)

To rule in/out any arrhythmias, it is necessary to have an ECG recording during those complains, or an ambulatory 24 to 48 hours ECG monitoring would be very helpful to definitively clarify this issue.

From the other hand, a possible digestive disorder should be carefully sought (for example a hiatal hernia, etc), as your complains are triggered after excessive eating.

Your menopause and anxiety do influence also. But, a comprehensive medical investigation would be necessary to perform the differential step by step.

So, if your complains persist, a routine medical checkup by an internist or GP would be helpful to address the right causes of your recent complains.

Meanwhile try to have balanced meals, avoiding large quantities and especially spicy and fatty foods.

Hope to have been helpful to you!

Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9536 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Fluttering Sensation In Chest

Brief Answer: It doesn't seem to be any obvious risks for a heart attack. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! I passed carefully through your previous medical history and regarding your concern, I would like to explain you that it doesn't seem to be a heart attack. So relax! Your "fluttering" sensation in the chest needs to be differentiated (is it a possible cardiac arrhythmia, or just a digestive implication??) To rule in/out any arrhythmias, it is necessary to have an ECG recording during those complains, or an ambulatory 24 to 48 hours ECG monitoring would be very helpful to definitively clarify this issue. From the other hand, a possible digestive disorder should be carefully sought (for example a hiatal hernia, etc), as your complains are triggered after excessive eating. Your menopause and anxiety do influence also. But, a comprehensive medical investigation would be necessary to perform the differential step by step. So, if your complains persist, a routine medical checkup by an internist or GP would be helpful to address the right causes of your recent complains. Meanwhile try to have balanced meals, avoiding large quantities and especially spicy and fatty foods. Hope to have been helpful to you! Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri