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What Causes Palpitations In Chest And Throat?
Question: Hi,
Over the last few weeks I've been getting palpitations in my chest and throat. Two days ago, while experiencing palpitations, I felt as if I'd pass out. I didn't, and the sensation lasted only a few seconds. During this time I didn't experience pain or shortness of breath, although my forehead sweated for about a minute. About four months ago I had echocardiograph and stress ecg tests, although nothing was found to be wrong, apart from the cardiologist telling me that the right ventricle was slightly enlarged, something he described as 'upper normal.' I have borderline diabetes and high blood pressure, although regular blood tests have shown both to be well under control; recent tests for cholesterol, prostate and thyroid have also proved negative. I've made an appointment with my doctor, but in the meantime, can you tell me if there might be anything seriously wrong? I smoke about 30 cigarettes per day, drink little coffee, eat healthily and haven't had alcohol in nearly nine months.
Many thanks,
XXXX
Over the last few weeks I've been getting palpitations in my chest and throat. Two days ago, while experiencing palpitations, I felt as if I'd pass out. I didn't, and the sensation lasted only a few seconds. During this time I didn't experience pain or shortness of breath, although my forehead sweated for about a minute. About four months ago I had echocardiograph and stress ecg tests, although nothing was found to be wrong, apart from the cardiologist telling me that the right ventricle was slightly enlarged, something he described as 'upper normal.' I have borderline diabetes and high blood pressure, although regular blood tests have shown both to be well under control; recent tests for cholesterol, prostate and thyroid have also proved negative. I've made an appointment with my doctor, but in the meantime, can you tell me if there might be anything seriously wrong? I smoke about 30 cigarettes per day, drink little coffee, eat healthily and haven't had alcohol in nearly nine months.
Many thanks,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
There is a need for some investigations to detect the cause
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Most probably you have an arrhythmia. During arrhythmias when heart rate is fast similar complaints can occur. Arrhythmias can occur also in patients with structural normal hearts, because it is a problem of heart electrical system.
Usually we perform 24 hour ECG monitoring to find out if there is any arrhythmia and detect the type, if we find something. If the patient doesn't experience arrhythmia during 24 hour and doesn't have any complaints, then other examinations are performed, such as loop monitoring or event monitoring. These are tests which give as an opportunity to monitor patient's ECG for longer period and see what's going on when the patient has complaints.
Try to avoid alcohol, coffee and smoking until you see your doctor, as they can trigger the arrhythmia.
Wishing you good health
In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
There is a need for some investigations to detect the cause
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Most probably you have an arrhythmia. During arrhythmias when heart rate is fast similar complaints can occur. Arrhythmias can occur also in patients with structural normal hearts, because it is a problem of heart electrical system.
Usually we perform 24 hour ECG monitoring to find out if there is any arrhythmia and detect the type, if we find something. If the patient doesn't experience arrhythmia during 24 hour and doesn't have any complaints, then other examinations are performed, such as loop monitoring or event monitoring. These are tests which give as an opportunity to monitor patient's ECG for longer period and see what's going on when the patient has complaints.
Try to avoid alcohol, coffee and smoking until you see your doctor, as they can trigger the arrhythmia.
Wishing you good health
In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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