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What Causes Pressure In Chest Area Along With Slow Heart Rate?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Apr 2015
Question: I had an episode today where I had some pressure in my chest. I do have some reflux. I went to check my pulse while I was having this feeling and each beat felt like it was getting slower. I thought my heart was going to stop. I panicked and splashed some water in my face and my heart started beating quickly.



I had all cardiac testing done 2 months ago only showed rare pacs and pvcs. Also trace regurgitation
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Anxiety episode/reflux as probable cause...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

1. If your cardiac tests you did 2 month ago was fine (although rare pacs and pvcs), then, the episode you felt was due anxiety.

2. Reflux is another factor causing pressure in your chest.

3. Quick heart beatings are normal reaction to slowing heart rate as you felt before splashing some water in your face.

At the end, everything you experienced is related to reflux and anxiety. I highly recommend to continue following the diet and lifestyle changes and therapy for reflux as you are doing now.

Trying to control stress is also very important in improving your symptoms.

All the best!
Dr.Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)
Hi Doctor just so I understand acid reflux could cause the chest pain and the episode of the slowing heart rate? Also my tests were normal so does that mean they are good for a few years? Is it likely for a problem to develop in a few months? Also can the trace regurgitation cause symptoms and is this concerning?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Following answer to your query...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

You shouldn't worry about trace regurgitation it's only an echo finding and no symptoms are related with it.

Cardiac problems need years to develop and they never develop within months. This is why it's recommended that cardiac examinations should be repeated once a year. You shouldn't worry nothing will happen to your hearts for months even 1-2 years.

All your energies should be concentrated on CBT that you had just began and on stabilizing acid reflux.

Hope this will be of help!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (6 hours later)
Hi Doctor Thank you for your response. I'm sorry for all the questions. Lately I have been feeling more Pacs or pvcs with the acid reflux and it worries me. My doctor says it is caused by my anxiety and also acid reflux and they are benign and my heart is healthy. Is this true? Are they really harmless. He did not take the time to explain it to me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
PVCs never will be harmful to you...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

You shouldn't worry about PVCs and PACs, because they never will be harmful to you. The only problem they can cause is chest discomfort, that contribute in worsening your anxiety disorder.

On the other hand anxiety disorder together with Acid reflux contribute in the increased frequency and intensity of palpitations making you feel more anxious (a vicious circus) and more palpitation.

This is why it's important to control your though and anxiety because your arrhythmia are benign and never can cause you health problems.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Benard Shehu

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

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What Causes Pressure In Chest Area Along With Slow Heart Rate?

Brief Answer: Anxiety episode/reflux as probable cause... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns. 1. If your cardiac tests you did 2 month ago was fine (although rare pacs and pvcs), then, the episode you felt was due anxiety. 2. Reflux is another factor causing pressure in your chest. 3. Quick heart beatings are normal reaction to slowing heart rate as you felt before splashing some water in your face. At the end, everything you experienced is related to reflux and anxiety. I highly recommend to continue following the diet and lifestyle changes and therapy for reflux as you are doing now. Trying to control stress is also very important in improving your symptoms. All the best! Dr.Benard