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What Causes Heart Palpitations And Flip Flops?
I work for a hospital and get EKG's annually. I am 48 and a little over weight. Not taking any meds or OTC drugs except for Prilosec. The last couple of nights I have had MAJOR heart pulps, flip flops etc. Last night was the worst...lasted about 20-30 minutes without easing. I was finally able to fall asleep. This morning I woke up and my chest was sore (stiff feeling). I had my GP order a EKG and this time it showed some PVC. My doctor does not seem concerned. Told me to continue the Prilsec and start taking an asprin a day. This is not normal for me and starting to get worried I may have another night tonight like last night. What are your thoughts.
Wed, 17 May 2017
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
By Heart pulps, flip flops etc I suppose you are talking about palpitations. Palpitations can be caused by extra beats or VPCs. It can also be caused by thyroid abnormalities and anxiety. These are the three most important causes of palpitations. Other causes are also there but are not considered here.
As you have described your ECG shows VPCs or extra beats. VPCs are usually incidental findings in many subjects and usually require no treatment. However if you are having symptoms like fainting, dizziness, breathlessness then they should be evaluated. Since you have not mentioned any of the above symptoms, I suppose they don't trouble you. Therefore I recommend you a thyroid profile.
If you still have persistent nagging flip flops or palpitations, then a 24 HR Holter monitoring can be done. In this test a device and some wires are attached to your body (below your clothing) and you are sent home. The device constantly records your ECG while you do your normal day to day activities. After 24 hrs, the readings are checked. It will document the number of PVCs you have, their character,morphology and whether they are life threatening or can cause complications.
Please do a thyroid profile and a Holter monitoring (only if persistent symptoms) and revert with results.
Wishing you good health.
Regards
Welcome to HCM.
By Heart pulps, flip flops etc I suppose you are talking about palpitations. Palpitations can be caused by extra beats or VPCs. It can also be caused by thyroid abnormalities and anxiety. These are the three most important causes of palpitations. Other causes are also there but are not considered here.
As you have described your ECG shows VPCs or extra beats. VPCs are usually incidental findings in many subjects and usually require no treatment. However if you are having symptoms like fainting, dizziness, breathlessness then they should be evaluated. Since you have not mentioned any of the above symptoms, I suppose they don't trouble you. Therefore I recommend you a thyroid profile.
If you still have persistent nagging flip flops or palpitations, then a 24 HR Holter monitoring can be done. In this test a device and some wires are attached to your body (below your clothing) and you are sent home. The device constantly records your ECG while you do your normal day to day activities. After 24 hrs, the readings are checked. It will document the number of PVCs you have, their character,morphology and whether they are life threatening or can cause complications.
Please do a thyroid profile and a Holter monitoring (only if persistent symptoms) and revert with results.
Wishing you good health.
Regards
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