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Do Heart Palpitations And Chest Tightness Indicate Cardiac Issues?
Question: Hello Doctor,
I write to you today because as of lately, I have what seems to be heart palpitations? I'm not exactly sure so I am looking for some guidance. I have this sensation in my chest of a slow roll or as if something turned over is the best I can describe it. Sometimes it seems like a quick shot that goes up my chest followed by palpitations because of the scare/anxiety it gave me. Now it seems like I just feel the latter.
They have no set schedule as when it happens, I can also go a couple days without having any at all and one day I had them all day. Most times I only experience 3-4 very slight ones. I have some bad habits that I am working on, I chew tobacco and drink a 20oz coffee in the mornings. I have had a panel test done and everything is fine along with an EKG. I've been to 3 different Doctors and have been given 3 different answers. One Doctor told me I have general anxiety and gave me breathing exercises, another told me I have an inflammation in my airway that causes chest tightness and prescribed me Ventolin HFA, and another told me I have acid reflux and gave me Omaprezole sp?
I am no longer on any of those medications, I just am trying to find out what to do and if I need to have any worries. I don't have any of the negative symptoms like light headedness, being dizzy or fainting. I'm a 30 year old male with no real family history of heart problems.
I write to you today because as of lately, I have what seems to be heart palpitations? I'm not exactly sure so I am looking for some guidance. I have this sensation in my chest of a slow roll or as if something turned over is the best I can describe it. Sometimes it seems like a quick shot that goes up my chest followed by palpitations because of the scare/anxiety it gave me. Now it seems like I just feel the latter.
They have no set schedule as when it happens, I can also go a couple days without having any at all and one day I had them all day. Most times I only experience 3-4 very slight ones. I have some bad habits that I am working on, I chew tobacco and drink a 20oz coffee in the mornings. I have had a panel test done and everything is fine along with an EKG. I've been to 3 different Doctors and have been given 3 different answers. One Doctor told me I have general anxiety and gave me breathing exercises, another told me I have an inflammation in my airway that causes chest tightness and prescribed me Ventolin HFA, and another told me I have acid reflux and gave me Omaprezole sp?
I am no longer on any of those medications, I just am trying to find out what to do and if I need to have any worries. I don't have any of the negative symptoms like light headedness, being dizzy or fainting. I'm a 30 year old male with no real family history of heart problems.
Brief answer....doesn't seem to be a cardiac problem however a consultation with cardiologist can be planned.Most likely it is anxiety.
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your problem very well.
Going by your history,your young age and a normal EKG ,I feel that your problem is partly due to anxiety and partly due to consumption of tobacco and coffee.
Chances of any cardiac problem is remote however I would wish that you consult a cardiologist who can examine you and investigate a bit further.
In most likely hood your cardiac status would be normal.
Treatment for you would be,in case heart is found to be normal after consulting a cardiologist.....
1... Quitting tobacco,coffee and alcohol as these are stimulants and help in increasing palpitations and heart rate.
2... For anxiety and stress I would recommend measures like aerobic exercises in morning for 45 minutes a day,deep breathing exercises,meditation and yoga.Although anti anxiety medicines can be prescribed to you but since they are addicting in nature,they should be used if absolutely necessary and if these measures fail.
3... Take more of fresh fruits,green vegetables and nuts.
4.. Avoid junk foods.
5... Drink plenty of waterÂ
6... Sleep early and for 7-8 hours a day.
Give these measures a time of 6 weeks and see the result.If no improvement then you may consult a psychiatrist for prescription of anti anxiety medicines and counselling sessions.
I hope it helps however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your problem very well.
Going by your history,your young age and a normal EKG ,I feel that your problem is partly due to anxiety and partly due to consumption of tobacco and coffee.
Chances of any cardiac problem is remote however I would wish that you consult a cardiologist who can examine you and investigate a bit further.
In most likely hood your cardiac status would be normal.
Treatment for you would be,in case heart is found to be normal after consulting a cardiologist.....
1... Quitting tobacco,coffee and alcohol as these are stimulants and help in increasing palpitations and heart rate.
2... For anxiety and stress I would recommend measures like aerobic exercises in morning for 45 minutes a day,deep breathing exercises,meditation and yoga.Although anti anxiety medicines can be prescribed to you but since they are addicting in nature,they should be used if absolutely necessary and if these measures fail.
3... Take more of fresh fruits,green vegetables and nuts.
4.. Avoid junk foods.
5... Drink plenty of waterÂ
6... Sleep early and for 7-8 hours a day.
Give these measures a time of 6 weeks and see the result.If no improvement then you may consult a psychiatrist for prescription of anti anxiety medicines and counselling sessions.
I hope it helps however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
Answered by
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