Is it normal to have palpitations after placing the PICC line?

Posted on Mon, 1 Jun 2015

Question: I just had a picc line placed in my right arm 2 days ago and I have been experiencing pressure and palpitations in my chest and shortness of breath when I lay down on either side or on my back with my head slightly propped up. It is keeping me awake. What should night do? Is this normal?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
not normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
These symptoms are not normal and you need to contact your doctor right away. If you can not be seen by your doctor today then you should go to an urgent care or emergency center to be seen and checked. Palpitations, chest pressure and shortness of breath can be signs of a serious problem with your heart. Do not delay. Make sure you are seen by a doctor today. This could be very serious.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

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