Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Irregular Heart Beat, Heart Skipping Beats, Chest Tightness, Breathlessness. Cure For Symptoms?
Hi i am 19 years old i have been having irregular heart beating problems for two years just recently it seems to feel my heart stops by skips a beat it takes my breathe away and my chest starts to feel tight, it seems to happen after another like three times in a row i feel as if i cant breath and my chest hurts as i can feel my heart stop
Mon, 15 Oct 2012
Hi
A thorough history and physical examination is the first step -
Irregular heart beats need to be documented by ElectroCardioGram (ECG / EKG).
If a routine ECG does not show, 24 or 48 hour ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter) is done.
An ECHOcardiogram is done to see the heart valves, wall and function
Some laboratory work-up also is routine - like blood counts, sugar urea, electrolytes, thyroid - depending on the situation
There are several more (some of them invasive) - depending on these results and severity.
Smoking is an important cause in many / some have bypass tracts (additional pathways/nerve fibres) in the heart / so on
Beta blockers are generally started / there are several drugs - acting by different mechanisms - the specialist will decide tailored to the individual
Take care
Good luck
A thorough history and physical examination is the first step -
Irregular heart beats need to be documented by ElectroCardioGram (ECG / EKG).
If a routine ECG does not show, 24 or 48 hour ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter) is done.
An ECHOcardiogram is done to see the heart valves, wall and function
Some laboratory work-up also is routine - like blood counts, sugar urea, electrolytes, thyroid - depending on the situation
There are several more (some of them invasive) - depending on these results and severity.
Smoking is an important cause in many / some have bypass tracts (additional pathways/nerve fibres) in the heart / so on
Beta blockers are generally started / there are several drugs - acting by different mechanisms - the specialist will decide tailored to the individual
Take care
Good luck
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Heart rate
Loading Online Doctors....