Questions posted in the Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: Heart palpitations during exercise

Forum: The Heart Forum
Topic: Arrhythmia


Sometimes during intense exercise I experience a series of skipped beats and it often worries me so much that I'm afraid to exercise. I also had an episode of tachycardia after riding my bike at high altitude in Colorado...I thought I was going to die :) The doctor attributed it to an anxiety attack. I was born with slight ASD and slight pulmonary stenosis each of which were monitored closely as I grew up and concluded to be of no serious threat. I can't seem to shake this fear of my heart going nuts during exercise. Any suggestions?

Thank you

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Dear Kirsten:

I think it is important for you to get a cardiac evaluation. In addition to a thorough medical history and examination, I would recommend an EKG and an exercise stress test. This will enable your doctor to determine what the skipped beats really represent. It may be prudent to get an echocardiogram [cardiac ultrasound] with the stress test to see whether either of the previously identified problems with your heart are currently relevant.

Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.

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