Correct Testing for these symptoms?

My past:
44 yr old female, history of fibromyalgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia.Work full time,have long history of stress.  My mother died of heart problems at age 50.

I have developed heart (Palpatations?) at least 6 months ago discovered by Red Cross during blood drive.  I "skip" a beat, then my rythm changes, sometimes every 10 seconds or so.Accomponied by shortness of breath(can't get full, satisfying breath), find myself yawning, trying to get that feeling of deep breath.  I can deffinately feel the heartbeat changes and sometimes have stabbing back pain between shoulder blades and/or heaviness in chest.

My doc had me wear heart monitor for 24 hrs, no results yet (turned monitor in one week ago)
She also did blood work, normal Thyroid test.

I see a homeopathic friend for massage and during a blood screening she performed noticed adrenal 'issues'.

What is the difference between or the correlation of heart,thyroid and adrenal problems?  Does thyroid test cover adrenal abnormalities?  Am I on the right track, or should I see a specialist?

Thank you for any help you can give

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Heart palpitations is a fairly common symptom.  The workup described is fairly common.

Thyroid tests do not test for the adrenal abnormalities.  There are specific adrenal tests for this.

I agree with the 24-hr heart monitor (Holter monitor).  You can also consider a cardiac event monitor.  This is worn over a period of a month and a button is pressed when the symptoms are felt.  

I would also consider an echocardiogram to evaluate the structure of the heart.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a cardiologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[bev62]

I was having simular symptom, my heart was skipping and at times it seened like it would totally stop for a few seconds.  I was having it every two to three minutes.  I went to the ER and they found that my potassium was dangerously low.  I was admitted and given potassium thru an IV and everything was fine.  I now keep a close watch on it and know the symptons when it starts to get low.  The doctor said that it was so low I could have went into cardiac arrest.