Heart "skips a beat" w/brief loss of breath

  I am a 27 year old active male, 6'2" 190lb. For about six years I have experienced "skipped" beats where it feels like my heart stops for about half a second (although it probably isn't even that long). The skips are sometimes strong enough that I feel a brief loss of breath.
  I have seen a doctor on two separate occasions (the last time was probably 2-3 years ago) and both times I was told that my experiences were normal and not to worry. Although I may be imagining this, it seems as if the skipped beats have become more frequent as time goes on and that their "strength" has become greater - if i am speaking when one occurs, I sometimes must pause to catch my breath. It all happens very quickly, but it can be frightening and causes me some degree of anxiety.
  The frequency of my skipped beats seems to be in direct proportion to my stress level, but they can occur seemingly randomly. They also seem to occur with some regularity while resting after physical exertion or during exertion.
  I have read quite a bit recently about MVP, PVCs, and palpitations. Do my symptoms sound like one of these? From what I have read I would guess that these are PVCs and are usually benign, but I really don't know. What I fear most is that eventually my heart will skip a beat, but will get "stuck", won't return to it's normal rhythm, and I will experience a sudden death. Morbid, I know, but a genuine fear.
  Any information (including *any* self-help techniques) you can give me concerning my situation would be greatly appreciated.

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

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Dear JB, thank you for your question.  I answered another question on
palpitations and PVC's for Dave on 6/4/98 and I listed a good medical
review article that you may find useful.  I also encourage you to search
for previous questions on this topic (see the topics list on top of the
heart forum page).  It sounds like you are probably having PVC's but this
condition is rarely lethal and there is a very, very low risk that your
heart will skip a beat and never start back up again. PVC's occur in almost
everyone and most people don't even notice their PVC's.  However, you've
become quite symptomatic.  Common causes of PVC's include caffeine, tobacco,
alcohol, and stress.  Eliminating these provocating agents can significantly
reduce the frequency and strength of PVC's.  Self-help techniques would be
great but I don't know where anything would be available.  If you are
concerned, though, you should see a cardiologist.  I hope you find this
information useful.
Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.
Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.