Heart skips a beat

  I am a 62 year old male, 5'6'' and weigh 185 lbs. My heart started skipping
  a beat in the last few days. It has done this befor over the years but has only lasted a few
  hours, but now its been going on for a few days. When I take a tranquilizer
  it seem to help. When I wake up in the morning its gone but retuns within one or two hours
  after waking up.
  I can feel something in the upper part of my chest and throat.It reminds me
  when I get a scared feeling. I don't get light headed or feel any pain, but I
  do get a funny feeling in the middle of my chest. I can take my pulse and when
  I feel my heart skip a beat I get the feeling in by chest and throat.
  Other wise I feel fine.

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

_
Dear John, thank you for your question.  From your question, I believe that you
are experiencing palpitations.  Palpitations are usually caused by premature
heartbeats from the atria (upper chambers of the heart) or the ventricles (lower
chambers).  Most commonly, these extra beats are caused by caffeine, alcohol,
tobacco, or stress and eliminating these provoking causes can often dramatically
reduce the frequency of the premature beats.  First, I think you should read my
response to "Stuart" who submitted a question the same day you have (5/8/98).
I wrote about PVC's (premature ventricular contractions) and gave him a reference
from a well-known medical journal for him to be better acquainted with the
subject.  That information may be helpful to you.  Also, I would suggest that
you go see your physician and describe the symptoms you're having.  The common
tests that are done to investigate palpitations include a portable heart monitor
called a Holter Monitor which is worn for 24-48 hrs., an ECG, and sometimes,
an ultrasound of the heart called an echo.  Additionally, the "funny" feeling in
your chest by be an atypical variant of angina (chest pain) and your physician
may suggest a stress test to investigate this problem.  If all the test turn out
to be negative, then there are some medications that can suppress palpitations
but they do have side effects.  Overall, I think visiting your physician should be the
next step.  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.