Intermittent strong heartbeat

[carolh3]

I am experiencing what feels like a single, very strong heartbeat (or a spasm) approximately every 30-60 seconds.  My heart rate is normal and my other heartbeats seem to be normal.  Most of the time it feels like it is just below and to the left of the sternum, inside the chest cavity.  Sometimes it is further up and in the center behind the sternum.

I have an appointment to see a physician in 2 weeks.  I plan to ask for a treadmill stress test and possibly a heart monitor.

Is this something I should treat as an emergency or can it wait for 2 weeks?  What might it be?  (I am not under stress at this time in my life.  I retired a year ago from a very high stress executive position.  I am now an artist and relax/enjoy my days!)

I appreciate your advice.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

HI Carol,

It sounds like you are having some premature ventricular contractions or premature atrial contractions (PVCs and/or PACs).  If you are not experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, passing out or almost passing out, you can probably wait.  If you have any questions though, you should be evaluated sooner.  I don't feel safe advising you to wait over the internet.  I assume this strong beat sensation only lasts for a second?

A holter monitor or stress stress will likely clear up the question.  

I hope this answers your question.

[elegreenmachine]

I have had that feeling associated with PVC's or even PAC's.  Sometimes under high stress I have none, then after when you are more relaxed they seem to show up.  They may still be there under the high stress, I don't know, maybe I can't feel them then but when I am relaxed I sure do.  If you feel other symptoms such as dizziness or feeling faint, short of breath or chest pain, there is nothing wrong with calling your doctor and seeing if you can get in sooner or try to go to the ER.  A holter is good idea, I have had several and it is good to catch what is going on.  If you have symptoms those 24 hours or a event monitor that you wear for month.  Good Wishes to you!

[I'mallheart]

i have a friend who says he can see and feel his heart beat in his testicle area//what should he do hes 22

[pms_barbie]

If I were him I would see a dr.  Not saying anything is wrong its just better to be safe than sorry.

[uptowngirl]

Hi.
Has anyone ever heard of or taken a med. called Coreg  (Carvediol-sp is the generic)?  My cardio would like me to switch, and I am willing to do that, but was just curious if anyone out there has any experience with the drug.  I believe it is a beta blocker.
Thanks to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Uptowngirl

PS.  Anyone out there have a warmer outdoor temp greater than 40 degrees??????????  We are freezin down here!!!!!!

[pms_barbie]

Sorry I havnt had any experience with coreg so I cant help you out there.  However I can help you feel warmer.  Its 15 degrees here.lol 40 would feel like summer.

[uptowngirl]

Hey girl,
Thanks, I feel warmer already!!!!!!!
Uptown

[cowgrlup]

Hi.  I have had some of the symptoms you have described.  My first "attack" occured without the strong beats but all of a sudden I felt very "flushed" and got really shaky, feeling like I would pass out.  My heart was racing and I couldn't seem to get it to slow down.  After a couple more of these attacks, I began noticing that my heart would beat very fast, hard, and about every 5 seconds or so, would have an extra strong beat that seems like it goes up into my throat.  I went to a regular doctor and she put me on a monitor for 7 days.  After viewing the results she wanted me to go to the hospital and have an ultrasound of my heart done, but I figured I would just cut to the chase and visit a cardiologist on my own.  I brought along a copy of the results from the monitor and he told me that I had PAT (Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia) and put me on 20 mg beta blocker which I take 1/2 pill once a day.  This disorder is a disfunctioning of the electrical path of the heart.  The medication has helped, but I recently started having trouble again.  It is the scariest, most uncomfortable feeling and seems to occur without warning.  Though it is not life threatening, it has interfered with many aspects of my life and has caused me great anxiety.  The doctor told me that this was something I was born with but I dont understand why I just started having problems about  2 yrs ago.  Anyway, hope that you see a cardiologist and get good results.  Best wishes

[MarieCar]

A related discussion, Strong heartbeats was started.