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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Rapid Heart Beat
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Rapid Heart Beat
by R_Cardone, Feb 15, 2003 12:00AM
I am 21 years old and a smoker & For the last 2 years I have had episodes of rapid heart beat. First I feel light headed & weak as if I might pass out and then my heart just starts pounding for up to 45 minutes at a time. It's usually accompanied by shortness of breath. I have no medical insurance & have not yet been to a doctor about this. It really scares me and I would love to know whats going on.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-RCJ, Feb 15, 2003 12:00AM
R_Cardone,
Thanks for the post.
Many different diagnoses could cause your symptom complex: episodic rapid heart beat associated with a pounding sensation and shortness of breath. The most likely cause is an SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), which simply means a fast heart beat originating from the upper chambers of the heart. SVT's are fairly common and generally easy to treat. They most commonly do not lead to lasting adverse effects, but they can if they become uncontrolled. The episodes can often be stopped by certain maneuvers, such as "bearing down" (like you are moving your bowels), immersing your face briefly in cold water, or hard coughing.
Other possible diagnoses exist, such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, panic disorder, hyperthyroidism, cocaine use -- just to name a few.
Obtain insurance and seek a full medical evaluation.
Good luck.
Thanks for the post.
Many different diagnoses could cause your symptom complex: episodic rapid heart beat associated with a pounding sensation and shortness of breath. The most likely cause is an SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), which simply means a fast heart beat originating from the upper chambers of the heart. SVT's are fairly common and generally easy to treat. They most commonly do not lead to lasting adverse effects, but they can if they become uncontrolled. The episodes can often be stopped by certain maneuvers, such as "bearing down" (like you are moving your bowels), immersing your face briefly in cold water, or hard coughing.
Other possible diagnoses exist, such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, panic disorder, hyperthyroidism, cocaine use -- just to name a few.
Obtain insurance and seek a full medical evaluation.
Good luck.
