Re: Heart

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on April 24, 1998 at 18:36:58:

In Reply to: Heart posted by Who It May Concern on April 24, 1998 at 08:23:59:






I am a 38 yr old white female who lately has expereinced what feels like
"heart Flutters" or "rushes".  No anxiety or rapid heart beats, no other symptoms, ie pain, shortnes of breath,
dizziness.  They come and go but have come more often lately.  I was told
I palpitations.  Is there need to be alarmed?
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Dear Madam:
Palpitations are a common problem that a cardiologist sees.  It is impossible to say from the symptom alone whether there is a serious underlying problem or not.  The first step, in addition to a detailed medical history and exam, would be to determine whether you have episodes of either fast or irregular heart rates.  The way to do that is by wearing a heart beat recorder for a day or two (commonly called a Holter monitor).  This would enable your cardiologist to determine whether your sensation of  "fluttering"  represents anything serious.  I would recommend at least this level of testing.
If you wish to be evaluated here at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist who specializes in heart rhythm problems.   Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your doctor.