Re: Symptoms

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on November 22, 1998 at 11:00:38:

In Reply to: Symptoms posted by Gaye on November 20, 1998 at 15:43:02:






Hi.  I am a 37 year old, white female.  While pregnant with my second child two years ago I began experiencing skipped heart beats, palpitations, and a "fuzzy" or "itchy feeling in
my chest, mainly right below and in the middle of my breasts.  Two EKG's and a holter monitor showed no heart problems (thank goodness).  Now to the question - two years later I am
experiencing the same symptoms with an increase in the fuzzy feeling - however the symptoms only occur during pms and the first few days of my period.  Is
there any link to these symptoms and hormones?  I have no pain, pressure, light headedness etc.  Any thoughts you might have are appreciated!
Thanks!



  
Dear Gaye, thank you for your question. I suspect that you are having premature beats called PAC's and PVC's that are very common (check out the archived questions on palpitations or PVC's in the heart forum to see many other postings on this subject).  These premature beats may not have been picked up by your prior ECG's or Holter monitor.  Most often, premature beats are entirely benign and are just a nuisance to those who suffer from them.  Common precipitants of premature beats which should be avoided include alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.   I don't know of an association between premature beats and menstruation.  If your symptoms continue, you should see your own physician for an evaluation since I am unable to make diagnoses in this forum.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.