heart flutters

[jennifer79]

Hello ,What a great site! It is so nice to see a Dr. taking the time to answer our questions! I am 25yr old female. I have been having palpitations now for 9 years off and on.The first one was when i was 16. they went away until i became pregnant at 20 stuck around but only had them once a month or so..not often. Now im 25 and 2 years ago I was in a terrible car accident that left me a paraplegic. Since the accident I have gained back all feeling and movement except for my left foot and am currently walking with a walker, I have obviously been very depressed over this whole ordeal and I stay stressed out!My heart palps feel like flutters in my chest that only last for a second or two but each time i get them it scares me so bad and i go into a panic.I have been to my family dr. and have had ekg's,bloodwork,and a holter monitor and everything comes back normal. The dr. says I have tachycardia due to anxiety and has put me on a beta blocker and a anti depressant. He doesnt seem to be too worried but I cant get the fear of having a heart attack out of my head so I made an appt. to see a cardiologist this Wednesday. Someone mentioned that instead of seeing the cardiologist i should see an ep dr. one that specializes in the hearts electrical system. Do you think that I should see an ep instead? or is it enough to go to a cardiologist first? any input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

[Cleveland Clinic]

jennifer,

A cardiologist will be just fine. From your workup thus far I think he will probably find the same as your physician. You've overcome alot, try not to focus too much on the palpitations and keep moving forward with your rehablitation if thats the case.

good luck

[miclus]

I too have been having heart flutters lately.  I can't seem to figure out what is wrong.  It started on August 1st, 2004.  I had this sudden sense I couldn't catch my breath and I was going to pass out.  Since then, my left arm and left side have head have felt tight.  My head in general feels like a balloon.  And, of course my chest problems.  Here are the tests I have had done so far:

Chest X-Rays
Chest CT Scan
EKG
Echocardiogram
Holter Monitor
Lung V/Q Scan
Head/Neck/C-spine MRI
Complete Pulmonary Function Tests
Alterial Blood Gases
TB Test
Other Blood Tests (blood count, thyroid, etc.)

All of those have come back ok.  Is there anything else that could cause my issues besides my heart (please don't say anxiety)?  I'm wondering if maybe a Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Test would be helpful to see my bloodflow to my heart?  Also, I did a little thyroid test of my own where I take my temperature each morning for a few mornings in a row before getting up.  My average is 97.3.  Is this low enough to consider a thyroid problem?

[jennifer79]

Miclus, Have you seen a cardiologist? With the tests youve had im sure you have,but just in case you havent it might be a good idea to see one. If your like me your worried sick and a cardiologist will hopefully give you some "peace of mind". With my flutters the only thing I get is just that 'flutters'. Occasionally though I will get a slight squeezing in my chest around the heart area, it doesnt hurt and I dont get short of breath it just appears for a couple seconds then goes away.I am scheduled for an echo and a holter monitor tomorrow...keep me posted on your health as I will you!