Hearth pounding feeling!!

[VaniDavila]

For the last couple of weeks I have been feeling my heart pound hard at times. It happens so often and I get scared. I can be sitting in front of a computer and it just happens. I am 28 years old and fairly healthy (or so I think), but I am still scared by what I am feeling!! I can honestly say it happens about 1-2 times per hour if not more! Is this normal? Should I be concerned?

[VaniDavila]

I will keep insisting on getting something done. I really need to get this checked out just to feel safe and healthy. Thanks for the advise!!!

[Madge270]

Last December I began to feel pounding just as you describe (along with hearing it in my right ear).  I can feel it throb in my head and the back of my neck, too. The thing is, it can happen when my pulse is 60 beats per minute or higher (after being more active).  And the beat is very regular. No skipped beats like I used to have several years ago.  (I think the reason that went away was that I took calcium and magnesium supplements...not sure).

Anyway, I went to an ear doctor who did an MRI of my head (with dye contrast in the area around the ear).  Test was normal.  The doctor said some people just have this pounding and hear it in one or both ears some of the time, maybe because my ear swells with allergies or chronic sinus problems and touches the blood vessel near my ear.  Just a theory, though.  

Because I also felt the pounding in the back of my neck and top of my head, I mentioned it to my regular doctor at my annual checkup.  He listened to my carotid arteries with his stethoscope and said they sounded okay.  He asked if I wanted to see a cardiologist.  I did see one and last week  had a treadmill stress test.  I did fine (for a 69-year-old).  The doctor said that my pulse rose normally and didn't get too high, nor did my blood pressure.  (I was glad about the blood pressure staying in the normal range too, because secretly I was worried about maybe having a stroke or something, even though my blood pressure is usually low normal).   The cardiologist said the heart pounding is annoying but not to worry.  I'm tall and thin, and he said that sometimes tall, thin people with narrower chest cavities feel this  pounding too.  But why would I just have it now, as I'm older?  I don't think anyone really knows, but at least I found out that my heart and blood pressure are okay when I take a stress test. And that means a lot.  Maybe it would relieve your mind to talk to your doctor. It helped me.

[MichelleP_3811]

Anything that has to do with our hearts can be scary but rest assured that the heart is incredibly strong and can handle a lot without much consequences.  The important thing to keep in mind is your heart is very likely sound and the problem is likely not life threatening.  But keep a journal of what is going on.  Keep track of when you have symptoms, what the symptoms are, how long they last and what you were doing when they occurred.  If your problem persists go back to your GP with your notes and just keep at it.  Doctors really need something concrete to work with or they kind of have their hands tied so we have to be our best advocates when we know something is not normal for us with our bodies.  Take care and try not to worry too much.  

[rilesnic]

It could be several things causing the pounding. I avoid caffeine, fried foods, sweets, MSG, but sometimes mine still does it too. You said your doctor won't send you to a cardio, so has your doctor given you a heart work up? EKG, Holter monitor, echocardiogram, blood tests? If not, you should ask again. Our hearts are really remarkable things. But if you're not feeling well, and you feel your heart is the cause, insist the doc do a workup, if not send you out to a specialist. I do hope you start feeling better. Try not to worry too much, that will make you feel worse. Best to you!

[VaniDavila]

I have been working on my breathing. I am just so scared that it might be something else. My doctor won't send me to see a cardiologist because she says that my heart is fine!! I still worry she might be missing something!!

[MichelleP_3811]

It may be nothing to worry about but you should probably go get a check up just to be sure.  See your GP and they should recommend a cardiologist who will give your heart a good checking out.  But above all try to remain calm when it happens.  Stressing yourself out will make it worse.  When you feel it happen try to take some deep breaths and relax.  That should at least ease the discomfort.  Take care and let us know how it is going.