Not sure what this is

I'll start with a brief medical history - I'm a 32 yo female.  I was diagnosed a few years ago with hypothyroidism but my levels have been okay and I take my medication regularly.  I get a full physical every year including and EKG.  Last year's EKG was normal.  I also take Prilosec on a daily basis for gastritis that was a result of a H Pylori infection a few years back.  I've had an endoscopy which showed that my esophagus and stomach were not damaged.

Lately I've been experiencing some fluttering in my chest and some mild, sporatic, chest pain - mostly at the top half of my left breast.  The fluttering and mild pain is not constant, however, when I do experience these symptoms, I sometimes get flushed and feel as if I'm having a hot flash.  I'm not sure if that is related or an anxiety symptom.  

The other symptom I have, not necessarily at the same time as the fluttering is occasional pressure in my left temple.  Sometimes the pressure is accompanied by a sharp pain that never lasts longer than 30 seconds to a minute.  During these times, I also get some sensitivity to light.  But again, these symptoms are not constant.  They come and go at seemingly unrelated times of the day.

I do have an appt with my PCP tomorrow for my yearly physical.  I guess my question is, if my EKG comes out again normal this year, should I push for further testing or would an EKG definitely show if my heart has an issue?

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

In someone your age, chest pain sensations like that are usually non cardiac.  The fluttering may be.  If they happen every day, a 24 hour monitor will likely help clear up the question of fluttering. If they are less frequent than that, a 30 day event monitor will probably answer the question.  

The decision for further testing will depend on your ekg and the history your doctor obtains about the pains.

I hope this helps

[Bostonian08]

Just FYI - I've been having almost the same exact symptoms as you (except not the bit with the temple.) But I've been getting fluttering, some pains coming and going right around my left breast area, and feeling hot flashes. I've gotten a full cardiac workup and found out that I'm having an irregular heartbeat. You should try the Holter monitor, or even a 2-week event monitor.