Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Physical popping sensation followed by presyncope and tachycardia

On multiple occasions I've experienced the same sequence of events: a popping sensation in my chest (I can't localize what area it's coming from yet) followed by the sensation that I'm about to pass out (syncope) and a suddenly accelerated heart rate (e.g., from 75ish to 115ish). On three occasions this popping sensation has been triggered by straining to pass a bowel movement (i.e., during a valsalva maneuver) and yesterday I experienced it while taking a very deep breath. There isn't any pain accompanying the pop, but it's still highly perceptible. The whole episode lasts anywhere from less than a minute to a couple of minutes before I'm able to bring my pulse back down to ~80 through careful breathing.

The first time it happened sent me into an absolute panic where I was certain I was about to die - this sent me to the ER. A chest x-ray, head CT-scan, blood work, and EKG found nothing. I have an appointment with a cardiologist in a few days. I've certainly been dealing with anxiety since the first incident (something I've never had a problem with before), but I'm increasingly sure that the heart issue is real and the cause of the anxiety.

Any suggestions on what could be causing these episodes?

Background:
Age: 34
Sex: Male
Race: White
Height: 6'-4"
Weight: 150 lbs
Other medical conditions: Premature atrial contractions for which I take no medications.
Medication taken: None
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
20748650 tn?1521032211
COMMUNITY LEADER
That sounds typical of a precordial catch syndrome complicated by subsequent anxiety... A bit abnormal for your age but the symptoms fit
Helpful - 1
2 Comments
I certainly like that diagnosis and hope it's right. I have had some pain in my chest (mild, comes and goes, usually on the left side) but nothing I'd describe as sharp pain like what's described in precordial catch. I'd been writing it off as muscular pain (I don't think it's related to any heart issues).
I know the textbooks say sharp.. But in my time in pediatrics it eas always*** a bubble pop sensation
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Rhythm Community

Top Arrhythmias Answerers
1807132 tn?1318743597
Chicago, IL
1423357 tn?1511085442
Central, MA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Salt in food can hurt your heart.
Get answers to your top questions about this common — but scary — symptom
How to know when chest pain may be a sign of something else
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.