Possible leaky valve???

Hello. my name is Katrena, I am 19 years old, for years i have been having random painful feelings in my chest/heart area. the pain would sometimes be unbearable, but it would only last for a few minutes at a time. ive also had many episodes of shortness of breath, one time even causeing me to have a panic attack. all of that was mainly between 2003-2005. But lately, for the past month or so, ive had constant chest discomfort every day. my heart flutters many times a day, and i get a pain in the left chest area about 4-5 times daily, if not more, also ive been feeling really tired and dizzy, especially when its warm out. and i get the shortness of breath feeling and sometimes i feel like im going to pass out.  Most of the flutters and pain is worse when i am laying down, especially flat on my back. i want to get it checked out, but being that i have no health insurance, i dont have the money to afford it, especially if its not serious. so someone please let me know your opinion on the symptoms i have been expericaning. thank you

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Unfortunately more information is necessary to answer the questions.  People could tell you that they think you are fine and you probably are, a doctor needs to talk to you about the symptoms, do a physical exam, and possible order some tests (echocardiogram, Holter monitor).  Without additional information, I cannot even tell you if your chest pain symptoms are related to your heart are not.  The only way to know what if your heart rhythm is a concern is to see the rhythm when it is causing your symptoms.

I hope this helps.

[katie-trina]

I forgot to mention in this post that my heart also will randomly beat faster than usual and then slow down, even at rest or laying down. like it feels irregular. but i have NEVER had my chest/heart area checked out other than the quick stethascope procedure when you visit the doctor.

[kat4]

Katrena,

I am not a medical person.  I think you need at least to wear a Holter monitor for at least a day, if that is long enough to catch these events.  Then a cardiologist could tell what is happening.

I don't know what to suggest about the expense.  It sounds like you have seen a doctor at least once?  Could you ask him or her about what it would cost to check this out further?  Maybe there are low cost places or programs that would help.  I googled low cost medical care and found this web site
http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
that seems to list such places.

Good luck.