Do I Have Heart problems?

[cae123]

Ok, so I'm 14 and I know I have a heart murmur(which my doctor told me wasn't a big deal) I used to be involved in athletics and I always had trouble(not trouble breathing, but just trouble getting enough air I guess?) Anyways I went to the doctor and took this breathing test thing(usually for people with asthma) to see how much air you blow out of your lungs or whatever. She told me my results were a little lower than average and issued me an inhaler which was fine and worked ok I guess. From time to time(not like 5 times a day, but not once a month) I get this fluttery feeling in my chest like my heart is itching or something, like it feels like my heart goes "boom boom boom" its in a matter of 1 second I guess but it creates an itchy feeling. Also whenever I eat certain foods like for example: pizza and soda, I have trouble staying comfortable because it feels like my chest is about to rip open and it cause s sort of a painful tense feeling, not enough to scream or cry but just enough to kind of wonder about. I don't know if something is wrong but I'm only 14 so its not like I have bad health or anything. And I'm around 122 lbs. And about 5 foot if that helps with any suggestions. Please answer!

[madamebrianne]

Hello,

Please look into Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It is a very unheard of nervous system disorder that prevents the body from being able to properly adjust to the pull of gravity. Therefore, symptoms arise, such as: rapid heart rate upon standing, low or high blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, sweating, anxiety-like symptoms, headaches, shortness of breath, inability to exercise, digestion problems, etc. The symptoms are endless and vary person to person day to day. Very few doctors are familiar with this illness and often misdiagnose patients. It primarily targets young females.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Best wishes,
Brandi

[grendslori]

This doesn't sound like heart problems at all and on a side note, if this makes you feel any better, ALL babies are born with a heart murmur and most murmurs cause no problems. talk to your mother about the way you feel so she can help take care of the situation. take care and go enjoy your life! have fun!

[Jerry_NJ]

Please discuss all unusual physical (and mental ) symptoms with your parents and thus with your doctor if they agree.  

At the age of 14 I believe your body is still undergoing growth and development and the lung capacity may increase.  Did your doctor recommend any physical exercises - I think young people who engage in regular physical exercise will develop stronger bodies and organs specifically from the exercise.  Us old folks need to exercise too, I keep telling myself.

The food symptoms may be indigestion - and should also be discussed with your parents.  They may suggest just using an antacid or some other help.  Then too, it seems we each have different reactions to foods and some foods are very dangerous for some people (peanuts come to mind), and if we know of any food sensitivities then it would seem wise to stay away from such foods.

Please discuss with your parents.