Heart Palpitations

[madddy531]

For the past two weeks i have been experiencing a fluttering feeling in my chest.  The duration varies.  The occurrences seem random.  It is not necessarily painful but it is uncomfortable.  It makes me feel slightly light headed.  I did some internet searches and came up with the term heart palpitations but didn't want to look too much into any incorrect answers.  Should i be concerned?

[Jenn1302]

This could be related to electrolyte imbalances, especially if they started recently and you never had them before. I would go see a doctor and ask to get an EKG and have them check your electrolyte and magnesium levels.

You may also want to see a cardiologist, especially if your tests come back negative, just to make sure there's no underlying cause and that your palpitations are benign.

[Jerry_NJ]

In my view palpitations are those generally faint extra or missed beats that one has to listen for to detect.

On the other hand,  Premature Ventricle Contractions (PVCs) are felt and can even be painful...at least troubling.  Most seem to find PVCs are not dangerous or life threatening to them, that doesn't mean they are not troubling emotionally/physically.

Only a doctor and a record of what your heart is doing can diagnose.  The first step is a general physical exam, focused on the heart, and perhaps a EKG.  This will not be conclusionary unless you have an "attack" when on the EKG... most of us have to wear a recording heart monitor and wear it long enough to catch the "palps"...  if you have the symptoms every day a one day monitor (Halter Monitor) should do the trick.