Heart flutters. Could something be wrong?

[UnholyxBeauty]

I am over weight and am 20 yrs old. I have been feeling this odd skipping/fluttering feeling in my heart for a while now but recently it has started to happen everyday maybe a few times or maybe just once.It last a few seconds to a minute or so and it can be painful. When it happens it can be hard to breathe(which is what causes  most of the pain I think)  and other times it just makes me cough a little. I have used the word popping to explain the feeling before because it is a very odd feeling to explain. Also, the last few weeks I have also been experiencing exhaustion. I can sleep 8 or even 10 hrs and only be awake for a bout four and feel like I haven't slept at all. I get dizzy and feel like I am about to pass out. I also get a migraine(which I have gotten migraines for years now but they come around now whenever the exhaustion does) I work a retail job so this has been effecting my work performance. more than anything I am just worried and curious as to what could be going on. I have NO insurance and hardly any money so I can't really see a doctor... Do any of you have any idea what this sounds like?

[Nurse2b1982]

You proably need to be checked.. you can go to some hospitals and they have programs that offer assitance in paying your bill. A lot of the Catholic Hospitals do this. It sounds like possible PVCs or PACs(skipping beats) but I am not a Dr. Your symptoms sound similar to mine and I have frequent PVCs and tachycardia(fast heart rate). I agree with Jerry_NJ though you should take your pulse and BP when this happens. If your pulse feels high or like it's jumping around or skipping, you really need to be evaluated just in case. Same with your BP, if its too high or too low....get checked. Also make sure you are drinking enough water and getting your vitamins(eating healthy) Good Luck!!!

[UnholyxBeauty]

That you! I will look into a better diet. It shouldn't be too hard. I love LOVE veggies and such.. I was even once a vegetarian for four years. My issue is I also love sweets and that is a major down fall. I plan on researching like you said though and hopefully these symptoms will improve!

[Jerry_NJ]

Some numbers you can get for free that may help understand your heart condition is to measure your blood pressure - the guide is printed right on the machines at Walmart and other pharmacies.  If it is too high, then you need help... but don't jump to conclusions, BP can change from moment to moment.  Make that measurement several times over a few days and write down the measurements.  If it is consistently high, you need help... that could be as simple as getting your weight down and eating a diet that is conducive to a healthy heart - look "healthy heart diet" or such on a web search, I'm sure there is a lot of information and good advice available for free.  Information from hospitals or the American Heart Association would be my choice for sources.

You need to also measure your heart rate in beats per minute.  There are many ways to do that, but being overweight may make it more difficult, I don't know but can say I have a difficult time feeling my heart pulse.  I purchased an inexpensive stethoscope at Walmart (not an advertisement, just an a reference) and using it I can hear my heart beat and can count the beats as well as notice irregularities. .. a HB that is not even, whatever the rate.

If your condition gets worse or you can't get any improvement by focusing on a healthy heart life style you may have no other choice than to see a doctor.  Most areas have clinics that are relatively low cost.