Heart problems

[Gabzzz]

        Hey guys sorry for the very broad title I put in. Anyways, I'm a 19 year old male who plays high level Junior hockey. In August of 2012, I began having heart palpitations and shortness of breath aswell as chest pain upon exertion. I went to my GP who refered me to a cardiologist who gave me a battery of tests.

     These tests including a full cardio blood test including lipids, thyroid, blood cell counts, vitamins and minerals and all of that stuff. I also recieved multiple EKGs, a stress EKG on a treadmill, an echocardiogram aswell as a 24 hour Holter monitor. Needless to say these tests all came back perfect.

     Lately (for about a month) I've been experiencing a sort of heaviness in my legs which increases with exertion, which makes them feel weak. This heaviness/weakness feels like it stems for the knee up and it's extremely disconcerting since it's still accompanied with shortness of breath, chest pains that feel like my chest is being compressed and palpitations. I have all sorts of palpitations and am VERY aware of my heartbeat (I can feel it beating almost every minute of the day) and doing exercise feels more like a chore then anything now.

     After this began I stopped hockey for about 5 months and returned after I received the all clear from the cardiologist but these symptoms never subsided and it in all honesty feels worse (especially the heaviness in the legs.) I was looking for some input into what this can be. Just to add I have no history of sudden death in my family but my grandpa had a double heart bypass at age 45 while my grandma has suffered numerous strokes at age 60 but that's not even close to my age.

     Again, I was wondering what this can possibly be and if I'm at risk for SCD seeing as these symptoms are so prevalent and feel so cardiac related. I just want to be able to get back to my teenaged life of sports and enjoying myself. Sorry for making this so long and I really appreciate you reading all of this.

[MichelleP_3811]

I am a bit with Jerry on the low bp. I tend towards low bp and I will get your symtpoms when I run if I haven't eaten or I'm a bit dehydrated.  Your diet sounds maybe a bit too healthy though I'm not condoning an unhealthy lifestyle but if you get very little sodium in your diet you may have low bp.  We all tend to be a bit stressed when we see the doctor and when doing tests so your normal bp may have been a bit elevated for you while you were in the doctors office and so you tested normal during the stress test.  I would say make sure you have eaten a good meal and are super well hydrated before you exert yourself.  Also you state you are a bit out of shape so make sure you aren't pushing too hard, too fast, and for too long.  The best way to build up cardio strength is to do short bursts of really fast running for about 30 seconds with about 4 minutes at a slower pace.  The main point being varying the exertion level will build your strength faster then tiring out your heart by pushing as hard as you can the whole time.  If you are already taking these steps then I would do as Mommy2TnL suggested and keep a journal.  Maybe get a home bp monitor and track your bp and any symptoms you are getting when you work out noting what symptoms you are having and when in the routine your symptoms started.  And then if the problem persists go back to your doctor.  There is a possibility there could be some sort of circulation or breathing/lung issue going on that needs to be diagnosed.  So just keep on top of this if your symptoms persist.  We do need to be our own best advocate.  Well I do hope you can resolve this.  Take care.  

[Gabzzz]

I do have a heart rate watch and I have documented certain skipped beats. My cardio said those were normal PVC's since my Holter showed only a sinus arrythmia which all of us have, a structurally perfect heart and the stress test showed that I am partially out of shape but my electrical signals are going through my heart perfectly. So from the cardio's point of view my hearts in perfect condition but these symptoms I'm experiencing do not feel normal at all.

[Mommy2TnL]

If I were you I would buy one of those heart rate watches.  Look on Amazon and get one with good reviews.  Wear it for awhile and when you feel your symptoms look at it and see if there is a pattern with your heart rate.  Mine has a little heart symbol that beats with each beat and I can use that to see if in fact my heart did skip a beat or whatever.  You can document your findings in a journal as well and record using cell phone video proof of your heart beat jumping around.  I would take the data back to the cardiologist and see what he recommends.  If you have evidence of an arrhythmia I would hope that he put you on a 30 day monitor.  

[Gabzzz]

Hey, my blood pressure is very stable ( usually around 125/79 so very good from a BP standpoint. My resting heart rate is around 55-65 depending on what day I wake up (as should an athletes heart rate) and from a dietary/lifestyle point of few I tried adjusting it back to what it used to be (around 8 hours of sleep and small meals throughout the day, bananas, almonds, very healthy snacks and meals) but it hasn't helped. Thank you for your input (=

[Jerry_NJ]

Did any doctor mention (too) low blood pressure? What is your blood pressure?  It seems BP is light weight, "you can't be too low".  This it somewhat true if there are no symptoms.  Your description sounds like you need more oxygen to you muscles.  Low BP can cause this.  I don't know if it is possible for one to have normal BP then suddenly low BP while still a young person.

What is you resting HR?  

Now too, be honest with yourself and think about your life style (eating, sleeping, drinking. ....) if any of those have had a significant change that could be the root.

Hope you get some some experience inputs, I'm just guessing.