Heart racing

[kitkat9125]

I've been having weird feelings in my chest, my heart feels like it's racing and fluttering when i'm sitting.  The other day when i was at the gym, it sped up and was pounding so hard and fast i was getting dizzy.  I know your heart rate goes up working out, but this was not a new exercise, and i couldn't get it to slow down for almost 10 minutes.  Even sitting i can feel it speed up once in a while, and when i was grocery shopping i stopped to check my blood pressure on the machine and it was at 96.  I'm not sure what is too fast when a person isn't doing much walking.  I exercise several times a week and I take in very little caffeine so I dont think that is a factor. We have a history of heart problems in my family, my grandfather had a heart attack at 28 and died from his second at 68, my aunt passed away at 65 from congestive heart disease and an aneurism in her heart.  We also have a history of diabetes and everyone in my immediate family has high blood pressure, though i have neither.  I'm 5'8, 135 lbs so I'm not overweight. I'm just wondering if this is something I should be concerned with enough to go to my doctor, or if it's nothing to worry about.
Thanks,
Kathleen

[Jerry_NJ]

Given the heart history of our family I think it reasonable for you to be sure to get at least an electrocardiogram with you next physical exam.  That process should also include giving your examining doctor the history you have shared here.

As for your HR, a rate of 96 while up and walking around isn't particularly high, I would not worry about that by itself.

[SassyLassie]

I think to be on the safe side, I would see my physician, it may not be anything, but, in cases like this, it is always better to be safe than sorry especially with your family history.