Jumping & Fluttering Heart

[Susu13]

I have had mitral valve prolapse w/minor twinges of chest pain for 20 yrs. For 12 years I could not exercise without getting chest pain the next day. Then for the last 10 years I have been able to exercise with no problems. Then I had knee pain & was put on a 14 day dose of Diclofenac Sodium. After 10 days, I got chest pains for 2 days. I went off of medicine. Ever since whenever I exercise, I get chest pains the next day. I had stress test done & heart looks ok. Heart has been jumping & fluttering off & on for 2 weeks with no exercise. I wore Holter monitor & heart was normal with no jumping or fluttering at that time. I do take a lot of vitamins, but only take Atenolol for heart 12mg per day & no other medication. Can you tell me what is wrong or how I can fix this? I am only 54 & otherwise healthy.

[Jerry_NJ]

If it doesn't upset your stomach I recommend taking an aspirin a day (low dose, 1/2 regular dose, either works for me).  We all benefit from aspirin each day if it doesn't irritate our digestive system.

As those reading my past posts, I always recommend aspirin to anyone suffering from heart irregularities ... but not if they are already on an anticoagulant.

A long term monitor, say two weeks or longer, should catch the misbehavior for a doctor to study.

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

Since these "flutters" have never been seen while monitoring it can only be speculated that you are probably experiencing a premature beat. Since you have MVP (mitral valve prolapse) it is most likely an ectopic beat originating in the Atria which are called PAC's (premature atrial contractions)

For people who experience infrequent or isolated symptoms, event monitors are the best diagnostic tool to use to determine what is actually going on.