Odd sensation in my chest

[dramaguy11]

Hello,
I am a 40 year old male. I am 6'0" tall and 340 pounds. My father was diagnosed with an enlarged heart at age 68 and had a difibulater put in. Aside from the being overwieght I don't smoke or partake in alcoholic beverages more then maybe once every two months or so.  Recently I have lost my health insurance, and I have been feeling a bit odd for the last few days. I have an odd sensation in my chest that feels like the sensation you get in your stomache when you go into a dip or ride a roller coaster. It seems to be just to the left of and an inch or two up on my sternum. I have taken my blood preassure several times, and it has been 147 over 60 161 over 72 and 130 over 61. (as of this post 120 over 66 pulse rate 88) It seems to be the most noticable upon exhale. at all times my pulse has been between 85-90. Just wondering if I am just being paranoid.

Thanks in advance.

~Jess

[SassyLassie]

I have that "dropped" stomach feeling too, and it always correlates to when I am having a PVC. I hate that feeling, it scares me. Sometimes it feels like my heart wants to stop. I call thses "little flutters" or "soft blips" for me, they are most unpleasent. I had an echo a month ago and it was fine, and the lipid panel was outstanding. My doctor is not concerned, said they are normal and to try not to worry, but, HA, telling me that is like telling a fish not to swim.

Good luck with your doctor visit. I hope he can ease your mind some.

[dramaguy11]

Just a bit of an update, and I am not sure how much a difference it makes, but I took a home cholesterol test today, and my HDL was 42.7 TC 169.

Thanks,
Jess

[dramaguy11]

Thank you for your response. It is a very odd sensation. I will take a trip to the ER if it seems I can't wait. I have a regular Dr's appointment set for next Wednesday, so that I can get on blood pressure meds if needed. Thanks for your input.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Hi Jess,
I am sorry to hear you lost your insurance.  That is a very real problem in todays economy and without a great short term solution.

That is odd sensation.  I havenot heard anyone describe it like that before.  Sometimes people will give a description and it is clear exactly what they are referring to.  Unfortunately, this is not one of those cases.  You have several risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure, overweight, family history.  It is a good idea that you see a doctor about this.  You have some cardiac risks that need to be addressed.  You list several modifiable risk factors like high blood  pressure and being over weight.

If the sensation is very bothersome, your only rapid option is to go to an emergency room.  I can't really assess that on a forum like this.  Express to the doctor that you do not have insurance and need to minimize costs.  We should do this anyway, but stating it will help your doctor consider your financial choices more closely.

I hope this helps.