Rapid Heartbeat/Shortness of Breath

[memm]

Since May of this year I've been periodically woken with rapid heartbeat and labored breathing, my left arm at the shoulder to elbow aches, during the day my heart will start beating like crazy and I will get out of breath, my chest has started aching as well.  I also sometimes feel like I have heartburn or something is in the back of my throat. This is progressively getting worse, which is no good since I have a very physical job.  I've had an EKG and an echo, both of which were apparently negative, I am currently wearing a week-long event monitor.  Basically my doc has blown me off since the echo came back negative, I would like to know at least what it could be.  Should I get a second opinion?  Thanks.

[donna4140]

I would see if you can wear your events recorder till you have an episode.My doctor wanted me to wear one for 30 days or until I had a episode. Luckily it only took 2 weeks.I have - had atrial tach/svt

[merileegal]

With everything that your saying about heartburn and heart racing, I would suspect the vagus nerve is involved somehow. It might be that the indigestion problems might be triggering the heart problems. Have you talked to your doctor about the other symptoms? I have silent acid reflux and have that same feeling of something stuck in my throat. With that said, I've also had a feeling of "emptiness" in the throat when I have arrythmias. I would definitely get a 2nd opinion from a specialist, such as an endochronolgist or an electophysiologist. I have SVT for over 20 years and felt like you do now that doctors were blowing me off. When I finally got to an ep he asked why no one had sent me to him before because he said it could be fixed, and it was. My point is, don't give up. Even though what you have may not appear to be life threatening and annoying according to your test results, it really interferes with your quality of life especially at night if you can't sleep because of your symptoms. You have every right to seek the answers you need to satisfy your frustration.

[MichelleP_3811]

If your echo came back normal than whatever it is is likely not life threatening.  I have also found cardiologist to be rather unimpressed with issues of the heart that scare us to death but you have a right to at least know what is going on so hopefully the event monitor will at least give you a general idea of what you are dealing with.  Let us know what comes of it.