Skipped beats are most likely harmless PVC's. They are not actually skipped beats, but extra beats. What happens is that the lower part of your heart contracts too soon due to an defect in the electrical signal. What you feel is the pause while the rest of the heart catches up. During that pause the heart has time to fill with a little more blood than usual so the next beat is usually a little more forceful. These are almost always harmless but mention them to your doctor next time you speak with them.
Also, have you talked to your doctor about costochondritis? It s the inflammation of the ribs where they attached to the sternum. I have arthritis and it its me there as well, just a thought.
Hope this helps!
Jon
I have exactly the same problem. Not only do I have high B/P and am taking medication, I also have PVC's like you do, but you destroyed one of my claims to uniqueness because I thought, I was the only one with pain in my ribs, right where my heart is located. I thought at first, this is heart related, but if you press on the skin with your fingers, you realize, it is external to the heart and it is the muscles that are hurting - big deal.
Never worry, void that word from your mind.:) You are healthy, but if you start to worry, you might get ill. So just repeat you are healthy! Our will power is one of the best therapies.
Keep your BP under control and all will be fine.
Take care!
V.