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24/7 heart palpitations and feeling of something in my throat for past ten years! Please Help!

Hello,

I am a 32 year old male who was perfectly healthy and active as a child and adolescent.   When I was 22 and Iin college I had this random episode where I was sitting watching t.v. and all of a sudden started to just feel strange, like a head rush.  I went to stand up and all of a sudden my heart started beating like crazy, I got sweaty and dizzy and passed out for about 30 seconds.  I was so scared and thought it was a heart attack.  I had these horrible palpitations and chest pain and pain down my left arm and had my roommate take me to the ER.  They ran all the normal carido tests  and told me there was nothing wrong, said it was "possibly" a sudden panic attack, gave me a valium and sent me home.  First let me say, it was not a panic attack.  I wasn't anxious about anything, just watching t.v., I went home still feeling the palpitations, not a fast heartbeat, but feeling my heart pounding against my chest wall, even at a resting heart rate of 70 bpm.  I decided to see to a cardiologist at one of the best hospitals in the country, Massachusetts General Hospital.  He ran the full cardio tests, EKG, echo, etc.  After the tests he sat me down and said there WAS something wrong with my heart and I had Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome and explained what it was and that I could have a simple ablation procedure to fix it.  I was so relieved.  Well, when I saw the arrythmia specialists they looked at my test results and said there was nothing wrong with my heart.  I could not believe it!  I got a second and third opinion with two other cardiologists who did the same tests and again was told nothing wrong with my heart.   They all mentioned anxiety of course...what else would they say?  Too bad I had been taking anxiety medication for 3 months prior to this incident and I know what my anxiety feels like and this was NOT anxiety.

So here I am 10 years later, I still have heart palpitations and I'm constantly aware of my heart beating every day and it's like torture.  Although not painful, it's uncomfortable, distracting, and makes my anxiety worse.  I pray to God to just make it go away. The only thing that masks the symptoms and helps me from going crazy is my anxiety medication, but that doesn't last all day. One other thing I should mention is the only other symptom that I have had constantly that seems to go along with the palpitations is when I swallow it feels like something is in my throat and I have to take deep swallows.  I'm not talking about when I eat, just throughout the day, I'm constantly swallowing and it feels like something is there and it's just as uncomfortable as my heart palpitations.  I get heartburn occasionally, and take prilosec and it helps, but something is just not right nor normal to feel completely fine for 22 years and then one day have something so strange happen to me and have palpitations and this swallowing issue every day of my life, 24/7 for the past ten years.  Something has to be wrong and I wish I could find an answer, treatment or a cure.   Please help me!

Sincerely,
Ryan
10 Responses
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Avatar universal
Giving an update since my last post on September 2018:

I had a stress test done and I also wore a 2 week monitor. Everything came back normal. I had a few skipped beats, which is apparently not that uncommon.

I also got a 2nd opinion from a fairly well known cardiologist, and he said that often times peoples' bodies (including the heart) undergo random change at some point between the ages of about 25-30 years old.

He told me that he often sees various people from the age of 25-30 come to him and say they, "Feel something strange with their heart that came out of nowhere."

Particularly, one of the common things that can start happening in your heart is an electrical feedback problem. Not sure what it's called, but basically some of the electrical signal that goes through your heart is looped back around to the top chamber when it's normally all supposed to pass through. Your heart doesn't "beat" from it, so it won't be reflected in your pulse. But, it can feel "fluttery" in your chest.

I don't have that. I found out that a good friend of mine does, though.

Also, a doctor told me that "pressure/pain in your chest" due to heart problems often is described as though "it feels like an elephant is standing on your chest". I think the "pressure/pain" that I felt at the time was due to muscle tightness. I spend a lot of time on the computer, so I guess I'm hunched over too much. The first cardiologist I went to even diagnosed me with an "unconditioned heart" (ie I'm just out of shape from being on the computer too much haha).

Anyway, since then, I've just had a generally stronger heart beat. I can feel it when I'm going to sleep sometimes, too. It's a bit annoying, but oh well... I think it's just my biology.

Arrhythmia runs in my family as well, and a few people in my family who had heavy 'partying phases'  (drinking, smoking, etc) at some point in their life now have actual heart problems whereas other people in my family just have benign arrhythmia or nothing at all.  

Everyone has different genetics and different hearts and everyone's bodies react/evolve differently to different things. So, I guess that means some people have "stronger" or "more tolerant" hearts than others. Some people even get temporary arrhythmia from anesthesia! I learned that, too.

Anyway, now I'm just careful about how much alcohol/caffeine I drink. Even if I'm out with friends and they are drinking relatively heavily, I still take it easy - I just look out for my own body... Now, I even feel an increase in my heart pulse/beat just when I drink one beer or a cup of coffee.

Definitely no "pre-workout" for me! haha. Seriously, though. If heart conditions run your family, stay the **** away from pre-workout. I'm sure it's amazing for working out, but it's not worth your life if your heart isn't made for it...

At the end of the day, one thing that I was told is that if you ever feel ANYTHING wrong with your heart, you should always go to a doctor/ER ASAP. Your heart is something that you can't mess around with, and it's WAY better to catch things early if they are actually bad.

Plus, when I went to the ER, I just felt better, too... I think that weird feelings in your heart/chest just triggers anxiety automatically. And, anxiety can actually cause palpitations and loss of focus, which then causes more anxiety. And, the loop continues... So, getting clean results on heart tests just ends the anxiety haha which actually helped me. Even getting bad results might help out with the anxiety too. Because at least you KNOW.

That's all from me!

I'd say, don't even stress/worry because it's nothing major most of the time and just head over to the ER. Make sure to get,
- EKG - this will test for electrical problems.
- Chest CT scan - this will look for major blockage (which can cause heart attacks).
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I just want to say hang in there. I'm a 31 year old female never had any problems with my health until August of last year and I had severe heart palpatations and irregular heart beat. The doctors did the same to me giving me xanax and saying it was panic attacks. However, it turned I have mold in my car and I'm allergic it to it and it was causing my health problems. Hope you figure out whats wrong. GOOD LUCK.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
+1 to drinking a lot of water and getting 8 hours of sleep too!

When I first had my heart fluttery feelings, getting 8 hours of sleep made me feel better. When I got 5 hours of sleep, I would start feeling fluttery again.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I suddenly got something very similar roughly a week ago. I was also totally relaxed when it started happening as well - was just sitting on an airplane. I'm 25 years old, male. I went to the ER the morning after I landed, just in case.

Symptoms:
- Strong feeling heart beat.
- Fast heart rate when standing. I notice it especially in the shower.
- Chest feels fluttery, but not reflected in my pulse.
- Feeling of something in my throat. Upper-middle neck (more or less all the time).
- I think I burp randomly. But, I can't say for sure. I've never tracked my burping lol.
- Minor chest pain and tightness. But nothing severe - just like a 2.5 out of 10.
- Minor loss of focus. I feel perhaps 90% instead of 100% if that makes sense.

Tests and Results: All normal
EKG - normal.
Chest X-ray - normal.
Blood clots - negative. (blood test)
Thyroid - normal. (blood test)

Since it started, I've completely cut out caffeine and alcohol. I have also been eating healthy (low carb, no junk food) as well as exercising everyday for ~30 minutes. I also tried to eat Tums in case it was just a heart burn, but it didn't do much.

I hope that it's just a phase and that it will eventually go away. I'm going to a cardiologist tomorrow. But, I'm wondering if it could be some sort of chronic heart burn though? Whatever it is, it's very annoying and hindering.

I will try my best to post an update to this blog. Please let me know if you are interested in following my reply, I am going to join this community, so I can stay in touch!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm so sorry to hear of all those who are suffering. I would like to share a message of hope and health restoration that has helped me. The first and most important step is to pray for your health and healing for the Lord is our great physician and all is done through Him. (Exodus 23:25).

Drink water every morning when you wake up. Stay hydrated throughout the day as it cleanses your body of impurities. Make sure to get sunlight on your body for vitamin D. You can do this by walking 15-20 min a day which which is also good for the heart and body. Get at least 8 hours of sleep everyday. Eat plenty of vegetables. Juicing them will be great for quick absorption in the body, but you'll also want to eat to get the fiber which will clean out your system. Eat fruits rich in antioxidants, but eat in moderation due to sugar. Find a way to deal with stress as this can also be a trigger for many ailments. Prayer, yoga and meditation are great ways to relieve stress and it can also help to relieve nerve tension. Cut out the foods which God has said are unclean (Leviticus 11). We are to take care of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Cut out caffeine, alcohol, drugs, and smoking. Cut out negative people in your life. Fill your heart with love and the desire to help others, and you will be blessed. Forgive those who have done you wrong so that you can be free from the chain of hurt and pain within your heart.

Sometimes you have done all you can to try and resolve a chronic issue, researched tried every "cure" and treatment. You may still be going through tough times, faced a life threatening situation, or someone you know is severely ill or injured. At that point, where do you turn to?

You may have closed your eyes to seek comfort by asking for help outside of what is physically possible. You're no longer asking yourself or others for help because you've already tried to do everything within your power. Doctors, family, friends, food, lifestyle changes, supplements, medication…nothing is working.

When we are completely humbled and understand that we are not in control, that is when we are strongest. Yes, you read that right! Our ways are not His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Trials are meant to bring us closer to God and to teach us that either we need to change something about how we are living our lives and to draw us closer to Him as we are strongest when we are weak. (2 Corinthians 12:9-11)

We have a creator who sacrificed His only Son so that we may have life (John 3:16-18) (1 John 5:11-12) (Romans 5:8) (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus is the answer (John 14:6). He is speaking through me right now to hopefully help others who are suffering (Matthew 10:8). Look to Him for guidance and hope. Develop a relationship with Him by seeking His word through the Bible. The reason why so many are suffering right now is because we are living in a dying world, but we have the gift of salvation and promise of a day when there will be no more tears, death, sorrow, sickness, crying and pain (Revelation 21:4).

God heals - and He is the great physician and He can heal anyone of any affliction, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or financial. There are going to be times in your life when you'll need God to heal you or a loved one, so don't be afraid to pray to God for the healing that you need.

And little do most people know, but reading the BIble can heal you, too. Maybe the Bible isn't magical, but it will put you in the proper state of mind to be healed. When you open your mind to positive healing, the most amazing things can happen to you if you have Faith.

Pray to Jesus for a healing because He hears you.

I would like to end with a prayer for everyone suffering. "Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all the blessings you have provided us. I thank you for your gift of salvation. Lord, you are the great physician, our creator, the provider of all things good. I humbly ask for the forgiveness of our sins and ask for your healing hands to be upon those going through trials. You know our ailments, weaknesses, problems, thoughts, needs, and hearts. I ask that you fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit and restore our mind, body and spirit in accordance to your good will. Thank you for allowing me to share the message of your word and health to others. I pray that it will be a blessing of goodness, kindness, and love for all. In Jesus name I pray, Amen."
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm so sorry to hear of all those who are suffering. I would like to share a message of hope and health restoration that has helped me. The first and most important step is to pray for your health and healing for the Lord is our great physician and all is done through Him. (Exodus 23:25).

Drink water every morning when you wake up. Stay hydrated throughout the day as it cleanses your body of impurities. Make sure to get sunlight on your body for vitamin D. You can do this by walking 15-20 min a day which which is also good for the heart and body. Get at least 8 hours of sleep everyday. Eat plenty of vegetables. Juicing them will be great for quick absorption in the body, but you'll also want to eat to get the fiber which will clean out your system. Eat fruits rich in antioxidants, but eat in moderation due to sugar. Find a way to deal with stress as this can also be a trigger for many ailments. Prayer, yoga and meditation are great ways to relieve stress and it can also help to relieve nerve tension. Cut out the foods which God has said are unclean (Leviticus 11). We are to take care of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Cut out caffeine, alcohol, drugs, and smoking. Cut out negative people in your life. Fill your heart with love and the desire to help others, and you will be blessed. Forgive those who have done you wrong so that you can be free from the chain of hurt and pain within your heart.

Sometimes you have done all you can to try and resolve a chronic issue, researched tried every "cure" and treatment. You may still be going through tough times, faced a life threatening situation, or someone you know is severely ill or injured. At that point, where do you turn to?

You may have closed your eyes to seek comfort by asking for help outside of what is physically possible. You're no longer asking yourself or others for help because you've already tried to do everything within your power. Doctors, family, friends, food, lifestyle changes, supplements, medication…nothing is working.

When we are completely humbled and understand that we are not in control, that is when we are strongest. Yes, you read that right! Our ways are not His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Trials are meant to bring us closer to God and to teach us that either we need to change something about how we are living our lives and to draw us closer to Him as we are strongest when we are weak. (2 Corinthians 12:9-11)

We have a creator who sacrificed His only Son so that we may have life (John 3:16-18) (1 John 5:11-12) (Romans 5:8) (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus is the answer (John 14:6). He is speaking through me right now to hopefully help others who are suffering (Matthew 10:8). Look to Him for guidance and hope. Develop a relationship with Him by seeking His word through the Bible. The reason why so many are suffering right now is because we are living in a dying world, but we have the gift of salvation and promise of a day when there will be no more tears, death, sorrow, sickness, crying and pain (Revelation 21:4).

God heals - and He is the great physician and He can heal anyone of any affliction, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or financial. There are going to be times in your life when you'll need God to heal you or a loved one, so don't be afraid to pray to God for the healing that you need.

And little do most people know, but reading the BIble can heal you, too. Maybe the Bible isn't magical, but it will put you in the proper state of mind to be healed. When you open your mind to positive healing, the most amazing things can happen to you if you have Faith.

Pray to Jesus for a healing because He hears you.

I would like to end with a prayer for everyone suffering. "Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all the blessings you have provided us. I thank you for your gift of salvation. Lord, you are the great physician, our creator, the provider of all things good. I humbly ask for the forgiveness of our sins and ask for your healing hands to be upon those going through trials. You know our ailments, weaknesses, problems, thoughts, needs, and hearts. I ask that you fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit and restore our mind, body and spirit in accordance to your good will. Thank you for allowing me to share the message of your word and health to others. I pray that it will be a blessing of goodness, kindness, and love for all. In Jesus name I pray, Amen."
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I loved your message and you are so right! In the past when I had moments of discernment and sorrow for not knowing what was wrong with my health, God was the only one who gave me HOPE and FAITH. No doctor can do it better than Him. When I finally understood and I left everything on His hands, there was the moment I started healing. I am not saying not to go to the doctor, but after they run out all the testing and run out of options, find your trust in God and free your mind of worry. Remember the Lord is your shepherd, He will take care of you if you have faith in Him. Amen.
Avatar universal
i thought i was the only one with those symtoms.. i started getting this episodes of irregular heart beats when i was like around 25.. im 27 and i already went to the hospital and with my doctor.. but they didnt find anything wrong.. at the hospital they even loughted at me cuz i wasnt looking weak or anything.. the doctor even asked why i was there after all the tests.. they told me it was anxiety.. but im pretty sure theres something else.. i feel my heart beats way too much and i get worried because i drive all day long and i just pray to god nothing happens to me while driving.. im going to visit the doctor this saturday because now istarted feeling something in the left side of my chest.. i really hope u get better.. if u get a diagnostic.. please let us know.. u can,email me at.. ***@****
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same thing as OP. I have occasional chest pain to go with it. I have had almost all heart tests (20+ ekgs, 2 echos, stress test, chest x-rays, and a chest CT scan) and all have come back normal.

I have tried literally just about every natural cure (magnesium, aloe vera, olive leaf extract, potassium, parasite cleanse, water/juice fast). EVERYTHING. Anything someone else mentions, I've probably tried it and the heart pounding does not completely go away and neither does the occasional chest pain. I've seen so many MDs and naturopaths and no dice.

I feel like my 26 years on this Earth is coming to an end. I am ready to throw in the towel after 6+ months of battling this. :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I recently went to the ER for my heart and chest along with my throat! I couldn't do hardly anything without making my heart race and beat out of my chest. My heartbeat before I went in was 120, which, is not tooo high, but way  higher than what it usually is. I had pressure in my chest, it didnt ever really hurt, but what made me go to the hospital was my chest. I layed down one night and it hurt pretty bad, which caused me to go into a panic attack, my husband works on the road, soo he wasnt home. Had to call my bro in law, he calmed me down, took me to the ER. they did xrays, tests, had a thryoid test done, everything came back normal. Was severely dehydrated :( had an iv. ugh. ANYWAYS! After all that, about 2 hours of laying in a freezing room, he said I needed to cut back on my caffeine intake. It was so hard for me not to drink my Dr Pepper, but I didn't drink anything but sprite and water for a week and my heart felt sooo much better. And then, I started drinking just a few dr peppers a week, and now its doing the same thing. So I'm thinking its def the caffeine along with stress. I dont know if you drink soda, but if you do, I would quit. Im trying my hardest to right now.
Now, for the throat thing. I havent gotten this checked out yet but am going to very soon. I feel kinda like there might be something in my throat, but theres not..IDK! And this is probably going to sounds absolutely rediculous, and its not a cure or anything lol, and I'm not quite sure how I figured this out, its really wierd, but husband thought I was crazy. But FOR SOME REASON if I pull down on my chest, like ummm I guess pull the skin away from your neck?? I lay my hand flat on my chest and kinda pull down, anyways, when my throat has that wierd feeling I do this, and it makes it stop feeling wierd..It sounds crazy. But thats the only thing that helps me!! Anyways, sorry for the novel, and I hope some of this information might help :)
Helpful - 0
1756321 tn?1547095325
I had unexplained heart problems and a feeling of something in my throat from magnesium deficiency.  I was misdiagnosed for a long time and now have a calcified mitral heart valve as a memento. :) I diagnosed myself online and started supplementing. Within a few months my 50 + symptoms were gone.  Worth trying out magnesium supplements to see how you go.

A good article to check out (gives the best forms of magnesium to take as well): Magnesium: Meet the Most Powerful Relaxation Mineral Available by Dr Mark Hyman.

Also could be a thyroid problem such as hyperthyroidism. Thyroid tests should hopefully pick this up but as i've read on one of the medhelp heart forum, one guy was misdignosed and had numerous heart operations for over a decade or more before the correct diagnosis. O_o

Oh the joys of misdiagnosis.  
Helpful - 0
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