why does my heart miss a beat ?

Question

I am 36 year old woman, not over weight eat a healthy diet, dont smoke and drink occasionally, when lying in my bed afew weeks back it felt uncomfortable to lie on my back as my chest felt compressed, have noticed fluttering in my chest thought it must be just one of those things, then it went on for few more weeks, so felt my pulse and when it flutters I miss a beat, is this perfectly normal and not to worry?

Answer 1

irregular heart beats can lead to heart conditions caused arrhythmias where basically the heart beats out of sync. Some are extremely serious and require immediate hospitalization while others are more common and often go undetected in people (ie: atrial flutter). But don't let that fool you, mild, undetected irregular heart beats that reoccur is a sign of trouble. If you are noticing these symptoms then you should go see your Dr. as soon as you can. Feelings of chest compression at night time is a clue to possible heart problems.

Answer 2

Arlene,

I think I would take this to the doctor.

First, it's continued for a long enough time that it could very well be a concern.

Second, the feeling of your chest being "compressed" is a little concerning. You could find the following helpful. It's called the Valsalva Manuver. The next time you feel your heart flutter, take a deep breath, hold it, and strain against it as if you are really trying hard to go to the bathroom. Do that for about fifteen seconds, and then release your breath and breathe normally. If your heart returns to normal, that is a good sign and you might not have to worry about it before you take it to the doctor and tell him about it, which you could do after Christmas. When you go, tell him everything, including what happened during the manuver.

If it does not return to normal, make your appointment immediately.

I hope it isn't, but it could be "atrial flutter" with a certain block: atrial flutter with a 2:1 or 3:1 block, which means that your SA node, high in the right atrium, is experiencing multiple triggers (a "reentrant circuit," a kind of circular trigger that circles around and around, firing the node too often) and trying to get your whole heart to beat too fast, but your AV node, lower in the heart very near the ventricles, is blocking every second or third beat command from the SA node.

This could be a concern because many of these flutters have a way of degenerating into really serious conditions.

So I'm hesitant to diagnose this like this because it could be PSVT (Paroxsymal Superventricular Tachycardia) which is hardly ever a problem, but it could also be atrial flutter with a degree of block, in which case you'd really want someone to look at it really soon.

I hope it's PSVT. If the valsalva manuver works, it might just be that, and you'll have some time before you go to the doctor. If it doesn't, go now.

Good luck.

Answer 3

If you drink coffee, cola, "energy drinks" or tea, cut back drastically TODAY and see if this makes a difference--you may be consuming too much or you might have developed a sensitivity. If you don't drink these things, or if cutting back/stopping doesn't help, get yourself a doctors appointment A.S.A.P.
Heart conditions do not discriminate on the basis of age, and you can develop an arrythmia for a huge variety of reasons. On the upside, almost EVERYBODY experiences missed/extra beats from time to time, but most never notice. That it is going on so long is cause for concern.

Answer 4

I was strapped onto a heart monitor when I had my tooth out and that sounded like it was missing a beat or two now and again.
If you are worried go see your doctor, don't ask us novices as it could be important and your mind needs to set at rest. Otherwise you may just have been thinking about the person of your dreams,

Answer 5

lets see,your not a drug addict or smoker or bad diet consumer, three things possible:1 love 2 anxiety 3 not enough magnessium or omega 3, now that is not bad to have thes beats however if the dont stop soon like in 2 or 3 days more than see a doctor. i have the same problemm but it is becaus i have a condition, but it is checked regularly,mabey you have something wrong, mine typically go away after a couple days, and dont come back very often or at all. most likely its stress, try to go to the beach or walk, or find a mate.

Answer 6

you should probably get it checked out to be one the safe side, especially if you have other symptoms like feeling your chest compressed. most of the time stuff like this turns out to be PVCs or PACs (which are harmless) but sometimes they can be a sign of a serious problem. plus if you go to the doctor it can be reassuring that there is nothing wrong and you worry less which makes them less bothersome

Answer 7

i had this for a bit and it dr said was related to stress,they did a simple heart monitor test, but all the same check with your GP to rule out any conditons

Answer 8

It is definitely not normal and you need to be admitted to hospital for observation. If it happens during sleep it can also stop your breathing, so let the experts deal with it FAST!

Answer 9

Imy heart does that to .but mine is about every 20mim.

Answer 10

your in love