Is this normal - irregular heartbeat and palpitations?

Question

Some time ago I noticed my heartbeat was not regular, so I went to see a Dr. They took some blood samples for tests on aneamia and thyroid problem but they came back fine. Then I had a test where they put little stickers around my heart and on legs (I can't remember what it was called) for about 1 minute, but during that time my heart behaved normally so my Dr said that my heart was fine and just to keep an eye on it.
Now, I am confused. How can it be normal when, especially in the evening and after a shower my heart does that funny thing, it sort of flutters, I feel it in my chest, it sort of beats twice in a row, difficult to explain. Is this really normal?
I'm only 30, by the way, so don't say it's my age. I am worried.

My blood pressure is very good, by the way. My GP says that I am very healthy. Perhaps I should go and see a private Dr?

Answer 1

hi there
I have had heart ops and mine does that but i have a problem you had an ecg. Asked your doctor for a 24hour ecg machine and it will monitor your heart flutters at night and while you sleep i have them a lot and they are not that bad :) It will then put your mind at rest. If you are not happy with what your doctor has told you get a second opion this might help you.
I really do hope its all ok. Just make it clear to your doctor that you are really worried and want it sorted out as blood test and an ecg for one min is not enough really. im not trying to worry you but your doc is not a heart specialist. Ask for the 24 hour ecg and it records your heart for 24 hours.
Good luck

Answer 2

You need to see a cardiologist (heart Dr).
Sounds like you may have Mitral Valve Prolapse.
It is a fairly common condition. Which make you have weird sensations in your chest. Many people live with it and not have any complications, in some people it becomes a problem which can be treated with medication, like Atenolol, or may eventually need surgery. Don't mean to scare you but get it checked out. I have had MVP since my early 20's I am now 39yo. It makes me out of breath at times when I exert myself. It has nothing to do with your age or size either. I am small framed but heart disease runs VERY high in my family. Good Luck, and don't take just ONE doctors word for it get second or even 3 or 4 doctors opinion. It is your body, you know how you feel, also MVP is sometime intermittent, in other words one day it may be easily detected by stethoscope, or echocardiogram and another time it might not be easily detected. Again, Good Luck!

Answer 3

This condition is called a heart arrhythmia, which can be nothing more than an annoyance, or a symptom of a more serious problem. No way to know until the cause is identified. Emma-Lou suggested wearing a monitor - I agree - the docs can't diagnose an arrhythmia unless they catch it while it is occurring. You might consider making an appointment with a cardiologist to set you up with a monitor, or they might also try to trigger the arrhythmia so it can be evaluated

More info on arrythymias at this link:

Answer 4

Are you sure these are not panic attacks/anxiety attacks??
My sister is 18 and also suffered from an irregular heartbeat she also collapsed a few times, the doc sent her for an e.c.g which is where they stick ticky tabs around the chest area and arms n legs. they also did an eeg and a 24hour tape which is the same thing but like a power pack attatched to your body to record your heart activities over 24hours.
since this my sister has been diagnosed with a irregular heart beat, heart murmur and a leaky valve and needs a pace maker fitted she also suffers from dangerously low blood pressure resulting in drop attacks. hope this helps ...
but try not to worry as this sometimes can set this off
emma
xx

Answer 5

Heart attacks and heart diseases is the #1 killer of women in the USA. Some MD's still brush off the fussy female patients,and just being "hormonal" or whatever . Please find another MD that has come out of his or her "cave",and will treat you with concern and respect.There is something wrong,and finding out won't take months to sort this out.If needed ask the new MD to let you wear a "Holter" cardiac monitor for 24 hours,that will provide a accurate picture or your cardiac activity,awake ,at work and asleep etc.Take care. SW FNP

Answer 6

It's called irregular, It is not normal. My grandpa had the same thing and he has some medications that help. Not sure which ones. Make sure you don't base your opinion completely one one doctors diagnosis. See 2 or 3 or 4 until YOU are convinced of what you have. Thanks to the internet you can look up symptoms and decide if that fits your problem. Good luck and good health.

Answer 7

alot of people have heart palpitations, both me and my mom have them. Sometimes they are brought on by anxiety or stress and other times they just come and the more you think about it and concentrate on it the more you worry about it and the worst you feel. Next time you have one just sit dont watch tv take it easy maybe make a cup of t. Just try and relax

Answer 8

I would go to another DR and get a second opinion because surely an irregular heartbeat can't be right.

Answer 9

Most of the time, (and you dear are no exception), palpitations,double beating of the heart, sensation of "heart beating too fast" or sudden need for sighing, are signs of being very nervous (you are only 30) amd its more frequent in female individuals.
Its not normally a sign of any disease..Relax

Answer 10

Anita look at my answer to you on the previous post//your getting yourself worked up and that doesn't help so believe me what i told you lovey