Heart Flutters (checked and cleared, but still curious)?

Hi there, I'm 28/F %26amp; I've been having this strong 'fluttering' feeling in my heart since November last year (2006). It happens almost every day - it varies with how regular it happens during the day though. I can have it for a few seconds, then it can last almost continuously for hours. It's even been known to last for over half a day, 2 days in a row. On occasions it will knock me for six. I'll feel physically drained %26amp; my chest will feel heavy - no pain though, but it mainly gives me a need to take a sharp breath in. I can't explain the feeling - sort of like my heart shuddering. My husband %26amp; I have heard it while it happens. I've seen my doctor %26amp; he has listened to my chest a number of times. Typically, it doesn't do it when he listens. I was sent for an ECG %26amp; it was normal. I had an R-Test for 3 days but it didn't really happen during this time. Again, typical! The cardiologist said it showed normal cardiac rhythm. I'm cool with that, but I'm curious as to what it could be.Heart Flutters (checked and cleared, but still curious)?
You may be experiencing palpitations. These are often described as fluttering, jumping, quivering, and pounding.





Read about palpitations at http://www.emedicinehealth.com/palpitati鈥?/a>


http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Ato鈥?/a>


http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec07/ch069/ch鈥?/a> (slightly technical, but good information)


http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/he鈥?/a>





It appears that organic cause (i.e., heart disease) has been ruled out in your case. You don't mention whether your physician screened your electrolytes; sometimes an electrolyte imbalance such as high or low sodium or potassium can cause these symptoms.





I'm not familiar with an R-Test and couldn't find a definition in a search, so I can't make comments on that.





If you haven't been referred to a cardiologist, you may want to ask for a referral. An echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, can more definitively rule out cardiopathy as causing your flutters. You can also wear a Holter Monitor for a 24-hour EKG; that may pick up your flutters for a cardiologist to evaluate.





As another poster suggested, anxiety can cause palpitations. The anxiety doesn't have to be happening at the moment of the palpitations; it can have happened days or even weeks previously. They can also be worse around your period.





GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) has been linked to palpitations. GERD can inflame the esophagus, which can cause irritation in the chest area. You don't have to have ';heartburn'; to have GERD. Read about GERD at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS鈥?/a> and see if any of it sounds familiar.





I have had palpitations for 10 years. Sometimes I go months without them; sometimes they occur several times daily. Any organic cause has been ruled out, but they're still annoying and worrisome. I know how you feel.Heart Flutters (checked and cleared, but still curious)?
Then maybe you should have an event monitor on. This is usually left on for a week or two and then you turn it on when you feel it and it will record your heart like an EKG.
I agree with the above answer by CDRN. Maybe you should have an event monitor on for a longer period of time. palpitaions can be caused by a variety of things, such as anxiety and stress, hormone flucuation, too much caffeine, or even a prolapsed Mitral Valve.


It could also be SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), which is something like a ';short circuit'; your heart was born with.


It is not usually dangerous, but can be very annoying.


There is treatment for it. You may want to consider a cardiology specialist called an Electrophysiologist.


Find more help and information at the Heart Rhythm Society webpage:





http://www.hrspatients.org/





Good Luck! :%26gt;)
You are probabbly experiencing episodic atrial fibrillation. This is an electrical issue with the heart and the most common heart condition. I was diagnosed at 38 as was my Father when he turned fifty. Typically it is hereditary. It also affects everyone, even those in incredible shape. Fortunately, it can be controlled with medication and later repaired with ablation. You can actually live with it as long as you are on thinners so as to avoid clotting. If you have it you will have to avoid things that are generally healthy for the heart like wine and chocolate. You will also have to avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco products as all of these stimulate the heart.





The next time you experience symptoms, go to the E.R. They will see you post haste if they detect an irregularity. Then there will be a strip for a cardiologist to view and determine the best course of action to take in your particular case.





Many famous people have had this condition. It has been suggested that Robert E. Lee may have had it as did President Bush recently.
Could it be anxiety? If you try to suppress your feelings for too long they sometimes come out as physical ailments. Since your cardiologist says your ok, you might want to check in with a psychologist. Has there been any big changes in your life receintly? (good or bad) Also, it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion if your insurance will pay for it.