I'm 26 and a few months back, I had a fever that went away in a week. Then, out of nowhere, my heart rate shot up to 144 bpm, and I felt like there was an air bubble in my chest. I got an ECG done, which showed minor ST and T wave abnormalities, and I'm attaching it here. Now and then, I still get these episodes. While my 2D echo and blood pressure are normal, I've been dealing with random chest pains that last just a secondsometimes on the right and then on the left. My stomach feels upset too, and I get really gassy during these times. I'm confused about what might be causing these ECG changes. Curiously, I never feel chest pain when jogging or exercising, only when I'm at rest. Different doctors have told me different things; some say it's normal, and others think it might be gas. What's really going on here? Should I be worried about these ECG changes?

Dr Ranjith Darla

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 3+ Yrs

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The symptoms you are experiencing, along with the ECG changes showing minor ST and T wave abnormality, could be indicative of a condition called Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs). PVCs are extra heartbeats that begin in one of your heart's two lower pumping chambers (ventricles). They may feel like a fluttering or a flip-flop in your chest. The sensation can be triggered by certain activities, emotions, or medications. To help manage your symptoms and reduce the occurrence of PVCs, you can try taking over-the-counter medication such as Propranolol (Inderal) at a dosage of 10-30 mg three to four times a day. This medication can help regulate your heart rate and reduce the frequency of PVCs. Additionally, you can try to reduce stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or yoga. It is important to follow up with a cardiologist for further evaluation and management. They may recommend additional tests such as a Holter monitor or an event monitor to capture your heart's activity over an extended period. This will help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment. In the meantime, try to avoid triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can exacerbate PVCs. Stay hydrated, maintain a healthy diet, and get regular exercise to support your heart health. If you experience severe chest pain, dizziness, or fainting spells, seek immediate medical attention.

Answered 04/07/2025