Question 1

I'm experiencing this odd sensation in my chest where it feels like my heart is having a spasm or beating irregularly for a few seconds. It's not exactly painful, just really weird, and it's been happening every few months. Sometimes it even feels like its happening in my right chest or arm, which made me think it might be nerve-related. I've had heart tests done in the past, and everything came back normal, but this sensation worries me.

Also, whenever I stand up or walk upstairs, my heart rate jumps up to 150 bpm and then drops back to 100 bpm shortly after, which makes me wonder if I could have POTS. I often forget to check my pulse when this happens because it scares me so much. Could these spasms be related to muscles or nerves instead of my heart? Is it normal to experience this kind of chest pain and heart sensations for just a few seconds?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you may be experiencing palpitations and chest pain, possibly related to your heart or nervous system. Given your history of normal heart tests and symptoms like random spasms and irregular heartbeats, it may be worth considering a condition called supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). SVT can cause sudden, rapid heartbeats and chest discomfort. In your case, since you also mention the possibility of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and nerve-related symptoms, it would be important to discuss these new symptoms with your healthcare provider. For symptomatic relief, you can consider taking a beta-blocker medication like Metoprolol (e.g., Lopressor) at a starting dose of 25mg once daily, as it can help regulate your heart rate and reduce palpitations. However, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before starting any new medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.

Question 2

I'm feeling this weird pain in the center of my chest whenever I breathe deeply or move suddenly. It's been happening since this evening and while it goes away for a bit, it keeps coming back. I'm trying to figure out if this might just be from a cold or if it's more like an infection. Who should I be talking to about this? What kind of doctor would handle something like this?

Accepted Answer

consult a pulmonologist

Question 3

I've been keeping an eye on my blood pressure and it was pretty high last year, like 140 over 90, which led to an echo test. They found lvh at 13mm, and lately, my blood pressure has been settling around 128130 over 85. I'm not on any medication right now. Should I be considering starting on blood pressure meds given these details?

Accepted Answer

Based on your current blood pressure readings and the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on your echo report, it is advisable to start blood pressure medication to help maintain your blood pressure within a healthy range and reduce the strain on your heart. I recommend starting with a medication like Losartan (50mg once daily) to help lower your blood pressure and protect your heart from further damage. It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and follow up with your healthcare provider for further guidance.

What are the heart disease causes & risk factors?

With time, raised blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. Additionally, people with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions that raise the risk for heart disease such as high blood pressure and deranged cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

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