Heart Palpitations Followed by Head Pressure

[chevelledc]

I am a 27 year old female.  I have had heart palpitations on and off for most of my life, however not usually like this.  Yesterday when I woke up I began experiencing many heart palpitations.  The fluttering is immediately followed by the sensation of increased pressure in my head.  The pressure in my head is somewhat painful, though only lasts a few seconds.

The palpitations have been occurring every 10 seconds - 10 minutes continuously for at least 24 hours.

I am curious if anyone else has had these symptoms, and if you were given a diagnosis or told that this is normal?  I am uninsured and hesitant about seeing a doctor, but will either make an appointment at a clinic or visit the ER if symptoms do not improve.

I have a stethoscope and I listened to my heart.  It sounds like a skipped beat followed by 2 rapid beats.  I hear this each time I feel the sensation.

I have generalized anxiety disorder as well as panic disorder (both untreated/unmedicated at the present time), but have not been more anxious than usual.  However my anxiety is growing as time goes on dealing with these sensations, which from what I have read so far seems pretty common.

Just looking for any similar experiences, advice, etc.  I am unsure if this should be taken care of immediately or if it can wait.

Sorry if this is not the right place for my question!

[trv1022]

Hello. I have been having heart palpitations for a few weeks, and my doctor recently put me on a halter monitor for 48 hours, which showed nothing abnormal. She said it's probably just anxiety (which I have a history of, but currently not treating because symptoms haven't been bad). Now today for the first time, I had what you described with the head rush/pressure after what feels like a severe palpitation. I had no anxious feelings prior to this. Wondering if you ever got a diagnosis for this? Has it continued for you?

[chevelledc]

Thanks again :) I don't know much about it either, just that it varies widely by state.  In other states it has worked out differently/better I'm sure.  I'll post again once I see a doctor.  Symptoms are much better this evening thankfully :)  I did find out my cousin (female and my age) had an ablation for SVT and so did our aunt so definitely will mention that to the Dr. as well.

[MichelleP_3811]

I have not done any research into Obamacare because I don't qualify but thought that was the point.  People who had no money to pay at all got insurance.  I guess that isn't the case.  Well best of luck sorting it out.  Keep us posted.

[chevelledc]

Thank you for your response!  It's somewhat comforting to know others have experienced similar symptoms.  Though I'm sorry you also have these issues!

[chevelledc]

I wish!  lol In my state Obama Care is a big 'ol f - you.  Even the cheapest plans are not affordable for me at the moment.  They didn't expand medicaid here either so despite being an unemployed student, I am not in a group that qualifies.  So I'll be paying a $90 or so penalty I guess...  I found a couple of clinics that I may be able to go to though.

Thank you for your response.  This is all new to me and any advice is really appreciated!

[MichelleP_3811]

It sounds like you are having some sort of pattern of pvcs maybe bigeminy or trigeminy however the pain you are feeling in your head is not something I feel so I suggest you at least make an appoint with a doctor to get evaluated.  Doctors are not as expensive as an er.  Best of luck and feel better soon.  Do you not have Obamacare?  From what I understand you get penalized for not having it anyways so might as well join if you have no other options.  

[itdood]

My PVCs will sometimes cause head pressure, or a feeling in my neck area.  It has to do with the timing of the PVC during the contraction cycle.  

If the timing is right the atrium could be squeezing at the same time the ventricles are.  Some conjecture on my part, but I view this as them pumping AGAINST each other.  So with a  PVC some blood is pushing out into the circulatory system.  Usually the atria are expanding when this happens to keep the flow smooth.  If the atria are squeezing at the same time there will be more pressure exerted.