Weird heart symptoms

[LysiaJade]

Since I was a kid I infrequently experienced palpitations. These symptoms never hurt, and I'd usually only get them a couple of times a year. Later on I was diagnosed with Grave's disease, had my thyroid oblated (resulting in my being hypothyroid). I am now on replacement hormone. Also, I have been diagnosed in the last five years with fibromyalgia/cfs and asthma as a result of accidental chemical pneumonia some years back.

At one point my palpitations seemed to increase dramatically to where I was having them several times a day. I went to my doctor and was put on a 24 hour holter. This showed I had a mild tachycardia, which no one seemed really concerned about.

Then, about a year later, my blood pressure suddenly skyrocketed in episodes that left me abruptly dizzy. The doctor, thinking I might be having seizures, sent me in for an emergency scan but we later determined the high blood pressure was being caused by my medications for my fibromyalgia. I switched to medical marijuana and keep a blood pressure monitor at home. Since then my blood pressure has been on the normal to low side.

However, the last few days, my palpitations have returned. The day before yesterday, they were so bad I was having them every few minutes, and it felt like there was some small creature in my chest constantly moving and wiggling around. I had no other symptoms- no dizziness, no shortness of breath, no swelling or anything, just the annoyance of the sensation in my chest. If I took my pulse and a palpitation happened I could feel my pulse skip a beat each time.

Later on that night, laying down in bed, I could literally stick my fingers under my left breast and feel my heart beating, like it was on the outside of the ribcage. I could feel it skip every few minutes, every time there was a palpitation.

Yesterday I had a few but it wasn't nearly as bad, but last night I could still feel my heart beat under my left breast with my fingers. When I sat up, even keeping my fingers in the same spot, I couldn't feel it any more. I took my blood pressure several times and it is in the normal range.

My question is, what could be causing these symptoms? Is this still just tachychardia? I am going in to see my doctor and I may ask to be referred to a cardiologist, but I wanted to know if this is something I need to rush in to see or if I can schedule an appointment out. I'm having no other symptoms still but the palpitations are driving me nuts. My maternal grandmother also had several heart attacks in her life up to the one that killed her, so it makes me a little paranoid when it comes to my heart. Thanks for your time.

[MichelleP_3811]

You obviously need to be diagnosed by a doctor but from what it sounds it sounds like you may be experiencing ectopic beats.  Possibly pac.  It can feel like popcorn popping in your chest when you are having a lot of them.  They aren't a danger but you really should be checked out.  If you are not having a lot of difficulty functioning or feeling as though you will pass out you are probably safe to not worry about this being a rush but if  you at all feel in danger then just go with your instincts.  But from what you describe it sounds like some sort of ectopic activity.   In an otherwise healthy heart it is usually deemed benign. Best of luck sorting it out.  Keep us posted on how you are.

[Jerry_NJ]

Sorry you haven't found any help.  Your story is very complicated by other than heart issues.  But, I suggest you discuss with your doctor the possibility you are experiencing effects af anxiety.