Missing heartbeat 1 to 2 seconds

[redglairredhead]

For the past 4 months I have been having moments where I feel real heavy in my chest with lose of normal breathing sometimes for an hr or two with missing beats for 1 to 2 seconds I have no pain in chest arms hands or back. I can at random have this problem appear just by holding my breath and pushing.  my ekg last month was good and my family doctor said to wait and see if problem persists what could this be can anyone help me find problem?

[itdood]

I get PVCs too, sounds like what you're describing.  They wake me up as-well.    Been happening for the last few months.  I'm 42, male.  I've had tons of tests, you might want to get with a cardiologist to have some workup to give you piece of mind.

[becjane]

I occasionally have skipped beats and rapid heart beats. They don't happen together, though.  I often times notice these episodes after eating.  Yesterday I had a brief episode of skipped heart beat about 40 minutes after eating breakfast.  It only lasted seconds, but I got lightheaded.  It passed quickly, but it was scary.  I went to cardiologist two years ago when this began.  I wore an event monitor and had an echocardiogram stress test done. I have had numerous ekg's done, also.  All has been considered normal.  I have experienced quite a bit of anxiety over this.  My primary care doctor and the cardiologist have tried to convince me that my heart is o.k.  I guess at this point, I need to start believing them.  

[Momto3]

Hey good friend!!  How goes it?  

Yep, sounds like PVCs or PACs (ventricular or atrial extra beats).  Always best to let your doctor know, but do not be surprised if you hear they are "normal" and/or "benign."  Try not to worry, but mention it to your doctor for peace of mind : )

[Wisconsin2007]

Hey, there's my Brooke_38.  How are you today?

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

A common arrhythmia is caused by early (premature) beats that result in a compensatory pause to allow the next beat to occur on time. Because they make it feel like the heart missed a beat, they are widely referred to as "skipped beats."

Premature beats arising from the atria are called premature atrial contractions (PACs), while premature beats arising from the ventricles are called premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). PACs and PVCs do not necessarily indicate heart disease. Many normal, healthy individuals have PACs or PVCs at rest or during sleep, which then vanish when they are awake and active because the faster waking heart rate and activity "suppress" the early beats.

Your comparrison to that of  "one heck of a roller coaster ride " is right on target to how these "skipped beats" are perceived. Have you had any type of evaluation for this?

[redglairredhead]

  Thank you for replying to my question here is another if you don't mind. I do not know
what pvc and pac stands for and did you ever have a time where this problem woke you
up at night and made you feel like you were going to pass out. Also can you feel your heart missing the beats and feel light headed w/ the feeling of a small 50lb child standing
on your chest. the heavyness stays the same weather I am standing or sitting and lying
down. I have to say this feeling is one heck of a roller coaster ride it scares the cheese
out of me.    Again Thank you for your time in this matter god bless you............

[SassyLassie]

Sounds like PVC's/PAC's accompanied by anxiety. The anxiety can cause the shortness of breath, I know, when I get scared and have these things, I get short of breath too. If they keep up and you still feel "weird" by all means have it checked, if for nothing else peace of mind.

Oh, another thing, having a hiatal hernia can cause these symptoms as well, I have one, and at times, it drives me crazy.