Can someone explain what a chest flutter feels like?

[BillTheCat]

I recently went through the battery of test for what I thought was a heart rhythm issue.  The good news is that my 48 hour Holter showed 0 PVC's, 1 PAC, Average HR of 74, low of 46 high of 144 (during cardio excercising).  My echo came back with no issues.  My cardiologist said it is probably anxiety.

Here is my question - i always decribed the sensation as a "flutter".  When is starts, I quickly take my pulse and the beat is normal, sometimes it speeds up or slows down (depending on the anxiety reaction).  It feels like a quick rush of adrenaline in your chest or a moment where your stomach drops like something just scared you.  I can feel my heart palpitate, but the pals feel different than the "flutter" sensation.  Is this typical of the "flutter" people feel with PVC's or other rhythm issues?  I have had panic attacks before and this senstation is similar only much quciker and slightly more acute.

[chthompson]

I have been experiencing the exact same flutters with my heart. I have had an ekg and blood work done and everything is normal.I have continued to have several flutters daily for three weeks now so they have ordered a 48 hour holter for me.good luck

[BillTheCat]

The PAC was while sleeping.  Despite noting many symptoms (including what i referred to as a flutter) during the monitor, the corresponding markers on the Holter were negative (normal heart rhythm).

I am 33 and I do understand that these things can happen in people of any age.  I have a history of panic disorder but this seems to be similar but somewhat different.

[Jerry_NJ]

You did catch a PAC, so there is a rare activity in your atrial chamber, perhaps there is also an occasional Atrial Flutter or Fibrillation.  These two condition are more common in people of advanced years, say 60+, but can occur at any age.  

Anxiety can be the driver, so do try to get that under control, with medication or meditation or whatever combination works best.

If the flutter continues, or gets worse, it seems to me a long term (weeks) monitor may be called for to be sure the activity is caught on a medical recorder.