Sherrill Murphy, M.D., cardiologist associated with the Alegent Health Heart and Vascular Institute, Women's Heart Center
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Q: I will go weeks or months with the following symptoms, then they will ease up for awhile before they come back. Tightness in chest (continuous during each episode), shortness of breath/brief spells of dizziness (sporatic). Sometimes my heart will start fluttering or pounding for a few seconds before a dizzy spell. Also, whether having symptons or not, my heart skips a beat then follows with a heavier beat. I've had a stress test and two EKG's and all came up clear. I've reduced my level of stress, cut caffeine way down and take a baby aspirin every day. But when these symptoms still reoccur, I get nervous. One physician advised that these symptoms are normal, and the physician who ran the tests did not follow up with any further advice after the tests came back normal. So I'm not sure if I should pursue any further testing or not. I'm 44 years old, normal cholestral/blood pressure and am active and in good physical shape. There is no heart disease history in my family. It would appear I'm at very low risk, but my concern when having these symptons is very real. Thanks in advance for your advice!
A: You have several different symptoms, all of which can indicate heart disease. The tightness and the shortness of breath you experienced could be due to coronary artery disease (blocked arteries). But in that case, the symptoms will typically be associated with exertion and last five to ten minutes. If you had a stress test with imaging and it was normal, then it is unlikely that the symptoms you have are due to coronary disease.
The dizziness/fluttering can be caused by heart rhythm problems and more testing may be needed to try to document that.
The skipping followed by a heavy beat, sounds like premature beats which certainly can be a normal occurrence.
Based on your age, sex, family history blood pressure and cholesterol you are indeed at low risk for heart disease. However, if you still have symptoms that concern you, you should follow up with your physician.
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The Alegent Health Heart & Vascular Institute has created the Alegent Health Women's Heart Center to addresses the unique manifestations of heart disease in women.
The center offers state-of-the-art diagnosis, care and prevention of heart disease that begins with a complete women's cardiac health evaluation based on your family history and lifestyle.
Women may request a FREE heart risk pre-assessment questionnaire here .
