Heart Problem

Since the age of 14 i've had heart palpitations - it feels like my heart jumps out of my chest - sometimes it jumps twice, three times in a row, like my heart is in spasm. My mum had he same thing as she was resucitated four times in one night after I was born as she'd had a stroke and multiple organ failure (pre eclampsia)
I was born 14 weeks premature and have a heart murmur (never been quite explained -but i've been told it's normal by a doctor)
I also have a rubbish diet - can anyone (medical students) help?

Reply 1

.*Sophie*.

It's often been linked to hormonal changes, during puberty for example. Also, they're linked to anxiety. So, if you're worrying about them, it can make it worse.

They're uncomfortable I know and can cause you to panic, I started with them when I went on the pill and if I miss a few.. I get them. It's a good warning system really.

Since you've been diagnosed with a heart murmur, you've obviously been examined and have no other heart problems. So, I suspect it's completely harmless. Can't hurt to see your GP though as I'm no expert.

Reply 2

imomo16

12

I get them quite a lot too, normally after more exercise than I'm used too, or if I drink caffeine-y drinks or eat chinese food with that MG-thingum stuff in it.

Reply 3

robbo3045

17

Iv had heart palpatations since I can remember which I found out when I was 12 was due to a congenital heart defect. I dont tend to notice it now, but it is made worse by anxiety, sleep depravation or being overly tired and too much caffeine! Im a coffee holic, which doesent help. Did your doctor send you for any scans or an Echo, ECG etc? If not go back to your GP and explain whats really happening plus past history of your mother.

Reply 4

lees80

I wouldn't say that a heart murmur is normal - I was born with one, took them two years to diagnose it. They said it was normal, and then when i was having a check up aged 10 the hole in the artery had got too big - ended up havin' open heart surgery. I'm not sayin it to scare you in any way as obviously everyone is different - but I would go back to your GP and tell them your worried about it.

I had similar problem last year, palpatations etc and they fitted a heart monitor for a week to keep an eye on it - came back fine though. Hope ya get sorted soon.

Reply 5

Lithium

13

Terry J

Since the age of 14 i've had heart palpitations - it feels like my heart jumps out of my chest - sometimes it jumps twice, three times in a row, like my heart is in spasm. My mum had he same thing as she was resucitated four times in one night after I was born as she'd had a stroke and multiple organ failure (pre eclampsia)
I was born 14 weeks premature and have a heart murmur (never been quite explained -but i've been told it's normal by a doctor)
I also have a rubbish diet - can anyone (medical students) help?

I am a medical student. given your medical history and your family history (what your mother went through during birth) I'd say that it would be a very wise idea to go to your GP ASAP and ask for a referral to a cardiologist and have an EEG/ Echo done. I have no concrete idea of what could be wrong, i could pull a few things out of my experience lacking hat, but that would most likely be useless.

This is what i can tell you for sure: given your family and personal medical history, there are some substantial health risks that need some prompt medical investigation. that is a fact, and im sure about it. Don't worry about it too much, as long as you get on the top of it asap, you should be fine.

If you can't get an appointment w/ your GP, go to a walk in clinic or ER, and tell them you've been feeling this lately and felt it atm. Get yourself assessed asap, please :smile:

You'll be fine, just don't put it off. Take measures to prevent it, go see a professional.

AH.

Reply 6

RetiredAccount89

18

The feeling is down to ectopic heart beats - your heart misses a beat so the beat after it is much stronger - thats the one you feel. Its very common - especially in young people, and not dangerous. However, much depends on how often it happens. If it is a once a day/once a week thing then who cares. if it stops you doing stuff though, causes you immense discomfort/distress or happens very regulary then go talk to your GP who may want to refer you toa cardiologist.

Before you do any of that cut out all caffeine. ALL. No more tea, coffee coke, diet coke etc. See if that helps...

Reply 7

Terry J

OP

1

It only happens at most once a month - I once tried to start jogging and exercise does bring it on - Do you think my heart could be damaged from when I was born premature - I was born when i was because my mum had placential abruption and I had to be resuscitated at birth - they said I woudn't live through the night - i'm still here now!

Reply 8

RetiredAccount89

18

Once a month - so hardly life disrupting, but being brought on more by exercise could be slightly more concerning (slightly). When you have time see your GP about it.

Reply 9

Lithium

13

Terry J

It only happens at most once a month - I once tried to start jogging and exercise does bring it on - Do you think my heart could be damaged from when I was born premature - I was born when i was because my mum had placential abruption and I had to be resuscitated at birth - they said I woudn't live through the night - i'm still here now!

Jamie is mostly likely correct, and knows a lot more than me (he is an actual doctor). BUT--I'd still recommend that you go see your GP and get a referral to a cardiologist as soon as you can.

Heart Problem

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