I have a feeling of skipped heartbeat with chest pain whenever I run. Please help.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 35-year-old man. My height is six feet and my weight is 171 pounds. I used to run a lot last year. This year I do moderate exercise (two times per week, cycling or running for 20 to 30 minutes quite slowly). Sometimes while running, I have a feeling of skipped heartbeat or a sense of beat on my neck accompanied by a chest pain that lasts for a second. I get scared, and I stop when this happens. Could you please advise what this could be and what I should do?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern and will help you regarding this. However, heart issues should be dealt with seriousness and swiftness. I suggest you go for an ECG (electrocardiogram). I also suggest you do your lipid profile and monitor your blood pressure and pulse. I also need to know other relevant medical histories like diabetes, smoking, alcoholism, etc. Are you anxious in general? I hope to hear back from you, take care.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thanks for the reply. I performed more than five ECGs last year. All doctors told me nothing to worry about. I have consulted in the past, and my only finding was BER (benign early repolarization). I was checked in the past a year ago with cardiac MRI, which showed nothing. My reports show total cholesterol - 181 mg/dL, blood sugar - 101 mg/dL, and resting heart rate - 50 to 55 bpm. It depends on the intensity of my exercise. Last year I was on the moderate mode, so between it was 140 to 150 bpm. I do not push much. Blood pressure is 130/90 mm Hg on average. At night it becomes less. I smoke very rarely (social smoking). I drink much. Again only socially. I am stressed too much. I always seek answers on the internet and worry about my health. Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
BER (benign early repolarization) is commonly seen in young, healthy patients below 50 years, so it is not a problem. You seem to be completely fine, and the symptoms are more related to your stress. Stress induces the release of stress hormones like catecholamines that make the heart work more intensely. It increases the force of contraction of the heart muscle. You must try managing your stress, and also, you need to sleep well. Restrict your salt intake to less than 2000 mg per day, avoid processed food and avoid alcohol or limit it to not more than 60 ml. You should avoid caffeinated beverages and go for decaf coffee if you have to. Have a banana before bedtime and go for chamomile tea. This will relax you and help you sleep better. For exercising, start with just brisk walking around 5000 steps a day and gradually increase the intensity. This is a process, and we need to work on it. Do not worry, and this is not serious. You will be fine, take care.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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