What causes palpitations along with shortness of breath?

Question

Hi doctor,

Every now and then, I feel a short pounding, only two or three, in my chest, followed by a shortness of breath. I did a little research and thought it could just be heart palpitations, but I have read it can typically be harmless, most likely stress- or lifestyle-related. I am predisposed to heart disease, as my grandfather on my mother's side died from heart disease. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Unusual awareness of one's own heartbeats is called palpitations. Palpitations may occur due to various reasons. The reasons are fast heart rate (many causes), slower heart rate (many causes), Irregular heart rate (many causes), being overcautious about heartbeats, and thin, lean patients can feel heartbeats, especially in the recumbent position (normal).

Avoid being overcautious about it. Do regular aerobic exercise. This will condition the heart, and palpitations will go away over time. If you feel palpitations, relax, count your pulse rate, and assess regularity. If the rate is more than 100 beats per minute at rest or irregular, have an ECG (electrocardiography) done.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.