Heart Palpitations

So, for as long as I can remember, I’ve had what I assumed to be heart palpitations. The symptoms would include me feeling like my heart would skip a beat, a fast heart rate, or a dull ache in my chest. I’ve had these symptoms for years, but I ignored them because I never had any worrying complications, and I didn’t want to face the fact I could have some kind of heart condition. This past December I finally decided to figure out what exactly was going on.

During my first visit with the cardiologist, I had a palpitation while he was listening to my heart with the stethoscope. At the end of the visit, he told me I would wear one of those wireless heart monitors you stick on your chest for two weeks. He also ordered a stress test, echocardiogram, and multiple EKG’s. When I went to my final visit with him, he told me everything came back normal and that my symptoms were likely due to anxiety. In all honesty, I am a pretty anxious person and I tend to worry a lot. I don’t remember if he gave me a diagnosis, but I do remember him saying something about sinus tachycardia. He didn’t prescribe anything other than to relax and enjoy life.

Up until recently I didn’t worry about my heart. Three weeks ago, however, during a high rep set of squats I had an experience that I never had before. After I finished a hard set, my heart was pounding, and it felt like I got dizzy. I decided to cut the workout there because I couldn’t focus. Since then, my heart health has been in the back of my mind, and I am once again worried I could have a heart condition.

My questions are: 1. Should I still be worried if the cardiologist told me I’m healthy? What are the chances he misdiagnosed me, and I have something like A Fib for example?
2. What could have caused the most recent episode? Could it be possible due to a lack of conditioning or training in a hot warehouse gym?
3. Do you have any recommendations? I’m 22 years old, 5’9, 160 lbs, and otherwise healthy.

Thanks guys

Hi,

  1. It sounds like you’ve had a more than thorough evaluation. I am quite limited as far as the advice and degree of reassurance I can provide via an Internet forum without evaluating you, but with everything you went through a missed diagnosis of significant atrial fibrillation would be unlikely.

  2. The exertion and environmental conditions could have contributed to your symptoms, sure.

  3. It sounds like your extensive heart evaluation was normal. If you feel that you are struggling with anxiety issues, pursuing some additional help for that may be beneficial. I do not have other recommendations at this time based on the information you’ve provided. Otherwise, discussing your concerns with your doctor again may be helpful, even if just for reassurance.

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