OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding Unusual Heart Sensations After Normal Cardiac Tests

Hello, fellow community members, I’m a 21-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 93 kilograms. My physical activity includes hitting the gym once or twice a week, playing football every week, and averaging about 5,000 steps daily. However, I spend the majority of my time sitting at a desk, leading to a largely inactive lifestyle. I’ve been dealing with mild acid reflux (GERD) and am currently on medication for slight thyroid and cholesterol issues. In November 2024, I underwent a 2D echocardiogram, and the cardiologist reassured me that my heart was in good shape and there was nothing to be concerned about. Recently, though, I have started to notice unusual sensations with my heartbeat; they can be quite pronounced, sometimes feeling loud, heavy, or even faint. It's almost as if my heart rhythm varies in intensity—sometimes it feels heavy then light, and back to heavy again. Additionally, I’ve experienced some tightness in my chest during minimal activities, like standing or light movements, yet I managed to walk eight flights of stairs and play football without any severe symptoms or faintness. Due to these sensations, I recently underwent an ECG. Since the platform doesn’t allow image uploads, I’ll share the key findings from the report: - Heart Rate: 65 bpm - P Duration: 110 ms - PR Interval: 130 ms - QRS Duration: 100 ms - QT/QTc: 374/402 ms - P Axis: 61° - QRS Axis: 58° - T Axis: 54° - RV5/SV1: 1.338 mV / 0.954 mV - RV5 + SV1: 2.292 mV The interpretation was a sinus rhythm, indicating no significant abnormalities detected. Additionally, I have completed thyroid and lipid panels; my cholesterol levels were borderline, but I am now on medication to manage this. My primary concern continues to be these irregular sensations, which often feel like my heart is vibrating or beating in waves, especially noticeable when I lie down or shortly after eating. Thankfully, there is no chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath, just a persistent sense of discomfort and anxiety regarding my condition. I have a few questions for anyone with experience or knowledge in this area: 1. Could these sensations be common even if both the ECG and echocardiograms came back normal? 2. Would it be wise to consider a Holter monitor to detect any irregular patterns? 3. Might this be linked to the vagus nerve or acidity issues? 4. Is there a possibility of early heart disease despite having clear test results? I would appreciate any insights from those who might have encountered similar issues or from healthcare professionals who have seen these symptoms before. Thank you for your help! 🙏

Answers (1)

7/7/2025, 1:30:56 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning but common sensations related to your heartbeat. While your tests—an echocardiogram and ECG—indicate that your heart is structurally normal, it's understandable to feel anxious about the irregular sensations you are noticing.

Summary of Key Points

1. Unusual heart sensations can occur despite normal tests.
2. A Holter monitor might help identify patterns of these sensations.
3. Possible connections to acid reflux or nerve responses are worth considering.
4. Early heart disease seems unlikely given your normal test results.

Explanation

Although you're feeling these unusual heart sensations, it's reassuring that both your echocardiogram and ECG returned normal results, indicating no significant heart disease at this time. These sensations can be caused by a variety of factors, including anxiety, changes in your body's response to mild exercise, or even postural changes when you lie down. Sometimes, conditions such as your GERD can further lead to sensations like tightness or discomfort that can mask themselves as heart issues.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Your Symptoms:

   • Keep a diary of when these sensations occur, their intensity, and any activities or meals that seem to trigger them.
   • Note if these sensations change with different body positions or after eating.

2. Consider a Holter Monitor:

   • Discuss with your healthcare provider the option of getting a Holter monitor, which records your heart's activity over 24-48 hours and can help catch irregularities that might not show up in a single ECG.

3. Manage GERD and Anxiety:

   • Focus on managing your acid reflux through dietary changes (such as smaller meals, avoiding spicy/fatty foods and eating before lying down).
   • If anxiety is an issue, incorporating stress-relief strategies like deep breathing or meditation might help.

4. Stay Active:

   • Continue engaging in regular physical activity. Enhancing your exercise routine (if safe and feasible) can improve cardiovascular health and may help with anxiety and overall well-being.

5. Follow-Up:

   • Keep regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and any new developments. Always reach out if you experience severe symptoms like persistent tightness in the chest or other alarming symptoms that you have not experienced before.

You’re not alone in this experience, and it’s positive that you're seeking information and support. Monitoring your symptoms closely and managing any related conditions like GERD can make a significant difference. Please remember, if your symptoms worsen or you're increasingly worried, it’s essential to reach out for professional guidance.