Unusual Heart Sensations?
Greetings, I'm a 24-year-old weighing 69 kilograms with no known heart issues. Last year, I made the decision to leave a job where I experienced harassment, which led to the onset of tachycardia and elevated blood pressure. During moments of panic, my heart rate would spike to 150 beats per minute or even higher. Fortunately, when I was at rest, everything returned to normal. As time progressed, I did not take any cardiac medications, and gradually, my episodes of tachycardia began to fade. However, I started noticing sporadic PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) from time to time. Nowadays, instead of experiencing tachycardia when I'm anxious, my heart actually slows down—while still within a healthy range—resulting in a strong, pronounced pulse on my stomach following what feels like the initial heartbeat. Although these beats are regular, they don't feel entirely right; almost as if the first beat is succeeded by a pronounced echo. During these occurrences, my breathing remains unaffected, and I generally feel fine, yet this sensation makes me extremely anxious. I plan to consult a cardiologist, but if anyone has any insights about what might be happening, I’d greatly appreciate your input. UPDATE: Additionally, there are days when I don't experience PVCs at all, contrasted with days like today, where I encounter numerous episodes every time I stand up! It's incredibly frustrating.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 2:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about unusual heart sensations, especially after experiencing tachycardia and PVCs. It’s encouraging that you plan to see a cardiologist, as they can provide tailored insight and evaluation. Let’s break down your symptoms and suggest some immediate steps you can take in a supportive manner.
Main Points
- Your experience with tachycardia and PVCs could be linked to anxiety or recent stressors, but it's good they have decreased over time.
- The sensation of a pronounced heartbeat might be related to changes in how your heart responds to stress or physical position.
- Keeping track of your symptoms and triggers may help you manage anxiety and understand your condition better.
Explanation
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are often benign, especially when they occur in individuals without a history of heart disease. It's quite common for stress, anxiety, or changes in posture (such as standing up) to induce these sensations. The pronounced pulse you feel may relate to the increased awareness of your heartbeat rather than a clinical issue.
Since you’ve noticed variations in the frequency of your PVCs, this could suggest a link to daily activities, stress levels, hydration, or even caffeine intake. Your body may react differently depending on these factors.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of when you experience these sensations and any associated activities (like standing up, stress levels, hydration, or caffeine consumption). This can help you identify potential triggers.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in activities like deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga to help manage anxiety, which may also reduce the frequency of your PVCs.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Dehydration can sometimes exacerbate heart sensations.
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Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: These can increase heart rate and anxiety. Reducing intake might help decrease occurrences of PVCs.
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Follow Up with Your Cardiologist: Prepare questions and share your diary during the visit to give your cardiologist a clear picture of your experiences. This can inform their evaluation and any necessary tests.
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Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it’s beneficial to seek information, avoid jumping to conclusions about your condition without professional guidance.
You are not alone in experiencing these sensations, and taking proactive steps while waiting to consult with a cardiologist can empower you to feel more in control. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional support!
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