Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 4:00:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points
Your recent experience of heart palpitations and breathing difficulties, especially following chest impact, and your complex medical history warrant further evaluation. While some symptoms may be linked to existing conditions like POTS or your previous chest injury, noticeable changes in your heart rhythm should be taken seriously.
Explanation
Heart palpitations, especially when combined with difficulty breathing, can stem from various causes. Given your history of tachycardia and POTS, it’s understandable you might worry about these symptoms. The elbow impact to your chest could potentially cause changes in your heart rhythm or exacerbate existing conditions. As you're also managing Crohn's disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, these factors may contribute to your overall symptom profile.
While isolated palpitations aren't uncommon, the increased frequency and combination with breathing difficulties are important and deserve attention, especially due to your medical background. It's essential to differentiate between typical symptoms and those that could suggest a more significant issue.
Next Steps
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Record Symptoms: Start a symptom diary noting when the palpitations and breathing difficulties occur, their duration, any triggers, and how you feel during and after these episodes. This will provide helpful information for any healthcare provider.
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Monitor for Worsening Symptoms: Keep an eye out for more severe signs that might necessitate urgent care, such as chest pain (especially if it feels different from usual), fainting, an increase in rate or irregularity of your heartbeats, or significant shortness of breath.
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Medical Evaluation: Based on the increased occurrence of these symptoms, especially given your background, it would be advisable to seek a medical evaluation. A healthcare provider can assess your heart rhythms through tests like an EKG, a Holter monitor, or stress testing, particularly after your recent symptoms and chest impact.
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Consider Consults: Given your complex medical history, consider consulting a cardiologist familiar with POTS and your other conditions. This ensures a comprehensive approach in understanding and managing your symptoms effectively.
Please remember, while it is often easy to dismiss these symptoms as typical, it’s better to err on the side of caution and be proactive about your health.
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