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Feeling Breathless And Heart Flutters. What Could It Be?

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Posted on Wed, 11 Dec 2013
Question: Hi My heart flutters and then I feel breathless, why .? Ido have tricuspid problems but that should not make me feel breathless......
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Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Unlikely to be an indication of heart disease. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Heart flutters can be accompanied by various sensations. These can include palpitations and you may be aware of strange sensations in your throat, neck or chest. Most of the time these flutters are not an indication of any underlying heart disease. Although you have tricuspid valve disease, this would not be a cause for your flutters. It is most likely these are of no consequence. There are certain lifestyle triggers that you may consider reviewing. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, smoking and recreational drugs can increase the incidence of flutters or palpitations. Stress and anxiety can be a cause so you could consider relaxation techniques. Certain medications can cause flutters. these include some asthma inhalers and thyroid medicines. My suggestion would be that you do not need to see your doctor at present. As I mentioned, the majority of these episodes are innocent. If they increase in frequency or you experience chest tightness or chest pain in association, then this would be a reason to see your doctor for further investigation. I hope this is of help to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB. FRCA.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (12 minutes later)
Many thanks for your answer , I did forget to mention my breathlessness usually lasts for two hours and eating is very uncomfortable as if I attempt to eat I feel like I am drowning ..... Wonder if this helps .....
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Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer: May need further investigation. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for this further information. I still do not think this is related to your tricuspid valve. I was assuming the flutters were only lasting seconds. However, if your heart is fluttering for up to 2 hours this may indicate you are experiencing a persistent tachycardia. I do not think you need to worry but I would suggest you do see your doctor as this may need further investigation. This may take the form of a 24 hour ECG to try to record the abnormal heart beat. Your doctor may wish to do an cardiac echo to check on the valves and the heart function. I hope this further answer is of help. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Kerry Pottinger

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1337 Questions

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Feeling Breathless And Heart Flutters. What Could It Be?

Brief Answer: Unlikely to be an indication of heart disease. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Heart flutters can be accompanied by various sensations. These can include palpitations and you may be aware of strange sensations in your throat, neck or chest. Most of the time these flutters are not an indication of any underlying heart disease. Although you have tricuspid valve disease, this would not be a cause for your flutters. It is most likely these are of no consequence. There are certain lifestyle triggers that you may consider reviewing. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, smoking and recreational drugs can increase the incidence of flutters or palpitations. Stress and anxiety can be a cause so you could consider relaxation techniques. Certain medications can cause flutters. these include some asthma inhalers and thyroid medicines. My suggestion would be that you do not need to see your doctor at present. As I mentioned, the majority of these episodes are innocent. If they increase in frequency or you experience chest tightness or chest pain in association, then this would be a reason to see your doctor for further investigation. I hope this is of help to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB. FRCA.