What Causes Heavy Heart Beat When Under Stress?

Posted on Tue, 31 Mar 2015

Question: Hi

I need a bit of advice when i am under pressure or stressed my heart feels weird like it is pumping heavy and i get butterflies in stomach. It seems my heart will stop.

I do not get pain or any shortness of breath but feel down thinking what is happening?

Answered by Dr. Harshal Vora (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Usually stress/acidity related but do some tests..

Detailed Answer:
Hi.. I have read your question and understand your concerns.

I have read your previous question also, you frequently had burning in center of chest and uneasiness. Usually in acid reflux disease patients may feel this type of uneasiness and burning. Acid reflux means the acid forms in the stomach may come out to food pipe..
Secondly in stress only it's sometimes normal to feel palpitations (feeling of heart beats) which is not related with any heart disease.

However you should go for following investigations to rule out heart related issues.

-ECG, 2D ECHO. it will give your doctor idea regarding heart related issues.
Avoid heavy meals, take frequently small meals.
Avoid walking immediately after meals, avoid oily and spicy food..
Do regular walking and exercise.
So, at young age this type of symptoms usually don't related to heart related issues but still go for investigations I have advised.

If you have any questions you are welcome.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Harshal Vora (14 hours later)

Thanks for a detailed answer

I have had 2 ECGs all normal last one was 8 months ago

12 months ago i had a fever and my heart rate was 110 i went to A & E they kept ECG on all fine done blood tests to see all normal done chest XRay all normal end the cardiology said its sinus tachycardia

Answered by Dr. Harshal Vora (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tachycardia is normal finding in fever

Detailed Answer:
Hi.. I am glad you find the answer useful.
In fever any person will have sinus Tachycardia, it's body's defence mechanism against infection. So don't worry regarding this finding.
Just follow my previous advice regarding chest pain. If any heart related abnormalities will be there echo study will found it. Otherwise don't think much regarding heart related issues at your age.
Live healthy and happy.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Harshal Vora (14 minutes later)

Thanks

What is difference between echo and ECG

I though ECG rules out heart issues?

Answered by Dr. Harshal Vora (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Both are totally different.

Detailed Answer:
Ecg will inform about heart rate, rhythm of heart and if person has recent heart attack.

2d echo study is like sonography of heart. It will provide idea regarding structure of heart, heart pumping and any damage to heart.

Sometimes if person has weak valvular structure, he might feel chest pain at young age.. So I have advised you to go for 2d echo.
Thank you.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj