I'm 18. Every now and then my heart feels like it stops for like 2 seconds. then it starts back up but is VERy shallow where I can barely feel it. It just happened now and I am just sitting on my computer doing nothing. I am drinking coffee. Would that have anything to do with it. It happens a lot and i feel lightheaded sometimes. Anyone else have this happen or have any ideas
docbritt
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this is pretty common, but that doesnt mean it shouldnt be looked at by a cardiologist (your family practitioner can take a look and if its more serious she can refer you to a specialist). its sounds like an arrythmia, which is essentially just a heartbeat that is irregular. a heart beat that is too fast is called a tachycardia and too slow is a bradycardia. it sounds like you are feeling a fibrillation, which is when the rhythym is irregular ('skipping a beat' and so forth). the cause of arrythmias are usually a mutated shape in the ventricles or atria or possibly because of the SA node and pacemaker cells (part of the heart's electric conduction system) are reacting abnormally (i wont get into that cycle- its too complicated and its probably not the cause anyway). mitral valve stenosis, where the mitral valve fails to open as wide as it needs to, is possible but much less likely. this will also cause abnormal rythyms, but its a more serious condition and less often diagnosed. i wouldnt obsess over it but you do need an EKG; countless heart conditions can cause this abnormality, and if its actually nothing at all, your mind will be eased
Anonymous
You can get that sensations for many reasons: some totally benign and some serious. Not to go in medical detail, I suggest your doctor who should order an EKG. You may also need Holter monitoring as the episode may not happen when being examined.
Anonymous
Those are heart palipitations. You should probably get an EKG to check it out. I have them when I get panic attacks, but yours can be more serious if you don't know whats causeing them. I'd see a doctor. You might not be getting enough oxygen to your heart, that would explain the palipitations and light-headedness.
Cindy M
It is palpitations. It means that just for a few seconds your heart has an irregular beat and it corrects itself. Almost everyone has them to an extent, and they are usually of no consequence. Caffeine can aggravate it however..
Melancholybaby
I've had this too a long time ago. They're quite harmless and they'll go away. Smoking, too much caffeine even certain drugs can cause it. If you're still worried go see your doctor he'll give you an EKG. So relax.