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Question:
Are my symptoms caused by spasm?
A (few) weeks ago, I starting having almost constant palpitations. I have MVP (mitral valve prolapse) & Hypothyroid so didn't pay much attention at first. Then, irregular heart beat & low BP showed on my machine, and a cough. Then occ'l (spasm like) chest pain, between my breasts, that made me sit very upright to try & get relief. Always occurring at about the same time of evening, around 9 to 10 pm, at rest. Taking Ranitidine & adult aspirins would finally resolve the pain, (as long as I slept up on pillows) but leave the palpitations. The symptoms are now better & almost gone. Prior to this beginning, I had 2 EKG's, a chest X-ray, and Carotid US that were normal. Could this be due to a spasm?? Or low magnesium?
submitted by Jeneanne from Lumberton, Texas, on 10/26/09
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, J. Alberto Lopez, MD
The irregular heart beat description is consistent with premature beats or atrial fibrillation. Both of these arrhythmias are usually intermittent, so it is not unusual to have a completely normal ecg when not symptomatic. With regard to the chest pain, it may be non cardiac in origin – like esophageal spasm due to gastro esophageal reflux. These are issues you should discuss with your physician.
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Updated October 2009
