Feeling heart beat, skipped beats through skin

Thanks. I went back in August to the cardio and other than high blood pressure , which I take medicine for , they dismiss any heart issues so I dunno. I have GERD and pains I believe are gallbladder related. I’m wondering if the acid is making its way to my chest as I have heard this is possible with GERD

Since you have seen your cardiologist as recently as this past August and he/she is NOT CONCERNED, which is entirely different than "dismissing" the issue, personally, I would be relieved. I'm going to assume they took the time to address your questions and concerns and discussed with you any changes in your condition which you need to make them aware of. You said you're on meds for your HBP, but did not say if they were giving you anything for the bradycardia. (Personally, I'm not even sure if there IS anything they can give you) You state that you have GERD, and depending on the severity of that, there are medications you can take for that. I have mild GERD and there ARE times when I get nervous wondering if it's actually cardiac related. Do they have you on a PPI for the GERD? Sometimes when I'm experiencing GERD, I take a couple swigs of Pepto-Bismol and it helps. DO NOT SELF MEDICATE WITH PEPTO UNTIL YOU'VE TALKED TO YOUR CARDIO ABOUT THIS! Pepto is, I believe, contraindicated if you are taking certain other medications. If you believe you are having gallbladder pains, you need to discuss this with your GP or even your cardio. They may advise you to have a CT done and see if there ARE stones causing the pains. I was having right side flank pain that radiated under my right shoulder blade. When I finally mentioned this to my GP, she sent me for a CT and they DID find that I have quite a few small stones in the gallbladder. Since my frequency of these "attacks" are somewhat few and far between and the pain in not horrible, the gastroenterologist said that we could postpone the surgery for now. It was a tremendous relief to know what and where the pain was coming from. I hope you will mention this the next time you see one of your doctors. Going back to your GERD issue, I simply don't know if the acid from your stomach can "make its way to your chest...." and this is another question your doctor needs to answer. I DO know that if my GERD causes stomach acid to "reflux" up my esophagus, the intense burning and pain does seem to radiate across my entire chest. It sounds to me like you have a lot of unanswered questions and concerns that are not being addressed by your doctors. Perhaps if you make a list of all these questions and concerns and GET ANSWERS for them.....this will help you. If you don't understand something, never hesitate to ask your doctor to explain it again! Your other option is to get a second opinion. If you feel your concerns are being "dismissed," and other issues are not even being addressed, assuming you've talked to your doctor(s) about them, then a second opinion would be my advice. In this day and age when we are shipped out to one specialist after another, it can become too overwhelming for us lay people to know what we should do, what we should prioritize. This happened to me and finally, near tears, I went to my GP with all my medications, diagnoses and plans of action and she understood immediately why I was so stressed out. She helped me organize, collate and put everything into perspective. When I left her office, it was the first time in MONTHS that I felt in control and it was the best feeling in the world. I hadn't realized until then how alone and anxious I had been feeling. I hope YOU have someone in your corner.

Usually stabbing pains are tense muscle related. Drink plenty of fluids...and maybe take magnesium which relaxes muscle. Heart pains generally move around. Something to keep in mind that could be reassuring. But if it continues don't take my word for it. Check it out.

This past week, an article on Zantac came into my inbox from the Harvard Medical School. Be careful of some drugs for GERD like Zantac which is being taken off the market as of last month (Sept 2019). https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/popular-heartburn-drug-ranitidine-recalled-what-you-need-to-know-and-do-2019092817911 There is no recall on PPI however...at least not yet!
I think it is best to go with what is natural first. A bit of baking soda in water or Tums (no aluminum...just calcium) both do work very well. I've even used ginger which has a hot feeling in the esophagus and stomach..but it does stop the burning. Of course, lifestyle changes like eating less, avoiding spicy and sugary foods, soft drinks, coffee and tea, losing weight, having dinner way before bed and lying on one's left side in bed all work wonders rather than resorting to DRUGS. ..only to discover one day that the drug does more harm than good.
Sadly we have been lead to believe in the magic and power of drugs when Granny probably had the best natural remedies that worked before all these potent drugs came on the market. Doctors prescribe them before ever suggesting one take baking soda for GERD, for example. Remember doctors' education was heavily subsidized by Big Pharma and a lot of their education is spent on learning which drugs to prescribe...not teaching them to recommend the simple, natural, lifestyle approaches. Patient beware!

I was on omeprazole 40mg as needed. Dr just recently told me it wasn’t meant for long term use and discontinued this for me. I take tums as heartburn comes and just truck through the days while anxiety anytime I feel the chest pain is terrible. It always happens on the left side of my sternum and normally upper portion of my pec. Do not want to keep visiting ER for panic attacks for sure but just some way to ease my mind. You guys are great btw. I have also took to a desk job the past year or two and I’m wondering if my posture is compromised but wondering if so why it would only be left sided. Past couple days I had an off and on fist like feeling in my upper back which other folks say is GERD related. Comes and goes

Jadillow….your doctor took you off omeprazole, but what did he suggest you take in it's place? Is he the one who recommended the Tums? I also wonder why he is apparently not addressing your anxiety...….which is a two way street. Anxiety can lead to stomach issues and stomach issues can trigger anxiety. It's been my experience for more than 50 years that if you don't "treat" both conditions, you'll always end up back at square one. There is no reason why anyone should have to "truck through" life suffering anxiety. Between medications and therapy, it is a highly treatable condition. I know you have had a number of tests for the chest pains, and those tests were showed nothing other than the bradycardia. It has been suggested by a couple of us that you learn about this condition. Here is the link to the Cleveland Clinics site regarding bradycardia: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17841-bradycardia
I hope you will take the time to read it so you will have a fairly complete understanding of the condition. If you have questions/concerns while reading this information, jot down questions to ask your cardiologist at your next visit. Discuss your anxiety and what can be done to alleviate it. I understand all too well how easily SOME doctors WILL dismiss anxiety as more of a "character flaw" than a very real medical issues that needs to be treated along with other conditions. Perhaps a short course of a benzodiazepam (anti-anxiety med) would benefit you in a number of ways. Most doctors are as reluctant to prescribe these types of meds now as they are of opioids. But a short course of a mild benzo for 4-6 weeks could be enough to see if your symptoms improve when the anxiety is removed from the equation. There are also many excellent books available to help you understand and deal with anxiety, and these could prove useful for you as well. Just as you joined this forum to help with your heart issues, there are many good forums that can help and support you with anxiety. I believe the Mayo Clinic also has such a forum. If not, I can highly recommend MedHelp. Your posture at work can definitely play havoc with back and neck pain. headache, eye strain and many other issues. It is recommended that if you work at a computer all day, to invest in a pair of UV blocking glasses which help with eye strain and headaches. (If you wear glasses, they have clip on lenses) I began using these as I spend hours on the computer and my migraines have decreased remarkably. They also suggest that even if you use the UV blocking glasses, that every 1/2 hour, you should take about 5 minutes and focus your eyes on the distance. Ideally, if you can look out a window is the best, but even if you just look across the room, this will give your eyes a chance to "relax" and ease the stress of what they call "tight focus," meaning staring at your screen for hours on end. You should also get up and walk around at least once an hour for the same reason they suggest you do this on a long flight. You don't have to go for a hike...….just a couple minutes walking around your office space or up and down the hallway will get the blood flowing. It's good for every system in your body. I've said this before but I'll say it again.....if you are not happy with how you are being treated by your doctor(s) both professionally and personally, find a new doctor! Look for one who has a more "integrative" approach...…..someone who takes the "whole you" into the picture, not just your symptom. And in regards to this feeling in your upper back like "a fist," I suggest you bring that to your doctors attention soon. Yes, it COULD be related to your GERD or to gallbladder issues, but unless those "other folks" who have given you suggestions about what it could be are doctors, you need to see a REAL one, not someone who plays one on TV! We must be our own advocates these days and while doctors DO deserve respect, as we ALL do, respect and trust must be earned.

Thank you very much and I will read up on this. Crazy thing is this is my second doctor. I left the first one because I wasn’t getting any answers. I was put on various anti anxiety medicines and I felt they were not helping. I have been sent for endo scop. Stress test and heart scan. Also had a Hidascam done and all of the specialists say everything they saw looked good. My main concern at this time is the chest pain, which could be stomach or anything I’m sure. It’s been so long off an on I assumed if it were my heart something would have happened by now. Just trying to live my life as I’m only 36 and be there for my wife and kids and I dress her out with this as well just because I’m always worried something sudden will happen. I feel as if I’m staying in top of it buy being so aware but at the same time I think that’s hurting me as well. The chest pains aren’t squeezing. Nor are they hard to deal with. More like pricks here and here and just makes me aware

I don't know your level of activity but if it isn't good, I think that becoming more active will get your muscles in your whole body including your chest muscles moving...and they will be less inclined to tighten up and give you those sharp sensations...that we have all experienced. Bicycle with the kids, throw a basketball or baseball with them and wrestle. I'm sure the pricks will stop. Also drink more water (never soda) and take your daily magnesium tablet at bedtime. You're only 36 so I wouldn't worry if your doctors are not concerned.

I would like to add that managing lifestyle can treat so many conditions. And anxiety is definitely one of them. Working out, going for a walk every day, getting therapy can alleviate so much stress as can taking magnesium. Google: Psychology Today - The Chill Pill. Very interesting article....and no drugs are involved! Magnesium is a mineral that today is lacking in our soil...therefore this results in magnesium depleted vegetables. Getting a good night's sleep is key. Also having good relationships with your children/wife/family/friends, eating well lowering carb intake for overall general good health.. There is so much one can do to alleviate anxiety before grabbing the pill bottle. Drugs should be your last option.

I agree with AFRobin in her approach to trying lifestyle changes before adding yet another prescription medication to your plate. I, too, believe drugs should be your last option. I just want to say that when, and if, dugs ARE the last option, do not feel guilty or that you have failed in your attempt to improve your condition, and therefore, your health, by turning to pharmaceuticals. Sometimes, unfortunately, we simply have no choice. Case in point...….I have a condition known as hyperlipidemia, this means that no matter how careful and diligent I am about watching my levels of cholesterol, my body produces too much cholesterol. When my lipid panels kept coming back with really bad numbers, my doctor said I needed to go on a very strong statin. I really wanted to avoid that for obvious reason. I was sent for a consult with a nutritionist to help me lower my cholesterol. I was put on a diet for 6 months that I didn't think would even keep a rabbit alive. But I was determined to stay off statins, so I followed that diet religiously. At the end of the 6 months, I had another lipid panel drawn and my LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) numbers had actually gone up! I already had 2 cardiac stents and it was decided that in MY case, there really was no other course of action besides going on the statins. I have been on a very high dose for several years now, my cholesterol levers are nearly normal and my cardiologist is keeping very close watch on my liver function, which so far, knock on wood, has remained very minimally elevated. I wrote this only as an example that SOMETIMES, even when we try our hardest to correct a medical issue naturally, there will be times it simply is not enough and we must rely on medication for optimum health. This does not mean that you should skip any lifestyle changes you've made. I still stick to the ultra-low cholesterol diet the nutritionist put me on, but I DO cheat now and again. Which I see as one of the dangers of believing if we're taking a pill to keep the condition under control, then we can just stop trying to help ourselves...….and that's NOT how it works.