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I woke up last night with my heart beating so fast and a tightness in my chest. I also had a knot in my throat. My pulse was very fast and irregular.
I took aspirin and couldn't lie down so sat in a chair. I took a total of 6 aspirin and today I feel fine.

Submitted: 137 days and 11 hours ago.

Category: Health

Value: $14

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Gender: Male
Age: 64
State/Country: Minnesota

Already Tried:
aspirin

Posted by Dr. Mark 137 days and 11 hours ago.

Info Request

Do you have a history of heart issues?

How old are you?

Was this the first time you've had tightness in the chest? Do you have this feeling with strenuous exercise as well?

137 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

25 years ago I had similar pain and was told it was paricarditus
I am 64
sometimes when I get worked up on the job I get chest pains and take aspirin and they go away.
no, excerise doesn't cause any pain

Answer

OK.

Given your age -- and the fact that you had transient chest tightness with palpitations -- you really need to have this checked out by your doctor.

While this could have been "palpitations", or the strong sensation of beating of your heart, the fact you had chest tightness, along with an irregular pulse, means that there could be an underlying heart rhythm abnormality which could be the cause.

At the minimum, your doctor should do a physical exam and EKG, and possibly bloodwork and chest xray among other things. Without doing some investigation, it is hard to say what this could have been, and knowing if it was serious or not.

Accepts:
Expert:	Dr. Mark
Pos. Feedback:	99.8 %
Answered:	7/7/2009

Doctor (MD)

U.S. Physician/Surgeon in Neurosurgery

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I woke up last night with my heart beating so fast and a tightness in my chest. I also had a knot in my throat. My pulse was very fast and irregular. I took aspirin and couldn't lie down so sat in a chair. I took a total of 6 aspirin and today I feel fine.

Optional Information

Gender: MaleAge: 64State/Country: Minnesota Already Tried: aspirin