Very "Odd" sensation in heart/chest area

[Smccain]

So, basically, I'm US Special Forces. I have been for the past 7 years. My main reason for posting this question on this forum, instead of seeing a doctor, was my concern for my career. I'm in great shape, and have no known issues with anything at all. But, occasionally, maybe, once ever other day for the past year, i have an odd sensation in the area around my heart. It feels as if my heart either stopped, or it was skipping beats. During the time it happens, I cannot breath, but, the sensation only last for roughly 3-5 seconds, if that. The sensation I'm feeling never causes any pain, it just worries me. If anybody has any suggestions, or maybe a simmiliar condition, I would love to hear what your diagnosis was.

[BionicBabe]

I would caution you not to self diagnose, or diagnose based on other people's symptoms and diagnosis. Many people on this site describe symptoms that I've had and have totally different diagnosis from me. I can understand you are concerned about your military carreer but if you are truly concerned you might have a potentially serious heart condition you'll have to ask yourself if you're willing to risk your health (and possibly your life) for your career. You will find a lot of postings on this forum of very similar symptoms, described almost exactly as what you are describing and most of these people are told by physicians including cardiologists, not to worry about it. If you haven't already done so, you might try to get as detailed a family medical history as possible as this might help. Personally, the not breathing part would cause me concern. Good luck figuring it out! God bless and you and keep you safe in your service to this country!

[Momto3]

Hi SMccain,

Welcome to the community!

Like BionicBabe said, it's not a good idea to try and self diagnose based on what others experience, etc.

Can you stop by your doctor's office for a quick checkup?  You know, just kinda touch base, get your cholesterol checked, BP, etc.  Then, you can mention the peculiar beats and see what he/she thinks.  My best guess (it's only a guess, and you really do need to be checked out) is that you are having extra beats.  When I am having extra beats, it feels as though my heart is skipping beats.  But, in reality it is throwing extras in between the normal beats.  In someone with a structurally (important to find this out) normal heart, they are considered harmless.  The key here is to be sure you have a structurally normal heart and the doctor can help with that.

Thanks for serving!!

connie