What causes fluttering feeling in chest during driving?
Patient: I am a 40 year old healthy female. This morning while driving I experienced a fluttering feeling in my chest accompanied by dizziness. The episode lasted about 4 seconds at most. Once over I felt a little weird but then returned to my normal self. I have on occassion experience this fluttering feeling in my chest before but never like this. I don't feel that this could be Aflutter, my heart rate did not seem fast and I have no previous medical history. What are you thoughts? Doctor: Hi. I can understand your concern. Ideally ecg and 2d echo should be done first in your case. If both are normal than no need to worry for heart diseases. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can cause similar kind of chest pain. GERD is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause central chest pain and nausea. You are taking proton pump inhibitors (pepcid). But along with drugs you need to follow certain below mentioned lifestyle modifications for better symptomatic relief. Avoid stress and tension. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid junk food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. Quit smoking and alcohol if you have these habits. Go for walk after meals. Keep 2-3 pillows under head in the bed to prevent reflux. Loose weight if you are obeseDon't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.