Stomach cramping and palpitations

[PasserBy7]

Hi. I am a 26 year old male. I was wondering if someone has symptoms similar to mine or if someone knows what could be causing them. Since a couple years ago I've been getting strange twitching in the "stomach area" just below my chest (lasts very shortly, about 1-2s and it's not painful). I never paid too much attention to it but recently I started noticing that the twitching is always followed by a "heart pause" lasting up to 2-3s. Sometimes I even get a little dizzy before my heart starts beating again. When the heart beat kicks in again I don't feel a thud that most people talk about when they get ectopics but my heart simply continues to beat again at the same rate as before. EVERY time this happens I start feeling gassy afterwards or I even have diarrhea which I find very strange. These symptoms come and go a couple times a month and they happen completely randomly (regardless of how stressed out I am etc.). Anyway, I just wanted to talk to some people online before I start rambling about these weird symptoms to my doctor and he sends me to a psychiatrist. Thanks and sorry for my English.

[breadsander]

Hi there. It's impossible to tell what the twitching feeling is without an EKG but it's possible it could be a run of AF or atrial flutter - - though don't take my word for it.

I will say that I too get what I presume are pauses. I'm also only 29 years old. Sometimes they are so bad it feels like I'll pass out, and coupled with the adrenaline surge I get they can make me feel like I'm a goner. It's absolutely horrible.

Unfortunately I haven't found out the exact cause yet. Could be ectopics with a long pause, but it's never been caught on a monitor. Please let me know if you ever hear anything about what's causing your pauses!

Anyway, I will say with absolute certainty that my stomach and arrhythmias are related to each other. It's gotten to the point where mild arrthymia (mostly just PVCs or slight palpitations) will predict a bowel movement about 15 minutes before I even feel the sensation I need to go. It's interesting, it's like looking into the future at times. It gets worse relative to how bad the bowel movement is, such as diarrhea etc. You are not alone there. Unfortunately I don't know *why* this is the case either.

Are you anxious at all? I have a high propensity for anxiety and it has been a constant struggle to cope with it at the same time as my arrhythmias.

[PasserBy7 in reply to breadsander]

I think I do get anxious sometimes. I mean, it's possible that most people experience similar symptoms but they just ignore them because they don't think they are a big deal. If I ever find out why it's happening I'll let you know.

[ling]

Constipation?

[PasserBy7 in reply to ling]

Interestingly enough I don't think I've ever been constipated in my life.

[ling in reply to PasserBy7]

Constipation can be pretty insidious.

You may think you've cleared it all, but there could be more poo stuck in there. Just a thought.

Otherwise it could be a digestive or gastric related trigger. It bothers me when I have too much fibre.

Any how, do get it checked out to alleviate your worries.

Best wishes.

[Spanaway]

I haven't had that happen, if I did I'd go see a cardiologist ASAP! Prayers your way and to find the problem.

[PasserBy7 in reply to Spanaway]

Thanks. I think I will go to the doctor.

[gixxerboy]

I've had the same symptoms for years...and l swear its my hiatus hernia causing it...!!!!!!

[PasserBy7 in reply to gixxerboy]

It probably sounds mean but it's good to know there are other people experiencing the same thing.

[Polski]

The heart and the digestive system are connected by the vagus nerve. If you research on the Atrial Fibrillation forum on HealthUnlocked you can find our more.