I went to the doctors a few weeks ago because I thought I had a chest infection…had a sensation that something was in my lungs and couldn’t breath as well as I normally could and also had a dry cough. When this came on I suddenly started experiencing palpitations at the same time that I had never had before but had put this down to stress as had been feeling a little low and tired lately and thought maybe it was a virus. The doctor listened to my heart and found I had a murmur. I then had a few tests which included a chest xray and an ECG. He said the results were good but he’s referred me to see a cardiologist and have further tests. Since the visit to the doctors I noticed swelling in my lower legs and pitting near my shins which I looked up on the internet and found could be related to the heart. The thing is all these symptoms have now virtually gone except for the tiredness and the palpitations, so could he be wrong that something maybe amiss with my heart or do these symptoms come and go???….I’m only in my early 40’s and was always full of life and energy until a few months ago.

I too am in my 40's and have had the same symptoms as you have. I am currently suffering from "flu" like symptoms, with the palpitations. I went for a nuclear stress test and echo and am waiting for the results.

I was diagnoised with pericarditis several months ago. I do know that chest pain/pressure, difficulty breating and swelling of the legs can be a heart condition. I know it is easy to say don't panic, wait to see what the test shows or what the doctor says, but not easy to do.

I've have a habit of panicing. I would only suggest that you talk to your doctor and ask for all and any test necessary to determine the condition of your heart. For me, not knowing is the worse.

Good luck.
Gina

Thank you for your response Gina, I agree, the waiting and not knowing is very hard but I’m trying not to think about it too much and just carrying on with things as I would normally do.

Its frustrating that I cant look up what I have because I don’t know what I have and the symptoms indicate it could be anything. The doctor was talking along the lines of a valve problem but I’ll have to wait and see. It has helped reading some of these threads and knowing that I’m not alone and that if I do need any advice there will be people here to help …and hopefully I can help too.

My appt with the cardiologist is on the 12th so not too long to wait now …I’m keeping my fingers crossed and I’ll keep them crossed for you too!

Janet