The feeling of your heart "sinking" can be unsettling and potentially related to several factors, with one possibility being related to heart rhythm irregularities.
Here's a breakdown of potential causes:
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Extrasystoles (Premature Heartbeats): The provided reference suggests that a sinking feeling is "particularly common in patients with isolated extrasystoles." Extrasystoles are extra, premature heartbeats that disrupt the normal rhythm.
- Compensatory Pause: After an extrasystole, there's often a pause (called the post-extrasystolic compensatory pause) before the next normal heartbeat. This pause can feel like a brief emptiness or a "sinking" sensation in your chest. Your heart essentially takes a moment to reset its rhythm. Think of it like a hiccup in your heart's timing.
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Anxiety and Stress: Feelings of anxiety or stress can manifest physically and can include sensations in the chest. This can sometimes be described as a sinking feeling.
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Gastrointestinal Issues: Sometimes, issues like acid reflux or esophageal spasms can create sensations in the chest that might be misinterpreted as heart-related.
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Other Cardiac Conditions: Although less likely based on the "sinking" description, other underlying heart conditions could potentially contribute.
Important Considerations:
- Frequency and Duration: How often do you experience this sinking feeling? How long does it last?
- Associated Symptoms: Are there any other symptoms accompanying the sinking feeling, such as palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat), shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or lightheadedness?
- Triggers: Can you identify any specific activities, situations, or substances (e.g., caffeine, alcohol) that seem to trigger the sinking feeling?
What to do:
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Consult a Doctor: Because the sinking feeling could potentially indicate a heart rhythm issue (even if minor), it's crucial to consult a doctor, especially if you have any other symptoms. They can properly evaluate your heart health.
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Describe Your Symptoms Thoroughly: When you see your doctor, be as specific as possible about what the "sinking" feeling feels like, when it occurs, how often it happens, and any other symptoms you're experiencing.
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Possible Tests: Your doctor may recommend tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to monitor your heart's electrical activity or a Holter monitor for continuous monitoring over a longer period.
In summary, while a "sinking" heart feeling could relate to harmless phenomena like extrasystoles, it is wise to consult a doctor to rule out other conditions.
