Heart palp/shortness breath... Should I have an echocardiogram?

I have had mild heart palpitations and slight shortness of breath over the past few years. It was finally bothering me so much that I went to a doctor and had an ECG and 24 Holter Monitor. Both came back fine with only rare PVC's (on the holter). I still have the symptoms and it seems to occur more when lying on my back, bending down or lying or my side. Sometimes it will occur when I start walking after sitting for a long period. I am wondering if I should have an echocardiogram to rule out hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I don't have a family history of any heart related problems, but want to make sure it's not HCM.

versantly	follow up with your cardiologist for treatment.

Janet H	I would suggest that you go back to your doctor and tell him/her. Maybe because it's summer time that it could contribute to it as well. Maybe have him/her rule out asthma. I get those periodically that my chest starts to thump real hard even when I am sitting.

Brandy	I think it's a great idea. I wouldn't jump right to a conclusion about HCM, but it's definitely worth checking out. One of the indications for having an echocardiogram done is palpitations. It can evaluate things like HCM, valve disorders, high blood pressure, etc. Also, if you aren't having palpitations every day a holter monitor may not always show you what's going on. There are also event monitors which you can wear for 2-4 weeks. Talk to your doctor some more and see if they recommend anything further.

krissy f	Sounds like hyperthyroidism. I have graves disease (which is a form of it) and had those exact symptoms.

D.d.	You only have one heart... and its too important to not get a second opinion. You know your body better than anyone else. Go get checked out!

Doodlebug	Yes, in fact...you should have had all of the total work up for anything and everything...especially if you still have symptoms... Get blood work done too... Get the echocardiogram done also... Ask to see a cardiologist, in fact, demand to see one... Have you had your Thyroid checked??? Thyroid problems can give you heart palpitations and shortness of breath too....so ask the doc to include a Thyroid workup in your blood work... Have you had a Stress Test??? If not, get one of those done too. HOPE ALL IS WELL...and good luck.

L_H Qutub(Retired)	OK, you can go for echocardiogram, but in advance I am telling you it will be normal.