About Charles Cusumano, PA-C, DFAAPA Expertise I`m a Physician Assistant in medical practice since 1975. I`m a nationally certified Physician Assistant and am a nationally credentialed Family Medicine Practitioner. I was also honored as a Distinguished Fellow in the AAPA.
Experience Radiologic Technologist 1963-1973;
Training in Hand and Upper Extremity
Microvascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic;
and injury of the hand and upper extremity. I have taught pediatric ambulatory trauma. I'm ACLS certified.
I serve as Honorary Chairman from Kentucky to the Republican National Congressional Committee Physician Advisory Board.
Organizations AAPA, KAPA
Awards and Honors Distinguished Fellow American Academy of Physician Assistants
Expert: Charles Cusumano, PA-C, DFAAPA - 6/24/2009
Question QUESTION: Im a 23 yr old male, with cholesterol of 245, 6ft and 205 lbs. I have intermittent recurring left side chest pain that sometimes extends to my left arm, I've seen 6 cardio's and had echo's, ekgs, chest xrays, blood work, holter monitor, event monitor and had a stress test done 3 and half years ago. All normal. Ive had all the tests done recently less than a year, except stress test which was 3 and half years. I have PVC'S, PAC'S, and PSVT. Today while I was push mowing the grass my heart rate jumped quickly within 10 mins of mowing to like around 170, and I came inside and stood at the counter and was feeling my pulse and it was really high like 15 beats per 5 seconds then it suddenly went to around 7 beats per 5 seconds, and like 3 seconds later immediately jumped back up to around 15 beats per 5 seconds and stayed like that till I sat down and relaxed, now its at 80 per min. What would cause the immediate decrease then increase. Is that normal? Sometimes just by feeling my pulse it will do that just jump up real high for a second then go back to normal. I often have this weird feeling in the left side of my chest like a nagging dull ache, and it sometimes is a gripping pain that hurts my arm as well. I've been having the pain for 2 yrs, and its ALWAYS in the same spot and just comes at random times, seems like nothing triggers it. What could this be, is that a good indicator or bad? Thanks so much Does any of this indicate any type of heart disease or would the test have caught it, could they have missed something?
ANSWER: Hi Michael,
Frankly, it sounds like you are just out of shape and your heart is the most obvious sign. If you have these rhythm disturbances, you might want to stay away from all caffeinated foods and beverages. suggest tp you doctor about getting on a beta blocker to keep your heart’s work down and better regulate your heart rate. Based on the results of your testing, I would not put much stock in the chest pains. You also need to get your cholesterol better controlled.
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QUESTION: I have noticed here lately I will wake up EARLY in the morning and feel like my heart is beating REALLY hard and my chest feels weird and Im short of breath, I lay there and feel so tired and as soon as Im almost back asleep it happens again. I felt my pulse and it seemed to be normal, but seemed really slow, I didn't count it but it def. wasn't fast, if anything it would have been really slow. What could cause this and what could this indicate? It seems like it's caused from my heart, because thats where I feel the discomfort and my heartbeat feels really weird. Could it be Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea?? Does these symptoms sound dangerous??? What type of heart problem could cause this? I'm scared that its going to happen and my heart's going to stop beating. Also could it be sleep apnea? Thanks so much
Answer Hi Michael,
Sleep apnea may be exactly what you are experiencing. It isn’t uncommon for the blood pressure and heart rate t go up durng sleep. Add sleep apnea to this and you have an issue. A sleep study would be a good idea. I wouldn’t worry about your heart stopping during the night.
