Question:
I take a lunch time walk. Is this funny sensation somehting to be concerned about?

I get in a good 1-1/2 to 2 miles in 30 minutes, which is good for me, plus I walk up a B-I-G hill for the best cardio results. But, here's the thing I've been noticing. Each day when I start my walk, I feel this funny sensation in my chest...not pain, just like a rattling about 3-4 inches down from my adam's apple, but not anywhere near my heart I don't think. I have no idea what this feeling could be. It goes away after the first 5-7 minutes of the walk but while it's happening, it's a real concern. Is anyone relating to this feeling? Sound like anything any of you have ever experienced? I just came back from a doctor's visit for bloodwork and don't want to call him again, cause I'm really not a hypocondriac, just very in tune to every new feeling, etc. Help!    — blank first name B. (posted on February 5, 2002)

February 5, 2002
I am the original poster and what the sub-title should say is "I take a power walk at lunchtime every day." Sorry if I confused anyone.
   — blank first name B.

September 19, 2002
Sounds like youre doing awesome but I think Id contact your surgeon or primary care doc and ask them before walking more
   — Kathy C.

September 20, 2002
You're describing something that I have sometimes too. I have never known how to describe it though. Mine doesn't necessarily come when I walk (I walk at lunch also). Mine comes sporadically, like maybe once a month, and lasts much of the day. The next day it is gone. It is a very odd feeling (sorta like a flutter in that area) and I've never mentioned it to my doctor because I have been unable to describe it. Also it just goes away and I forget about it until it happens again. I've not been able to pinpoint anything that I do to bring it on. I just recently had a yearly checkup, bloodwork and all, and everything is okay. If you find out what it is, please let me know!!
   — Barbara C.

September 20, 2002
I don't want to alarm you, but the flutter business could be connected to your heart. My Mom has heart problems and gets a flutering feeling from a prolapsed mitral valve. Better check with your doctor.
   — juvpd

September 20, 2002
About a year after my surgery I had this, too. Only it didn't stop. I had periodic spasm (yes, heart spasms) for several weeks. During this time I was really pushing my exercise regime - had worked up to about 5-6 miles a week walking and begun weight training with a professional trainer. I told my primary care physician about it. He did some blood work, but ended up referring me to a cardiologist. I had a COMPLETE workup - EKG, Echocardiogram, more blood work, a walking stress test. He said I DO have a spasm that cardiologists sometimes refer to as an "athlete's spasm." He said it is completely benign, not to worry about it and that it would probably go away soon. Well, it took several weeks and was a little uncomfortable, but DID go away. Today I walk about 10 miles per week and weight train almost every day and feel great!! And I know my heart is A-OKAY!! I'd go check it out if I were you. Then, if they say you're okay just keep on truckin'!! Good luck. Lili (Open RNY, 1/23/01. 154 lbls gone forever. At goal at 145 lbs!)
   — Lili R.