most helpful answer many conditions can cause the symptoms you describe. some of them are benign (don't cause harm) and some are life-threatening. the important message here is this: if you're having any heart-related symptoms you should get them checked out by a health care provider as soon as possible. specifically if you feel any severe chest pain tightness of the chest pain radiating down your left arm or up into your jaw pain at the mid-back (in women) ongoing shortness of breath nausea or fainting in combination with any of the other symptoms you should call 911. don't take chances with your heart. please get checked out by a health care provider as soon as possible.
sometimes my heart flutters followed by my breath being taken away causing me to gasp. what might this be?