It sounds very much like the signs and symptoms of anxiety, however there are benign (not dangerous) heart rhythms that cause sudden racing of the heart and then returning to normal. This is called paroxsymal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). It originates from heart muscle above the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart) and can be controlled with either medication or a fairly simple procedure called an electrophysiology study (EP study).

A general practitioner can give you a referral to a cardiologist who specializes in heart rhythm abnormalities (Electrophysiologist). The best non-invasive diagnostic test is to wear a Holter monitor for 24 hours. The Holter monitor captures your heart rhythms for a full 24 hour period. The cardiologist will then be able to make a determination as to whether you are experiencing a normal "tachycardia" or whether you are experiencing PSVT.

Many people with PSVT are treated for anxiety for long periods of time before they finally self-refer themselves to a cardiologist.

So, my advice is to not let your GP pooh-pooh your symptoms and automatically attribute them to your anxiety. Read up on PSVT and push to see a cardiologist who specializes in this condition (an electrophysiologist).

Please keep us updated. Big hugs to you, Laurie