I'm feeling concerned because my heart has been pumping really fast for a while before calming down to normal. When it speeds up, it feels like it's going to jump out of my chest. What could be causing this, and should I be worried?
It sounds like you may be experiencing episodes of palpitations. Palpitations are sensations of a rapid or irregular heartbeat. One common cause of palpitations is atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats irregularly and often rapidly. It is important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and management. In the meantime, you can try taking a beta-blocker medication such as Metoprolol (brand name: Lopressor) to help slow down your heart rate. The usual starting dose for Metoprolol is 25-50 mg twice daily. However, please consult a doctor before starting any new medication.