Question about the supraesternal notch

star68

New Member

Joined : Feb 2012

Posts : 2

Posted 5/12/2012 10:43 AM (GMT 0)

I have been doing cardio workouts for years I ocasionally have the odd palpitation but because I got checked out by a cardiologist, had tests and he said they were extrabeats so I kind of got used to the feeling.
But today I had a very strange experience. I was a bit tired but I still wanted to do my cardio workout. When I was half way to it, I felt like I tighness and disconfort in the neck around middle of the collar bone level. I stopped working out I wass sweting and the pain kind of got worse when I was brathing in but I was panicking I thought that coud be the beguining of a heart attack as the pain was located where the internal jugular vein is. I took my blood pressure and was 180 over 89 and my pulse was 129, I thought it was normal for mid workout, but the feeling was scary. I continued working out but lighter and didn't feel it afterwards.
But researching in the internet I read that area is call the suprasternal notch and if you can palpate or feel your heartbeat it means that you coud have aortic and heart problems. Now I am worried because I can feel every single heartbeat and I am annoyed that all those times I have been to the cardiologist he has never felt my suprasternal notch which streight away gives you information about the heart. I had heart scans, ecg's, stresss tests but he had never checked the notch. Could any of you feel it?

stkitt

Elite Member

Joined : Apr 2007

Posts : 32602

Posted 5/12/2012 8:31 PM (GMT 0)

star68

The suprasternal notch is the dip at the base of the neck. Feeling a pulse can indicate that there is a problem with the aorta which may need to be addressed, as this major blood vessel can lead to severe medical complications if it is compromised.

I would advice you to check with a Dr. or if your pain returns go to the Emergency Department or call 911. Please remember I am not a Dr. and any decision re this concern is yours to make. Do be your own best advocate and let us know what you find out.

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply