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Q I am a 27-year-old mother of one, and I often experience an irregular heartbeat or skipped beats. I feel these skipped beats in my throat when it happens. I've almost had a nervous breakdown because of it. I stay at home, mostly waiting for it to happen. I never hung out with friends because of the fear that it will happen while I'm out. I wanted to stay home, next to the phone, so I could call an ambulance. What could be causing this problem? A.J., Georgia

A Your level of anxiety goes beyond that which is reflected in many other people who experience what they fear to be abnormal activity of the heart. Doctors say ectopic heartbeats (skipped beats) are an arrhythmia that involve small changes in an otherwise normal heartbeat. In many cases, they may be without noticeable cause, but causes can be associated with excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine or various other conditions such as heart disorders.

An ectopic heartbeat can be identified during a physical examination that could include tests such as an electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity of the heart. The test allows physicians to determine the rate and regularity of beats and the size and position the heart's chambers, and it can reveal damage to the heart. Other tests include an echocardiogram, or patients may be asked to wear a continuous ambulatory cardiac monitoring device, usually for 24 hours.

Often, doctors say, ectopic heartbeats do not require treatment. But in some cases, anti-arrhythmic medications may be needed to correct the condition.

TREATMENT OF GENITAL WARTS

Q I am 23 years old and recently discovered that I have an embarrassing condition called genital warts. I have heard a lot about the herpes problem, but very little about genital warts. What can I do to get rid of them? How contagious are they? I have not contacted a doctor because of the embarrassment. M.D., Youngstown, Ohio

A Don't let your embarrassment prevent you from seeking treatment. Genital warts can be caused by various types of human papillomavirus (HPV), but they are not the same as those that cause warts on the hands and feet.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:29 AM