Why do I have sudden fast and pounding heartbeats?

Pounding headache related to breathing?

• Ok, this is a very confusing issue for me. Lately I have been getting these very short pounding headaches that last for about 5 seconds or so. The pounding feels almost like the pulse of blood in the front of my head if that makes sense. It is usually about 3 or 4 pounds each time. When this happens my breathing goes off and I have to take shallow breaths until the pounding stops. I think the pounding is a RESULT of my breathing though :( and I'm somehow not realizing it. I used to get them only when I was doing certain activities. When I swim I love to stay under the water and sometimes I stay under a little too long and when I resurface and take a new breath of air I feel one round of pounding. Its would become more frequent the longer I would swim in the pool. Also, thus would happen when I play the clarinet. It got the worst when I did a very intense summer session. It felt as if the deeper my breaths got the worse it became. Also if I took a big breath that was meant to sustain my playing, and then quickly let it out if the conductor stopped us, it would feel so strong I would nearly fall over. I was glad when the camp was over because our playing would be for about 4 or 5 hours a day, and by the end I could barely play without it happening. I do not think it is an anxiety issue, I think it is a breathing issue. I have not been to the doctor because I felt like it was not a big deal because it was isolated in breathing-related activities. Please try to give me practical solutions. Thanks!

• Answer:

  This can be because when you are breathing and taking deep breathes when doing physical activity your body needs more oxygen for energy,therefor you will find during these times you are breathing in for longer than you are breathing out,causing a build up on carbon dioxide in your body which can then lead to pounding head aches. I do recommend you do see your doctor though it isn't really a big deal but its affecting your daily activities sometimes and causing you worry,that's what doctors are for its there job. He may even prescribe an inhaler or something little just to make sure your airways are made easier for you and that it will be less likely to happen again. Hope this helps :)