What Are The Symptoms Of Funnel Chest?

Funnel chest, also known as pectus excavatum, is a congenital birth defect involving irregular development of the sternum and ribs. Individuals with this condition have anywhere from a slight indentation to a deep dent in the middle of the chest. It may not be noticeable in a young child, but the indentation can deepen during the growth spurts of adolescence. While funnel chest is not life-threatening, it can interfere with normal activities by restricting the heart and lungs. The condition can be corrected by surgical procedures that create new supports for the sternum. Funnel chest can lead to several common symptoms. Learn about them now.

Heart Palpitations

Most of the symptoms of funnel chest are caused in severe cases where the deep indentation puts pressure on the heart and lungs, interfering with normal function. In this case, a common symptom is a rapid heartbeat (heart palpitations). Heart palpitations are usually not life-threatening, but they can be disconcerting for the individual experiencing them. The rapid heartbeat may make the patient feel out of control or anxious. They are often associated with emotional stress or a sudden increase in physical exertion. For patients with funnel chest, the heart is more likely to go into this mode due to the pressure of the sternum on the heart. The palpitations normally go away after a few minutes, after the patient calms down. If the palpitations continue for an extended period, the patient should contact a medical professional.

Uncover more symptoms of funnel chest now.