<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.Hi, I suddenly have a horrible feeling under my ribcage on the left near my heart but just under, it s similar to a heart palpitation but it goes on for about 40seconds at a time and happens every few minutes or so and feels like something is beating very hard against my ribs or skin. I can feel it with my hand if I touch my ribs when it s happening. Any idea what this is as I ve never experienced this feeling before. Thank u. Kirsty.  <response>: Hi welcome to Chat Doctor. I understand your query and concern. This kind of rib pain should be ruled out for pericarditis as in your case. This needs following set of investigations. I advise you to have a baseline 2 dimensional echocardiography, ECG and lipid profile to assess the basic cardiac reserve of your heart. Restrict the intake of salt to less than 6gday. Regular physical exercise in the form of brisk walk for 20 min a day for 5 days a week is pretty useful. Chat Doctor. Reduce the intake of fatty and fried food. One pomegranate a day will help to keep your heart at good pace without clot formation. Steroids will help to control the symptoms effectively. Consult a Cardiologist for further expert management. Post your further queries if any. Thank you. 