| From | Message |
Theresa
Guest
4/24/2003
00:21:05
|
 Subject: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi,
Thanks to all of you who have posted I feel so much better after days of agony over this. I have been to my doctor two days ago and wore a holter monitor which I returned today. She said my heart sounds good and my blood test for thyroid problems was negative. I was sure I was going crazy until I found this site. I have five children they are 2, 11, 14, 16, & 19. I guess that would be enough in its self to cause these darned palpatations. I notice them a few weeks ago when my Pms was full blown and was sure I was dying until I told my husban two days ago and he convienced me to see my doctor (I had been avoiding this for fear she would tell me the worst). I think what bothered me more than anything was leaving my kids especailly my two year old without a mother. I am 35 1/2 and aske my doctor if I could be experiencing premenopause. She said I was to young. When I returned my holter monitor today I demaned a test to see what my estrogen level is. I am also late for my period which has been getting lighter over the last several months. Sorry this is so long I just needed to vent. Please feel free to email me as I need all the reassurance I can get.
|
Valerie
Guest
5/10/2003
07:04:14
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, I've been reading some of the messages on here tonight about palpitaions, and I've been having them for about 10 years. You're doctor is just plain wrong about you being too young for menopause symptoms. You might be too young to actually go through menopause, but your body cause start having symptoms years before. I started getting terrible heart palpitations when I was about 30. I am now 43, and still getting them. I made the obvious connection myself to menopause because my palpitations became really bad as I became closer to my last cycles. Then, when I had my last period, the palpitations calmed way down, from having a PVC every few beats to having a few a day, so I went from thousands to that, so it was obvious. But, I thought I was done with them, and it's been months without them (or just few of them), and then again in the last three weeks, they have been coming back again, for no apparant reason. I haven't been having my periods, but my cardiologist says that my body may still be going through some cycle and symptoms of menopause can still remain. So, these palpitations are definitely connected to menopause, even if you are 10 or even more years before that. I am only 43, and done fairly early I think, but it seems like people are surprised that menopause is not something that happens in your 50's, it can start very early, in your thirties, or earlier. Most of the doctors I have seen for this say that the palpitations are extremely annoying, but harmless, and that if you can stand them, it's best not to go on medication for them, because currently, all medication out there for this has the potential to make it worse. I went on two different beta-blockers, and one of them helped for a while, but then did make it worse after a couple of months, same with the other really. So, now I'm looking for natural cures, or even to lessen them a bit. I am trying to loose weight, and eat right, no caffeine, no alcohol, no smoking, kind of obvious stuff. The thing is, mine seem worse when I'm up and walking around, doing things, and much better when I lay down, especially if I'm on either side. I've been kind of afraid to exercise, cause I have them then, and just hate the feeling, but the doctor says I should exercise through them. Well, try to relax knowing that they are benign, even if they don't feel like it! I was in a store earlier today, and just had so many, they wouldn't let up at all! I finally got my shopping done quick, and left, almost in tears. You see how it is, even though I've had them for years, they are still so upsetting, so you're not alone!! Good luck! Val
|
Linda Keast
Guest
5/13/2003
16:41:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
This is a great site! I have been taking HRT since 1999, before that I never had palpitations. Within 3 months of starting the pills, the palps started, too. My GYN says that in his opinion, they are not related, my cardioligist says there's a good chance they are. Who to believe? I've had EKG's, holter monitors, thyroid checks, ultrasounds, stress tests--my cardiologist is very thorough! Even though every test came back as a normal heart, every time I have an episode, I think I'm going to die! After reading these messages, I have hope that he's right. I've been keeping track the last month or so and do believe that they actually are happening 10 days out of the month--just like my monthlies used to be. Does this mean if I ever get all the way through menopause, they'll quit??!! Anyhow, just reading that other women out there are having the exact same thing makes me feel better. Thanks to all of you!
|
Theresa
Guest
5/13/2003
17:14:38
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi,
Thanks for posting a response. I just wanted to let you know that my holter monitor came back normal but, they did find one thing wrong with me. I'm pregnant lol I would never have dreamed it didn't even cross my mind. The doctor thinks the palps were related to the pregnancy hormones and also the change in heart rate and blood flow. Also something else you may want to check. My father is hypoglycemic and I think I may be too. According to what I've been reading it came sometimes be an early pregnancy side effect. Anyway to get to the point palps, lack of energy, sweats ect. are all signs of this so you may want to check it out. I found that if I eat cereal, doughnuts or any other sweets for breakfast I'm hungry within an hour. On the other hand if I eat a protien breakfast like eggs I feel great for several hours. Just a thought.
Thanks,
Theresa
|
Linda Keast
Guest
5/13/2003
23:16:34
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Someone else mentioned the hypoglycemia theory to me also, mainly because the symptons all seem to be worse if I'm hungry, slight dizziness--actually lightheadedness, not dizziness--headache and the palps. Within just an hour or so after eating, I feel pretty good again.I'll have to mention that to my cardiologist next visit and see what he thinks. At this point, I'm willing to believe just about anything! Thanks!
|
Jean
Guest
6/16/2003
16:42:47
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I think that low blood sugar levels can effect the palps.Also seasonal allergies I think anything that can stress your system can bring them on. With me, many times the palps start about 20 minutes after eating. I think it's a good idea to keep records of any foods or situations that bring on the palps. I also keep a record of the palps and my menstrual cyle. I've had them very bad the past few months. Always 4-5 days before and after my period. After a couple of months you can see the correlation. My Dr. prescribed Klonopin. I take 1/2 pill its doesn't always get rid of the palps but it relaxes me enough that I can sleep, and lack of sleep isn't good for palps. I know that the palps aren't going to kill me, I would have been dead by now(I've had them for 10 years). They are getting more intense. Also my period is more irregular. I get the by-geminie ones non-stop for hours. I try to accept the fact that they are not going to kill me, and that my heart doesn't beat like other peoples. Don't get me wrong I still get mad as hell when they happen, but I just stress myself out to much if I focus on them to much.
|
Linda
Guest
6/17/2003
16:06:40
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Does anyone else notice that the palps seem much worse when it's all quiet around you? I try to keep myself busy and around a bunch of people when I'm having problems, so I can't hear my heart beat. Even knowing I'm not going to keel over dead, it stresses me out so much more to listen to it beat! Went to the cardiologist for the final results from all the tests--everything is normal and he told me (AGAIN!!) that stress is a huge trigger of the episodes so I've been trying to not let the things I have no control over bother me so much--like that's easier said than done! Maybe some day it'll just all go away, since it all started with menopause and the HRT pills, when I stop taking them the palps will quit. Anyone had this happen??
|
lee
Guest
7/03/2003
04:59:25
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, I'm 28 and I just started to get palpatations in the last 6 months. It all started when I went on the ortho-evra patch, and now, three birth control pills later, I still get them. I've stopped taking the pill, and I hope that helps. My chest hurts and the pain goes thru to my left shoulder blade. I have been to a cardiologist and a gastro doctor who currently has me on Nexium and Zelnorm! Has anyone else experienced the palpataions along with chest pains? I can't stop worrying, I'm obsessed with them! Thanks Lee
|
Linda
Guest
7/03/2003
16:37:04
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Man, that would worry me too, mainly because of the chest pains. One of the things my cardioligist always ask is-"Are you having any pain in your chest" Did yours do all the tests--EKG, echocardiagram, holter monitor and treadmill test? If they did that and the test results are all normal, then it very likely is the birth control pills. Those things have some wicked evil side effects! The Nexium is basically for heartburn or GERD, right? The other one I'm not sure what it's for. Hopefully by stopping the pills the palps and chest pain will stop. I know I worry obsessively about just the palpitations, so I can imagine what you're going through. But remember--stress is a HUGE trigger of the palps, and if all the tests show normal, you need to keep reminding yourself nothing is REALLY wrong with my heart and try to stay calm. We have a place on the beach in San Diego that we go to on vacation and I've found I can relax myself by focusing on the "happy place" and visualizing watching the ocean and being calm, this sort of thing might help you, too. Let me know how you're doing, it helps to have others to talk to that are experiencing the same thing!
|
Melinda
Guest
7/10/2003
00:43:11
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi everyone,I'm 30 and I've had palpatations for 10yrs.The first one I had I thought I was going to die,and I saw a bunch of different docs and since it took them so long to give me proper diagnosis I developed anxiety/panic attacks.So,now for 10yrs I've been dealing w/palpatations/anxiety and panic attacks.I do good for awhile then I hit bottom again,right now I'm at rock bottom again,I'm scared to death to drive my car for fear of killing over and injuring my kids or other innocent drivers,and I constantly check my heart rate basically I'm driving myself nuts.Could any of you describe what a palpatation feels like to you,or any help getting past the fear.Thanks!
|
Linda
Guest
7/10/2003
15:30:51
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
When I get an "episode" (sounds so much better than an "attack", don't you think?) it usually starts out with just a flutter, but soon it feels like my heart is actually quivering in my chest-I swear I can feel it doing it. Kind of like bird wings in there. Sometimes, it feels like my heart actually flips over. This is very unsettling. Sometimes, it's just a rapid heartbeat--I clock it when it does this, usually it's at about 88-90 beats per minute. I don't usually get too upset unless it clocks out at pretty close to 100 beats per minute. However since my Dr put me on tenormin, it hasn't gone that high very much.
What was your Dr's diagnoses? Is your condition life-threatening? Is it one that COULD cause your heart to stop? Are you on any kind of medication to control the palps? If, after all the tests, your Dr can assure you that your heart is healthy and won't just stop or cause a heart attack, then it's all a mind thing. When mine start and scare me half to death, I have to very consciously sit myself down and tell myself "this will not kill me, my heart is fine, this will not kill me, my heart is fine" It's such a scary feeling when it does it, your natural reaction is to tense up, concentrate solely on the palps and wait for something bad to happen. And besides which, you are so young! Mine didn't start until menopause when I started taking hormones. Do you take birth control pills? They act the same as hormone pills and have much the same side effects. I know it's difficult, but if your Dr says it's not life threatening, and you trust the Dr, you can't let this rule your life. Stress is a HUGE trigger of an episode, every time you get an anxiety attack, it feeds the palps and makes them worse. Especially since you're so young and have children, you deserve not to suffer like that. It's easy for me to say it's a mind thing--but it truly is. I tend to ask myself every time it starts--OK, is this worse or no worse than I've had before? If it's no worse--well, it didn't kill me before, it probably won't this time, either. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being BAD--anything less than 7, I decide to worry about "tomorrow". Keeping busy helps, with lots of noise around so I can't hear it. ANYTHING that causes a distraction & helps to take your mind off it helps. I've had it 5 years only, but since my Dr says my heart is fine (and he checks it every 6 mos) I figure if it was serious, it would have killed me by now.
Let me know how you're doing, just knowing there are more of us out there helps a lot!
|
Theresa
Guest
7/10/2003
17:21:03
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi,
I started this thread. I am now 16wks pregnant. I have almost no palps anymore. I have to admit I was scared to death for over two months but, when I stopped worrying they became less frequent. I also started taking 400mg per day of magnisium and it has lowered my pulse and for the most part eliminated the palps (PVC's in my case). I also worried for a while because my heart rate which was normally in the 90's now stays between 96 and 108 (once again thanks to pregnancy). Please try not to worry it only makes things worse.
Theresa
|
Christie
Guest
7/16/2003
05:09:21
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am 34 and on HRT, for the last 1 1/2 years I have been having HPP (some severe some flutter)
The last couple of weeks I have had severe palps, heart flips, and now chest pain which is relieved with nitro. I was in the local hosp and they did
EKG, cardiac enzymes, stress test, ultrasound of heart and now on an event monitor. The only thing this far out of order is slightly low Pottassium. I am worried and confused at the same time. What are your thoughts. Thanks Christie
|
Linda Keast
Guest
7/17/2003
15:36:11
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
You know, this low potassium comes up quite frequently, from what I've been reading. You're so young to be on HRT already! Has the event monitor shown up with anything yet? Also, I know thyroid problems can cause palps, too, have you had that checked out? It's so irritating that so often the drs can't specifically say what causes the palps and all the stuff that goes with it. I'm becoming truly convinced that hormone levels have a great deal to do with it. I know, in myself, that they are worse around the time I would have had my period, if I was still having one. Hopefully all your tests will come back normal, but as far as I'm concerned, that doesn't really help us any because there's no real CAUSE for any of it! If they are normal, tho, just remember stress is a huge trigger of all the symptoms. And if they do find something wrong, at least you have a definite cause and most likely it will be treatable with medication. Let me know what you find out!
|
Christine
Guest
7/18/2003
19:25:28
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm 32 yrs old and have had heart palps for several years, but untill recently they were always just that fluttering/flip-flop feeling in your chest. In the past few weeks though I've had a few palps that caused me to see spots and then black..It only lasts a few seconds and luckily I have either been sitting down when happened or was able to catch myself. (Once I was driving, that was BAD !!) After the attacks (or whatever you want to call it), I end up with a severe headache and I feel stupid..(By this I mean I can't think strait and feel like I'm drugged or something, usually I don't feel mentally "normal" again for a good 12-24 hrs..) Do any of you experience any side effects from your palps ??? Also, I noticed that some of you have mentioned thyroid problems...I am hypothyroid- but I have been for years and never had side effects with palps...Is there something about a thyroid problem that can cause palps ?? I would appreciate any input....
Thanks
Christine
|
Linda
Guest
7/18/2003
23:13:14
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have to say, that sounds really bad! Are you prone to migraines at all? I do hope you have talked to your doctor about this and he's doing a bunch of tests. That definitely sounds like something that needs to be checked out right away. As far as the thyroid goes, it must have something to do with palps because I have to get blood work done every year to check the thyroid level of whatever they check for. Are you on any kind of medication for the palps, or taking HRT or birth control pills? I'm sure you've had them checked out before--what kind of tests did they run on you? If for some reason you have not told your doctor about all this--please don't waste any time doing it! The seeing spots and then black, combined with the "feeling stupid" could mean something entirely unconnected to the palps. Let me know what you find out, I'd really like to know>
|
Dana
Guest
7/21/2003
19:53:51
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Melinda,
I am right there with you. I have had heart palps on and off for 4 years now. Checking the pulse that would be me. We need to talk.
Dana
|
Amie
Guest
7/24/2003
18:55:57
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi there!
I know this is a little off topic, but this chat has huge significance to me. I'm 23 years old, and I probably started getting palps when I was 11, but in recent years they have been getting worse. Once, when I had an ECG, the doctor told me they were normal as long as I don't get 6 in one minute, in which case I'd go into V-TAC. Is this true? Because lots of times I've counted far more than that,and though I know its best not to stress about them, twice now they have led to panic attacks. Thing is, rather than just being a symptom, the palps are generally the trigger for the attacks. Sometimes they're worse, but they are always there. My doctors haven't taken me seriously becouse I'm so young and very healthy-they prescribed anti-depressants for a year, but I refuse to take them because I am not depressed-just scared. What I need is to understand where the palps are coming from. I'm really interested in magnesium-I've never heard of that before. Has anyone heard of evening primrose oil helping? I recently read that it can help to deal with hormone fluctuations, which I thought might be one cause? I've been on birth control for several years now, and also thought that might be making them worse. Sometimes they do seem to be related to my menstral cycle. This is the first time I've read anywhere about anyone else with this problem. Any help would be deeply appreciated!
Thanx, Amie.
|
Linda Keast
Guest
7/24/2003
20:12:01
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
First off, if I were you, I'd find me another doctor. You need one who will actually listen to you and be concerned if you're concerned and explain good enough that you're no longer scared half to death. That's ridiculous, just because you are very young and in good health doesn't mean there isn't something wrong. I absolutely HATE doctors who have a tendency to just pat women on the head and say we don't know how we're feeling and not to worry about it, little lady!
There, I feel better now! Anyhow, the first thing is--have your doctors run all the usual tests--EKG, ultrasound, treadmill test, holter/event monitor. If they have done all this and all tests are normal then you probably are really OK. However, if he just tried the antidepressants and didn't run all the tests, you need to find one who will. It doesn't sound like they've explained really well exactly what the heart itself is doing while you're having one of these episodes. Different causes will make the heart do different things, some life-threatening and some not. You need to have a list of questions for the doctor when you go in, especially since you're so young they don't take you seriously. BE FIRM! You pay good money for his services and if yours won't do it, find another one!
So far as the low magnesium goes, I, too have read quite a lot about it having some effect on heart palps. Low potassium is another one. Birth control pills will definitely affect them, as will the time of the month. You might want to keep a "diary" for, say, a month, and record what you're doing when they start, and what time of the month it is. I found that by doing this, I saw a definite pattern of when I would have my period, except I'm old and don't have periods anymore. But my palps and rapid heartbeat didn't start until I started taking hormone replacement, which is in essence, birth control pills! Remember--stress is a HUGE trigger--if your life is very stressful and you worry a lot or have a lot of upheavel in your life, this will start them. Part of a panic attack is greatly increased heart rate anyhow, so if the palps start a panic attack or it's the other way around, the end result is the same! Why did they put you on antidepressants? Do you exhibit any other symptons of depression or was it just the easiet thing for the doctor to do? Besides, one of the several side effects of antidepressants is accelerated heart rate, depending on what kind they gave you! Anyhow, most important, if they haven't run all the tests on you and even when you tell the doctor you're not comfortable with the diagnosis he gave you and you'd like more extensive testing--insist he do it or find a new one. The only way to deal with the palps and rapid heartbeat is to understand the underlying cause (or lack of cause) to know if it's going to kill you or if it's one of those "deal with it and get on with it" things! Let me know how you're doing, it really does help to know there's so many of us out here!
|
Sara
Guest
7/29/2003
04:40:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I just turned 23 and my first palpatation came last Christmas Day. It lasted for 24 hours. I was fine for 3 months, then they came again, this time for 3 days. Having the paplations made me have panic attacks. When I have them I feel like Im going to die, but Im to young to die, and this is all that goes through my mind when they happen. I just got engaged last September and my life is just starting, and I feel like the palpataions hold me back. They are so scary. The third time it happened I went to the doctor and he had me wear the heart monitor for 24 hours. These ones lasted for 6 days. I thought they would never end, the only time I was content was when I was sleeping. I would just pray that by the next day when I woke up they would be gone (dissapointing when they werent) When my test results came back the doctor said, I have occasional PCs, and it was normal. But how is it normal to just get them out of no where after 23 years of being alright? The doctor gave me loresapam (generic valium) He wanted me to take them 3 times a day! Talk about being a zombie. Especially when Im having them and I think I dying, I dont want to put any drugs in my system, it just dosent seem right. I was wondering if anyone knew if the Depo shot (birth control) could have anything to do with it. I am know on Ortho Evera since I been on the patch it has only happened once, but every day I live in worry that they will strat again. Any advice on handeling this would be great!
|
Theresa
Guest
7/29/2003
14:56:03
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi,
I am the person who started this thread. I took the depo shot once over two years ago after my daughter was born. I can only tell you that after all the thinking I have done over the last several months I think it could be a cause. When I was on the shot Several times I would wake up and feel like my heart was beating out of my chest and sweating. My hair started to get thin and I spoted constantly. After the shot started to wear off the same symptoms continued for a while and I bled heavier than I ever had and passed fist sized clots. The bleeding would also stop for several day only to gush when I least expected it. I did not feel back to normal for about nine months. This all has left me wondering if when I became pregnant with my current baby did depo make me hypersensitive to the pregnancy hormones in my body? And if it did is that why after having five other pregnancies with no palps I was suddenly plagued with them? These are two quetions I will never be able to answer but, I have my suspicions. I can tell you that taking 400mg of magenisium a day will help with the palps at least from my experience. I know what you feel like. If you can don't go the medicated zombie route. When they happen tell yourself they will end and don't let them stop your normal activities. I let them keep me down and feeling like something terrible would happen for over three months. Not until I stopped letting them controll me did I start to feel better and notice them less and less. I hope this helps you.
Theresa
|
donna
Guest
8/05/2003
20:29:12
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
hi i have been suffering from palpatations and panic attacks for nearly a year ( im 24 ) and it is the worst experience ever. when you get them u panic even moe and it makes it worse. i have tried councilling, hypnotherapy and reflexology but nothing is working. the doctor prescribed me with anti depressants but i refused to take them. i have just come out of a rocky 5 yr relaionship and think that may have started them ??? i go a few days when im fine but they keep coming back. i feel tired and dizzy and out of sort. nobody ever understands and thinks im mad. is there a cure ? will i ever have a nomal life again ?? please email me if there is anyone else out there whos had enough !!!
|
Linda
Guest
8/05/2003
21:23:09
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Donna, you didn't say if your doctor did anything other than prescribe anti-depressants. Does anyone notice that so many doctors just prescribe anti-depressants as if we're all crazy or imagining these palps????? I guess I can understand that, so long as they also have all the tests done--EKG, stress test, holter moniter, ultrasound, thyroid check--and all those tests come out negative. HOWEVER, depending on the drug prescribed, palps and anxiety are one of the side effects. Who wants to go around all drugged up and like a zombie and STILL have palps! That kind of medication only masks the problem anyhow, we need to understand what's causing them in the first place. once again--stress is a HUGE trigger, I'm convinced that hormone replacement and/or birth control pills affect them, as does your hormone level at any given time of the monthly cycle. Keep a record of what you're doing, eating and stessing about. Take control of these things, if you've had all the tests done and it's not a life-threatening thing that you're not going to fall over and die from--you need to be stronger than the palps. Tell yourself--this won't kill me, this won't kill me--I'm the boss here, not these stupid palps!. Find yourself a "happy place" to take your mind off them. Most definitely, coming out of a bad relaionship could start them, especially if you didn't have them before and the doctors find no medical reason for them. Whether they're caused by stress or hormones or whatever reason--you're not mad and I, for one, understand exactly where you're coming from. My husband happens to be very understanding when I'm having an "episode" but too many people that haven't experienced them think you're being silly. Don't let that bother you. We know they're real and you just need to find the one effective way that will help you cope with it. If you haven't seen a doctor--see one immediately, one that will do all the necessary test to either pinpoint the medical problem or be able to assure you that these palps are not a medical problem and are mostly just an annoyance that is a big pain in the butt. The moodiness and general "out-of-sorts' does sound hormonal, there are many causes and types of dizziness. For instance, when I'm having an episode, I feel cranky and dizzy--not room-spinning dizzy, but sort of inside my head dizzy everything kind of slides sidewards. Hard to explain but definitely there. Anyhow, I keep hoping that since none of this started until I started menopause, that if I ever FINISH menopause, it'll all just go away! Just hang in there, get a doctor to do the tests if you haven't already, it's very important to know that they won't kill you and you need the tests to rule out the serious causes, and write anytime, it helps to know there's more of us out here!
|
Sheryl Shucart
Guest
8/07/2003
02:00:36
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I just may be the queen of testing when it comes to these darned heart palps. I am 43 years old and have been having episodes (monthly) for a year now. The doctors starting with meds for high blood pressure, then the holter monitor, echo-cardiograms, stress tests, thyroid tests, liver panels, etc. I too am sick of the feeling I get when they start because I know that I will be out of it for 5 - 10 days. I tried the depo (birth control) shot and since it has only been 2 weeks I have no answer from that. I have tried herbal drinks and yoga. I thought because I work with handicapped children that it could be stress, but why would it come only monthly. Doctors don't understand hormonal imbalance or what? I would just like some answers. This sight helped me to know that at least I'm not mad. Sheryl
|
Jean
Guest
8/07/2003
06:31:15
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am 37 years old and have heart pals for three years. at first people thought I was cray. after a series of test I have what the cardi calls Sinustachicardi. I am not sure I believe that. Currently I am on Bete blokers. I still have some palps yet not as often. I am so glad I found this sight. I feel so alone at times.
|
Sally
Guest
8/08/2003
04:12:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi: I did another post, but then read into this one.
I am 39 and have been expreiencing palps (skipped Beats) for 7 years. At first very short mild episodes, but more lately. Lasting longer. First a couple of hours then a day. Now I have had them for the last 7 days. And they just don't want to go away. They scare me to death. The Dr. prescribed a beta blocker, but I have read bad things about them, so I haven't taken them yet, I was hoping the palps would go away on there own. Does anyone take a beta blocker for theirs. ??? I sometimes feel like they are coming every other or every beat, then they space out a little. Or a few minutes will go by. I never no if I should be going back to the Dr.
|
Linda
Guest
8/08/2003
15:42:20
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Yes, I take a beta blocker for my palps. It has helped a lot and I haven't noticed any weird side effects that I can specifically say are from the beta blocker. I take several other prescriptions also but I've taken them all longer than the beta blocker and no new side effects have shown up. The beta blocker does seem to help most of the time, although I do still have months that are bad for the palps. I have determined that those months I also have more hot flashes and night sweats, which still leads me to believe a lot of this whole palpitation thing is related to hormones! Does anyone out there go to a female cardiologist or female gynocologist that believes this also, men just don't seem to understand. Anyhow, Sally, go ahead and try the beta blockers, I think you'll find they may help.
|
sally
Guest
8/08/2003
23:12:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks Linda for the reply. I haven't yet taken the beta blocker, but I have noticed the skipped beats had slowed down a bit. But I am still getting them.
We are going on vacation this week and I didn't want to try a new Med. while I was away. But I am bring everything I have just in case. I did see my regular Dr. Today, and she assured me that every thing was fine.
I do see a woman gyno, and am going to be asking her alot of questions in Oct. when I go, and the Cardiolgist is a man, I guess at the top of his game according to the Dr. I saw today. He is a specialist in electrophysiology and a teacher at one of the medical schools. I feel a little better about it today. But it is still hard to deal with.
Take care.
|
TL
Guest
8/09/2003
00:15:25
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Can heart palpatations kill you? I just started having them and the first one scared me beacuse it took my breath, are they normal?
Thanks
|
Linda
Guest
8/11/2003
16:06:21
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
That depends entirely on what is causing the palpitations. My sister has a condition where she also gets palps, but hers are caused from too much blood pooling in one side of the heart because it's not being pumped out properly. From what she tells me, that can send the heart into beating too fast and too irregularly which can result in death. She takes medication to regulate that irregular beat and coumadin blood thinner medication to prevent blood clots. That's why it's so important to see a cardiologist to rule out all the bad causes that can kill you. My palps, on the other hand, are not caused by a heart defect or a heart disease or any cause that could kill me. I take a beta blocker to slow down the heart rate because it's uncomfortable and very unsettling when I'm having an episode but if I chose not to take the meds and just let it beat fast or jump around in there or whatever it feels like doing that day, it wouldn't kill me, it'd just be uncomfortable. (Not worth that, believe me) You've probably already been to a cardiologist, but if not--be sure to go!
On another subject I've never seen addressed here-I went to the dentist the other day to get a tooth filled and while I was getting the novacaine shot, I got very light headed and pale and my heart rate went WAY up, so much so that we had to stop so I could sit up a while until it went back down to a more normal rate. My dentist said that it wasn't the novacaine itelf, but the epinephrine in the shot that helps the novacaine last longer and work better. This happened the last time I had novacaine, too, but I just figured that was nerves since I so hate going to the dentist. Since it has now happened twice----has anyone else encountered this? The dentist suggested one way around it was not to have a novacaine shot---yeah, like I'll do that in my lifetime! Anyone ever heard of this reaction before?
|
Theresa
Guest
8/11/2003
18:46:04
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi,
I was the one who started this thread. I have the same problem at the dentist and I like you thought it was my nerves. I had a tooth filled the other day and because I'm five months pregnant now my OB told me no Epinephrine in the novacaine. Well, that made me wonder what's in this stuff anyway. I did an internet search and found out alot. Epinephrine is a substance that holds the novacaine in place longer to make the shot last. Without the epinephrine novacaine can travel to other areas of the body if accidentally injected into a vein and cause numbness or slowing down of the heart and resperation. On the other hand Epinephrine is used to stimulate the heart and is used on heart attack victims. My dentist said every single person feels the flush and the heart pounding from it and not to be alarmed by it. All I can tell you is I didn't like that feeling and when I had novacaine without it the other day I was so happy not to feel that rush. The novacaine lasted long enough for the filling but, I was not numb three hours latter. I think from now on I will always request no Epinephrine in my novacaine. I read on a health board they also have another shot called cobaine which dosen't contain it either. By the way the reason you can't have it and be pregnant is it can cause an unborn baby to pass out. Isn't it amazing what they injected us with! No wonder there are so many people with problems.
Theresa
|
Jean
Guest
8/12/2003
16:45:50
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have had 8 root canals since my palps have started, My root canal specialist does not use the epinephrine. I have not had a problem. It has a benefit because the novacaine dosen't last as long. My palps have been especially vicious lately. I have had the bygemenie ones(every other beat) for 4 days now. When this happens I usually go the the cardiologist just to make sure everything is OK. Again they get real bad about 5 days before and 5 days after my period. I have completely cut out caffeine. This hasn't stopped the palps but it makes them less intense.I can't feel them as stongly. Beta blockers made my palps worse. I've tried Toprel, inderal and tenormin. The only thing that works for me is the donnatal.Sometimes it will get rid of them, and sometimes it will slow them down to one every 4 or so beats.
This is going to sound really strang but. My Mother gets the palps. She gets them mostly after eating. This is not uncommon. She takes a Zantac (an over the counter acid reducer)an they go away. I've been on other web sites that said acid reflux can cause palps. Maybe this info might help.
|
Sheila
Guest
8/13/2003
05:41:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
To all those who have sent in their experiences, feelings, discoveries and recommendations, thanks. I have just started experiencing palpations about 1 week ago and they are really scaring me. I will take all the advice about calling my doctor to go in for tests. I was putting that off till I read your stories and suggestions. I am going through a stressful time right now and kept on saying to myself: "Oh, it's only because of the stress I am experiencing". We are also experiencing a lot of hot humid weather where I live, so I was telling myself it was due to that, also. I have been afraid to go to the doctor for tests for fear of finding out that I might have something wrong with my heart. But as time goes by and the episodes continue, I am thinking knowing is better then not knowing. Fortunately, I do not have a doctor who will pat me on the head and say:" Poor little girl, stop worrying your pretty little head about things and take this tranquilizer". I am also experiencing some gastric problems and a lot of these symptoms are symptoms that women sometimes experience with heart problems. Men's heart problems sometimes present themselves differently. So, again thanks to all who have sent in their experiences and I will bookmark this site and let everyone know what my doctor says.
|
Sheryl
Guest
8/13/2003
20:50:18
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I think hearing about similarities in other peoples problems makes me feel better. I have a routine when it comes to the palps. First it is just them, then that feeling of doom that centers in my chest. Then for some reason I feel like I have the flu (achey and tired), next I usually do get stomach problems and finally I get a break until they come again the next month. Since these do come monthly for most of us, I assume it is hormone related. I had all of the tests on my heart and even thyroid, liver, and stomach. And know what doc says? "There is absolutely nothing wrong". We know how we feel, but I really wish one of us were an M.D. Hang in there and try not to stress. It seems for me stress and heat make the palps aggrivated. Sheryl
|
Linda
Guest
8/13/2003
21:11:05
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Sheryl--that's me exactly!!!! I feel just like that when mine start, and I think, real quickly, what time of the month is it? Then when I realize it's the time I would be having a period if I had periods, I think--OK this is my period now, it'll be OK, in a few days it'll go away. I have to say, though, looking at the whole thing from a menopausal point of view (since that's when it all started for me) I'd much rather have the old cramps and a period every month!!! It was way less stressful. So every month I give myself the same old lecture--all the tests are normal, nothing is wrong with my heart, I'm not going to die from these stupid things!! Ahh, the joys of being a woman, isn't it just lovely! All of us need to hang together and support each other, at least we all know we're not going crazy.
|
Sheryl
Guest
8/14/2003
23:47:44
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
As far as palps being related to stress; I have had stress for most of my life. That's just how I am. However, I am 43 and this all started right after we took in a Korean exchange student (for 10 months!) So, at first I think her food is making me ill. Then I wonder if maybe Korea has had some strange virus. Not! It still hits monthly and it still drives me nuts. Sometimes doing the laundry or gardening will take my mind off of it, but when it is at it's worst, I can't do anything. It's like having a bad flu only you get it every month. There should be some relief. My doctor says my next step is an endocrynologist (spelling?). It gives me palps just thinking about it. We just all have to learn to stay calm. Sheryl
|
Laura
Guest
8/15/2003
04:10:37
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, all... I know just how you all feel, I thought I was dying too. I am 33 years old with 2 small children and was petrified of sleep. Since June I've been on the sofa sleeping sitting up. For some reason it made me more secure. After alot of trips to the ER and sleepness nights, the doctors tell me my heart is great and there's nothing wrong with me. my doctor put me on a beta blocker 50 mg. a day and it has made a world of difference. I felt better the first day, but the only draw back is that I'm tired and my pulse has dropped but still normal. If anyone else is on a beta blocker, please let me know.......Laura
|
Angela
Guest
8/15/2003
07:17:19
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello everyone. I am 32. I know exactly how you all feel. In April of 2000, I began having continuous palps for days straight. I was becoming another person. My husband and I made several trips to the ER. Each time I was told everything was fine and that my heart was healthy and I had nothing to worry about. I continued pleaing my case because I knew something was wrong with my body. At that time I had a high stress job as an Social Worker. I began asking questions around our office. My physician perscribed Prozac for my anxiety/depression. My symptoms got worse and I felt as if I was going crazy. I began doing some research and noticed that Prozac could cause increased anxiey. I started on Zoloft and a beta blocker Toporol (Spelling)in September of 2000 and things changed. I began feeling better. Unfortunately it did not last and I began having palps with my meds. I am now on Effexor and feel good most of the time until I have another. I was told that palps are no big deal and that I would have to live with them. Stress plays a large part in palps and I can attest to that. Stress management or some type of relaxation is great but you have to be willing to give it a try. For a long time I was convinced I was dying everyday and refused to relax. Now it is different. I stress alot less and take care of my self better than I did. I will admit that when I get them it does take me a minute or two to regroup.
Someone mentioned having palps before their menstrual cycle or PMS. I have noticed a week or two before my cycle, that I will have palps. So there has to be some type of connection to hormones. I also had problems laying on my side at night because of palps. I have great Blood Pressure. I have also that taking omega-3 caps help with relieving palps. I believe that I am also hypersensitive to Caffeine. I have palps after I drink sodas with Caffeine. I do not recall the site on the omega-3 at this moment, but I will find it and post another message. It is nice to know that we are not going crazy. Angela
|
Linda
Guest
8/15/2003
15:54:57
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Well, upon re-reading some of these postings--I think we all agree that stress and hormone/PMS has a great deal to do with all this. So many of us have been told the heart is healthy and nothing else is wrong to just dismiss that theory, no matter what the doctors say. It's kind of like when my kids were little and teething and with every tooth that came through, they'd get red cheeks, diaharea (spelled wrong,sorry) and a snotty nose. The doctor swore that one had nothing to do with the other---well, I'm the mom and I know better! In this case--it's my body and I know it has to do with hormones! Beta blockers have helped a lot, I've quit drinking Coke--big sacrifice, too!--and have cut out most other caffeine. I can still eat chocolate, but not all brands, some must have more caffeine than others. For those of you that have trouble lying down to sleep--I read that the reason the palps are worse when you lie down, especially if you lay on your left side, is because the heart shifts a little bit and is closer to the rib cage so you can feel the palps more because of vibration from the ribs. Makes sense when you think about it. It's nice to talk to you all, it makes it easier to suffer in numbers and not alone! By the way--does anyone know any men that have this problem????
|
Sheryl
Guest
8/15/2003
19:38:20
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Linda - Don't even get me started on men. When your kids are up with a 103 fever, my lovely man was snoozing all night. I really think that men have a 'different' type of stress. We women stress about children, work, bills, if our soap operas will be cancelled (ha-ha), and my husband says that he believes that I put the same amount of stress in a broken nail as in a conference at work. My sister did tell me that her brother-in-law had palps and ended up going to a psyciatrist. Now he is on anti-dep. I don't want to do that! I feel I am strong enough to conquer this on my own. I feel is someone put a 'name' to what we have, I'd feel a lot better. Sheryl
|
Richard
Guest
8/16/2003
04:36:29
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeah, tho I am about to turn 70. These palpatations started about a year ago. I was working out on the treadmill and "wham" I thought
I was going to croak. Went to my cardiologist, took another treadmill, and he said, richard, you are going great. Great, but he isn't experiencing these stupid palps! I am pretty convinced that stress does have a lot do do with this particular abnormality. Had a slight heart attack about two years ago and you just can't help but have a lot of anxiety after such an event. I admit that I am afraid to get back on the treadmill, as I experience that wham about two or three times during my exercise. Damn, I really don't want to stop exercising but,like a lot of you are saying, its scary!
AFter reading a lot of your comments, I have decided to "just live with it" but would like to hear from anyone who is exercising on a regular basis and "tolerates" the palpattions.
Richard
|
Jean
Guest
8/16/2003
14:15:14
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Richard-I excercise regularly. I walk and ride my horse every day. I was told by both my cardiologist and internist if the beta blockers don't help me (they increase the palps,for me)to get used to having palpitations. So I just keep going. I've been having them for 8 years. the last year they have turned into skipped beats every other beat. This sometimes last for hours. I will have them while I'am riding,walking,food shopping you name it.It's also been real hot and humid here, so when I'am working with my horse they have been bad. My palps have been PVC's which they say are benign. Just make sure that you get some of the palps recorded. Some palps are benign some aren't. Event monitors are great. It will record the palps when your feeling them. Because they don't always show up at the doctors. Since you have had a slight heart attack, you should get a nuclear stress test this shows if you have any blockages. Try to watch eating to much sugar,carbs, caffeine and alcohol(in my case I have to avoid all of them). good luck
|
patti
Guest
8/16/2003
16:09:48
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am 35 years old. I have had palps for 10 years. They started when I was 3 months pregnant with my son and I have had them ever since. I have been to 3 cardiologists, and a 2 rthym specialists. I have had EKG's, Echo Card., Stress Tests, Enzyme Tests and recentely I just paid for a heart scan myself for my own peace of mind. All came back normal. I can not tell you how much this has ruined my life. I sympathize with each and everyone of you. I also suffer from panic and aniexty disorder which all of the doctors want to jump on and treat. I told them if they could find a treatment for my heart palps. I wouldn't need drugs for aniexty or panic. There are good days and days where I can not even get out of bed. Sometimes they sneak up on you when you least expect it, like in the grocery store and you have to leave your whole cart and go lay down in your car. I KNOW!! Trust me up until today and reading all your letters I felt like I was alone and had the stupidist doctors in the world who keep saying nothing is wrong. About 3 months ago I went to an electrophysyologist and he told me to take Omega 3 Fish Oil. I was very hesitant but am at the point where I will try anything. I take two a day and I have to say it has helped. Not totally, but about 50%. I didn't help right away. It took about 3 weeks. I also take 50mg of metropol (beta blocker) not every day, but when needed. I am at the point where when I wake up in the morning I know if it is going to be a bad or good day. That's when I take it. I hope this helps all of you.
|
Theresa
Guest
8/16/2003
17:22:59
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Patti,
I totally understand where you are coming from. I have never had these before until this pregnancy which is my sixth. I hope they go away after I have the baby. They are not as bad as they were at first. I have been taking 300mg of magnesium per day for the last three months and it has cut them in half. I now have 5 to 8 per day. They scared me so bad at first I thought I was dying. I have learned to cope and at times don't notice them until I stop and think are they finally gone? Then sure enough I will feel one. I wore a 24 hour monitor when this started had a physical and blood work all normal. The only thing the monitor showed was PVC's and it only detected four in a 24 hour period. I had myself so worked up a few weeks ago that my OB nurse practioner wanted me to take Paxil. I filled the prescription but, never touched it. Like you I am 35. I guess hormones and stress could have alot to do with this. My other children are 19yrs, 16yrs, 15yrs, 11yr, & 2yrs. This little one is due 12/29/03 and was a big shock to my husband of 18 years and myself. Well, I'm glad to have found someone else who started these durring pregnancy it is great to have company.
Theresa
|
Jean
Guest
8/17/2003
13:26:20
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I had some palps when I was pregnant. I would get very out of breath when going up a flight of stairs. Once my son was born that was 16 years ago they settled down till I was 38. they have gotten so bad since then. I get 40 to 60 palps a minute one every other beat and this can last for hours.It's very scarry. At this intensity they have not killed me. My Dr says if I'am not having any pain and I'am not passing out that they are nothing to worry about.This started last year. I am 49 years old.
|
Mary
Guest
8/18/2003
09:29:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Everyone, I'm 31 & I started feeling the heart palps this year & thought I'd look to the net for advice before seeing a Doctor. It's been great reading your comments & has put me at ease alot! To describe the feeling I have, it's like my heart is beating up through the back of my esophagus, skips beats and leaves me with a slight sick feeling now and then. I am tall, & slightly overweight, but healty, I am fit (for my size), I exercise 4 to 5 times a week, lead a busy life at home & at work & try to watch what I eat. I drastically changed my diet last month, I started adding more fruit & veg & cut out all the fat intake to clean the system etc, my heart palps have become more frequent, and I have taken them to mean that I am not used to so much goodness!! But then again it has me worried. Reading these menopausal comments has me thinking too. Do I have anything to be concerned about? Thanks!
|
Linda
Guest
8/18/2003
16:27:02
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Well, there surely are a lot of us out there! Common consensus is--live with it, it won't kill you, I guess! Mary--if you haven't seen a doctor, be sure you do! You need to rule out the serious causes just to be sure. The beta blockers have helped me a lot, the magnesium is an idea, I'll have to look and see what's in my vitamins. The fish oil is an new one--anyone else heard of that?
|
Sheryl
Guest
8/18/2003
17:55:24
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I know that we have all accepted that what we are experiencing is most likely hormone related, but has anyone out there ever visited an endocrinologist? When I ended up the very first time in the e-room, the doctor on call suggested that I do a 24-hour urine test for problems related with my adrenal glands. Negative. Then my gyno suggested that same test because our symptoms are very similar to a tumor being on either your adrenal gland or pituitary gland. My family thinks I should see one . . . Sheryl
|
Sarah
Guest
8/18/2003
18:52:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I can relate my palpations to Mary. Like you I feel my palps in the back of my esophagus. I also get a slight sick feeling at times. I went to the doctor and they had me wear a heart holster monitor for 24 hours, after they lasted for 5 days straight. I was suprised when they said I had irregular PCs, but it was normal. I was schocked to hear it was "normal" since I had never had them before. I was on the depo shot for almost a year, and I attribute the palps to them. I think the depo shot confused my body into thinking it was going through menopause, since the shot completly stopped my peroid. I also lead a pretty busy lifestyle, and have a physical job, so I get a workout 6 days a week.
When the palps start and the sick feeling comes along, I just think that it must be nerves. I also started to have anxiety attacks do to this, scared that somethings wrong with me. Luckily I havent had any in almost 3 months (knock on wood) but still worry almost everyday that they will begin again. Now I only occasionaly get 1 palp every few days, but nothing constant. This net sight has helped me alot in knowing that I am not the only one, and other people know what I am going through. Even though my feiance knows everything about me, he just can not seem to understand how I feel, even though he trys. Its hard to tell someone how it feels when its just so weird and uncomfortable. Thank you to everyone who posts to this sight!
|
Jen
Guest
8/19/2003
01:59:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
This is so interesting to read about so many different women who also have this problem. I never imagined it could be hormone related. I've also been on birth control for many years, and I'm 24 now. I couldn't even think of anything that could be causing the palps because I know I am very heathy and active. Unfortunately I don't have any heath insurance currently, so I haven't been able to see a doctor about it. But it's been worrying me because the last couple of weeks it's been happening more and more frequently. It's never painful, but often uncomfortable. I can see how it could be stress related since I have been prone to anxiety problems in the past and feel overwhelmed at present. Even if there is no real "cure" for this, reading all of your posts helped me to relax a little about it. Everyone I'd talked to was clueless and even more concerned than I was, which did nothing to help the anxiety...
|
Anne
Guest
8/21/2003
02:04:18
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have had different heart rhythms for 4 years now. I get sinus arrhythmia, sinus tachycardia to about 160 to 190 bpm, atrial tachycardia, pac's pvc's, mostly pac's (multiples of them which we all know are in the top of the heart. Junctional rhythms, acclerated junctional rhythms. I have even tried to have an ablation which was not successful. On a good day I may have maybe 40 or 50 episodes of misbeats, on a bad day 100's. I am on a beta blocker which does not seem to help with the misbeats but does keep the episodes of fast heart rate slower when they occur. I have had numerous ekg's, ct body scans, echo cardiograms, nuclear heart scan, numerous blood tests, numerous stress tests and seen some of the best cardiologists around and they can find no reason for my heart to do this other than the electrical system of my heart just started to mis function at 48 years old. They tell me that it shouldn't kill me. I have also been on various heart meds with nothing really helping much and pretty bad side effects. I have been hospitalized numerous times over the past 4 years with fast heart rates. I have learned to try and ride it out at home unless it goes on for long periods of time. I have had my fill of er's and hospital stays. It wakes me up almost every night and sometimes I have to sleep sitting up in a semireclining position. Can't sleep on either side as it makes them worse. I also experience daily chest pain that the doc's think may be associated with gastro problems which actually started when they started me on the drugs. I just wanted to say that I have researched this for 4 years trying to find some help with this, and some times there is really not a lot that the doctors can do about these various arrhythmias. Especially palpitations. I would also like to say that from everything I have read it is quite normal for people to get anxious about them. I know I do, but as we have read it only makes them worse, but easier said than done. There are so many people that are worse than I am and they manage to go about their lives so that is what I try and do. I am in a cardiac rehab class now to monitor my heart during exercise. Third tme! The good thing is to have a really understanding doctor that will do the appropriate tests to be sure your misbeats are benign, and try and reassure you without making you feel foolish about the anxiety these things cause. I have had some really compassionate doc's and some that made me feel pretty awful about the concern I have about my condition. Anything is easier to handle if you feel like you have compassion and support. I wish you all good luck!
|
Anne
Guest
8/21/2003
02:04:20
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have had different heart rhythms for 4 years now. I get sinus arrhythmia, sinus tachycardia to about 160 to 190 bpm, atrial tachycardia, pac's pvc's, mostly pac's (multiples of them which we all know are in the top of the heart. Junctional rhythms, acclerated junctional rhythms. I have even tried to have an ablation which was not successful. On a good day I may have maybe 40 or 50 episodes of misbeats, on a bad day 100's. I am on a beta blocker which does not seem to help with the misbeats but does keep the episodes of fast heart rate slower when they occur. I have had numerous ekg's, ct body scans, echo cardiograms, nuclear heart scan, numerous blood tests, numerous stress tests and seen some of the best cardiologists around and they can find no reason for my heart to do this other than the electrical system of my heart just started to mis function at 48 years old. They tell me that it shouldn't kill me. I have also been on various heart meds with nothing really helping much and pretty bad side effects. I have been hospitalized numerous times over the past 4 years with fast heart rates. I have learned to try and ride it out at home unless it goes on for long periods of time. I have had my fill of er's and hospital stays. It wakes me up almost every night and sometimes I have to sleep sitting up in a semireclining position. Can't sleep on either side as it makes them worse. I also experience daily chest pain that the doc's think may be associated with gastro problems which actually started when they started me on the drugs. I just wanted to say that I have researched this for 4 years trying to find some help with this, and some times there is really not a lot that the doctors can do about these various arrhythmias. Especially palpitations. I would also like to say that from everything I have read it is quite normal for people to get anxious about them. I know I do, but as we have read it only makes them worse, but easier said than done. There are so many people that are worse than I am and they manage to go about their lives so that is what I try and do. I am in a cardiac rehab class now to monitor my heart during exercise. Third tme! The good thing is to have a really understanding doctor that will do the appropriate tests to be sure your misbeats are benign, and try and reassure you without making you feel foolish about the anxiety these things cause. I have had some really compassionate doc's and some that made me feel pretty awful about the concern I have about my condition. Anything is easier to handle if you feel like you have compassion and support. I wish you all good luck!
|
Theresa
Guest
8/21/2003
03:44:41
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Anne,
I have worn a 24 hour holter monitor that only showed 4 PVC's in a 24 hour period. The only other thing it showed was sinus arrhythmia but, they said it was normal. Did they say what causes the sinus arrhythmia or what symptoms it may cause. To all who are wondering about the benifits of magnesium it works. I only take 300mg per day at the current time because of being pregnant. On bad days I only have about 6 to 10 PVC's. On great days I only have 1 or 2. The great days are getting more frequent and I don't know if it's because the magnesium has been taking more affect or if it's because my body is finally adjusting to this pregnancy. Good luck to all and lets keep searching until we find something that helps. To all of you wondering if birth control could be the culprit I think it could be. This is my sixth pregnancy and I never had any trouble until about 2 years ago when I took one depo shot. After taking it my heart felt like it was beating out of my chest at night. I think it may have made my body way more hormone sensitive. And if so that could be why this pregnancy made them flare up. I have noticed that my heart seems very fast at times after eating. This is espeacially true if I eat to much startch or accidentally drink anything with cafiene in it.
Theresa
|
Annette
Guest
8/21/2003
05:41:54
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello All! Like you, I suffer from premenstral palpatations. I first noticed them when I was about 28 and going through tremendous stress. I didn't readily associate them with my cycle. My doctor put me through an amazing battery of tests, charging me a mini-fortune, in order to tell me that I had a "pretty little heart" and there was nothing wrong with me. When I tried to press the issue I got the feeling the doctor thought I was a psycho. Back then I was shy and retiring with authority figures. (what my husband refers to as "the good old days") I never mentioned the palps to that doc again, trying to ignore it for several years, though I was afraid of what was going on.
The palps continued, of course. I started marking the times and days I'd have them, then noticed the pattern. I finally tried mentioning this to my doctor--and got treated to another ECG (on a day they weren't happening!) and more encouraging words about my heart health. I changed doctors, searching, and what I found was that most doctors don't have a clue that there are physical symptoms like heart palpatations with PMS. Each and everyone put me through the same tests, each and everyone told me that there wasn't anything wrong with me.
I gave up on doctors and started to talk to other women. To my surprise, I found I was not alone. Several women I worked with also had palps related to their cycles. Just talking to them, especially those who had been through menopause, was enormously comforting.
I've tried magnesium, exercise, diet, with no improvement in heart rhythm or PMS. (though I felt better overall)As I age (I am 40) I find that the palps are sometimes stronger, longer, make me feel lightheaded; enough to make me wonder if I might drop dead. My PMS is getting worse, too, to the point where dropping dead might be preferable than dealing with the level of irritation I sometimes reach on a really bad day. I don't know if anyone else here has developed a sort of midlife Tourette's connected to PMS, but I find I can't keep myself from blurting out the first thing that comes to mind when I am PMSing. (usually the worst thing you can imagine!) It is something I have to be very mindful of. My mother thinks I need to start taking estrogen or wear a gag.
I am hoping that, like a few friends of mine with the same problem, that the palps disappear after menopause. Until then, I guess can live with them.
It was very nice to read your posts. Thanks for sharing your stories, and I hope mine might be helpful or comforting to someone.
Take it easy
Annette
|
Sheryl
Guest
8/21/2003
06:28:29
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, I am 43. This whole menopause thing is making me very impatient. Like you, Annette, my docs told me that my heart was fine. I had that holter monitor, echo-cardio, stress, mvp test, etc. If we all feel this bad, why do none of the big medical geniuses seem to know what we're talking about. I finally switched to a woman doc, and even she thinks I am 'totally stressed' and need to relax. But as you say, it's hard to relax when you think each palp may be your last! Where's that hysterectomy (sp?) when you need it. Sheryl
|
Mary
Guest
8/21/2003
11:40:21
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks Linda & Sarah for your advice & to everyone else, this site is so helpful!
My heart palps have stopped ... for now, but I am keeping tabs. The interesting thing is that PMS played a part the last time I had them, so I'm convinced that that's the cause and will be recording the dates. I will still visit the Docs (for them to tell me I'm okay & nothing's wrong) but better safe than sorry.
I will be reading more of your comments for suggestions & updates ... even though it's sad to say, but it's good to know I'm not alone in this & I thought the "Midlife Tourette" was bad enough (like it Annette!) What we woman have to go through!!
Fish Oil ... I've had Cod Liver Oil? Is that what you mean? Tastes bad, but is surprisingly good for you?!
Thanks, keep smiling!
Mary.
I think we have almost enough information about this to write a small booklet...
|
Mary
Guest
8/21/2003
11:43:34
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks Linda & Sarah for your advice & to everyone else, this site is so helpful!
My heart palps have stopped ... for now, but I am keeping tabs. The interesting thing is that PMS played a part the last time I had them, so I'm convinced that that's the cause and will be recording the dates. I will still visit the Docs (for them to tell me I'm okay & nothing's wrong) but better safe than sorry.
I will be reading more of your comments for suggestions & updates ... even though it's sad to say, but it's good to know I'm not alone in this & I thought the "Midlife Tourette" was bad enough (like it Annette!) What we woman have to go through!!
Fish Oil ... I've had Cod Liver Oil? Is that what you mean? Tastes bad, but is surprisingly good for you?!
Thanks, keep smiling!
Mary.
I think we have almost enough information about this to write a small booklet...
|
Jean
Guest
8/21/2003
13:22:46
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Anne-I hear you! we are the same age.Part of the baby-boom generation. There are so many of us having this problem. Just about all of us have had the same reaction from Dr's. My Dr. said "if the bata-blockers don't work for you, get used to having palpitations".Beta-blockers work on adrenalin. Not the hormone that I think is my problem.
Dr's can only diagnose something if they have a specfic test for the condition. To me if there is a reaction there has to be a an action that caused it. I really think that the cause of palpitations needs to be researched. All of us realize the connection between hormons and palpitations. I remember before lymes disease was discovered lots of people had it, and suffered with it. It was a mystery till they came up with a test for it.Then it could be treated. This is not all in ours heads.
The thing is,the palpitations are not killing us(thank God) so it's so easy for the medical community to put a bandage on our problem. Send us home, and hope the palps will just go away some day, and they probably will. But when?
|
Linda
Guest
8/21/2003
15:51:12
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
This is great, all of us sharing all the same symptoms and all the things that drs don't know! While it is so true that they won't kill us--at least those of us that have them know they're real and we can help each other through it! Has anyone actually made it through menopause that had the palps before and doesn't now, or know anyone like that? It'd be nice to have something to look forward to, other than the palps just getting worse and worse until the day we die--of other causes, of course, since we have all been ASSURED that the palps and all accompanying problems WON'T KILL US!!!
|
Peggie
Guest
8/21/2003
22:28:24
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am so glad I found this forum. I, too, have been plagued with palpitations for about 3 years. However, I never had a problem before I started menopause (I'm now 52). I am convinced that it is somehow related to hormones - either the lack thereof or the huge fluctuations we experience when we're going through the early years of menopause. Has anyone read Dr. Northrup's "The Wisdom of Menopause"? Good book and in it she mentions that during these years our hearts can become very sensitive. I have never (until 3 years ago) had a problem with chocolate - now it makes my heart go crazy if I have too much. Caffeine can also screw me up. I was on HRT and felt wonderful but when the scare hit, I got off them. The night sweats were so bad that my OB/GYN put me on Effexor (a mild antidepressent) and the hot flashes/night sweat stopped but...the palps came back BIG TIME. Guess what? one of the side effects of Effexor is palps, so...I've taken myself off those and started using progesterone cream. It's only been a few days, the hot flashes are back (not too bad, yet) and the palps have calmed down. Anyhow, what I'm trying to convey is that we all seem to have hearts that are very sensitive to stimulants. This sensitivity seems to be caused by the hormone thing so maybe we need to find out what things we are eating and/or drinking that are stimulants and try cutting them out. I'm still drinking my diet cokes and I'm hoping I won't have to cut those out and I hope I can still have M&Ms once in a while. I'll try cutting out other stuff (coffee, Effexor, etc.) before I get so desperate I have to cut out my favorites! Anyone else have any experience with Effexor or have any ideas what we can do (besides drugs) to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. I'm sure gald we've found each other; the support is wonderful!
|
Anne
Guest
8/22/2003
17:20:59
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
To Theresa,
Theresa you mentioned your 24 hour holter monitor showed sinus arrhythmia. Mine have shown that as well. I have been told by my doctor that a lot of people have that and not to worry. I have also read in different articles that is is quite common and especially in children. I am a small person and my doc thinks that may be why I feel these misbeats so much. I was told it is the heart rate going up and down during a breath and some people's heart just do that more. I like everyone else wonder if all my problems have anything to do with hormones, some doc's have said maybe some doc's have said no. I am still having hot flashes and night sweats but these don't bother me much. It's this unpredictable heart that cuases me so many problems. Anyway, just wanted to tell you that is what I was told about sinus arrhythmia.
|
Anne
Guest
8/22/2003
17:21:01
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
To Theresa,
Theresa you mentioned your 24 hour holter monitor showed sinus arrhythmia. Mine have shown that as well. I have been told by my doctor that a lot of people have that and not to worry. I have also read in different articles that is is quite common and especially in children. I am a small person and my doc thinks that may be why I feel these misbeats so much. I was told it is the heart rate going up and down during a breath and some people's heart just do that more. I like everyone else wonder if all my problems have anything to do with hormones, some doc's have said maybe some doc's have said no. I am still having hot flashes and night sweats but these don't bother me much. It's this unpredictable heart that cuases me so many problems. Anyway, just wanted to tell you that is what I was told about sinus arrhythmia.
|
Anne
Guest
8/22/2003
17:21:02
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
To Theresa,
Theresa you mentioned your 24 hour holter monitor showed sinus arrhythmia. Mine have shown that as well. I have been told by my doctor that a lot of people have that and not to worry. I have also read in different articles that is is quite common and especially in children. I am a small person and my doc thinks that may be why I feel these misbeats so much. I was told it is the heart rate going up and down during a breath and some people's heart just do that more. I like everyone else wonder if all my problems have anything to do with hormones, some doc's have said maybe some doc's have said no. I am still having hot flashes and night sweats but these don't bother me much. It's this unpredictable heart that cuases me so many problems. Anyway, just wanted to tell you that is what I was told about sinus arrhythmia.
|
Laura M
Guest
8/23/2003
15:07:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
hello everyone, From what i read there are all sorts of types of palpitations. I have a normal pulse rate but my heart beats so hard. Not fast, just hard like it's coming out of my chest. druing the day I try to stay active and ignore it. sometimes hard to do, but at night it's so bad I hardly sleep. Been to the dr's and all is supposedly fine with my heart and I was put on a beta blocker but can't say it has worked real good. I'm 33 years old and have 2 small children, This has been going on all summer and I'm driving myself and family crazy. any ideas from anyone out there since the dr's don't have any besides to tell me I have an anxiety disorder. Which I might add I probably wouldn't have if the palps would go away. Any suggestions would be appreciated..........thankyou
|
Sheryl
Guest
8/25/2003
01:35:54
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Laura M - It's funny how understanding and helpful I feel when I'm not experiencing the palps. I do know that all of us had a doc that did extensive testing of our hearts. The fact is, there is nothing wrong in that area. I have that same beating and it usually happens at the base of my neck. During the day, you just get through it, but at night it is awful. My sister-in-law suggested sleeping pills. But I had the fear of not waking up. So, for me, relaxing really helped. Easier said than done, I know. But try nice hot tea (herbal) and a really warm shower or bath seemed to help. One night, I had three showers and two cups of tea just to get through the night. It seems to be worse at night. Don't know why that is. Hang in there. Sheryl
|
Laura M
Guest
8/25/2003
03:28:42
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Sheryl, this might sound funny but the last two times I was in the ER the dr's said that I had chest wall pain and possibly inflammation in my chest, just thinking that maybe the palps are from when my chest is swollen I can feel my heartbeats. Not a pleasant experience at all to say the least. But I'm trying to come up with my own theory. Are you on a beta blocker by chance? I don't think mine works because it's not a rapid heartbeat I feel but a normal one that is just as scary when it pounds. Thanks for the advice I'll give it a try. Laura M
|
Sheryl
Guest
8/25/2003
19:35:58
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Laura M - My problems all started just out of the blue about a year ago. I do work with handicapped children, but have been doing so for years. My doc kept suggesting stress. My blood pressure went through the roof. When I ended up in ER, everything seemed to stabalize within an hour. Maybe I am crazy, but this only happens monthly. I am not on any meds (except for bp) and I have just recently had the depo shot (for birth control), haven't had palps for 2 weeks. I feel like my old self again. But in the back of my mind I know that it could just get me at any given time. I start back to work (school related) in a week, we'll see how that goes. My heart beat was not necessarily rapid, just that I wondered why I could feel it. Just remember, doctors don't know everything. After thousands of dollars, I can tell you everything I do not have. Sheryl
|
Nicole
Guest
8/26/2003
05:24:39
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi everyone!! I feel like I am reading a story of my life when looking through all of these posts. I had my first palpitations when I was 19, then not again until my 5th month of pregnancy when I was 21. I wore a holter monitor and the cardiologist that read it said, "Your body may just be overwhelmed by the extra blood volume, if you pass out call 911." Thanks alot doc!! The palpitations were VERY bad throughout the rest of the pregnancy but seemed to subside a month or 2 after my daughter was born. I went through a divorce several years later and had terrible anxiety. With the anxiety came the palpitations and panic attacks. I was told to try Buspar, but was so anxious that the thought of taking medication made me have panic attacks, weird but true. I was also not taking birth control anymore but did not attribute the palpitations to anything but the stress level. However, in hindsight, I wonder if the hormone relationship did actually have something to do with it. I am almost 32 now and have gone several years without any noticeable episodes. I would have an occassional palpitation but nothing that scared me. Recently however, they have come back with a vengence. Stooping, eating too much, simply drinking fast, laying down at night, even when I'm sitting here posting feeling pretty relaxed, they hit me. The catch is, I have been off of the pill now for several months. I'm wondering about the hormone connection again. I have had thyroid tests, an ekg, an echo and the cardiologist assures me that my heart function is normal. Has anyone here ever had a physician that told them that hormones really do have something to do with the irregular beats. I never brought this up with the cardiologist, because I never thought of it, and he didn't ask.
Thanks for all of the posts on this board and the willingness to share your stories. It really does help to know you aren't the only one.
Nicole
|
Jean
Guest
8/26/2003
13:31:16
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Nicole- I did ask my my cardiologist if hormons (perimenopause for me)could be causing my palps to get worse. He said yes. But in the next breath told me he dosen't get involved with hormons. I don't go to him anymore. My gynocologist said she never heard of that being a problem with menopause. She told me to see an endocrinologist. I have an appoinment.
I've had the most luck lately by not having any caffeine,refined sugar,even juices or processed food(anything that would spike blood sugar levels). It's that idea of eating only whole foods.
|
Linda
Guest
8/26/2003
16:09:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
My gynocologist says the hormones do not play a part in the palpitations, etc, my cardiologist and family doctor both say yes they do. I talked to my family doctor just last week and he said basically every person is different, every medication you take has some kind of adverse reaction and women's hormones in particular are very sensitive to outside influence. For example, I cannot take the allergy drug of Allegra, which if fexofenadine, but I can take the allergy drug Claritin, which is loratadine (or something close to that). The Allegra just makes me feel awful, speeds up the palps and irregular beats to the extent that I just quit taking it, after a couple of weeks off it, I was back to my "normal" palps. Drs really don't know much more than we do about them, I've learned more from you guys on this site. I think the important thing is to know what they're NOT caused from and learn, usually the hard way, what triggers our own personal episodes and avoiding those things. Since I got VERY MAD this morning at something someone did as soon as I walked in the door and immediately got my heart rate started-----obviously that's one of my triggers! Hang in there, ladies and the occassional gentleman--we can get through this. I wonder--is it true, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger??????????????
|
Sheryl
Guest
8/30/2003
00:26:57
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jean-I have been chomping at the bit on whether to go to the endocrinologist or if they are going to give me the same run around my other three docs did. I sure would like to know the results of that and what testing was needed. I know I sound like a baby, but after all the heart tests and liver panels and blood taken, I just want to be sure that this time it's a go. Thanx Sheryl
|
Jean
Guest
8/30/2003
14:43:19
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Sheryl-I haven't gone yet. I couldn't get an appointment untill November 3rd.
Have you tried not having caffeine,refined sugar,white bread and rice. The thing is it takes about 2 weeks for the caffeine to get out of your system. I felt like I was in a coma, especially late in the after noon. It was really worth it. To get rid of the excess sugar it took about a week. I cut back on animal proteins,not because I thought that this effected the palps. We were part of the black out and I didn't want to eat any meats cause the refigeration was out every where for 24 hours. I told my family we were going vegatarian for a few days. I felt so much better. I did some research about hormones in meats. They add estradiol and other hormones to fatten up the cattle. They also add antibiotics to their feed. I'am not against eating meats,where I live there are markets that sell hormone and antibiotic free meats.
Please don't think that I'am preaching, but this really has helped me, and my palps were constant. I still get them but they are so much more controlable with the mediation.
You should go the endocrinologist. We have to be primary in our own health care. If anything you'll known (hopefully) that you're O.K.
|
LauraM
Guest
9/01/2003
03:15:45
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi everyone again, I hopet things are getting better for all of you.I was wondering if any of you that are suffering from palps because of stress have tried reading a book by Dr. Claire Weekes? It is called hope and help for your nerves. It doesn't work overnight, I stil have the palps but it does put things in perspective. I started having palps when I developed chest wall pain, thought it was my heart and didn't believe the Dr's when they said it wasn't. So I'm reding the book and it sounds like me all the way. the palps are worst at night because I'm so afraid of them and I expect them. Maybe it's time for a shrink...... anybody ever went to one for anxiety disorder? thanks for listening....LauraM
|
Cristina
Guest
9/03/2003
05:18:47
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, my name is Cristina. I read all of your posts regarding heart palpataions. It is comforting to know others feel, what I have been unable to explain! I am 28 Years old, and I have been experiencing palps and runs of irregular beats for about 7 yrs, they make me very sad and scared. I always assumed that I have this condition from my father, because he has been in the hospital several times for arrythimia, and he still has PVC;s. He has become very knowledgable, almost to the point where he has become his own "doctor". He has been taking L. Carnatine, Taurine and Magnesium, Co-Q10 along with the multi vitimans. He says it has helped him tremendously. I am just so scared that my palps will become long episodes and put me in the hospital. I believe that the palps and hormones have a direct correlation. I have never taken birth control pills, but I know when I am ovulating, and about to get my period, they are more prevelant. I have found when I am having palps, if I go to the bathroom (#2) it stops them a little. My worry, Is that I would like to become pregnant soon, and I dont want them to get worse, or have a problem while I am pregnant and cause me to feel bad mentally or physically. Does it get worse during pregnancy? Please email me with comments, answers, or questions. I find this very comforting. Thank You
|
Linda
Guest
9/03/2003
16:30:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Cristina--Welcome to our little group! First off--if you've been having palps for that long, I assume you've been to a dr and had all the tests, etc we've all gone thru to make sure it's not an abnormality of the heart?? If not--do so immediatley. Don't assume it's the same as your dad has, there are many causes but only a dr can tell for sure what it isn't. I didn't start mine until I started menopause, so I don't know about them being better or worse during pregnancy but I know some of our group has. You definitely need to talk to your doctor before you get pregnant and voice your concerns and see what he says. Most of us have found that a lot of the problem is mental--we are learning to "just deal with it" but it is very scary and that's why it's so important to have it all checked out! Good luck!
|
Shandy
Guest
9/04/2003
23:25:25
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Melinda and Donna. My name is Shandy and I'm 25 years old and I have been getting Palpatations now for 2 years. I have had 2 echograms done, a TEE done, 2 EKGS, Thyroid checked, and I have worn a halter monitor once. They say that I have anxiety attacks and I have been on Paxil CR all this time. The Paxil really helped and I went off of it for a month and a half and my anxiety was way out of control! So now I'm back on it and I'm still having some anxiety and palpatations. I do have mild mitral regurutation and a patent foramen ovale on my heart. My cardilogist assures me that both of theses are mild and should cause no problems. I have always been an uptight person and worry about everything. I have two small boys and a wonderful husband I fear dying and leaving them. I would appreciate ant feedback. I feel if women with the same things going on will find comfront in knowing their feelings are not alone.
|
LAURAM
Guest
9/05/2003
03:38:29
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Shandy....... Do I know how you feel. I also have two boys and a wonderful husband that I thought I would never see again. My doctor told me too that it is anxiety, So I'm on Zoloft, just started it so I'll have to see if it works. I have had ekg's done and echo, I have had a event recorder for 2 months. And everything points to it's not my heart. I have had 3 er doctors and a cardiologist and family doctor tell me that. For some reason I didn't believe them. I too am a uptight person and the smallest thing could upset me so maybe they're right. Are you on any type of beta blocker? I take atenolol also but my doctor will take me off that in a couple of weeks and let me stay on the zoloft if that works. feel free to e-mail me......
|
Linda
Guest
9/05/2003
22:38:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello everyone...Im 28 yrs old and I have been experiencing palps for about 4 yrs now.My heart will skip a beat and sometimes I feel like I have to catch my breath. I stopped having them for a while when I was put on BC pills and at the same time I was taking Ranitidine(for heartburn). since I stopped taking the heart burn medicine I started to get them again...I also notice that when I would smoke I would get them. I too wonder if it is endocrine related. I seem to get them after I have finished eating. I stopped smoking and they have seemed to have slowed down. I will get them now about twice a day.(knock on wood). I think it has to do with what you eat> Hopefully soon we will have a cure for this...because it scares me when it starts to get out of control...Well I will keep posted until next time..God Bless!!
|
Allison
Guest
9/10/2003
04:24:02
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Everyone!
Laura M(8-23-2003)~ I also experienced the same heavy, beating through-my-chest palpatations that you have. They also occurred more in the summer than any other time. Whenever I would have a bout, I would call it my heavy heart. Anyway, my college roommate visited me and we went out to lunch. We ordered salads and sodas. She ordered a regular instead of a diet like me because she said the nutrasweet in the soda caused her to have palpatations. That day at lunch,I switched to regular soda, have never had nutrasweet in any food since and have not had a single palpatation!!! I tell everyone! Hope this helps some of you out there! Good Luck finding a solution everyone.
|
Sheryl
Guest
9/11/2003
03:31:52
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi All - I think everyone has described what I feel and maybe we can cure ourselves. I too seem to have problems after a big meal. The heat really does a number on my palps. I can wake up in the morning feeling perfectly normal and then go to work in my stuffy little room, and bam! When I take a break outside, they subside. I either hate working, or it's the heat. I wonder what the stomach, heat, and stress all have in common?? I also wonder sometimes if it isn't in my head. If someone were to give me a pill and tell me it would cure the palps . . . would it?? I hope crazy people don't actually know they are! Sheryl
|
charlotte
Guest
9/12/2003
03:33:48
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
i am 37 years old, and have been experiencing these heart palpatations since july. it has gotten worse. the doctor says i have high blood pressure, and prescribed a beta blocker. it feels like i am going to have a heart attack during these episodes. i called 911 and the ems took me to the hospital, because i was having them alot. i believe that it has something to do with my menstrual cycle/hormones; before/during. i had a ekg done. the doctor says everyone has them. she even asked me was i ever diagnosed with anxiety. i did not have a ecocardiogram or stress test done. however, she was quick to say that the medication for the anxiety would eleviate the palpatations. this cite is very helpful. i feel like i am losing it. i am so scared. i have four children. will someone please respond to my message. thank you. my name is charlotte
|
Patty
Guest
9/12/2003
05:40:08
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi All,
I'm 57, and pretty much through menopause, in that I stopped having periods 1.5 years ago, no HRT, plenty of hot flashes. But in the last month, I've had nearly constant heart palpitations, especially lying down. They're scary and unnerving, and on top of it all, I have an HMO that won't do any testing, though they did let me have the Holter monitor which I wore, and like everyone else who's posted, I didn't have any episodes during the 24 hours! My question is: when you talk about palpitations, are you talking about what feels like loud pounding in your chest, head or base of the neck? (Sometimes it moves to my arm.) I don't feel like I have irregular beats, just loud pounding ones. Like so many women who have posted, I've had an E-R trip, and my doctor has put me on a low dose of Paxil for anxiety. But, I keep telling her, I'm NOT anxious at ALL. I've been anxious in my life, but I'm certainly not now. This is why it was a huge relief to find this site and see that there are others going through this. If someone could tell me whether my chest-banging sounds like what they're experiencing, I'd be very grateful. Thanks so much. Patty
|
Sheryl
Guest
9/12/2003
18:17:11
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Charlotte-I just had to respond because what you have described is just what I have been experiencing. I was asked numerous times about what I do for a living, how my family life is, etc. I was told it's just high blood pressure. However, when I asked another doc, they said high blood pressure was referred to as the 'silent killer' because you DON'T have any symptoms with it. My blood pressure was always borderline and when I have my episodes, it soars. Now I know that it is from being scared. It's like the same as having someone breaking into my house. That's how my body feels . . like it is in a permanent adrenaline state. This only lasts for 3 to 5 days, but it wears me out. I have had all those tests done on my heart. Docs just say what I don't have but no clue what I do have. I also think it's hormonal and have come to conclusion that we're on are own. Try to relax, I've been doing this for a year now. Sheryl
|
Theresa
Guest
9/12/2003
18:45:57
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Charlotte & Sheryl,
I am Theresa and if you look up at the top I am the one who started this tread. I am 35 (I will be 36 in December). I have five children and am currently 6months 1week pregnant with my sixth. I started having these palps almost as soon as I conceived. My doctor who is a woman told me it is from the increased blood volume but, also more importantly the hormones. I did wear a 24 hour monitor and found out I'm having PVC's. They sometimes feel like a really stong beat and at other times like a flutter in my throat. If I have a headache I feel them in my head also. At the beginning I was so paranoid I checked my pulse several times a day. Big mistake it scared me to death when I had one and felt a pause before my heart started it's normal rythm again. I have made myself calm down. The nurse practioner at my OB's office wrote me a prescription for paxil. I had it filled but, never took it. I told myself this is my body and I'm the one in charge and these palps aren't going to ruin my life. After that my heart rate lowered consideralbly and my blood presure is normal. Most importantly my palps have calmed down. I still have days when the are more frequent but, that's when I just keep going and tell myself tomorrow will be better. I hope this helps at least we know we are not alone.
Theresa
|
Janet
Guest
9/13/2003
02:39:39
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am 42yrs old, have always been a rather calm person. I have noticed the return of palpatations(pounding) not caused by caffeine like before. I am hyper sensitive to caffeine, one cup of caffeine in the morning causes palpations at night. These now are likely caused by hormone changes I believe. My new GYN who is a specialist in fertiliy so she knows about hormones-endocrinologist, asked me if I was having heart palpatations when I mentioned a few new episodes of hot flashes. I have had tests and continue to. This is scary and it seems we women have to fight just to feel normal as we age. This can happen to younger women whose hormones are out of whack too. I think vitamins can help some if not alot and other hormone help-there's many types of hormones. In Dr. John Lee's book " What your doctor may not tell you about perimenopause" it mentions how our bodies can't fight off toxins like before as we age. It mentions how hormones change and can throw things out of balance. God help us women to help ourselves!
|
Janet
Guest
9/13/2003
02:40:21
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am 42yrs old, have always been a rather calm person. I have noticed the return of palpatations(pounding) not caused by caffeine like before. I am hyper sensitive to caffeine, one cup of caffeine in the morning causes palpations at night. These now are likely caused by hormone changes I believe. My new GYN who is a specialist in fertiliy so she knows about hormones-endocrinologist, asked me if I was having heart palpatations when I mentioned a few new episodes of hot flashes. I have had tests and continue to. This is scary and it seems we women have to fight just to feel normal as we age. This can happen to younger women whose hormones are out of whack too. I think vitamins can help some if not alot and other hormone help-there's many types of hormones. In Dr. John Lee's book " What your doctor may not tell you about perimenopause" it mentions how our bodies can't fight off toxins like before as we age. It mentions how hormones change and can throw things out of balance. God help us women to help ourselves!
|
CHARLOTTE
Guest
9/13/2003
05:17:50
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
SHERYL-THERESA- THANKS FOR RESPONDING TO MY MESSAGE. IT IS SO INTERESTING TO FIND THAT SO MANY WOMEN ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTONS AS MYSELF. I SPOKE WITH MY SISTER, AND SHE SAID THAT SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE PALPATATIONS BEFORE; SHE ASLO SAID THAT SHE AT THE TIME SHE WAS GOING THROUGH PRE-MENOPAUSE. AS FOR ME, I HAVE GOOD DAYS AND OFF DAYS. THE MEDICATION I AM TAKING IS CALLED ATENENOL, AND IT MAKES ME VERY SLEEPY. WHEN I WENT TO THE ER THE DOCTOR SAID THEY SHOULD PUT ME ON A HIGHER DOSAGE. WAS SHE SERIOUS? I DON'T WANT TO FEEL LIKE I AM IN A ZOMBIE STATE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. THEY MEDICAL RESEARCHERS SHOULD DO MORE RESEARCH ON THE CORRELATION WITH HORMONES AND HEART PALPATATIONS. I PRAY THAT WE CAN GET SOME KIND OF RESOLUTION TO THIS SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEM. HAVE A GOOD NIGHT AND ENJOY THE WEEKEND. TALK TO YO SOON. CHARLOTTE
|
Joseph Presnell
Guest
9/17/2003
01:04:15
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am so glad i came acroos this thread i have episodes of heart palpatations ranging up to 164 bpm and i can def say stress and anxiety play big parts plus smoking, drinking, caffiene, benydrl which i try to limit. 3 times i ended up at the hospital scared and all they can say is your fine even with that holter monitor on sayt im in good shape when i get those episodes i just take an aspirin lay down and i have an oxygen tank wich slows helps slow down the palps till normal....and yes i still have though moments is it a heart attack etc etc and yes i have G.E.R.D been 4 years like this and everytime it happens i find more ways to deal and tell it its not going to beat me. Currently now there is alot of stress in my life but am doing what i have to don't want those palps to come back you know hehe. Everyone hang in there praying for everyone.
Joe
|
joseph Presnell
Guest
9/17/2003
01:06:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I just realized that this was female forum i hope i didnt impose but i know what your going through.
|
tricia
Guest
9/17/2003
03:00:06
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Joseph,
No need to apoligize. Hope you check back. Maybe you are going thru all the things that women are going thru and our cure is your cure. It is scary being either female or male and maybe females just display more symptons. You can give some added insight being male and having same conditions.
|
tricia
Guest
9/17/2003
03:00:11
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Joseph,
No need to apoligize. Hope you check back. Maybe you are going thru all the things that women are going thru and our cure is your cure. It is scary being either female or male and maybe females just display more symptons. You can give some added insight being male and having same conditions.
|
tricia
Guest
9/17/2003
03:00:21
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Joseph,
No need to apoligize. Hope you check back. Maybe you are going thru all the things that women are going thru and our cure is your cure. It is scary being either female or male and maybe females just display more symptons. You can give some added insight being male and having same conditions.
|
Linda
Guest
9/17/2003
18:14:24
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Joseph and everyone else--interesting comment about taking an aspirin--has anyone else noticed that sometimes works? I thought I was imagining it, I have a lot of allergy problems (I work in a flour mill, so there's constant flour dust, etc) so I get a lot of sinus-type headaches and take a lot of aspirin anyhow but have noticed sometimes taking aspirin will slow them down.
|
KAREN
Guest
9/18/2003
08:01:11
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I STARTED HAVING PALPATATIONS AT THE AGE OF 21.THEY WERE JUST A FEW A DAY FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS.I WENT TO SEE A DOC AND HE GAVE ME AN EKG AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE.AFTER THAT I STOPPED HAVING THEM ALL TOGETHER.I GUESS HE EASED ALL MY ANXIETY AND THAT HELPED THE PALPS.BUT NOW ALMOST 24 YRS OLD AND THEY STARTED BACK UP.THEY WERE PERSISTENT EVERY FEW MINUTES FOR 5 OR 6 DAYS.IT DROVE ME NUTS CUZ I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIE.SO I WENT BACK TO THE SAME DOC AND HE TOLD ME HE WASN'T GOING TO DO ANY TESTS BECAUSE HE FELT IT WAS PROBALLY MY ANXIETY.HE PUT ME ON LEXAPRO WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE PAXILL WITH LESS SIDE EFFECTS.IT'S BEEN A WEEK NOW SINCE I'VE BEEN ON IT AND IT HAS RELAXED ME TO WHERE I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PALPS ALL DAY.I WAS SO SCARED THAT I QUITE SMOKING,STOPPED DRINKING CAFFEINE AND EATING A LIL BETTER!I HAVE HAD A STRESSFUL LIFE AND HAVE ALWAYS HAD ANXIETY ABOUT MANY DIFFERENT THINGS.STRESS CAN DO WONDERS ON THE BODY.THERE HAVE BEEN PEOPLE THAT HAVE ACTUALLY GOTTEN VERY SICK AND HAD TO BE HOSPITALIZED BECAUASE OF STRESS.SO IT PLAYS A BIG PART IN HOW IT EFFECTS OUR BODYS AND PALPATATIONS.I NOTICED IF I HAVE JUST ONE PALP THAT I WILL SIT THERE AND CONSTANTLY WORRY IF I'M GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER ONE WHICH IN RETURN MAKES ME PALPATATE EVEN MORE BECAUSE I'M WORRYING NEEDLESSLY.
|
JosephP
Guest
9/18/2003
17:50:03
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
there are other ways to get rid of palpatations oxygen is one of them and you doctor may prescroipe it to you it get rids of palps real fast. And for you smokers vitamin E and OCP are antitoxitants that fight off palpatations
ill have some more to post from time to time
god bless
Joseph
|
JosephP
Guest
9/18/2003
17:53:30
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
yes asprin work alot for palpatations anything that affects the heart like thinning blood out for you i also use oxygen though which helps alot ive leraned from my bouts with hospitals and paramtic that oxygen is the best remedy for such things that why they alwys hook you up
Joseph
|
karen
Guest
9/19/2003
17:17:15
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Its good to hear other people have the same fears that I have. I started with palps. about 3 years ago. The first day I thought I was having a heart attack, the racing heart, sweats, numbing and tingling sensation in the arm, I was scared to death. Went to the hospital and had all the tests.Of course nothing was wrong. Had several more "attacks" over the next few months, all taking me back to the ER. Talk about feeling stupid each and every time. Not only with the hosp. staff but with my poor husband that would have to give up hours of sleep in the middle of the night to take me there.Went to so many different doctors. Had two of them tell me I was having panic attacks and put me on Paxil which did help for a while, but then I got pregnant and had to go off all meds. They are even worse now , and I have lots of pain in the chest area along the breast bone and beneath the sternum. Finally found a doctor who had me get alot of other tests done and found that I have mitral valve regurge.But every thing I have found on line about it says how bad it can be, but my doctor doesn't plan on doing any more tests for 5 years, I just had a baby girl last year and Im so afraid that its not as cut and dry as they have led me to believe. I just have this feeling theres something more but no one will take me serious, Im 45 years old and I want to start taking my health serious if not for myself at least for my new baby, what should I do?
|
Sheryl
Guest
9/19/2003
18:03:11
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, I was just noticing that all that have had bad experiences with palps and end up in er usually end up there late at night. I think once everyone has gone to bed, and we cannot, we stress on whether we are going to 'make it through the night' and thats where I ended up too. It is funny, but when I would get to the hospital, my bp was soaring, and within 20 minutes would come back down. I DO believe this is being caused by something, but I also believe that I make it worse by thinking bad thoughts. I too had pain in my arm and around my collar bone, also in my stomach area. When I called the doc, he asked me if I had tried tylenol. Apparently, after all of these tests came back negative, they TOO think it is all in my head. As I said before, the only thing that worked for me was relaxation by taking a hot shower or bath. Also, reading or putting your mind elsewhere. It seemed by morning, the palps has subsided. I'm still looking for that cure, but until then, I just take them day by day. Sheryl
|
Linda
Guest
9/19/2003
18:25:05
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Karen--you need to make a list of all the bad effects of the condition you have, take it to your doctor, tell him this is what you've found out and make him explain why he feels you shouldn't worry about it for 5 years! If he won't or can't explain away your concerns--FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR! Too many doctors don't want us to "worry" so they don't tell us the whole truth, or they don't know it themselves. We deserve to know exactly what's going on with our own bodies, it's way easier to deal with a condition when you know all about it, what causes it and why it does what it does. I agree with Sheryl--it's often worse at night because it's sooo quiet around you that you have nothing better to do but listen to your heart beat. It's a proven fact that more deaths and sickness occurs in the small wee hours of the morning than any other time. Resistance is lower at that time, to infections and everything else. I've gone so far as to get one of those "white noise" machines so it's not completely quiet around me. The ocean waves are very soothing and distract my brain from listening to my heart beat.
We do what we have to do to deal with them. It's easy to say, less stress and more relaxation, but it does help to de-stress your life as much as possible. I've been trying to develop the habit of putting whatever the current day's problem is--it varies from day to day--in a little "box" in my brain and only allowing myself a certain amount of time to worry about it--after it's allotted time, it goes back in the "box" until next time. Well, it does work sometimes--I've been a mom for a long time and sometimes there's no help for me but to just worry, worry, worry! But even being aware that I'm being obsessive helps calm me down. We'll just all keep talking and helping each other through it, it really helps!
|
Jean
Guest
9/20/2003
01:55:25
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi all- no caffeine, no refined sugar,low carbs and minimually processed and preserved foods. Please try it. It's not easy but I think you'll feel better.
There's all this talk about estrogen dominance. The endocrine glands work by a feed back mechanism. Progesterone is the hormone that controls estrogen.Your body will produce estrogen untill you ovulate then progesterone is produced by the egg which counteracts the estrogen. Except if your not ovulating,which can happen in perimenopause, the estrogen progesterone balance is messed up. The theory is to add progesterone to balance the estrogen. Progesterone also is suppose to have a calming effect.
This past week I've tried a progesterone cream. I bought it OTC at a health food store. It seems to be helping I had two nights without palps. I'am going to keep using it. I'll let you know how it goes.
|
Joseph
Guest
9/20/2003
01:58:51
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
cool lol thats what i meant to say in my previous message using otc not ocp well done jean hope it works for you sorry i mistyped it heheh
Joseph
|
Sheryl
Guest
9/27/2003
19:51:46
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
No new messages in over a week, so I hope that means everyone is feeling better. I have found that since WE are the only ones that know our bodies best, time usually helps all our problems. I have been to the doc several times, of course, and since they find nothing, then I assume it's up to me. I still feel like a clock with just one little spring thats missing or not working right. My body is just a little off. Maybe after I go to the endocrinologist, I'll find that one little gland is not functioning properly. Hope you all are hanging in, and my advice on those awful, scary nights . . . watch an old movie or get on the computer, anything to take your mind off your problems. Sheryl
|
Mary
Guest
9/27/2003
22:40:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Ladies...there is hope for the palpatations! I have struggled with them for the last several years - ever since a 6 month use of Depo-provera birth conttol. My body hasn't been the same since. Been to the emergency room several times, seen specialists, had all the tests,... and all point to "too much stress" or its all in my head. Not true! I got a hold of a book that finally addressed the issues of palpatations, pounding heartbeat, high HR, horrible fatigue...Its by Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet called "It's my ovaries, stupid." She explains that the primary source of anxiety, palpatations, etc. in otherwise healthy females is premature hormone decline - (caused by incorrect BCP's, stress, environmental toxins, illnesses) she backs it up with tons of primary research (believe me, I'm a microbiologist). This book will tell you what to ask your doctor to test for, what ranges are really healthy for your hormones, etc. Don't mess with natural remedies until you truly know whats wrong. According to her book, the last thing you should do is use progesterone creams if you have hormone related palpatations!! Don't trust things you find on the internet unless its backed up by good science (you don't want to screw up your body anymore)! I have followed the guidance in Dr. Vliet's book, and I now have my life back! Energy! No more anxiety, palpatations, fatigue...everybody, read the book! Best of health to you all, Mary
|
Mary
Guest
9/27/2003
23:02:30
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
PS. I'm new! Just stumbled onto this site - its great. I wish I would have found this forum years ago - just for the comfort of knowing I wasn't alone!! I'm 25 yrs old. I first found out about Dr. Vliet because of her books on menopause - because they had sections on palpatations (and I found them insightful even though I am too young)- then, I eventually found her book geered toward pre-menopausal women. She also addresses problems in pregnancy, and immediately following. Anyway, thought I'd mention that, since her books may have answers for many of us women in the different stages of life. Believe me, there is hope - keep pushing to get your life back. It is possible!
|
Paula
Guest
9/28/2003
14:59:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi! I am 57 years old. I have been experiencing heart palpations for more than 25 years. I have a slight mitral valve prolapse,but doctors have never told me the problem was coming from that. When I was 30 I was put on corgard (beta blocker),and quinidine. This helped me for a lot of years. At 40, I had to have a radical hysterectomy which threw me into the surgical menopause. I was than put on HRT for 16 years. About a year ago the pvc' started coming back. They were terrible! I was hospitalized for them.I had thyroid scans, all kinds of blood work done and wouldn't you know, everything was normal so they say. I finally went to another cardiologist. I have had 24 hour monitors on, nothing! Blood work different times. Then about 3 weeks ago these pvc's were so bad I went to emergency room with them, not because I was afraid of having a heart attack, and they were so intence I could hardly catch my breath. They took blood work again. At that time my potassium was a little low.I was given a few tablets but that never stopped them. I am taking calan now but haven't had much success. I recently am wearing an event monitor as i am writing this. I have another 18 days to go. In October I am to have a thallium stress test. I have read so many of your letters, and I can truthfully say I can sympathize with each one of you. Let's take courage and hope that soon something will help us.If anyone would care to write to me for questions please do so.
|
LauraM
Guest
9/28/2003
16:51:49
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi all,
Thanks Mary for the advice, I ordered the book last night and am looking forward to reading it. I hope everyone is doing well. I was thinking it was hormones since I went to a cardiologist and all was fine with my heart. I've been swollen a little under my left arm on the outside of my left breast. I was thinking about my lymph gland. Hopefully the book can give me some insight or at least what to ask my doctor for as far as tests. I hope everyone has a good week...GOD BLESS
|
CHARLOTTE
Guest
9/30/2003
03:46:40
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
HI SHERYL. I PRAY THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE DOING WELL. MY CHILDREN AND I ARED DOING WELL. PREIVIOUS TO WRITING TO YOU, I HAVE BEEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES. THE DOCTORS TELL ME EVERYONE HAS PALPATATIONS, SOME CAN HANDLE IT AND SOME CANNOT. AFTER MY MENTRUAL CYCLE THE PALPATATIONS VANISHED. I WAS BACK TO NORMAL. STRANGELY ENOUGH, I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING ANXIETY ATTACKS ONCE OR TWICE A DAY. I FEEL AS THOUGH I AM LOSING MY MIND. LAST NIGHT I DID NOT HAVE ONE. I HAVE BEEN PRAYING ABOUT IT. IT IS REALLY SCARING. I DON'T KNOW IF THESE ARE PRE-MENOPAUSAL SYMPTONS. BUT I WILL CONTINUE TO DO A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THE, AS WELL GO TO THE CARDIOLOGIST TO RUN TESTS, PRAYING THAT I DON'T HAVE MITRAL VALVE RELASPE. HOWEVER, THESE ANXIETY ATTACKS ARE HORRIBLE. IT MAY HAVE TO DO WITH STRESS. I DON'T KNOW. WELL TALK TO YOU SOON. MARY, I READ YOUR MESSAGE. HANG IN THERE. YOU HAVE BEEN TAKING THE RIGHT STEPS TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.
|
Sheryl
Guest
10/04/2003
20:27:17
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Charlotte-I don't mean to sound ignorant, but I am not sure exactly what an anxiety attack is. I know that I suffer from loads of stress, from home (a new middle schooler this year) to work (same thing, I work at the middle school) and I seem to still get the palps but not as severe. But sometimes I feel that feeling in my chest that something bad has just happened (or about to) and then a fearful feeling. Is that anxiety or am I nuts? Maybe I am going to the wrong doc??? Sheryl
|
Sheryl
Guest
10/04/2003
20:27:17
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Charlotte-I don't mean to sound ignorant, but I am not sure exactly what an anxiety attack is. I know that I suffer from loads of stress, from home (a new middle schooler this year) to work (same thing, I work at the middle school) and I seem to still get the palps but not as severe. But sometimes I feel that feeling in my chest that something bad has just happened (or about to) and then a fearful feeling. Is that anxiety or am I nuts? Maybe I am going to the wrong doc??? Sheryl
|
Sheryl
Guest
10/04/2003
20:27:17
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Charlotte-I don't mean to sound ignorant, but I am not sure exactly what an anxiety attack is. I know that I suffer from loads of stress, from home (a new middle schooler this year) to work (same thing, I work at the middle school) and I seem to still get the palps but not as severe. But sometimes I feel that feeling in my chest that something bad has just happened (or about to) and then a fearful feeling. Is that anxiety or am I nuts? Maybe I am going to the wrong doc??? Sheryl
|
CHARLOTTE
Guest
10/06/2003
04:47:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
HI SHERYL. I WILL EXPLAIN ANXIETY ATTACKS AS CLEAR AS POSSIBLE. A FEELING COMES OVER ME, LIKE A RUSH THROUGH MY ENTIRE BODY. I FEEL LIKE A CAN'T BREATH, LIKE I'M GOING TO CHOKE AND/OR CAN'T SWALLOW. MY HEART STARTS RACING, WHICH CAUSES ME TO PANIC. I FEEL AS THOUGH I'M GOING TO PASS OUT. YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR GOING TO DIE. INTERESTINGLY, I'M NOT EXPERIENCING THE HEART PALPATATIONS. THESE ATTACK LAST ANYWHERE FROM A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO ABOUT A HALF HOUR. YOU CAN GET THEM ONCE OR SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. IT IS NOT A GOOD FEELING. I HAVE DOING SOME RESEARCH ON IT. I HAVE READ THAT IF YOU HAVE MITRAL VALVE RELASPE, IT CAN CAUSE YOU TO HAVE ANXIETY/PANIC ATTACKS. IT IS ALSO CAUSED BY STRESS. IT IS VERY SCARY. I HAVEN'T HAD THEM IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. I THANK GOD. BUT AFTER ABOUT 15 TO 20 MINUTES, MY BODY RESUMES TO ITS REGULAR STATE. I THE ANXIETY GOES AWAY. DO SOME RESEARCH ON IT AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND OUT. I STILL BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SOME CORRELATION BETWEEN HORMONES AND HEART PROBLEM/PALPATATIONS.
|
David
Guest
10/06/2003
14:44:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I'ma thirty-one year old who had a panic attack for the first time a few months ago. It seems to have brought the worst out in me: a fear that I'm going to die mainly. Since then I've been back to the doctor on a number of occasions and, eventally, he put me on Effexor 75mg. The only thing that's bothering me now, after being on them for five weeks, is that my heartbeat feels irregular and very often slows down to the point where there is a long gap between some beats - as though it's missing a beat. I've been for an ECG, an echocardiogram and other tests and they tell me I've got the heart of a teenager. I also experience palpitations - my heart, when resting in bed, is beating about 104-108 beats a minute.
Is there anybody out there who knows whether the tablets are doing this or is it me? The doctor tells me it's not dangerous to have these palpitations, but sometimes I feel as though something terrible will happen. It's not helped by the fact that I can feel my heartbeat all the time, particularly when resting.
|
CHARLOTTE
Guest
10/07/2003
03:03:32
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
DAVID, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING. THE PALPATATIONS WERE MAINLY AT NIGHT WHEN I WAS TRYING TO REST. IT GOT SO BAD, I WAS ONLY GETTING TWO OR THREE HOURS OF SLEEP A NIGHT. I HAD TO SLEEP SITTING UP. I AM TAKING A BETA BLOCKER TO HELP SLOW DOWN MY HEART RATE. HOWEVER, ONE OF THE SIDE AFFECTS FROM THIS MEDICATION IS IT CAUSES PALPATATIONS. I AM GOING FOR A ECHOCARDIOGRAM THIS WEEK; I WILL ALSO HAVE A SONOGRAM DONE TO SEE IF I HAVE MITRAL VALVE RELASPE; THAT TOO CAUSES HEART PALPATATIONS. IN ADDITION TO THAT I WAS HAVING THE PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS. I FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK OR STROKE. I FELT AS IF I WAS GOING TO DIE. IT STARTED OUT AS ONCE A DAY OR TWICE A WEEK TO ONCE OR TWICE A DAY. NOT A GOOD FEELING. WHEN I HAVE THESE ATTACKS IT FEELS AS IF I'M LOSING MY MIND. I HOPE EVERYTHING WORKS OUT FOR YOU.
|
puchco
Guest
10/08/2003
15:43:17
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Does anyone notice an increase in frequency and/or
severity of PVC's upon lying down? I have GERD
and get burning sensations on right side of
sternum and PVC's when I lie down. I have had
every cardiac test short of autopsy and appear to
have normal coronary arteries and an ejection
fraction of
|
Richard
Guest
10/12/2003
02:54:43
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am wondering if heart palpitations come at random times, or whether exercise like walking, jogging, running might also trigger a palp. No doubt in my mind that anxiety has a dramatic effect on our bodies and is major contributor.
Are they more active in the morning, afternoon or at night? Keeping a log might help as you might be able to associate them with stressful situations. I am experiencing them quite regularly but the good news is that there are no serious side effects and I'm around to talk about them.Reading all of your comments help me realize that palps are (interestingly enough) quite common.
|
Sheryl
Guest
10/12/2003
05:29:26
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I was wondering about how often the palps are hitting you all. I seem to get mine in a series. First the palps, then the flips and flutters, but then it worstens and becomes like a flu to me. It's like a 7 day battle. I don't have palps at other times except when I get over heated. Does everyone have the palps daily, or do they come in clusters like mine? I also seem to have soreness of the lymph glands. It's like my body is fighting something that shouldn't be there. Sheryl
|
Natalie
Guest
10/15/2003
22:29:00
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
My goodness! I just happened to do a search for mentrual cycle and blood pressure and I found this, thank God!. I am not crazy. I have been tol the emergency room three times. The last time 2 days ago. I noticed a while back that I felt this way when I got my period. Like the rest of you I had all kinds of tests run with no results. When I go to see my doctor next week I will pass on what I have learned.
|
Elise
Guest
10/25/2003
10:55:30
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I read through all these posts. I am 62 and have been having trouble with palpitations and flutterings for decades. I'm on Inderal, which I find good, but ... don't know whether it's the answer to all these problems. It scares me to death. I haven't had all these tests and do not intend to. Too neurotic! The doctor thinks there isn't much wrong -- did an EKG after a terrible episode of tachycardia which lasted 3 hours, and a blood test. Nothing came up.
ONE THING was not mentioned here: the fact that most of you might have Mitral Valve Prolapse, also known as Barlow's Syndrome. I have that -- the mitral valve is "floppy". This causes heart flutter and can cause palpitations.
And be glad if your palps only last 10 miniutes!! Mine goes on and on -- I try deep breathing, with little effect. Magnesium and potassium are supposed to be very necessary for heart health.
|
Sheryl
Guest
10/25/2003
19:08:39
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Elise-I think the first thing that all of our doctors have told us is that we have to have our hearts checked. It was horrible. I thought that they would have checked the simple things first, like thyroid. I was placed in the care of an internal medicine doc and he decided that we should check for mvp and do echo sonagrams, stress tests, dye injections, etc. There is always the same results . . . "You are fine!" I even tried a female doc thinking that she may have experienced something to relate to what I go through, but no luck. After all of these tests, I was told to go to the endocrinologist for some kind of gland problem. I am now on the depo shot and have had only one episode in three months. I was having them monthly or every three weeks. The palps and flutters go on for days. I feel terrible. Then I recover and look forward to a few weeks before it hits again. I am trying advice from a nutritionalist (neighbor friend) and have felt pretty good. Anyone ever been to the endo doc?? Love to know results. Sheryl
|
Pookie
Guest
10/26/2003
21:41:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
hi...Hope this relieves some of your minds...I have had heart palipatations since I was 18 years old and now just turned 50. I also have bouts of svt..which throws my heart beat sometimes over 200 beats a minute..both since I was 18. Have had ekgs over the years etc..Have learned to live with them..they haven't caused any problems thus far(knock on wood) Drs all say its related to anxiety and not harmful...so after 32 years of it..I guess I tend to believe them:))
|
Michelle
Guest
10/30/2003
20:53:00
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi
I want to say that reading some of these posts has helped me to understand that this is not just me. I had never heard of this before. I always knew that I had an irregular heartbeat but it was never a problem. A 6 months ago I noticed that my heart would race really fast and would beat really hard sometimes. So much I could feel it in my chest. I would happen out of the blue and it scared me out of my mind. I ride the bus back and forth to work in a major city and I was afraid that I was going to pass out and no one would help me because they would think that I was on drugs or something. One night at home it got so bad that I thought I was going to die. No matter how hard I tried to relax it would not stop. After awhile I began to notice that it happens around the time of my cycle so I started to try and cut down on the Snapple (I love the stuff and I drink it alot). I do drink pleny of water and I'm not a coffee drinker but I am a smoker so I tried to cut back on the cigarettes too. The last time I had a bad episode was about a month ago. I was doing something as normal as cooking on a Saturday afternoon and all of a sudden my heart started beating really fast and I felt light headed. I'm sorry to say that before that I had not been to the hospital about this but this Saturday afternoon I went to the emergency room. They did all of the tests on me including the thyroid and monitored my heart and they found nothing. What is embarrassing is when you have this happen and you get to the hospital and they find your heart beating fine without any problem. While I was at the hospital the doctor gave me Xanax to help calm me down. He diagnosed me with panic attacks. I followed that up with a visit with my family doctor. I must say that he eased my mind when he told me that his wife suffers from the same thing and it's not in my mind that they occur around the time of my cycle because the hormones play a big part. Of course I must quit smoking and I am working on that. I have smoked for 23 years so I know cold turkey is not going to work for me. He also sent me to a specialist who found nothing wrong but wanted me to where a heart monitor which I have to pick up next week. I wasn't sure what this was exactly so I went on the internet to see what I could find out about it and I ran across these posts. This is a very scary condition. I have been afraid to go places because I don't know when it's going to hit and it is not always in a place where you can lay down for a few minutes. Especially if you cannot drive. I do find that the Xanax does help me but I heard that they are addictive and I don't want to me on them forever. I'm going to print the posts so I can finish reading them on the bus because I am at work but I wanted to let everyone know that reading what I have so far has been a comfort and this is a good way of getting support.
|
Leann
Guest
11/01/2003
01:57:21
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I too have heart palpations. A couple of years ago, I had the holter monitor test. All came back ok, and the palps went away after I knew my heart was ok . But lately, the last 6 weeks, the heart palpations have been all the time. My husband started the combine and so did my heart palps....ha!!....Now that harvest is over, I hope my heart tries to go back to normal to.. I am 42 and believe that I am going through my premenapausal life. My ears ring, my heart beats irregular, I'm exhausted all the time, and my acne has cleared up the last couple of years too!!
It is so good to read this forum and relate to all of you. Thank you all for this chat page!
|
jessica
Guest
11/02/2003
06:04:14
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi everyone...I have been experiencing my palpitations since I was 12. I am now 20 and just gave birth to my second child 2 mths ago. My heart started skipping a lot during the pregnancy...everyone just told me it was the increase in blod volume and balh blah blah. But now I am still feeling it a lot. I dont really get the racing to much but I get the skipping really bad. It happens once or twice in a row and its really hard against my chest. I feel like I am going to pass out and die right there. My husband has had enough of hearing about it but he doesnt understand at all. You dont unless you experience them. Ive had two holters but I did not experience the skipping during either (which I was so upset about). Does anyone else experience these hard skippings. And does anyone else get kind of dizzy too. Please respond...I really would like to know I am not alone with these horrible things...thanks
oh by the way I hae bad anxiety too
|
Mike
Guest
11/02/2003
15:52:16
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
How can you cure heart palpatations? Should sombody exercise that has palpatations? What does it mean when you get palpatations in your throat as well as your chest?
|
Roseann
Guest
11/02/2003
16:11:34
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have found reading these messages so helpful.
I am 34 and just started having an irregular heart beat about 6+ weeks ago. It sort of skips a beat, or hesitates before it beats. The first incident started as I woke in the AM. By the time I got to the doctor that afternoon they stopped, only to start again an hour later (figures!).
So she arranged for me to wear a holtor monitor a week later. I hadn't been feeling anything between these 2 weeks. Then another week later I am awaken at 4am with them. Very odd to have them wake me from a deep sleep. I wasn't going to wait till I could see my doctor that afternoon so she told me to go to the ER. I wanted it documented on paper (EKG) what is was doing. They ran all sorts of test, chest xray, etc and couldn't find what was causing it.
So, another week passes and I have a stress thalium test and it comes back normal.
The ER docs thought it could be the prozac I was on for depression but I was only taking 10 mgs and my family doctor and I don't agree due to the timing of the incidents and it being where the porzac would be the lowest in my system.
I have now been off all caffiene and prozac for 3 weeks and it is still happening even more regularly.
Intesesting thing is the doctor who over-saw the stress test asked if I was taking prozac for the palpatations, that is often prescribed for them. Anyone hear of this?
Has anyone heard more about it being associated to early meopause? (I read a few posts about it and wondered since my mom went through early menopause.)
The holtor monitor read that I had 94 PVC during the 22 hour period and I was having about 10 per minute when I was in the ER.
They are so scarey and annoying. I can feel the flutter in my chest and just wait for the heart to start beating again.
Can anyone recommend some other tests I shoudl have done?
Thanks for any and all advice!
|
Jessica
Guest
11/02/2003
16:53:13
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Roseann and mike....I dont know about exercising with them. It makes mine worse.
And roseann you should get an echo done to rule out mvp or any other valve problems. MVP is very common in women. When you guys get them are they strong and almost make you gasp for air? How many times do you get them in a row?
JESS
|
CHRIS
Guest
11/04/2003
08:17:38
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
AS IM A GUY I CAN WRITE OFF TIME OF MONTH, THE PILL ETC. IM VERY FIT BUT FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW I HAVE HAD WHAT I PRESUME TO BE PALPATAIONS. WHAT COULD IT BE. I LIVE IN ASIA NOW SO I DONT TRUST DOCTORS HERE, ITS LUCKY TO FIND 1 THAT SPEAKS ENGLISH. ANY IDEAS
|
Roseann
Guest
11/04/2003
14:14:52
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jessica, They do not make me short of breath. The one time they woke me from a deep sleep I was sort of out of breath, but I think part of that was being woken so suddenly. They vary is duration and intensity. The first 2 big incidents they were about 1 every 2-4 regular beats. The ER docs said something about my heart was getting a "false" signal from somewhere else.
What is an echo? A friend of mine has MVP and her sympotoms sound different than mine, so I am not sure if that is what it may be. I feel better after reading all these posts from other people. Just to know I am not going crazy with my thoughts...
Mike, I would be freaking if this was happening in another country. Is there an emglish embassy near by that can recommend and english doctor to you? Good luck!
Roseann
|
jessica
Guest
11/04/2003
14:29:08
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I do not have shortness of breath either...i just get them so bad and strong sometimes it startles me and makes me have to take a deep breath. Do you get them hard? I also get really dizzy everyday. I dont know if its all anxiety or what. An echocardiagram is a visual pic of the heart. It shows all your valves etc to see if theres anyhthing physically wrong with it. Im suprised your doc hasnt told you about it. Its a very good test to get done just to make sure you have no leaks etc. MVP symptoms are like symptoms of an anxiety disorder. It involves skipping of the heart etc. My doctors thought I had it so if youre also getting the skipping get an echo done to rule that out. Its very common in women so dont stress on having it. But symptoms vary with MVP. Talk to your doc.
Chris...being in another country is very hard but I would prob suggest having a cardiologist see you. Its most likely nothing but it would probably make you feel much better. I dont know how old you are but if you are older I would def make sure. Itll prob keep bothering you though so for extra reassurance get one to look at you. Tell them you would like a physical...holter moniter, ekg, and an echocardiagram done. Good luck!! PS what do they feel like?
|
jessica
Guest
11/04/2003
14:33:27
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Roseann..also at the er did the doc tell you not to worry when he said you were getting a false signal....did he say it was pvcs or soemthing serious?
Jess
|
Micki
Guest
11/04/2003
20:15:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I just found this site and I'm not sure I can express how wonderful it is to realize I'm not alone in this! I've suffered from palps for more than 20 yrs. (which should prove they won't kill you, I guess) but I've never really shared it with anyone except my husband of 21 yrs. (No, there's no correlation between the palps and my husband, lol!)
I, too, have had the EKG's, holter monitors, etc. only to be told that everything is fine. However, this morning I had the unnerving experience of a major palp accompanied by "seeing stars" and then blackness. I didn't lose consciousness, but that would have been preferable to the panic I felt! I have experienced this level of palp only one other time and that was during a period of high stress. This morning's episode was while I was sitting at the computer, answering an enjoyable e-mail...in other words, no stress.
I've been reading other posts here about the hormone connection. I had a complete hysterectomy 11 yrs. ago and have been on Premarin (1.25 mg) daily ever since. Does anyone else have a similar scenario?
|
Patricia
Guest
11/04/2003
21:22:56
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I wake up some nights with a pounding in my ears. I asked my doctor he said its my heart that I am hearing. Once I get up it stops, he told me it was to much soda, I drink diet soda maybe once a day. Is that possible? I have had EKG's and wore a holter monitor., everything was fine..
Please respond...thank you Pat B.
|
Roseann
Guest
11/05/2003
18:56:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jessica, Thanks for your advice. I will ask about an echo when I see my family doctor tomorrow. I guess she didn't really recommend anything yet since she hadn't seen the ER report yet when I was in last. I am also going to ask to see a cardiologist now. The ER doc mentioned PVCs but also thought maybe the false signals were from caffieine of the Prozac I was on. He really offered no advice or answers to my issues.
Chris, Sorry I called you Mike. Don't know what I was thinking. LOL! Any news on finding help?
Micki, what did the doctor's say about you last "episode"? I woudl have freaked and been to the ER immediately. So scarey!
Patricia, I can hgear and feel my heart beat all the time now. But it is still at a normal beat rate of abotu 80 per minute. I cut all caffieine out of my diet and it still happens so I cannot figure out what teh deal is anymore.
|
Brenda
Guest
11/06/2003
02:49:56
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi I,m new to this message board but what a great idea. I am 42 had a hysterectomy in Feb could this be part of the problem Or is it mostly stress . My Doc put me on Ativan now I feel so tired all the time. Willing to try anything new. Thanks Bren
|
Roseann
Guest
11/06/2003
14:46:56
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Bren, Are you on hormone replacement therapy? If not, then I would bet it is due to the forced menopause you are thrown into with the hysterectomy.
|
mindy
Guest
11/07/2003
21:32:20
| RE: Heart Palpitations
IP: Logged
Message:
I've been having palpitations for probably close to 10 years. I'm 29 now. I first noticed them when I was walking my dog and sometimes my chest would feel funny. I've always been an anxious person so this really bothered me. As time went on I would get the flutterings, sometimes they'd go on for a few seconds (which seemed like forever!).
For a long time I was scared to go to a doctor. I was convinced I had a horrible heart problem. Now I have been seeing a dr. and had a Holter monitor for 24 hours and it came back normal. Of course I didn't really notice many palps that day!!
Now it's weird. I can go a couple of weeks without getting them, and then they come back every day, usually 2 or 3 times. I occasionally get a racing heart, but it's not too bad. I've also suffered from anxiety/panic attacks but the palps worry me, even though I know lots of people get them. I do workout and rarely notice them during exercise, which my dr. says is a good thing.
Most of the time I get very quick fluttering and then it's over. But occasionally they go on for a few beats and I get scared that they won't stop. It is a very frightening feeling. It is comforting to know there are others who know what they feel like and how scary they are.
|
Jean
Guest
11/09/2003
23:27:27
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have not posted to this site since August and just went back and read some of your postings. I am now on Topral xl 25 mg every day. It has seem to help most of the palps. I saw my cardi Dr. Last week and he said he could do a proceedure in through my groin area and zap part of the heart that is making it beat irregular and fast. Anyone been offered this choice? Thanks JCH
|
Bren
Guest
11/10/2003
01:54:59
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
No I,m not on any H R T. They left my right overy in but said that it will eventually dry up maybe thats whats happening. I did start taking magnesium and coenzyme 1o. Iwill report any changes. Thanks for caring and sharing Bren
|
Jamie
Guest
11/10/2003
05:07:58
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello,I'm 24 and I've started having palpations for a few weeks now. It started small with me just sitting at the computer and my heart would just start racing, nothing that alarmed me. But one day at work I had a really bad "episode", enough to scare me into going to the ER. I haven't had another like that since, now every once in awhile my heart starts skipping a beat and it kind of takes my breath away. It's actually doing it right now, and I had to get on this site to calm myself down. Thing is, I'm not stressed about anything major, I've cut out my caffeine, I don't drink or smoke...So this has got me thinking there's something really wrong with me. My doctor thinks it's stress and being anxious, apparently he knows more about me then I do. So thanks to this site, I've learned about this Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), and did some research on it. It sounds alot like what my problem is, so I took it upon myself and scheduled myself for an echocardiogram. If nothing shows up, I will feel alot better, and will just have to learn to deal with this problem. But I just wanted to say that this site has helped me out alot, and it's comforting to know I'm not the only one with this. Thank-you
|
Jean
Guest
11/10/2003
13:26:19
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jean-I've healed myself through diet and lifestyle changes. I was getting the palps every other heart beat for hours, that has to be 70 or 80 a minute. I did have an appointment with an arthymia specialist. But I didn't have to go cause the palps stopped. I have to say I still get an occasional palp. But nothing compared to what was happening. You can have more problems, than when you started after the cardiac caterizating (zapping) procedure. Be really carefull and be sure the Dr has preformed lots of them.
Bren- I also am sensitive to calcium supplements as well as caffeine,sugar,too many carbs etc. Rather than adding stuff to your diet(vitamins medicine), try an minimal diet to see if something triggers the palps. Eliminating something in your diet has to be for more than one day. The same when you add it back in. You add back in one possible trigger food at a time. Good luck. JMc
|
Roseann
Guest
11/10/2003
15:18:06
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Well, I am seeing a cardiologist next Friday. And it is the same place that did the holtor monitor, so they have those records. I am pissed at the ER doctor cause in his notes all he wrote was "occasional PVCs", no specific number or a copy of the EKG. What a butthead! The monitor said 10/min. That is alittle more than occasional, don't you think?
My family doctor won't put me back on Prozac until it gets approved by the cardiologist, which I think it will since I am still having them after being off the Prozac for so long. My poor family is dealing with a totally neurotic mommy right now. LOL!
Oh, the "thing" happened again this AM after a trip to the bathroom at 3:15 am. The stopped sometime after I fell asleep and my doctor told me that most of the PVCs during the holtor monitor were at night. Isn't that weird? I must have stressful sleep or dreams if that is when they are being triggered.
I do feel them often but the heart sort of "resets" itself after 1 or 2 and then it is fine for another hour or so. I am hoping for an event monitor and an echo. If they are normal, then I will just live with them...
Roseann
|
Sheryl
Guest
11/10/2003
18:43:12
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi All, I was just reading up on what has been happening to everyone. I find it strange that all of our bad episodes are happening at night. I wonder if these things worsen (like with a cold or flu) when our resistance is down. When we are tired, etc. I finally went to yet another doc (I have been trying to get women) and she just looks at me and says that I should try Zoloft. Why does everyone think we are stressed. I could be sitting and reading a book, when out of the blue I'll have a couple of palps and then back to normal. I have been monitoring my episodes and so far I had a bad case the first week in Oct. and another less severe around the 4th of November. Monthly is the norm with me. Why do they keep thinking its stress?? Maybe I should try the Zoloft? Does anyone have results on this? Sheryl
|
mindy
Guest
11/10/2003
19:19:09
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Sheryl--I have been on Zoloft--albeit a small dosage--since June. It has helped ease some of my anxiety and depression, but I haven't really noticed a change in my palps.
It is NOT just stress. As you said, I can be doing something perfectly relaxing like reading or watching TV or being online and the palps will appear. I think they can be aggravated by stress, but they definitely have some type of physical cause, even if it's not a terminal cause. I've just started taking magnesium supplements and hopefully they will help. I've also read that Hawthorn Berry tea is helpful to the cardiovascular system and from my research it appears to be a safe herb.
I would try finding a doctor who will listen to your concerns and I would INSIST on having some basic cardio tests to rule out a serious heart problem. Even my doctor, who is female and very easy to talk to, I had to really be forceful about wanting a Holter monitor test. It's your body and your peace of mind that's at stake.
|
Kristina
Guest
11/11/2003
18:56:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi everyone! This is my third attempt at getting a message in but I think I know what I have been doing wrong before.
First of all, I was so grateful and relieved to find this message board with all of your responses. I have learned so much from all of you and I do not feel alone now.
I have had palps for about 7 years now and I am 31 now. It took a long time for my docs to get what was going on with me because it never happened while i was at their office. I ended up at the ER one night when they were REALLY bothering me and I was finally given a diagnosis. Yikes what a mightmare! I eventually saw a wonderful cardiologist who practices traditional/holistic and he has given me so much to work with. I had all the necessary tests which thankfully came back good. When my palps happen it feels like a kick in the area of my stomach and takes my breath away. It scares the crap out of me when it happens and I panic. If I am talking it cuts my voice off too. My cardio explains it as this.......that hearybeat that was skipped is making up with an heartbeat that has drawn in more blood and pumps it out harder than normal. Your heart rest on your diaphragm so it flops down on it which causes that knocking your breath away feeling. The stronger my heart is beating the stronger I feel it too...ugh;'( Sometimes it seems certain positions cause it to happen or when I bend over and something is pressing in my stomach area. I am an axious person who has dealt with anxiety and panic attacks for longer than these things but I just recently started having panic attacks again. I am taking Zanax in the lowest dose now when needed and that has helped a lot. They have been trying to give me anti-depressants for years but those scare me a bit. My cardiologist has now given me Beta Blocker Topral at a low dose to try. It supposedly really helps and explained to me exactly how it does so. If any of you have never had a test to see if you may have a virus in your stomach that causes a certain type of ulcer which in turn can cause palps, it might be worth mentioning to your doc. I have tried Hawthorne Berry extract which I hear has helped many others but I was allergic to berries so no luck for me. Also, Rolfing, which is a practice where they work with the structure of your body and systwems, is worth checking into too. My cardio suggested I try this because sometimes a fall, accident or trauma can cause your Vegas Nerve to get kinked and this can cause palps as well. This too has been accounted for helping heal many people who suffer with these annoying things.
I believe each of us has various reasons for why we have heart palpitations so never go with just one approach. It can be a lot of trial ad error but worth it if you find the source of healing that works for you. I wil try the Rolfing soon and let you guys know if this in deed helps. Stress IS a major contributor to these things but mine will happen even when I am relaxed, sometimes.
Thank you again and again for whomever started this thread and all of you who have written because it has sincerely helped me in many ways. I hope for all of we can find answers and most importantly, relief!
Talk with you soon, Kristina
|
Kristina
Guest
11/11/2003
19:16:00
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
One las thing I thought would be nice to share. I read in the "O" Oprah Whinfrey magazine about a year ago on her experience with heart palps. She said she started experiencing them one night and it too scared her. She realized how for so many years she had neglected her heart by overeating, overworking, stress, diets, not enough rest and lack of exercise. She had never thought about taking care of the life force, our hearts. She decided to change all of this and give her heart all the things it needed to keep beating in balance such as eating healthier, exercising, resting it when it was time to do so, love and thanking it for every beat it had and will ever give her. It was a nice article and I cannot give it the justice it deserves but it was a nice wake up call and a lighter way of viewing my heart and maybe some insight on what I was experiencing. It just made sense for me. our hearts carry everything of who we are, what we do, say, think, experience and feel. Maybe we could unburden our hearts and lighten the load and find balance in doing so. I know I have definitely over burdened my heart and myself with worry, anger, fear and negativeness for way too many years. I have paid the price in many other ways too. I am working on changing this too and I know I feel lighter and better.
Maybe our hearts just dance to a different beat than others;')
Take care, Kristina
|
Su
Guest
11/11/2003
20:25:00
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have been having heart "flutters" for about 2 years now. They seem to have began around the time I began birth control pills - Apri is the brand I took. I am 35, am not overweight, and have been off caffeine since August. The pill was raising my blood pressure - so I stopped it in August as well and since then I have been having the flutters 4-5 times a day. At first they scared me to pieces and I would have panic attacks, now they are just annoying. Mostly they occur - like so many have mentioned - near and during my period and near ovulation. I was very low on progesterone when I was pregnant - could this have something to do with it? They have done blood tests to check the thyroid and to check me for anemia. They did an EKG, and an echo/stress test and everything has come back normal. I am now wearing a 30 day heart monitor. When I call in symptoms to the cardiac evaluation center - they tell me they see speed-ups and early beats. I can feel my pulse and it continually speeds up and slows down (without necessarily feeling a flutter or symptom). I only call in when I feel an actual symptom in my chest. They told me during my echo that my heartbeat was sinus - but not necessarily anything to worry about. I did not have any "flutters" during the echo. Does anyone have any experience with what the doctor might say when you just experience a few "early beats" and fast beats here and there? I see the doctor again on Friday and I want to come equipped with some good questions to ask.
|
kandie
Guest
11/12/2003
03:13:49
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
As I sit here with my heart doing jumping jacks in my chest, I had no idea there are so many of us. I have had mild, not really too worrisome palps for years, but about a year ago,they got stronger, more frequent and would often take my breath away. If I have many "big ones" in a row and I am talking, I literally can't speak- like I have no breath left. I often feel "wheezy" in my chest when I am having alot. I had all of the usual tests when they got bad last year- all basically normal- and after about 3 months they eased up condsiderably. I haven't ever monitored the relationship to my cycle, but I will. I currently have been in a bad spell for about a month, having hundreds of chest thumpers a day, and losing my breath- Does any one else lose their breath? Should I have the tests repeated? After last years tests came back normal. I basically stopped worring about them killing me. I think mine may be more allergy related, they are worse after I eat, and my usual runny nose and eyes allergies are always bad this time of year anyway.
|
Roseann
Guest
11/12/2003
16:33:26
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi guys and gals!
I have to say I am so surprised to read about those of you who have had these for years before getting them check out. I was at my doctor the first day it happened. I guess since my father had heart "issues' I am overly concerned about my heart.
I am so glad I am seeing a cardiologist next week and sure hope he takes this all seriously. I can garrantee they won't relate it to anxiety since I was on Prozac when they started. LOL! I cannot wait to get back on it too. My family is sure paying the price.
Anyway, I had another episode start on Monday night while I was at work (not a stressful job at all) and it lasted all night and into the next morning. Then it stopped and started again last ight (at work again) and is still going on at 10:30am this morning. This is the first time I have episodes 2 days in a row. They were usually about 5-6 days apart, all lasting for hours at a time.
I am still doing a ton of reading/research. But so many articles that fit my symptoms say this could be normal. I cannot believe that! I mean, my heart is skipping anywhere from 5-12 beats a minutes at it's worse. It cannot be good or noral for my heart to get so many false signals.
On beta-blockers, for those of you on them, have they all helped? Were youe heart rates elevated? My rate is always normal at 80-ish per minute, even at the worst times of an episode. I am afraid a beta-blocker will slow it down even too much. Any advice on this?
Thanks for anything anyone can offer...
|
Tennille Kalitta
Guest
11/12/2003
18:26:01
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, I'm 28 and I have been having palpatations since I was a teenager, but then they would only happen about once every 6 months, for a few seconds, and I didn't really let it bother me. Now I am 7 months pregnant and the palps are so horrible it's unbelievable. This has been going on pretty much ever since I got pregnant in April, but I was scared to tell anybody. I told my mother and she said tell my OBGYN, so I did and she sent me to another dr. and now I am going through all kinds of tests. Friday I had a small EKG in the office and some blood tests. Then Monday I got on the Holter monitor and they took it off yesterday. Then Friday I have to be at the hospital for a "2 day EKG". What does that mean? Does that mean I have to stay hooked to the machine in the hosp. for 2 days? I asked the nurses at the dr's office and nobody knew...duh. I have been really scared. I was crying earlier thinking about how my fiance and my family will miss me if I die and how my other 2 kids and my daughter who's due in Jan. will miss me. I don't know if I will even get to MEET my new daughter. Hopefully if I die first they can save her. I know, I am jumping to conclusions, but this is pretty scarey, especially since heart problems run rampent in my family. I don't know when I will find out the results of all these tests, either. Oh, and I am also 314 lbs. right now. I have always struggled with my weight, but after the birth of my twins in 97 my weight went nuts. :( I know this could be part of the problem, too. From what I have read here so far the pregnancy hormones could be what is making these palps so much worse. I hope so and I hope they will stop after the baby is born. I just don't know what to think.
|
Kristina
Guest
11/12/2003
18:52:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Roseann,
My cardiologist wants me to take low dose Beta Blockers even though my blood pressure and heart rate are normal. He said it won't affect either unless it is high and even if my heart slowed down to 50 beats per minute it would be perfectly fine. He said Lance Armstrong's (famous bike racer) heart rate is 35!!!! Man that is low but he said it is ok. Some people have it as low as 50 and that is healthy too. Strange but true. Another lady on here said she takes Topral beta blocker and it has helped her and I am going to start mine Monday. My cardiologist takes it himself. Hope this helps and talk to your cardio to see what he thinks. Take care, Kristina;')
|
Theresa
Guest
11/12/2003
19:40:32
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Tennille,
First don't worry yourself to death like I did. I started this thread back in April. I currently weigh 255 and started having the palps back in April almost from the minute I conceived. This is my sixth pregnancy and I was sure I was dying because I had never had anything like these before. I also wore a holter monitor and it took three weeks to get the results back. All I found out is I'm having PVC's which my doctor said are a result of hormones and extra blood flow. I do know the more you stress the worse they get. Do not let them take the joy out of your pregnancy. Even if they do find something wrong almost everything is treatable. There are people now days that have had heart attacks and still go through pregnancy. The more I calmed myself down the less frequent the palps became. I hope this makes you feel better. Please if you need someone to talk to email me. I am due December 27th so, we are very close to the same date.
Theresa
|
Roseann
Guest
11/13/2003
03:13:06
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Kristina, Which beta-blocker are you taking? A friend of my mom's (who is a nurse) said that my symptoms sounded like I should be on inderal. And it turns out my mom went through palps a million years ago and took inderal for it. another friend who has MVP is taking Topral and has good luck with it. Good to know you can take it with a normal heart rhythm.
Tanille, My heart goes out to you, figuratively of course. I don't think you want mine either. (I hope that made you smile.) I would take Theresa's advice and try to stay more possitive and calm cause you aren't helping the problem, or the baby, by stressing out so much about dying. Being that you are pregnant, you almost have your answer for the cause. Try some relaxation techniques or see if anyone local does maternity massage and treat yourself. You may just need alittle TLC for yourself. Best of luck!
Roseann
|
Kristina
Guest
11/13/2003
03:48:43
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Roseann, he gave me Topral at I think either 25 miligrams or .25. Either way it is a low dose and another lady on here is taking the same thing and said it has helped her too. I also take Zanax to calm myself and at a low dose of .25. It really really helps. I hope you can get some relief too and I will let you know how the Topral works for me if you would like. Take good care, Kristina
|
Bren
Guest
11/13/2003
04:21:10
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Everyone just wanted to let you know I went to the hospital and had a EKG done and blood work.Guess what all came back normal. I am to be fitted with the halter moniter but that won,t be for 2 or 3 weeks before one becomes available.Will keep in touch Bren
|
Tennille Kalitta
Guest
11/13/2003
22:59:06
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for the support all. I think reading this board and hearing from you all has really helped. I haven't had any palps yet today. Tomorrow I go to the hosp. for an ultrasound on my heart. I finally found out today what it is. At first I thought I had to spend 2 days in the hospital hooked to a monitoring machine, but that's not what it is, and I'm glad. I'll let you all know what the results of all these tests turn out to be. Thanks all. :)
|
Sean
Guest
11/13/2003
23:10:59
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi there,
I am a 22 year old male and I think that I have heart palps. I have noticed them more on the last few days. It seems that occasionally through the day my heart will beat harder or skip a beat. This only happens one at a time. It is like beat beat beat pause BEAT beat beat beat. I also have chest pain, burning and tingling in my neck and arm. It seems worse with something's that I eat. I have been to the emergency room twice, within the last few years, had an ekg and chest x-rays and had several doctors listen to my heart. They all say that I am fine and not to worry about it. I have noticed that they have started up again in the last week. The only thing that has changed is I started taking one of those acid reflux pills. I don't know if the pills are making it happen of if the acid reflux is. Sometimes after I eat my heart will beat harder, not faster, just harder. I find my self always checking my pulse to make sure that my heart is beating normally. It is also causing anxiety. I have pretty much had to do what everyone is doing and tell myself that nothing is wrong and it wont kill me. It can be very scary though. I have also noticed that when I keep busy it doesn't bother me as much and I don't notice them. I just wish I knew what causes them so I can fix it. Have you heard anything about heart palps as a side effect to acid blockers?
|
Tennille Kalitta
Guest
11/16/2003
22:35:52
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I had the ultrasound done on my heart on Friday. I was having palps while she was doing it and still she said she saw nothing unsual, so maybe that's a good sign. :)
|
Sheryl
Guest
11/17/2003
04:24:26
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Tennille-I have been familiar with this site for several months, but what I was wondering is do all of the doctors think that this kind of stress and pain is good for us? I was just wondering if anyone has ever mentioned this site and told the docs that there are so many of us out there. What I hate the most is when they just look at you like maybe they should be seeing someone who is really sick. I know that I am feeling sorry for myself right now, but after 4 days of palps and that trying to sleep at night situation, I have had it. I think one of us will shed some light on what this really is and then we can all sleep at night, right? Hang in there. You sounded so sad and scared, and I think we all know how that feels. I have an 11 year old boy and two older children. When I talked with my 20 year old daughter about the loss of a parent, she said it would be as hard for her as it would be for my youngest. So, Let's think positively and take a nice deep breath. At least this is where we can tell people about our pain and they actually KNOW what we are talking about. Sheryl
|
Tennille Kalitta
Guest
11/17/2003
04:30:44
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Yes Sheryl, I know what you mean. I keep feeling like my dr. is eventually going to tell me this is all in my head and make me feel stupid. I am at least hoping the Holter monitor picked up the palps so there will be some proof. I don't want to be treated like I am stupid. I could print this site so she can read it, but I doubt she'd take the time to really read it. I don't know, I think the dr's think we're all stupid and nuts. :(
|
Dee
Guest
11/17/2003
16:16:51
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Nice to find this forum. I wondered if anyone has experienced a decrease in palpitations w/pregnancy. I'm 39 and noticed they started about 9 months ago. When I recently got pregnant, one of the first symptoms I noticed was a decrease in the palps, which at that point where occuring daily. The palps stopped, but returned again as I lost the pregnancy. They are back to where they were before now, increasing in strength and frequency. Thanks.
|
kristina
Guest
11/17/2003
17:54:49
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi again. I know that feeling of when the docs look at you as if you are nuts or a hypocondriac or even over exaggerating. It hurts and I actually started thinking I was nuts. Mine have caused me some serious depression and I think the most difficult part is having no control over them. I REALLY just want someone to tell me WHY they happen, where they could have originated from and give me some solid hope of them going away. I see my cardiologist tomorrow, again, to talk more about the beta blockers. Like i said eearlier he really is wonderful and doesn't ask the typical questions at your typical doctors office. He asked me what has gone on in my life that has caused me grief or pain. That is not something you get asked iften at your doctors office. I think I wil take in a copy of this forum just to show how many of us feel this reality very similarly. I was, again, so relieved to find all of your messages and it lessened that feeling of "I'm all alone" or crazy. Thanks you guys;') Kristina
|
Rachael
Guest
11/17/2003
19:40:49
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey, everybody!
I have been through it all. The halter monitors, the EKG's and the XYZ's and the HIJKLMNOP's and NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You couldn't tell me that I wasn't going to DIE!!!!!!!!!! I just turned 42 and have been peri-menoposal for the past skatey-eight years, I tell you! This sucks!! The scralpey-palpey's make me feel like I'm gonna keel over any minute!!!!!! ANYBODY GOT ANY IDEAS???????
|
Tennille Kalitta
Guest
11/18/2003
04:17:48
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Well, I saw the dr. today and she said all the tests came back normal and if they get worse she'll send me to a cardiologist, if not, she said don't worry about it. Well, that's a relief, BUT everything I talk to her she tries to blame my Paxil. "Did these palps start when you went on Paxil?" No, they DIDN'T. I have been on Paxil since spring 2000, these palps just started getting bad this past April. I will not let her take my Paxil away. Without it I suffer severe depression, I am afraid of the world, and I have bad rage problems. I don't want to go back to that again. It's NOT my Paxil, but she tries to blame it every time I talk to her. GR!
|
Jean
Guest
11/18/2003
21:44:57
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Has anyone noticed whether their palps or irregular heart beat either gets worse or improves if they have a drink. Alcohol
|
Jean
Guest
11/18/2003
21:50:28
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Tennille, I can say for almost positive that your palps are notfrom paxil. If you were to no longer take it and stop abrutly then I would say you would have severe palps. I would find another Dr. that was a great Dr. along with a good listner. Good Luck
|
Jean
Guest
11/18/2003
21:52:34
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
is there a page two to this message board regarding Palps. Please advise. Jean
|
Su
Guest
11/18/2003
22:05:01
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have heard that people who suffer from SVT - SupraVentricular Tachycardia - that it can get worse with alcohol. They sometimes call SVT's "holiday heart" because they occur more when people are celebrating with large amounts of alcohol. I have a student who recently went to a wedding reception and drank a ton...she had a episode while there where her heart beat for 240 beats per minute for 15 minutes!! I don't think minimal amounts would hurt, but then again I'm not a doctor....
|
Wendy
Guest
11/19/2003
00:18:56
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have recently just found this site and it makes me feel a lot better knowing I am not the only one going through this.
I have been experiencing heart "Flutters"/palpitations along with panic/anxiety attacks since I was about 17 years old, I am now 31. The first few months it started I went to the ER, they did an EKG and a couple other tests. They said My heart was fine. They advised me to avoid Caffiene, tobbaco and alcohol. They also said STRESS can play a bif part with having them. So since then I have been living with these flutters. I see my doctor yearly and while listening to my heart they say it is fine etc. My father suffers from PVC's, I wonder if it is genetic? For me it also seems that the more I focus on getting them the more I get them. If I stay busy and keep my mind of it, they tend not to come as often. These flutters tend to get me depressed and think something bad is going to happen to me, even though I was told different. I cry a lot. It also doesn't help that my fiance works nights, which makes me alone from 3:30 until 12:30am It helps when he is there for me. I have noticed to when I get in a really stressful situation I will get them bad. I get the flutters in my upper chest. I never have chest pain or anything else. Just want the flutters to go away. I think sometimes my heart will just stop or I will have a heart attack! I have been told that there is no link between irregular beats and heart attack. Not to worry. Well I am worrying...lol Does anyone know of a natural remedy to minimize heart flutters? Anyway thank you for listening and feel free to write back and cheer me up if you would like.
Sincerely,
Wendy :)
|
charlotte
Guest
11/19/2003
01:57:05
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
i am 30yrs old. as soon as i turned 30 the palpsstarted. i have had all the usual tests and everything is normal. as you all know. i stated atenenol(beta blocker) 25mg. it has made a big difference. iwas having over 1,000 extra beats in a 24 hr period. now i have maybe 5. it has only been a couple of days. i am scared that i will become used to the meds. i have to children 10 and 4. my husband does not know how to deal with anything medical. so sometimes i dont even tell him when i go to the doctors. i am glad i am not alone out there.
|
Roseann
Guest
11/19/2003
14:51:12
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi everyone. I have been trying to stay offline for a few days.
I have had continuous palps/pauses since last Tuesday evening. So I am on day 8. OY! Not liking this at all. I see the cardiologist on Friday and how much do you want to bet they stop Thursday night? That would just figure, right?
I feel for all of you that get a "nothing's wrong" from a doctor. I will flip if he even begins to tell me to "live with it" cause I am not going to accept that. It is NOT normal for your heart to skip a beat. I have read about certain times if this happens the blood pools in the upper chamber too long and too often it can cause blood clots = strokes! No thanks!
I cannot even connect these episodfes with my "time of the month" cause it has come and gone during these 8 days and it hasn't let up.
Well, I guess that is all for me for now. I will let you all know what the doc says on Friday.
Roseann
|
Jean
Guest
11/19/2003
20:47:33
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Roseann-If you had your period during this bad palp episode. It probably has everything to do with your cycle.
|
Su
Guest
11/19/2003
20:49:49
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jean-
Can you elaborate more on what it would have to do with her cycle, because I seem to have them only during PMS, and my period. The middle of the month I get nothing.....
Will hormones help?
|
Kristina
Guest
11/19/2003
21:15:46
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Does anyone know how to get this site to stop notifying you every time there is a posting? I send return e-ms to ask them to please stop but no luck so far. I am assuming it is automated maybe. Thanks, Kristina
|
Jean
Guest
11/20/2003
13:38:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Su- There are some good web sites that explain all the different hormones that are in our systems during one menstrual cycle. They all need to be in balance for everything to work correctly. During the PMS part, all hormones levels are dropping to bascially nothing. I get the palps during this phase also. Keep a diary of your cycle and also be careful what you eat during PMS.
|
Michelle
Guest
11/20/2003
15:06:34
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am 22 years old and a mother of a 3 year old and 1 year old. I have been having palpatations since I was pregnant with my second child. My heartrate goes up to about 164, and I feel like I am gonna die. I've been to the doctor, and go to the cardiologist next month. HELP! What could be the cause and what could it be?
|
Su
Guest
11/20/2003
15:46:09
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jean -
Can you point me to some of those websites regarding hormones?
Michelle -
It's good that you are going to see a cardiologist - I'm sure everything will be fine. I have been wearing a 30 day loop recorder now for 20 days, most of mine have been PVC's and one was what they call an SVT - which if they determine that someone is having SVT there are many effective ways of treating that. In the meantime, when you have those episodes I have heard of some good ways to get them to stop.
1. Hold your breath
2. Lay down and bear down like you are going to the bathroom
3. Put your face in cold water
4. This is wacky, but I also heard that you should take your finger and go in a cingular motion on the inner corner of your right eye.
|
Shannon
Guest
11/21/2003
04:48:39
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I just found this board a few days ago and haven't read through all the messages but I thought I would give you a little information that has worked for me. I'm 48, had PVCs since I was 15, even remember my first one...yikes. I have had every cardiac test but an angio and they always said the same thing, you're fine. Recently after a short stay in the hospital for PVCs with dizziness, we have pretty much concluded that along with my mitral valve prolapse (not even serious for medication)dehydration, stress and PMS, my potassium was low....only 3.5 which is bottom end normal but low for me, nonetheless. As soon as they got my potassium back up to above 4.0, the irregularity was reduced tremendously. I'm sure this won't solve everyone's problems but maybe it will help someone. BTW, I bugged my GP for a year about this and she kept saying my potassium was normal, and by the standards, it is, but apparently my heart didn't read the book :) Best wishes to you all.
|
Su
Guest
11/21/2003
15:37:20
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Shannon-
My potassium was also 3.6 and I have wondered about that. How did you get yours up....supplementation? If so, how many mg did you take?
|
Roseann
Guest
11/21/2003
16:06:37
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Well, I saw the cardiologist this AM. (Hated getting up at 5:45 to do it but still glad I went.) He heard one while he was listening to my heart but when the lady came in to do a ekg on paper I didn't have a 1, for 5 minutes. Can you believe it? I had about 4 right before she came in and then several after she left. Argh! Anyway, at least he heard it so I am having an echo done on Monday and another holter monitor done the following Monday to see how many I have increased to since the last one.
He actually ASKED me if I could handle hearing that everything was normal and still have the PVCs. I was honest and told him after everything that could be done was done and everything said "normal" then I would be OK to learn to live with it.
I am glad I have having the echo done. He said it checks the right side of your heart which you cannot see during the nuclear testing, so I will know that all of my heart has been checked out.
He was a good doctor and listened well but they all have no sense of humpr, for sure. I couldn't get him to crack a smile for anything. Not sure how those nurses deal with those personalities all day long. LOL!
Jean, But it continuted after my period was over and has happened several times during the month not even close to times that I would associate it with my period.
Shannon, I wonder what my potassium is. Every blood tests reads "normal" but like you said everyone has to have their own levels of normal. I had to laugh at your comment about your heart not reading the text book. :)
Roseann
|
Christina
Guest
11/21/2003
23:09:17
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have PAC's. As a matter of fact, my heart is skipping away. Every beat. It's been about 3 hrs. Yesterday it way 12 hours. I would love to know how I got so lucky.
It started Jan 2002 after a viral infection. Some Dr.'s think that had something to do with it. Last year was,pardon the expression, hell. I spent at least 3 nights a week awake. My son was 2 going on 3 and not too sympathatic to a tired mother. Holter monitors, event monitors etc... you all know the drill. The result, I won't die from it. Just PAC's with occasional tachycardia (I think I spelled that correctly).
Dee, I was pregnant this year too. I also lost my baby (IUGR and low fluid at 6mos). One gift my little angel gave me was the ability to finally sleep even when my heart is acting up. I was forced on bedrest for a month and couldn't just walk it off and sit up watching TV or reading. I had to lie down on my left side the whole time. After a couple of days, I couldn't stay awake. Now they seem to settle down a bit at night. Yay! My PAC's were actually worse when I was pregnant (esp. the first trimester). My Dr. said hormone dumps could cause it. Nothing could be done to stop them. I'm on Toprol and it doesn't really work. I'm weaning myself from it now.
I have found some relief with magnesium and Chinese medicine. I have just started hypnotherapy (for relaxation). Orange juice and bananas sometimes help the intensity(potassium/magnesium/calcium combos help). I find that a variety of things can give me some relief. Some days I have to try everything.My Cardio is very much in favour of these alternatives. She said that my heart is sensitive and when any type of stress, illness or fatigue hits it could set off episodes. I am a bundle of all that. I actually have two cardios because my maternal/fetal specialist wanted me to see someone for a second opinion. They concur on my situation. Not life threatening. Just maddening. My mother has this too.
How many of you also have anxiety/panic issues, insomnia or stress problems? I am finding that it seems to be something that most of us have in common.
Sean, heartburn/GERD is sometimes linked to boughts of palps. Sometimes that seems to be what's causing my problems. I can't remember where I read it, but GERD is another theory behind palps.
FYI, alcohol is a trigger for me too.
Sorry I've been so wordy, I just wanted to share some things that might help. As most everyone else has pointed out, it's nice to know you are not alone (or crazy).
Happy Thanksgiving
Christina
|
Jean
Guest
11/22/2003
00:13:04
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Su-Hi, I just searched goggle for menstrual cycle,PMS and menopause. There are some good web sites on these subjects.
Rosann- Hi,According to what I read, if your hormones are out of balance, or you are in perimenopause,you can have estrogen dominance. This can happen when progesterone is not produced. This can happen when your ovaries start to fail. Some months you ovulate some you don't. High estrogen levels during the months that you don't ovulated can cause all kinds of symptoms like PMS and also a racing heart beat and palpitations.Just about every web site I went on said palpitations are part of perimenopause. If you add in stress and not eating the right foods. I think this is my problem.
I know all this info is not much comfort when it's 2:00 in the morning and your about to jump out of the window cause you can't stand it any more.
The only thing that I can say works consistantly for me is Donnatal, and I have to be really careful what I eat. I also use a progesterone cream. I don't think it's just one of these but the combination that works for me.
Christina- Toprol or any beta blocker didn't work for me. I had the worst plaps when I took it. I never had the bigemini palps till I took Toprol. My Mom also gets them and she's 82 now and going strong.
|
Kristina
Guest
11/22/2003
00:49:58
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jean
I thought you had said the Topral had helped you in some ways. My doc wants me to try Inderal (beta blocker). Has anyone tried this? Doesn't seem many of you have mentioned trying beta blockers.
Christina,
Have you been tested for H-pylori? It is a stomach ulcer caused by a viral infection that can cause stomach troubles and palps.
take care, Kristina
|
Leann
Guest
11/22/2003
03:28:59
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
my palps have gone way down since a lot of stressful things in my life have calmed down. I do believe that palps can be caused from stress as well as starting the change of life
|
Michelle
Guest
11/22/2003
05:23:22
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I went to the doctor the other day, they said they think it is mitro valve prolapse or mitro valve stanosous (?) What is that and what can fix it?
|
Tracy
Guest
11/22/2003
14:57:44
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello...I just wanted to thank you all on this site...I often check in for support and reassurance. I have had PVCs for almost a year now...sometimes pretty constant and intense, especially related to my cycle (and wierd as it is...rainy or humid weather!). I dont do caffiene, alcohol, or foods with MSG...still the PVCs visit way too often!!!! Dr. says everything is normal aside of MVP, which they say according to the new guidelines I barely have anymore??? The Dr. says PVCs are normal when there is no heart disease present...so just take care of yourself and you will be fine...okay, so that's easy to do until I'm having tons of them and cant think of anything but!!! The Dr. gave me atenol (sp) and told me to take it if I wanted to??? It sits in my cabinet...havent taken it yet. Anyway, I have followed some of your advice and have noticed some + changes..I will continue to do that...lots of good info lately about what other systems to check out besides the heart....I will bring them to my next Drs apt. My biggest question is why, why, why???? They can find the cause of so many complex things, why not these PVCs if they are supposed to be so "normal". Thanks again and best of luck to everyone.
:-) Tracy
|
Kristina
Guest
11/22/2003
16:09:19
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Tracy,
That is my biggest question too "WHY"? They do emphasize how normal these are but they sure domn't feel thaat way huh. I just want to know why they started or originated from and why it is so hard to get an answer I do not know. I wish I was one of the ones who didn't feel them so strongly. Some people get them and don't even know it. Good luck with your pursuit in finding relief and I too am grateful to have found this site and lots of helpful insight. Take care, Kristina;')
|
Christina
Guest
11/22/2003
16:11:24
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I understand the need to answer the "why" question. I've asked that a lot. I'm guessing but since it's not painful of life threatening, no one cares to explore the reasons. I'm sure if a lot of money could be made from treatments (like heartburn, cancer, HBP etc...)researchers would be all over it.
For example: My brother has meniere's (dizziness, inflammation of inner ear, nausea, ringing in the ear) and Dr.'s and drug companies don't seem too concerned. When it acts up, he can't even sit up with out falling over. Lucky for him the bouts aren't too frequent now. They call it rare but I know 5 people who suffer from occasional bouts of it. In Europe they have more meds to fight it.
Kristina: I did have H. Pylori and was treated for it 8yrs ago. My gastro says I don't have it now. I do have GERD which acts up occasionally.
It's weird, I used to be fine most of the day and up all night. Now, I skip most of the day and am fine when I lie down. I think I prefer it that way. At least I sleep.
Tracy, it's amazing what can trigger an episode isn't it? We do everything they tell us and we still get them. It's a puzzle to me. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine (along w/western medicine) has helped me. It's something to think about. Like many others, relaxation eases the symptoms somewhat. I also exercise my stress away.
Glad I found you all!
Happy Thanksgiving
Christina
|
mindy
Guest
11/22/2003
17:23:16
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I also have stomach problems. I have gallstones, which I need surgery for, and am quite sure I have some type of acid reflux. I was on Nexium for awhile but went off of it when my gallstones were diagnosed.
Christina, I believe my palps may also be related to a viral infection I had when I was 16. It was the sickest I've ever been, for 3 weeks I was so ill. It's after that time, although I can't pinpoint it exactly, that I started noticing the palps. Being a hypochondriac/anxiety-ridden person all of my life, I was of course convinced I had cardiomyopathy or some fatal illness. Well now it's 13 years later so apparently that's not it, thankfully.
But it is frustrating to not know exactly what is causing them. I have started taking magnesium supplements (although that has been negatively linked to gallstones!) and do try and eat a banana every day.
|
Shannon
Guest
11/22/2003
22:50:55
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Dear Su: Because I was still within "normal" range, my cardiologist gave me a list of potassium foods and told me to eat at least one banana or drink one glass of OJ per day (as mentioned by Christina) and milk plus something else from the list. He felt that should be enough. It seems to be, so far. When I'm PMSg or stressed out, though, they come back anyway, but not as bad.
Dear Roseann: Have them test it next time you have the problem. I found it interesting that in an old old medical textbook it lists low normal as 4.0 and most modern books list it at 3.5 apparently.
|
Christina
Guest
11/23/2003
17:26:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Shannon I just want to thank you for mentioning milk. I have been bad and not drinking enough. Last night I sat down and my heart felt like a rave was going on in my chest.
I read to my son and was almost breathless they were coming so hard and fast. Then I remembered your post and mentioning milk. I ran to the kitchen and drank a big glass. After about 10 min., no more skips. Thanks for the reminder!
Happy Thanksgiving
Christina
|
Becky
Guest
11/23/2003
22:06:35
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I just wanted to let you all know that a big cause of heart palpitations is dehydration. When your dehydrated your body draws water from your heart. Drink lots of water especially when your experiencing the palpitations. They can also be linked to something your eating that you are allergic too. One lady was about to undergo heart surgery for her palpitations but it turned out she was allergic to milk. When she cut that out of her diet her heart did not skip anymore. She no longer needed surgery. Experiment with cutting things out of your diet that you eat often and see if this clears up the problem
|
Shannon
Guest
11/23/2003
23:25:08
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Christina: Wouldn't it be great if they would ALL go away with a glass of milk? LOL glad it helped.
Michelle: Mitral valve prolapse is where one of the valves doesn't hold it's correct position as your heart beats. I think stenosis is when the valve may be not as pliable as it should be? You need to have your doctor give you a definitive diagnosis and explain this to you completely so you are comfortable with it. There is a very good book called Confronting Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome by Lyn Frederickson. Reading this took alot of my scaries away.
I also would like to thank all of you for sharing your stories and fears. I've had these things for along time but still find myself scared silly sometimes and it helps tremendously to come here and know I'm not alone. THANKS!
|
Tennille Kalitta
Guest
11/24/2003
05:09:14
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
"How many of you also have anxiety/panic issues, insomnia or stress problems? I am finding that it seems to be something that most of us have in common."
Depression runs in the whole side of my dad's family. We are all on depression meds, myself: Paxil. I also have Social Anxiety Disorder. The Paxil works wonders, but does NOT cure it all 100%. I get upset really badly really easily at things most people wouldn't even blink at. A therapist once told me I have no "outer skin" to fight off things people say; meaning I take everything to heart and let it rip me up. I can't help it, I grew up physically and mentally abused by EVERYbody in the my life, even the teachers and kids at school. So I just withdrew into a shell and tried to ignore the world. I finally came out of that shell pretty much all the way a few years ago, but I still have times when I go back in it. In other words, what I am trying to say is I have A LOT of stress in my life. There are things I am not even going to list here that I have constantly bothering me. So I am sure that is what makes my palps get worse. As it is, I have spent the past few days having them constantly. I have decided to just accept them as facts of life and try to ignore them. :(
Tennille
|
Caroline
Guest
11/24/2003
19:26:52
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
A few days ago I had the strangest thing happen. It happened pretty suddenly too. I started having this burning in my stomach and chest area, along with a little burning in my nose area, eyes and lips. Then I felt like I was going to pass out, but never did. This lasted for about 3-4 days. Finally I went to the ER and they monitored my heartbeat and blood pressure. My blood pressure was up somewhat too. These sensations would come and go with slight chest palpatations. The ER doctor done an EKG along with some blood work and both came back normal. He did mention something about magnesium, but never instructed me to begin taking it. He placed a heart monitor on me for 24 hours to monitor when I would have these feelings and see if anything strange occured. When I went back to my regular doctor he said everything looked fine. Shortly after I returned the monitor to the ER I came down with a nasty bronchitis. Could this have been a nasty intestinal virus, which needed to come to fruition? I felt like I was loosing my mind. I would just cry at the drop of a hat over anything during this time. I do have problems with my hormones because my body does not produce enough progesterone to bring about a normal period. I take provera to bring my period around. Without it, I do not have one. I have way to much testosterone too, which causes some facial hair, stomach hair and back hair which I take care of with depilitory creams. I am 39 1/2 years old. After taking the z-pak my doctor gave me I have been feeling better --- as a Christian young lady I also trust in much prayer and depending on Jesus Christ for His healing touch. I am feeling much better today and have not had any palpatations for days. I also started taking a multi-vitamin along with additional vitamins B6, B12, Chromium Picolinate, Vitamin C and Flex Seed. This is making a big difference too. I probably should have been doing this a long time ago. Consider taking a very good Multi-Vitamin and some Flex Seed. I also had been on the Atkins Diet just prior to having this attack. Perhaps I was eating too much meat and not enough fiber in my diet which may have caused this attack. I have now stopped the Atkins Diet and started a more balanced way of losing weight. My diet now includes fruit, whole grains, lots of salads and veggies. Thanks for listening guys!
|
kristina
Guest
11/24/2003
21:20:43
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Tennille,
I'm so sorry you are feeling somuch stress! I can totally relate though and am going through it now and have for many years as well. I just recently starting getting panic attacks again which to me is just the worst! i have dealt with anxiety, worry, fear and stress and I do believe this has been the main culprit of my palps. It IS worse during episodes of high stress, excitement etc. My poor heart is just retaliating I think!!! I tried Zolaft but didn't feel well on it and just tried Lexapro but had insomnia. My issue is I don't want to feel worse while trying to get better even if it is for just a few weeks. My cardiologist thinks beta blockers are far better for palps and anxiety than anti-depressants but frankly I am confused and overwhelmed. Only a couple people suffering with palps on here have mentioned beta blockers so i am really curious as to whether or not more docs have mentioned it to you guys as an option too. Are you feeling overwhelmed right now Tennille? How long have you had the palps or did you have the anxiety/depression first? I swear it really can be like a viscious cycle sometimes and one can create the other huh. I hope you get to feeling better real soon though as I wish for all of us on this site. Happy thanksgiving to everyone!!
Kristina
|
Cindy
Guest
11/24/2003
23:26:59
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have had anxiety/panic attacks for at least 12 years. They started after my first marriage. I have since ended that and have remarried and am very happy but I still have alot of anxiety. I have had many echos, ekgs, and holter moniters. All normal. I get pvc's and they feel awful. I used to work as a medical assistant. That was very stressful. I was put on paxil and that helped for awhile. When I left my job for a non stressful one I went off the medicine because I thought I would be okay. I was for awhile then I got pregnant. I am out of work not due to the palpatations. I have them constantly now. I am going to a therapist who is trying to show me how to meditate and relax. It has been a great help. There are cd's you can listen to when you sleep at night to help relax. Sometimes they help, sometimes not. You can look up www.hemisync.com for all sorts of cds. Even though I am trying all this relaxation I can not get rid of the palps. The doctor said partly because I have low blood pressure and because I am pregnant with all the extra blood flow and heart working harder. This doesn't make them any less scary. I always thought I was alone in this but I guess I am not. It is more comforting to hear other peoples stories. Even though the tests are normal I can't help but wonder if the doctors are wrong. I also worry about delivering my baby. I know I am probably going to have anxiety when I deliver.
Even thought it is my third baby. I think now I know more so it makes me more scared. With my medical background I should know better. I also have done ekgs on myself when I felt awful and the doc says the were normal. I keep thinking after having them for so long something would have happened by now if it was serious. I would appreciate any response from this. It helps to have support.
|
Wendy
Guest
11/25/2003
02:47:18
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Cindy,
I have also experienced anxiety/panic attacks since I was 17. I am now 31. With my anxiety and stress i also get fluttering in my chest. Feels like skipped beats. I get scared that I will have a heart attack. When I first starting going through this at the age of 17 I kept it to myself and finally I went to the ER and they did a EKG and a couple other things. They said my heart was fine and to avoid stress..lol/caffiene/tobacco and alcohol. I have cut out all caffiene and I quit smoking a year ago. I will say that the stress is still there. I do still consume alcohol even though I know it can contribute to them. I truely believe that STRESS in my case brings them on more then anything. I sometimes just think about having heart flutters/pvc's and it seems like they will start to happen. Back in 1999 my Dr put me on Prozac, but I didn't like it so I stopped. I also was divorced 2 years ago and I now am remarried and very HAPPY, except for my problems. I feel like sometimes I will just kill over and Die. I cry a lot too! Thank you for listening. You can e-mail me if you would like to talk.
Wendy
|
Tennille Kalitta
Guest
11/25/2003
05:26:47
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
"Are you feeling overwhelmed right now Tennille? How long have you had the palps or did you have the anxiety/depression first?"
Hi Kristina,
Well, not really overwhelmed right at this second, but there are always things on my mind. I have actually had the palps since I was a teenager, but I would only get one every 6 months and that was it, so I never though about it. Then when I got pregnant in April they started going nuts. Thing is, when I was pregnant in 1997 for my twins I did NOT have palps. I have been depressed since 1991 and now that I think of it I think that is about when the palps started. I was 15. But I have so much on my mind. I had ADHD when I was a child and the schools and dr's, I guess, had no idea what ADHD was at the time, so they called me retarded and kept kicking me out of school everyday and stuck me in the special ed. where I was put in the cornor away from everybody all day everyday and they tried to institutionalize me at only 7-years-old!! They said I would never amount to anything and I wouldn't even now how to care for myself when I grew up! In the meantime my parents were infuriated with me constantly for being such a "bad girl" and all the kids in school picked on me severely right up until I graduated high school, even long after the behavioral problems ended. By that time I was stuck in a shell, afraid of the world, and I truly believed I was a bad, no-good-for-nothing person. In 1995, a year after graduation, I made a few friends for the first time in my life and that was nice. Then I got a boyfriend and moved to California with him, where he just used me, verbally used me, and stole from me, then dumped me. I moved back here to Michigan. Then I got married and that guy turned out to be physically abusive and homosexual. He beat me and my young twins everyday and never provided for us and he molested my brother! He is now in prison and we are divorced. I ended up evicted from my apt. because my husband molested my brother (the landlord was a jerk and said it was my fault too and kicked me out on the streets) and had a tough time getting on my feet and because I ended up stuck in a homeless shelter they took my twins away from me and put them in a foster home. A few months later I ended up signing off my parental rights and letting my twins be adopted because I knew I could never give them the wonderful life they had with their foster parents, who are the ones who adopted them. Child Protective Services kept throwing it in my face what a bad person I was and how much happier my kids were without me, so again, things were confirmed to make me believe I was a bad person. I dated a guy for a couple months who just cheated on me like crazy, talked down to me all the time and lied to me, then dumped me. Again, another thing to make me feel like garbage. People who claimed to be "friends" stole from me. I ended up losing everything I owned in life to 2 different female thieves, EVERYTHING!!! I now have an apt. and a wonderful fiance who does NOT hurt me or do anything bad to me. (I think God gave me all the bad guys to make me learn to appreciate my fiance I have now better.) But in the meantime, last year a young couple moved in across the hall from us and started talking to us. Then the guy made $1,120.50 in 900# sex line calls on my phone behind my back when we weren't home and still to this day lies about it, stole money out of our apt., kept trying to make me have sex with him (yuck!), and just caused tons and tons of fights and trouble. Thankfully they were evicted, but they gave us 8 months of agony. I had a miscarriage in Sept. 02 which did not make me feel good. I felt like I had let my fiance down because he wanted a child so bad, even though he tried to convince me I didn't. Now I am dealing with a woman leaving nasty comments in my Live Journal (it's an online journal) saying things like I am a big fat liar, a huge ugly cow, and lots of vulgar things. Also, my finace's family and friends all believe I am just out to get his money and I do not love him and I am cheating on him and that this isn't his baby. That is SO wrong! And now, ontop of all that, I have to worry about my heart. AND I am worried that I will somehow lose this baby to Child Protective Services, too.
SOOOOOoooo, you can see why I am so stressed and how it could all lead to these palps.
Tennille :(
|
Roseann
Guest
11/25/2003
15:08:30
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jean, I have brought up the idea of premenopause to my family doctor but she doesn't think it is likely and my periods are still pretty normal, and I do ovulate (I can still feel when I do), so we still aren't sure what is going on... I did have very low progesterone when I was trying to conceive my son 4+ years ago but pregnancy got my regular again.
Christina, I was under the information that you always have H-Pylori (sp?) once diagnosised with. Our neighbor has it and is forever watching what she eats.
Well, I had my echo yesterday it was very wild to see on a monitor. I could only see part of it cause the first half of it I was turned too far away from the monitor. I could see one of my valves and how it paused open during the paused heart-beat I get. And you could see some regurgitation. I sure hope this concludes something. I know I am young (34) so the cardiologist seems to think they wouldn't find anything serious but I want to know if something can be done to help ward off problems as I get older. They are suppose to call with the results, whenever they feel like it, I guess. I am sure I won't hear anything until after I have the second holter monitor done next Monday.
I think if I insist on some sort of meds for it the guys would give them to me but I am torn about wanting them if he says they aren't really neccessary. I mean, how do they know they aren't needed if they cannot actually tell you want is causing the irregular signal, right?
Anyway, just wanted to updtae you on my prgress so far... Roseann
|
Kristina
Guest
11/25/2003
15:35:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Cindy,
I have just been introduced to the Meni-sync Relaxation CD by my cardiologist and it is amazing. I have never had anything work before like this and he swore by it himself. Do you use the Relaxation one?
Also to everyone....any of you are welcome to e-m me as well if you want or need to just chat.
Take care, Kristina;')
|
Kristina
Guest
11/25/2003
15:41:20
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Tennille,
Thanks for sharing your feelings and my goodnesss of course you have stress with all that going on in your life! I'm sorry you have been through so much in your young life and I sure hope everything smoothes itself out. I hope it helped you feel better too to share your story as sometimes we really just need someone to listen. Stress can sure do a number on the body and especially our hearts and minds.
Keep your chin up and and take good care, Kristina
|
Cindy
Guest
11/25/2003
22:09:00
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Wendy,
After reading that many other people have the same problem as me I have felt much better. I am going to the therapist to learn to relax and it is helping. She was glad that I found this on the internet.
Stress definitely is a big problem. It is alot worse than it was years ago. I still have things that bother me about my ex. I hate the type of father he is. That is hard to deal with.
My new husband now is wonderful. He helps me so much with my anxiety. I also have been told to stay away from the caffeine and alcohol but I am a choco-holic. I do stay away from it as much as I can. Especially because I am now pregnant.
Thanks for writing to me. I hope to hear from you again.
Cindy
|
Kim
Guest
11/26/2003
01:22:52
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi everyone! I too have had palpatations for years. I was wondering if any of you have upper back discomfort with the palps? I have in my left shoulder blade area, or at times just in the middle of my upper back. I go to a chiropractor and he says there are nerves in the upper back that signals the heart. I hope its just a "nerve" thats pinched when I get the pain in my shoulder blade...I seem to think the worst!!! Thanks for any reply on this!!
|
Sheryl
Guest
11/26/2003
02:06:16
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Why is it when I am having one of my 'episodes' I always feel like I will never feel normal again. This last one was a doozy. It lasted over 8 days and I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest and land on my feet. It is always worse when I lay down and try to sleep. Lots of late nights on this computer. Of course, I do feel normal again. . . but waiting for the next one is a drag. I LOVE the holidays, and am just hoping that this won't come at the wrong time. Sometimes I can function better when I am working because sitting and feeling sorry for myself just doesn't cut it. I finally broke down and tried the Zoloft, but it didn't make things better, so off it goes. I am now currently trying some dietary supplements and vitamins (which I never take) and am trying not to think about it. Hope everyone has a great and HAPPY holiday season. Remember, a nice warm shower or bath, soothing music and a good hot cup of green tea helps. Sheryl
|
Melissa
Guest
11/26/2003
05:14:51
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello! I am just sooo excited to finally find people with symptons/problems just like mine! Iam 28 years old and have 4 children. I started feeling like I was going "crazy" soon after my last child was born. I had my tubes tied 8 weeks after and had terrible complications, It took me 6 hours to wake up from the anitisa(?)Very shortly after this I started having severe panic attacks, to the point I called 911 more than once and the emergency room knew me by name. Although none of this had no "skipping" effects on my heart, just the feeling it was going to go too fast and quit. I was perscribed buspar to began with but it had opposite effects on me and I was almost admitted into a psyco ward (until they found out how many kids I have) I was then perscribed zoloft and xanax. It took a while for the zoloft to help, but it's alittle better now. Although the xanax seemed to be a life saver. But, in the past month I started noticing my heart skipping beats, just every now and then and usually when I was relaxed. And of course this just lead to complete panic for me. Now it happens daily, and I so hate it! Sometimes it even feels like it skips more than one beat at a time. I was begining to really get worried, even though my doctor has assured me this is perfectly normal. I am so glad I found this site I feel so much better! Does anyone know if it is okay to take magnisium(?) while taking zoloft?
Thank You so much, God Bless, Melissa
|
mindy
Guest
11/26/2003
05:29:07
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
melissa--it sounds like your experience with the surgery caused you to start having anxiety/panic attacks, and now you are more aware of your heart beating, so you notice the skipped beats. Everyone has them, but most don't ever notice them. Anxiety/panic disorder is very related to palps--as you can see by this board, most of us have anxiety problems and some are taking some form of anti-depressants. In my case, though, I don't think my palps are directly related to stress for the most part.
I take zoloft and also magnesium/calcium supplements. I haven't noticed a huge change yet, but i'm in my PMS cycle and the palps are usually worse then. Hopefully I will see a difference after I've been taking them awhile.
|
Melissa
Guest
11/26/2003
14:25:55
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Mindy--Thanks for yur reply! I am going to try taking the magnesium and see if it helps. My cycle has such an impact on my anxiety and panic also. Which really is bad because I am so irregular, I tried birthcontrol to try to regulate me but they give me severe migrains. Anyway thanx so much for the support, I have saved this site to my favorites. Now when it happens instead of searching for reassurance I know where it is! God Bless, Melissa
|
Christina
Guest
11/27/2003
05:57:09
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Roseann, my Dr. treated the H. Pylori with massisve doses of antibiotics. I had 3 different meds taken concurrently over 8 weeks and it fixed my ulcer. Of course I had yeast infections and my intestines were in an uproar for a while, but it worked.
Tennille, my heart goes out to you. I admire your strength and determination.
I asked everyone about history of anxiety and panic and it seems my observation is dead on. I too have had issues with anxiety since I was about 17. Those were the years (late 70's) when you were told it's all in your head, here's some valium and see a shrink. I passed on that. I've had it under control for the most part (no major panic attacks) until last year when the PAC's started up. Melissa, I too felt panic and fear when the skipping first started. If you haven't been properly checked out, do so. It will set your mind at ease. We've all been through the dozens of tests and the doubt about the results. Speaking for myself, it's been almost 2 years and I'm still here despite my worries.
I've started seeing a hypnotherapist (also a psychologist - he works with my psychiatrist) who is helping me with relaxation techniques. Someone mentioned hemisync. My acupuncturist also recommends that. Do those of you who use it find the cd or tape easier to use at night?
I've started progesterone cream today. I've heard a lot of good things about so I figure it's worth a try. I'll let you know if it helps.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you,
Christina
|
Tennille Kalitta
Guest
11/27/2003
06:17:26
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
"I WAS SO SCARED THAT I QUITE SMOKING,STOPPED DRINKING CAFFEINE AND EATING A LIL BETTER!"
Karen, great work! Keep it up! There are a lot more reasons besides palps to do that. Congrats!
"Tennille, my heart goes out to you. I admire your strength and determination."
Christina,
Thanks so much! I wonder myself how I can be so strong through this all, but I am glad I am.
Happy Thanksgiving to everybody!!
Tennille :)
|
kristina
Guest
11/27/2003
19:06:00
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
christina,
The Henisync is pretty amazing. I use it daily or nightly but it does take discipline and time to get it into your head to where you can effectively utilize it. I have never experienced anything quite like it and I have tried many things for relaxation. My cardiologist recommended it to me for that reason and had said he too had found no help until he discovered this. It is so worth a try but as it warns do not use it while driving;') It is almost like hypnosis but you will better understand once you experience it. Good luck and I will interested in hearing about your thoughts on it. Take care, Kristina
|
Cindy
Guest
11/28/2003
15:45:02
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Kristina,
I use the 10 steps to relaxation. It does help. There are a few more I want to order. Sometimes when my palpattions are really bad I have a hard time with that CD. But I keep trying. I also have a tropical relaxation cd that my husband and I both listen to. I feel that sometimes the more I concentrate on my breathing the more I am in tune with the palpations and it drives me crazy.
Cindy
|
Cindy
Guest
11/28/2003
15:59:18
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Melissa,
Sometimes anesthesia can set off anxiety and panic. It is not always stress that does this. If you already have a panic disorder it is very possible the medication will make it worse. My cousin has a terrible time with anesthesia. She always has problems afterwards. My last surgery was terrible. I ended up back in the hospital a week later with a severe panic attack. They thought at first I had a blood clot because of the way my heart was beating. My cardiologist came in the next morning and let me go home and sent me for an echo. My tests were normal.
Cindy
|
Kristina
Guest
11/28/2003
18:57:05
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Cindy,
Hi, yes when I try and concentrate on my breathing it tends to make the palps happen at times. What seems to cause your palps to happen the most? Is there any one particular thing or things that trigger them? The relaxation Hemisync CD is great for reducing anxiety or just simply zoning out and giving your mind a break. I want to try some others as well because I am truly fascinated by this process. I know I have mentioned the practice of Rolfing on here before. If you d not know what it is it is worth looking up on the web or a health book. I talked to a Rolfer again the other day, at the suggestion of my cardio, and the way he described to me how the Vegas Nerve plays a part in palps made more sense to me and why mine happened the way they do then any doc has so far. It has to do with the position of your neck, back, jaw etc. and it just finally all made sense. That is why I asked you if there were any particular things you do that seem to cause your palps, or anyone for that matter. Breathing has a lot to do with how he explained things since the diaphragm runs against the Vegas Nerve and the heart.
Anyway, maybe this could be worth researching for those of you who may fit this description. Take care, Kristina
|
Sheryl
Guest
11/28/2003
20:01:39
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
This message is for Jean. You were eagerly awaiting a visit to the endocrinologist. I remembered that it was to be the first week in November. Did that ever happen and if so, how was your outcome. I assume that if you are still reading this site that they gave you the same info that our docs give us. I guess it is just hard for me to believe that this is all triggered by my mind. I know that I get tense, and I usually try some type of relaxation. Even though all of the heart docs say that I am fine, why do I feel like they are missing somehting? Maybe my mind IS in charge???? Let me know, okay? Sheryl
|
Cindy
Guest
11/29/2003
15:25:58
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Kristina,
I think alot of things make them come on. My daughter is 15 going on 25 (she thinks). So there have been problems there. She has a boyfriend of 2 years. Her father is not much of a father. He tries to act like a friend and be cool. He has never been any help raising my children only messing up their heads. We have had alot of problems since we divorced. Mainly because he is a very angry, ignorant person. He tried very hard to turn my kids against me. It has been a battle for years. Now he has a girlfriend so he pretends he is a good father so he has a place to live. There are also finacial issues going on now. I am 6 months pregnant and out on medical leave because of these palpatations. I have had some really bad days. When they get bad I can't concentrate on anything. I'm glad I'm not working but I miss the money. My husband is working 2 jobs but it still is not enough. And the stress of christmas is awful. It is so much. I try not to let things get to me but it is really hard. I feel like I should be doing more but physically I now I can't do it now. My mind is very hard to control. Even listening to the tapes I really have to force myself to stop thinking. It is a constant battle.
I will look up Rolfing on the internet. Maybe that will help.
Thanks
Hope to talk to you soon.
Cindy
|
Melissa
Guest
11/29/2003
18:04:34
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Cindy...I remember having a select few panic attacks before my surgery, but I didn't know that's what they were until they were severe enough to send me to the emergency room. After my surgery they kept me in I.C.U. over night and monitered my heart, they only out come that come from that was that I had a very slow heart rate. But when I went to see my doctor for my follow up, it was normal. I don't have insurance right now, so the only doctors I can afford to see are income based and I have yet been able to get any futher with them, because they say my heart sounds perfectly normal while I am there. I have explained this to my psycologist too, and he tells me it's normal. The only thing that really worries me is that with my panic attacks before I knew the signs, even though they scared me to death, I knew what it was, but now, instead of panicing I get skipping beats. I've been taking zoloft for about 5 months now and I wonder if that has anything to with it. Are you on any type of medications? If so do they have any effects. God Bless, Melissa
|
Cindy
Guest
11/29/2003
19:25:48
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Melissa,
I have a skipped heart beat also. I was told that most people do they just don't notice it. Its almost like having a floater in your eye. Sometimes you notice it sometimes you don't. My cardiologist told me he could put me on heart meds but the side effects would be worse than the problem. I also was on paxil for a while. That helped but then I went off because I left a very stressful job and I didn't think I needed the meds anymore. Being pregnant brings out the palpatations much more now. I have them everyday. I try to forget about them. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. You should try some relaxation tapes. They do help. And we all need to stop worrying about them because that does make them worse or you just notice them more. We can never get rid of our skipped heart beat, unfortunately. It's just the way our body is but it is not life threatening. Have you had a 24 hr holter monitor done and an echo cardiogram done. If you can get those done it will help to put your mind at ease. I figure after all these years I have had this problem something terrible would have happened by now. I have been in the hospital a few times with a severe anxiety attack. But it is always stress and anxiety. They always tell you to relax which is not easy. Sometimes I feel like the doctors think I am crazy. The doctors I am seeing now that I am pregnant are wonderful and very understanding and helpful. This is the first time I feel like anyone is really helping me. I don't like meds and feel that is masking the problem. I will only take them again if I absolutely need them. I hope this helps you. Let me know if you want some info on relaxation tapes. Maybe even a yoga book or mediatation book.
Talk to you soon.
Cindy
|
Melissa
Guest
11/30/2003
14:37:22
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Good Morning! I had the scariest thing happen to me last night. I had palps so bad thay woke me up. I then, of course, went into extreme panic. Has anyone else ever had them wake you? Is this normal? I almost went to the hospitial, but I took a xanax and finally passed out. I've been okay so far this morning, just have the fear of it happening again. I've had alittle "discomfort" in my chest lately and I wonder if this is normal also. I guess I really need to go to the doctor to make sure ,or to atleast ease my mind, but I am hesitant in doing this too, in the case that something bad may really be wrong with me. The only type of medical treatment I'll be able to "afford" is going to the emergency room and I honestly don't believe they'll be thorough with me, with me not having any insurance. Anyway, I really needed to pass this along. I feel alittle better already. God Bless, Melissa
|
Christina
Guest
11/30/2003
18:32:34
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Melissa,
Just a quick note to let you know someone else gets woken up with skips. That's how mine began almost 2 years ago. A few nudges from my heart around 2am then I'd wake up and wonder what happened.
It doesn't happen very often now but occasionally it will. My mother would get woken from a dead sleep with panic attacks. One would think you would need to be awake to trigger it but I suppose not.
Adrenaline (sp?) will cause my heart to skip and run wild. I sometimes have nightmares or very active dreams and wake up feeling like I was startled with my heart skipping away.
Got to run, the family wants to go out to lunch. Hope I could help.
Christina
|
Cindy
Guest
12/01/2003
18:05:05
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Melissa,
Hi, I have had my worst panic attacks in the middle of the night. My first worse one woke me up at 6:00 when my daughter was a baby. I had to call 911 because I didn't know what was going on with me. Sometimes dreams wake me up and then I go into panic attacks. I don't take my xanax now I just do my breathing and my husband helps me. I also find that petting my dog or cat is very relaxing. If you don't have an animal and you can afford it you might want to think of getting one. My cat always climbs on me when I wake up and she purrs. Animals are such wonderful therapy.
Cindy
|
Kristina
Guest
12/01/2003
18:34:08
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Cindy,
Sounds like you have had your share of stress huh! My mind is always running away with itself too and I have found thought that those Hemisync CDs help control that. Hard to unwind your mind sometimes though
Melissa,
My palps wake me up too sometimes. Not fun and I usually just go back to sleep. when I have had bad dreams or just really active vivid dreams and i think my adrenaline is up it certainly happens then.
As far as adrenaline (sp)..........my vardio suggests beta blockers which stop adrenaline surges so you won't panic, get shaky, heart race, or have your heart pump so hard. Again, has anyone had this suggested this to them by their docs?
Kristina
|
JD
Guest
12/01/2003
21:30:43
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
A little over a month ago, I was just having "episodes" where my heart would start racing, then a few seconds later I'd be fine. Now, my heart's skipping everyday and it's really bugging me. I went into the ER late October and they put me on Toporol 25 mg. It seems that a week or two after that is when the skipping started. I had to go into the ER again last week because it got so bad. The past few days I've been having not a pain, but more of a discomfort in my chest. I'm wondering if this is heartburn? I'm so anxious about all this, I've had to get on Paxil. No changes yet. Could beta-blockers made palps worse? I'm waiting for my echo results and having a holter monitor on tomorrow. From what I've read, anyone who's had a monitor on has found nothing wrong. So there's a good chance mine will come out the same. It's frustrating because the palps take my breath away everytime and it's very tiring. It's like I'm not in the mood to do anything anymore. Lately they've been coming every other heartbeat, and that really scares me. I'm sorry, but that can't be good. Okay, if anyone could let me know about the beta-blockers, if they've gotten worse being on them, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
|
JD
Guest
12/01/2003
21:59:48
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
JD,
I have been on topral xl 25 for about a year and a half. They have helped me with pals tremendously. Though I still have bouts of them from time to time. A also take a small dose of ativan. That helps when I am feeling anxious. keep me posted on your tests. Good luck
Jean
|
Kristina
Guest
12/01/2003
23:00:43
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have read that occasionally beta blockers can bring forth more trouble but you are taking a low dose. What did your doc say about the possibility? It is very tiring and thought consuming when you get the palps that take your breath away. it is most scary too. I wrote in here a few messages back why you get that feeling as explained by my cardio. Still doesn't feel normal though huh! Do yours happen out of the blue or are you noticing they can happen when you do a particular thing? Take care, Kristina
|
Christina
Guest
12/02/2003
01:15:48
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have had many theories as to what causes my PAC's. It's actually become a running joke in our house. After announcing around 50+ theories, I've come to the conclusion it's a combo of stress/anxiety, hormones and mineral imbalances. I think fighting infections and fatigue fit into that equation too.
What I'm curious about is sometimes when I eat (not over eat, I'm careful not to do that because that can bring it on) I get PAC's. Friday I had white pizza with spinach and artichoke hearts. I got skips within ten minutes that lasted hours.
Today I ate the leftover slice and boom, they came back after a two day absence. Coincidence? I don't know.
Has anyone else had this happen? A food causing a reaction like that? I've heard food allergies can be a culprit but I haven't talked to anyone who actually had a food allergy cause palps.
Oh, regarding Toprol, I am slowly weaning myself off of it. I was up to 200mg of Toprol XL a day. I still had skips and it caused afternoon fatigue for me (not good when you have a 4yr old running around). After my pregnancy loss in Aug (I was 6mos along) I decided, along with my Dr.'s, to get off it before getting pregnant again. (FYI: none of the 7 seven Dr's involved think it had anything to do with the loss but just to be safe I'm stopping it.) I'm down to 100mg and will be going down to 50mg in the next couple of days. To be honest, I haven't noticed much change in the severity or frequency of my PAC's. It is supposed to help with anxiety. So is Corgard. It is good for anxiety but I didn't get relief for PAC's.
I too get the constant, every beat, takes your breath skips. What a pain they are. Sometimes they are harder/stronger than others. Not sure why. I think it's mineral depletion or something I ate/drank. Sorry I can't be more help.
Thanks,
Christina
|
mindy
Guest
12/02/2003
01:35:50
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I too notice that sometimes I get palps after eating. One time last year I had a particularly long episode (lasted about 10-15 minutes) after having a slice of pizza. I know that GERD has been linked to palps, so perhaps the acid reflux causes the heart to misbehave, so to speak?
I also notice that sometimes my heart will beat very hard after eating.
|
Cindy
Guest
12/03/2003
02:02:59
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
JD,
I have noticed that after eating chinese food I would get terrible Palps. And also a headache. I don't eat it anymore. It scares me too much. A doctor I used to work with told me salt can add to the palpatations. I have also gotten them from eating a blooming onion at chillis. Of course, all the things I love I can't eat. Caffeine is bad also and I love chocolate. I figure, if dessert is not chocolate why bother.
When I started getting my skipping it used to take my breath away too. It was very scary. I think the not knowing what is going on makes it worse. Once you get all your tests back see if the doctor can recommend a therapist to help you with relaxation techniques. I think once you know all your tests are normal that will be a big relief. One of the times I had a holter monitor on I had a severe panic attack. It was good because it showed me nothing bad was going on. Good luck with everything! I hope everything is good.
Cindy
|
Jean
Guest
12/03/2003
15:43:33
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, Be careful eating foods that stress your already stressed body.If your getting palps after eating listen to your body. Pizza is very fatty and high in carbs. I don't think that it's a true allergy but a sensitivity. Try to find what your trigger foods are. Let's face it some of the stuff we ate as kids we can't tolerate anymore,as we get older foods that never bothered us before can be hard to digest, just because something (like food additives) are eatible dosen't mean that we can tolerate them. Digestion is a complicated process. I sometimes would get palps after eating. Thats how my Dr. came up with Donnatal. It's for your stomach. It is given mostly for the cramps that come with a stomach virus. When the palps first started(about 10 years ago)a 1/2 a donnatal would get rid of them. I have tried just about every pill that has been mentioned on this posting and donnatal is the only one that will either get rid of them or slow them down.
If you do ask your Dr. for a prescription for Donnatal, he will look at you like your crazy (but I think were all used to that by now).Just make sure you tell him you getting palps after eating. I gave donnatal to my kids when they had stomach virus's, so it's seems to be safe enough.I've never had a problem. If anyone tries it please let me know cause I would like to know if it's just me that it works on.
I still believe that palps are not just related to one thing. It's our own combination of stressful things that we need to identify.
Hi Sheryl-I'am going to the endocrinologist in a week. I'am positive that part of my problem is hormonal. I'll let you know what he says.
|
JD
Guest
12/03/2003
17:23:07
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello, I got my echo back and all is normal. Today I've got my holter monitor on, what a bother. I'm having to be careful so I don't accidently pull the wires out. If this comes out normal too, should I ask my doctor to be taken off the beta blocker? I haven't noticed a difference with it, and I have a fast heartbeat anyways. I started on 25 mg., but after my ER visit they got me on 50 mg. I've noticed sometimes I do get the skipping after eating, and sometimes not, so I'm starting to pay attention to what I'm reacting to when I eat. What a pain. It's like I almost wanted them to find something on the echo so I can find what's wrong and fix it. It's frustrating when you have all this tests (not to mention paying for them self pay) and they don't find anything wrong. They need to get one of those gadgets from Star Trek where they just tell you what's wrong with you. How much easier would things be with that??? Okay, thanks everyone for listening to me vent.
|
Ron
Guest
12/03/2003
21:17:38
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have had these pvs on and off for 16 years but in the last 3 months I have had them alot! My doc put me on a beata blocker 75mg per day they seem to help..I do think it has something to do with food allergies or bad digestion?And thinking about the heart beating and how its beating can make them worse alos,visious cirle!
|
Christina
Guest
12/04/2003
00:00:15
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Cindy,
With Chinese Food MSG could be the culprit. It can set off migraines for me and rapid heart beats. My Grandmother would get asthma flare ups from it.
I also want to emphasize what you said about relaxation, it's a huge help.
Got to go, my dog is whining at the door, loudly.
|
Melissa
Guest
12/04/2003
04:06:08
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello. I am still having the palps and severe anxiety daily. This has been going on for about a week and a half. I've had them occasionally before, but never daily. They've gotten alittle better, yesterday and today. But now I am getting chest and arm pains. I am not sure if I am bringing this on myself, with how I am so tuned in to every beat my heart makes, so anything strange or different freaks me out. I am hoping this is just hormonal. It began like a week before my cycle, and now I am almost through. I've always had bad reactions to P.M.S., panic attacks most of all.I am still taking my zoloft, but I am trying to ween myself off of it. I know now with the palps, It is definetly not helping with the anxiety and panic. When I ask the doctor about the palps he says they are normal. I guess I probably need to see a "real" doctor, but I can't really afford it now. When I go to the E.R. they send me home saying I am fine, just have bad anxiety. I am so confused, sometimes I can talk myself into believeing I am fine, but others I am scared to death. Anyway, I was having a pretty rough time and needed to vent, I feel alittle better now. I am positive,the one thing I need to do is see a doctor, I won't be able to relax until I know for sure nothings wrong.
|
jamie
Guest
12/04/2003
04:45:58
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
i was just reading over most of all the messages posted on this site. i too have a problem with what is palpatations except I what I experence isn't a sudden burst of speed, my experence whit palpatations is more of a skip in the normal rythem of beats. At times they are so severe that they occure every other heart beat, at times. I have taken mag w/ a good 2 a day vitiam and it has seemed to work for me in the past as long as I dont run out of them, cause when I do I uasually dont re-stock and it allways seems to come back. I dont claim to know it all but just thought I would offer some of my thoughts because I too have been threw 6 years of the doctors finding nothing or have little to really tell me after seeing my hulter monitor, ekg, and stress test. I just thought I would mention a few things and if anything works I would like to hear how it went. I was just wandering if anybody out there has taken a trip to the chyropractor. I know you can pinch nerves in the back, and it can make funny thing happen in the body that can't be explained. the other thing is water. dehydration can also make the heart do things. even in a slight case of it. and also caffene, nicotine, and alcohol can to along with your diet. and the last thing taking good suplement vitiams ant geritol or on a day plus iron. that stuff doesent get digested. and some exercize. let me know your thoughts. thanks
|
Cindy
Guest
12/04/2003
16:36:17
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jamie,
Isn't it funny how so many things bring on palps.
It is so sickening. It is enough to make you crazy.
Melissa, Are the pains in your arm and chest constant and did you have them at your last visit to the doctor? What else are you doing in your life, ex: work, fun, kids. You need things to do to take you mind off of your heart. What about walking every day?
Cindy
|
Kristina
Guest
12/04/2003
17:14:46
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jamie,
It is so interesting that you mention the Chiropractor. I just talked to one two days ago and we talked about the fact that you get pinched nerves or over stimulated Vegas Nerve that can be the culprit of these palps. What led me to the Chiropractor was looking into Rolfing first which is a practice similar to Chiropratic. My cardiologist led me in that direction. The Chiro had the most wisdom so far than any doc I have spoken with and for once it loks promising for recovery. I have known all along that my palps seem to be triggered by certain movements or when my tummy is tight or upset etc. When we talked he explained why and it just made all the sense in the world. I have an appt. coming up and am looking forward to it too. One thing to consider is most of us with this problem also seem to suffer with anxiety, depression and or panic attacks. there is a thing called "neurasthemia" or in more modern terms "dysautonomia". It is hard to explain in this e-m but worth looking up. I bet many of you will fall neatly into this description as i did. A friend of mine sent it to me and I cried all the way through the description of this disorder. Doctors now know more about it and it is a broad range of stuff but it can narrow the margin on a lot of why we get some of these things such as palps, panic attacks, irritable bowel, anxiety and the list goes on. technically it has to do with the autonomic nervous system which is the part of the nervous system that controls the "unconscious" bodily functions.......such as heart rate, digestion and breathing patterns. When your nervous system is out of wack it triggers all these things and sometimes we can get an over stimulated Vegas Nerve too. That nerve has to do with your heart, diaphragm etc. Worth looking into and I sure hope it helps some of you. If my trip to the Chiro works out I will most certainly let you guys know. Keeping my fingers crossed. Take care, Kristina
|
Kristina
Guest
12/04/2003
17:22:17
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
EVERYONE,
Here is the definition of what I just briefly spoke about in my above response....
Dysautonomia
The autonomic nervous system is the "automatic" or "unconscious" nervous system. It controls and regulates virtually all of our body functions and systems, such as blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, breathing, sweating, bowel function and sleep patterns. The autonomic nervous system is made up of two parts: the sympathetic nervous system tends to increase and accelerate or speed up body functions, the parasympathetic nervous system tends to slow down, relax, and put the breaks on body functions. In a normal situation, the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system work together to control these functions in a continuous manner reacting normally to stimulus.
When the autonomic nervous system becomes "out of balance," it is similar to a car that needs a tune-up. When this occurs, these body functions may either speed up or slow down at inappropriate times with a very noticeable effect on the person. This may occur for no apparent reason. You may be sitting quietly at home reading or watching television, driving down the highway or shopping for groceries in a store. The autonomic nervous system suddenly decides to send out a burst of signals to speed up all body processes. When this occurs the symptoms may be extremely severe and frightening. This faulty regulation of the autonomic system is referred to as "dysautonomia." It may also occur as a response to stress whether it be emotional or physical. Such things as a severe illness, job stress, family problems, buying or building a house, a move cross country, going off to college, having a child and similar type occurrences in our life may trigger the autonomic system to react inappropriately. While these symptoms are extremely frightening, frustrating and uncomfortable, it is not life threatening. However, if left untreated, it may become lifestyle threatening.
Most patients who suffer from mitral valve prolapse syndrome will have dysautonomia as the cause of their symptoms. It is likely that mitral valve prolapse is not the cause of what is going on but the autonomic imbalance or dysautonomia is the actual cause. Why these two things occur together is not entirely clear. IN some cases it is also related to faulty regulation of the body's fluid balance. In other words, patients with this condition generally have a lower than normal blood volume or amount of fluid that circulates through the arteries and veins of the body. This may result in symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness and low blood pressure. Many times the blood pressure will drop upon standing or arising suddenly from a seated position.
In order to treat the symptoms of this condition it is necessary to understand the autonomic nervous system and why it is working improperly and take appropriate steps to correct these abnormalities.
Things that tend to aggravate dysautonomia include: medications such as over the counter sinus and cold medications, caffeine (whether it be coffee, tea, chocolate, etc.), anything that drops blood volume (such as becoming anemic or sudden blood loss, and other stresses such as illnesses. We also know that at times becoming deconditioned can lead to dysautonomia. Prolonged bed rest following surgery, breaking a leg or something similar can cause dysautonomia. The astronauts who participate in prolonged space shuttle missions tend to exhibit symptoms and physical findings of dysautonomia. Some of the findings and treatment for this condition have been the result of recent research done in connection with the space program.
In summary, mitral valve prolapse may occur alone with no symptoms whatsoever in many patients. Some patients may exhibit only cardiac symptoms, such as an irregular or racing heart beat. Most patients who do not exhibit symptoms of mitral valve prolapse syndrome actually are experiencing dysautonomia. Understanding dysautonomia and its effect on the body and the appropriate ways to treat it will lead to proper methods of clearing up this condition.
|
Kim
Guest
12/04/2003
18:35:17
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi again... I had asked if anyone else had gone to a chiropractor because of nerves going to the heart! I think we are on to something here!!!! I have gotten palps really bad for many years now and when they act up i go to my chiropractor and POOF they go away! He said when you have a pinched nerve in your middle or upper back it triggers them!!I always know when Im about to get them because my back (shoulder blade) and near my neck hurts..sometimes even in my arm. Im telling you I truly think this has ALOT to do with our palps!!!!!
|
jamie
Guest
12/04/2003
23:10:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
jamie again. I am very happy that things seem to be working out hopefully. when I wrote my first message I didn't want to come off like I was a chiropractor pushing the pratice. Im just a union sheet metal worker. my job sometimes puts stress on the back so I too had taken a trip to the chiro. about 5 or 6 years ago somewhere around the time the palp started I think. anyway I learned that when you pinch nerves in the back you can have many unexplained trauma in the body. Oh, but don't ask your doctor about chiropractors they don't believe in there type of therpy. besides, they would rather pound your insurance company and string you along for many visits while we are scared out of our minds wondering whats going on. anyway before I go. I dont believe that the chiropractor is the answer for everyone but it has worked for me in the past and could posible work for many out there. let me know if my message is of any help, so I know that maybe I didn't waist my time writing this but actually could help someone with the same problems I have been going threw.
|
Christine
Guest
12/05/2003
03:45:38
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Is there anyone out there who had or has increased heart palpitations during pregnancy? I am in my 8th month of pregnancy and lately my pacs/pvcs/skipped beats (whatever you want to call them) have worsened. My heartburn/reflux has also worsened. It's like the 2 go hand in hand. Prior to my pregnancy, I had an echo, ekg, holter monitor and the diagnosis was pacs/pvcs. The cardiologist told me they were benign and not to worry. I did all these tests prior to getting pregnant b/c I wanted to be sure. But, now I am getting concerned. Will I get through the labor okay? I'm just so worried even though I was told to ignore them. It's hard to ignore that heart-in-your-throat-feeling when it happens. I'm wondering if I should ask for more tests. But, everything I had done was so recent. Could something have changed? It's so hard to know what to do.
|
mindy
Guest
12/05/2003
15:44:45
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Christine, I have not been pregnant (although I hope to be in the next few years!) but I know that pregnancy puts a greater strain on your heart. So it's probably very normal that your palps are worse now, especially in the later stages of your pregnancy. If you've had all of those tests, I'm sure you are fine. But maybe you could talk with your dr. or cardiologist about your fears of labor. And it must be easy for these drs. to say "ignore them". They obviously have never experienced them to the degree that we do.
I know in advance I will have to have a c-section so thankfully I don't have to worry about the strains of labor but yes, it would be a concern of mine. I have to have gallbladder surgery soon and I'm scared of being under anesthesia with these palps.
|
Tennille
Guest
12/06/2003
10:25:34
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Christine,
I, too, am 8 months pregnant and the palps started really bad as soon as I got pregnant. I have had them since I was a teenager, but I would only get them once or twice a year, one palp, so I didn't worry about it. But now it's just nuts! All the time! I have gone through all the tests recently and the dr. says everything is fine. From what I understand it's the hormones from being pregnant making them worse and I hope after I have the baby they stop. I just live with them now, everyday, all day, all night. Yuck. You should be able to make it through labor okay. I am having a schedualed C-section, same as I did when I had twins in 97 (weird thing is, I DIDN'T have palps when I pregnant with my twins). Talk to your OBGYN about your palps and your fears of having trouble with the labor. She/he can give you the best advice, I'm sure. Good luck.
|
Laura
Guest
12/06/2003
16:11:44
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm glad I found this board! Since the birth of my now 2 1/2-year old daughter via C-section, my periods have been irregular and I've been getting anxious and have palpataions around my period. I also had my tubes tied which I have since found out can effect hormones. It drives me nuts when I get these palapations - I'm having them now! I stay up all night because I'm afraid I'll die and of course that makes it worse. I've had EKGs and they are normal, so is my thryroid and glucose. I'm afraid the doctors don't take me seriously and I'm trying to find one who understands what's going on and can offer support. The palps usually stop a couple of days or so after my peroid ends. They don't happen every month since I don't have a period every month any more. Has anyone heard of a connection with tubal ligation and these symptoms?
Thank you!
|
Christina
Guest
12/06/2003
16:55:26
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Christine,
I want to reassure you, and other pregnant women, that you should be fine.
Like Tennille, I didn't have a problem with my first pregnancy. It was textbook and no PAC's.
My PAC's started in Jan 2002 and still are an issue. I got pregnant again in Feb 2003 and my PAC's went crazy. Hormones, increased blood volume and nerves were the culprits. As you get bigger, your heart also changes position and gets a bit larger. This can also contribute to problems.
Unfortunately, I lost my baby at 6mos on 8/3. Be assured, it had nothing to do with my PAC's. It was an issue with the placenta that caused severe growth restriction.
I had to go through delivery. 3 days of epidural, cytotec and pitocin. Believe it or not, no PAC's. Not even a skip or a racing heart. I was so nervous about it. It was bad enough I lost my child but I was scared something would happen to me and I wouldn't be able to take care of my son. My husband was a little concerned too, but we both knew I had outstanding Dr.'s who knew all of my issues.
I have to say, I hesitated to tell you about this and thought about it for a day or two. I didn't want you to worry about your baby. Some women are very superstitious about their pregnancies and don't want to know about babies who didn't make it.
I decided to tell you anyway because I remember how much power emotions and fear can have over you. I want you to enjoy your delivery and cherish the memories of meeting your baby for the first time without anxiety and fear clouding it. I love looking back at the birth of my son (now 4) and remembering how exciting it was.
Tennille, I also wish this for you. You have already been through so much.
If you want to talk about it at length, please let me know. I am comfortable talking about it.
Good luck to everyone,
Christina
|
Theresa
Guest
12/06/2003
18:33:29
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi again to all of you. I am now in my 37th week of my sixth and final pregnancy. My PVC's have actually slowed down a bit (or I am just so focused on the baby I don't notice them as much). My issue now is at my last prenantal appt. they said my blood pressure was a little high. They told me it was 140/92. I have taken it on several occasions at different stores and the highest I've seen is 135/80. My husband thinks the nurse was in a hurry and she also took it over my shirt sleve. I'm sure everyones labors will go smootly. I am at this point wondering if it could have something to do with the sex of the baby? I had no problems (that I remember) with my other pregnancies. My last was a girl two years ago. My son that I had before her was 11 years ago (I had high blood pressure with him the last month of pregnancy also). My others were just to long ago to remember except my 19 year old. With him I had severe eclampsia. This one is also a boy so, it really makes me wonder if some of this is due to the male hormones? Do you ladies know what you are having? I am so glad there is so much support for everyone through this board. I also post on another web site and at least once a week there is a pregnant woman scared because she has started having palps. Well, I have to go for now thanks to all of you for your continued support.
Theresa
|
Christine
Guest
12/06/2003
19:50:38
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Wow,
I am so relieved after hearing from so many people. Thank you for taking the time to respond. It's funny b/c since I posted, I haven't had as many pacs. Maybe they'll start to slow down a bit as they did with Theresa.
Christina, thank you for sharing your birth story. I'm sorry you lost your child. Hopefully, you'll be able to have another one soon. You did give me some re-assurance about labor. I went through labor once before without any palps but I never really used to have them back then anyway. So, who knows?
Theresa, in response to your question, I know that we're having a boy. My blood pressure has been good. But, with my first I did end up with pre-eclampsia and she was a girl. So, I don't think sex has much to do with it.
I do think that stress has a ton to do with high blood pressure. So, try to take it easy. I'm sure it's easier said then done with 5 kids. But, they told me laying on my left side in a dark room was good to bring it down. It sounds like since you had pre-eclampsia before, you might have it again. Maybe they can induce you a little early to ward off the severity of it? You're already far enough along. I hate how they make you wait so long when there's potential for a problem.
Good luck to everyone and thank you for your responses. I will be consulting with my OB next week. I've already spoken to my cardiologist and he told me that I am Low risk and I shouldn't have any trouble with labor. But, when you have one of those episodes, it's hard to believe what anyone says.
Take care!
Christine
|
Theresa
Guest
12/06/2003
21:05:35
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Christine,
I don't really think I'm getting Pre-eclampsia again. I only had it with my first and I was sixteen then. I have only gained five pounds and have no swelling or protien in my urine. It was the same with my last son 12 years ago just the elevated blood pressure at the end. I think my blood pressure problem this time is more due to not getting enough rest. Thanksgiving week I had 20 people for dinner, worked two 12 hours days and did most of my Christmas shopping. Also with having a two year old there is never enough rest. I was just wondering what roll boys play in our hormones due to the fact that some symptoms I only have when pregnant with boys. On the upside I always had severe headaches with my girls but, not my boys.
Theresa
|
Melissa
Guest
12/07/2003
22:13:49
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Laura..Hello! I just read your posting and it blew my mind! You and I have so much in common. I too had a c-section, 15 months ago, I also had my tubes tied. I've been struggling with anxiety and panic ever since. It took me alittle while, but I finally linked the severe panic with my periods, which are very irregular. Just recently I started getting the palps. They came on strong last week and now they are slacking off, just so happens they began right before I "started" and now I am finished. So, I most definitly think they are in some way related to hormones, which in turn must really get mixed up when having your tubes tied. I too have had some test done and they were all fine, when I tell the doctor I see for my anxiety about them he just says they are normal. Which never helps any, nothing does really. I was taking xanax which heped at first, but having them all day for so many days straight the xanax was point less. Anyway, I am glad you posted on this bored, I'd love to hear more from you. God Bless! Melissa
|
Laura
Guest
12/08/2003
01:26:54
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Melissa
I've taken xanax before, too and it made me feel really weird. I stared taking valerian root (an herb) and it worked well without side effects. I've read lots about the connection between tubal ligation and hormone problems, but very few doctor admit it. Of course they poo poo it to hysteria, stress of motherhood, etc., but I know my body and I know when it started and what happens. I've been having this last round for about 5 days and it's annoying. I can't but focus on it and then, of course, it gets worse! My heart stops or misses a beat or beats too early or whatever and it's scary. But time and time again, nothing is wrong. I feel stupid going to the doctor over and over again, but i am going to make an appointment this week to see if i can get hormone testing. Let me know how it's going for you!
Laura
|
Melissa
Guest
12/08/2003
02:40:28
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Laura
Can you take valerian root while taking zoloft? I am trying to ween myself off of the zoloft, it doesn't help in anything, except to make me completely numb and emotion-less. Let me know if anything comes about with the hormone testing, that may be the route I need to go. Good Luck, God Bless!
Melissa
|
Laura
Guest
12/08/2003
02:46:25
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
From what I understand, Valerian root is very safe and has no side effects. You can look up info on the web and find out if you can take it with prescrption drugs.
If I find out anything, I'll post it here.
Good luck!
Laura
|
Su
Guest
12/08/2003
15:17:22
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
How can I remove myself from this listserve.....this is my work e-mail and can no longer accept replies?
|
Jean
Guest
12/08/2003
16:45:04
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Su I don't known if it will work but-at the bottom of the posting page it says "back to Resonance site" click on that and there is a customer service address. It's worth a try. good luck.
|
Christina
Guest
12/09/2003
05:41:58
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
First, I just want to announce that I am down to 50mg a day of Toprol XL from 200mg. I really haven't noticed much difference. I guess it was a waste of time and money. Oh well, live and learn.
Second, I have yet another theory (for myself) on part of the cause of my PAC's. When I don't exercise I seem to get a build up of adrenalin and anxiety. I didn't get to the gym Fri, Sat or Sun and was antsy and my PAC's acted up Sat and Sun. I exercised today and feel much calmer. Coincidence? I don't know. Just another of my hundreds of theories/observations.
Third, Christine I am glad my story could help you. I am trying to turn my loss into something positive and help others. If sharing my experiences can help, I am more than glad to do so. Let me know if you want to talk.
Hope everyone had a good weekend.
|
Micki
Guest
12/10/2003
13:28:50
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I haven't posted here in over a month, but I check in every couple of days or so, just to see how everyone's doing. I had a "first" at 5:30 a.m. this morning...I was awakened by palpatations so severe, I couldn't catch my breath! I sat straight up in bed, hand at my throat, thinking "Oh, no. This is it!" Thankfully, my husband was awakened by my movement and helped me get through the panic.
I am so glad I found this site (actually my husband found it for me!) It helps so much to read about others going through similar situations. Since my last posting, I've been to a cardiologist and am scheduled for a stress test and echo this Friday (12/12). Here's my question...what are these tests like? Should I take someone along to drive me home? I didn't get a whole lot of info from the secretary making my appointment.
Thank you!
|
Christina
Guest
12/10/2003
20:47:41
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Micki,
Isn't panic a wonderful thing? LOL I can identify with that feeling. Spring 2002 my Dr. gave me Zoloft. Not only did it make me so tired I couldn't function but I woke up at 4am in a blind panic and couldn't raise my arms, at all. I knew it was just a panic attack but my heart was going nuts.
I called the Dr. because I wasn't sure if I was under reacting (who wants to be the dummy who DIDN'T go the hospital when they should have). She thought it might just be panic but wanted me to go to the ER just in case it was a reaction to the meds. I was fine. But it was unnerving.
As far as the tests, you shouldn't need anyone to drive you. The stress test is a monitoring test - to see how your heart works under stress (exercise etc...). The echo is sort of like an ultra sound for your heart (for lack of a better why to put it - someone else could probably describe it better). Unless they do something invasive, there's no need to worry about gettinga driver.
Have you done the holter monitor or an event recorder yet? If not, you may get one Fri. They are no big deal and actually a comfort to me. You send recordings of "episodes" to a monitoring company and if anything looks bad they notify your Dr. who will call you ASAP. It's nice to know someone is there to check you out, so to speak.
Good luck Friday and let us know how it goes.
|
Micki
Guest
12/11/2003
13:30:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Christina: Thanks for the info and feedback. Yes, I'm scheduled to get a monitor after the tests are completed. It's a four-day monitor, so hopefully it will be on long enough to "catch" something!
|
Sheryl
Guest
12/11/2003
22:39:44
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I keep reading this site every three to four days and isn't it funny how when you do have to go to the ER, when you arrive, the BP is up, raspy breath, etc. Then by the time the ER doctor sees you, everything is normal. That's how it always seems to be with me. I lay there, my BP comes down, my palps slow considerably, and then I think, "Oh great. Here comes another doctor telling me I'm stressed." What is confusing is, if it is stress, why would it wake us up from a sound sleep. You aren't stressed while sleeping. I have been monitoring my episodes and so far, they all are falling at monthly intervals. I am on the depo shot for birth control (actually it was to try and settle these hormones) so I don't really know when my cycle is. But once a month I get the palps, or rapid racing heart, with panic. By the sound of things on this site, one of us should open practice. It would be much more help than I have gotten so far. Thanx Sheryl
|
Christina
Guest
12/12/2003
01:24:55
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Micki, glad I could help and good luck tomorrow. Keep us posted.
Sheryl, lol, you are so right. It's like when you take your car to the shop. It knows men are around so of course it won't make that noise. Now you are the lady who doesn't have a clue as far as the mechanic is concerned.
One cardio I saw suggested that my heart has just become "twitchy" and sensitive and when I am frightened, startled, anxious, excited I have a new response - PAC's. I too get them in the middle of the night. My theory on that is I must have dreamt something that triggered the response. I have had a couple of dreams recently that were very vivid and active and woke up breathing hard and skipping away. Then it settles down and I go back to sleep.
I've been seeing a psych who specializes in relaxation techniques, mainly hypnosis. He has had a panic attack or two before and can relate to that feeling of doom. He recommended a book by Ried Wilson (his spelling of Ried) called, "Don't Panic". He knows this man and says he is very interesting. This book isn't strictly a what it feels like and what causes it book. It's a how to manage it book too. I recommend it since we all seem to suffer from some form of anxiety/panic attack. Part of his coping mechanisms is detachment and flowing with the symptoms. This works for the panic that comes with the palps, PVC's or PAC's. It's kind of like being a scientist observing what's happening to you and making notes and seeing what's the same and what's different. Telling yourself, it's no big deal, I've been here before and it will pass. This might not work for everyone but I am a control person and I find it works for me. It is the closest I can get to controlling an out of control situation. I find I am much more in control of my anxiety over my PAC's and in turn, in control of my sleep again.
It's just one of many techniques Wilson has. I haven't read the whole book but I am intrigued.
Hope everyone is well and let's keep working towards an answer!
|
Melissa
Guest
12/14/2003
03:06:56
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello, Hope everyone is well. I am still okay with the palps here lately, considering I am not very "hormonal" right now. Although I have noticed lately that when I get anxious or stressed I have the palps. Maybe this is just a new way for me to experience panic. I've only had one panic attack since the palps started and it included these awful palps. I had finally gotten used to the panic and knew exactly what it was and could get through it. But I am having a really hard time with the palps. Anyway I just needed to talk, had a pretty rough day day, thanx! God Bless all!
|
Fritzie
Guest
12/19/2003
19:58:51
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I want to thank all of you for this helpful site. I am 49 y/o and started getting heart palps about 2 years ago about the same time that my periods were getting more irregular. Sometimes it's just one missed beat other times its a number of them. It can go on for hours (and I feel exhausted after this type) or sporadically but a number of times a day. It can go away for months and then bam they're back.
I have noticed that while I've been on the Atkins diet (very, low carbs, low sugar) these palps were almost non-exsistent. But over the Thanksgiving holiday and most recently when I've been baking Christmas cookies and eating christmas cookies they have returned with a vengence. I also have noticed that they come more after eating in general, after drinking soda/coffee.
I'm going to cut back on the caffiene and stop eating the sugar and carbs and see if this will help.
I've noticed some of you talk of hearing the heart beat I don't really do that but I feel it more pronounced in my throat area. Does anyone know what I mean? I also have noticed that if I excercise or get physically active during them I am less aware of them. I don't know if they've stopped but I certainly do not feel them.
Has anyone had the experience of them lessening if they take an anti-anxiety med? My seem to.
I sometimes notice that I don't seem to have them until I think about them and then they seem to come back. I know they increase tremendously when I am anxious or worried about something. I'm waiting for this batch of nasty ones to settle back down again.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Bless you
|
Kristina
Guest
12/19/2003
20:44:27
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi everyone!
It is quite disruptive to be awakened by palps in the middle of the night. Mine usually happen if I am too hot or having anintense or vivid dream. No fun!
I too have noticed most of us deal with anxiety/panic and I finally, and i mean FINALLY, found a program that actually is helping to reverse all of that. I had seen the info commercial for years on the TV but never really followed through on finding out more. Maybe some of you have seen it too when awakened from your sleep! It is from the Midwest Center and it is called Attacking Anxiety and Deprerssion. It is about a 4 month process. I ordered it and began the work and really can't believe how much it is helping. I have been for help to treat this numerous times and through different resources but to no avail. What is different about this program is hearing the others talk about the same experiences, like here, and then being given TOOLS to work yourself through an anxious time or a panic attack. I am pretty amazed and finally feel hopeful concerning that area of my life.
I believe the anxiety ties into the palps but it is like which came first.....palps? Anxiety? Or maybe more like a viscious cycle one instigating the other. I figure if I can get a grip on the anxiety maybe I can better deal with the palps. If any of you need more info on how to contact this place for more info feel free to ask me.
I sure hope all you have a wonderful holiday season and hope the new year will bring us all PEACE!
take care, Kristina
|
Melissa
Guest
12/20/2003
03:56:07
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, Everyone! I haven't written because things have been really good the last week and a half. But, all of a sudden today I've been dealing with awful bouts of palps. I tried going Christmas shopping, (very stressful for me) and began having awful palps, to the point I was getting dizzy. So, I am home now and of-course this was the first place I went. I feel alot better now, I decided to scroll back through to see when the first time I began writing was, and this is so right on time with my cycle. It begans like a week before I start, gradually gets worse, then I'll start They will slack off, and then a couple days after I am finished I'll be okay, well atleast for a week and a half until the next cycle comes. I don't know if anyone else has these same types of occurances, if so, please let me know if you've found any- way or anything to help during this time. Th[anx so much and God Bless! Merry Christmas! Melissa
|
Chris Lewis
Guest
12/20/2003
04:23:24
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have been so depressed because I thought I
was in the early stages of heart disease.
However, after reading all of the post, I am
beginning to feel a little relieved, and also
understanding my problem a little better. I am
48 years old and have been experiencing
heart palpitations for the last 2 years.
Sometimes when I walk too fast, my
palpitations start up, and sometimes I get light
headed. Some days I don't have them, and
some days I do. Mostly during PMS. My
immune system also seems to be slowing
down, and I get sick often. I have had enough
and will be telling my doctor about my problem
at my next visit. Getting a good night rest
seems to help, but I have a very busy and
stressful life, and often I don't get the rest I
need. I even though I had angina. Anyway,
everyone have a nice holiday, and I hope we
get to the bottom of this.
|
Carla
Guest
12/24/2003
22:30:28
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm 40, and started having palps about 2 months ago. I also thought I was dying. My cardiologist increased my Toprol to 50mgs and it seemed to help but now they're getting bad again. I was taking Toprol for hypertension. I've had all the test and they were normal. I wore a holter monitor and I know I had palps during the 24 hrs but the doctor said it was normal. He did though hear my heart skipping beats with his stethoscope when I was in his office, so I know he knows I'm not crazy. I'm trying to ignore my heart, but now I can't sleep on either side and I am a big side sleeper. My heart feels like it is going to beat out of my chest when I'm on my side. I am also fairly big busted, maybe my breasts are causing the problem. Does anyone have any suggestions.
Sleepless in Texas
|
Cindy
Guest
12/24/2003
22:57:27
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Carla,
No, I don't think it is your breasts. I think you should look into some relaxation techniques. More people have a skipped heart beat than they know. Not everyone feels it and of course when you start getting worried it may be something serious it gets worse. Our minds have alot to do with how our bodies feel.
I always feel my skip when I am relaxing. If I keep busy I don't feel it as much. Right now I am 27 weeks pregnant and my palps have been much worse with the pregnancy. Relaxation helps alot. My dog has also helped me out of some major panic attacks. My heart rate goes down immediately as soon as I start petting her. There are so many different things you can try. You should talk to your doctor about biofeedback. See if he/she has any suggestions.
Good Luck!
|
Kathy
Guest
12/26/2003
08:30:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi All,
Palpatations at 1:30 Christmas night-Oh well, it does pass and Yes, I also contribute it to premenopause and before irregular periods. I am 52 and have been on natural hrt for almost a year. However, I wanted to wean off even though it's compounded from natural vs. synthetic and look I'm up. I usually get the beating heart once every 3-4 months and, it is tolerable. Before hrt I was experiencing palpatations quite frequently, and thougtht I was going to die--with chills, sweaty palms, light headiness, and all. I am still getting my period. I have increased my vitamins and also take primrose oil 1000mg--I started drinking soy and some soy products. My Dr. said this won't last forever and right now my palpations have subsided. Hang in there! Happy Holidays to All.
Thank you, Kathy
|
Kristina
Guest
12/26/2003
16:03:09
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Kathy,
Hi, just a quick question. What is Primrose Oil used for generally? I have hear others talk about it as well. Thanks and take care, Kristina
|
Sheryl
Guest
12/30/2003
22:56:29
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I was just wondering if the worst part of all of this is not having an outcome. I would just love the doctors to say, "Oh yes, I know exactly what it is you have." Even if there was no cure, at least there would be comfort in knowing. How many of you, even though the specialists say that there is nothing wrong with our hearts, still feel uncomfortable and have that sinking feeling when an episode occurs? I have been told by three different people that my heart looks fine, however maybe it will take four or five. The holidays went by fine, but I had that thought in the back of my mind wondering if I was going to make it through December without feeling sick. I am now taking a new calcium supplement and it also contains magnesium (along with several vitamins we all need). My December episode (and I do get these monthly) was just a couple days of anger about everything and some head and neck pain. No palps or rapid beat. Maybe the calcium is working or maybe someone was watching over me. Hope all are well, enjoy the New Year. Sheryl
|
michelle
Guest
12/31/2003
04:37:59
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am 23 years old and was diagnosed with arithmia when I was 8, but I never felt any discomfort or pain in my chest, nore did I ever feel the irregular heart beat. The last year I have felt heart palpatations very often and I also feel sharp pains in my chest, sometimes pressure, but not at the same time as the palpatations, I was wondering if anyone had the same kinds of symptoms as me. I am really scared that there is something really bad wrong with me, I also worry about having children is it safe, is it possible. I notice I most often have heart palpatations after meals and when just cleaning around the house. Just needed to talk about it, its really been stressing me out.
michelle
|
michelle
Guest
12/31/2003
04:38:38
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I am 23 years old and was diagnosed with arithmia when I was 8, but I never felt any discomfort or pain in my chest, nore did I ever feel the irregular heart beat. The last year I have felt heart palpatations very often and I also feel sharp pains in my chest, sometimes pressure, but not at the same time as the palpatations, I was wondering if anyone had the same kinds of symptoms as me. I am really scared that there is something really bad wrong with me, I also worry about having children is it safe, is it possible. I notice I most often have heart palpatations after meals and when just cleaning around the house. Just needed to talk about it, its really been stressing me out.
michelle
|
Giovanna
Guest
1/02/2004
05:18:15
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Fell upon this site recently and am relieved that so many others have been dealing with rapid heart beat, palpitations, etc. Thought it was unique to me, but am glad it isn't. In 2001, I had rapid heart beat and it wound up being Subacute Thyroiditis. Went through that for around 6 months, Thyroid levels normalized with the exception of my TSH level, which never returned to normal. However, I wasn't experiencing any symptoms (rapid heart beat, etc.) so didn't pay much attention to it until 2002, when all of the symptoms of a Thyroid problem returned again. Wound up being diagnosed with Subclinical Hyperthyroidism and placed on Tapazol. Within 6 months, my TSH returned to normal and no more symptoms. YES. Feeling good again. Then, one month ago, the rapid heart beat started again during the night hours, when I was trying my best to sleep. Figured it was my Thyroid agin, but it wasn't. So now here I am like the rest of you trying to figure it out. Will go through heart tests soon, since I do have Mitral Valve Prolapse and want to make certain there's no worsening of it. From what I've read, Mitral Valve very often gives people problems like fluttering, palpitations, etc. Just had blood drawn too in order to look for possible systemic problems that could be causing it. Good possibility that it's hormonal since I'm at an age where it could happen. Also having doctor check magnesium levels since low magnesium can trigger rapid heart beat, palpitations, etc. I'm certain stress doesn't help, but believe there's a lot more to it than that. Too easy for women to blame anxiety when I truly believe there's a hormonal connection to the problems we have with our hearts. That's the one common thread running through almost all of the posts I read on this site. We need to give ourselves more credit than to automatically jump to the conclusion that we're all anxiety ridden, panic prone psych cases. Like some of you, have also found that foods and adverse reactions to them will trigger "events" lately. Once again, at least in my case, I was able to eat a lot of junk when I was younger and now seem to have a bad reaction to some of the same foods (sugar, coffee, carbs, etc.) My body just doesn't process them as easily as before. That still doesn't make me an anxiety ridden, panic prone crazy female. It simply makes me sensitive to certain foods that I really should stay away from because my body does not react well to them, especially if I'm run down, not sleeping and overall not eating as well as I should be. That happens to all of us at times. Am taking low dose beta blocker until we know what's going on and feeling much better on it. Pulse, blood pressure are more stable. Thought I'd share my experiences and hope they help someone out. So many of the previous posts have similarly helped me out these past few weeks. Thanks. And Happy New Year to all of you.
Giovanna
|
Anni
Guest
1/02/2004
16:50:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
The first time that i had a palpatation was after my first baby when i was 26 years of age..... lifting her high chair a little too soon before I had recovered triggered off a mini-wave OR an episode of palpatations that instinctively had me laying myself on the floor due to the fact that my heart was POUNDING hard out of my chest, causing my chest to rock me forward and back due to its ferrocity... (scared the hell out of me). I had tests done and all I received from the GP was.... "oh miss, you have the heart of an 18 year old"... I'm thinking horses here? lol
Years passed... then another episode due to stress, leading me to lay myself down on my bathroom floor....laying there wathcing my chest rise and fall periodically and wondering WHY this was happening to "ME".... healthy me, the fit one who never ate cholesterol and exercised every single day??? 2 years later after becoming pregnant and having a baby at 37, 5 weeks after my gorgeous son's birth..another attack, this one so bad and so scary, that I called an ambulance. I began getting the palpatations, but confidently thought that I could lay down as in the past and within 30 seconds (as before) the palpatations would regulate and my heart would settle to normal.... not this day! My heart was racing...bounding SO HARD, so strong, it didnt let up, after 2 mins i began to worry, thinking to myself that this was different to the others..... my newborn was laying on my bed, then i began to panic and worry that my heart would NOT regulate and he would be left alone without help! I crawled along the floor to the front door, dragged myself to my feet, started to feel faint and could feel myself losing consciousness.... picked up the phone and rand the perimedics.... gave my adress etc and while speaking to the lady on the phone, my heart FINALLY began beating normally (wow i was relieved)!!! I stayed on the floor until the ambulance arrived wher they gave me an ECG and stated thst i'd just had a V.T. (ventricular tachycardia).... I'm set to wear a halter monitor next week. I had another episode last week, but THIS TIME i talked myself out of it from getting to "bounding palpitation stage"..... (smiles) yes I calmed myself and breathed as in labour, and managed to avoid the dreaded SLIP into the palpitation stage. Im a med student, Ive since learned that these episodes can be avoided with a calming attitude and correct breathing techniques to see you through what seems to be the most frightening ride of your life. Easy on the caffeine as caffeine is a stimulant to the heart and also knowledge that if you are vomitting, then you are going to lose potassium, which is necessary for the regularity of the heartbeat.... explaining why people who vomit frequently experience heart palpitations :) The problem with palpitations IS.... that when a patient has one, he or she panics OR experiences an anxiety attack due to the fear of the attack, causing adrenalin to be released from the kidneys adrenal glands which in turn make the palpitations worse and stronger! Upon an attack..... breathe calmly and deeply, relax and talk to yourself if alone, its very reassuring and in my experience...IT WORKS!!! :)
|
Christina K.
Guest
1/06/2004
22:18:33
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
First, I am added K. to my name because I noticed another Christina posting at Resonance.
Second, I thought of all of you when I had my quarterly cardio check up today. I was having a spell of PAC's when my Dr. saw me. He said let's do a quick ekg since it's decided to perform for us today.
Don't you know that as soon as I laid down and the machine started up, it quit. Then it started up again when I sat up. Typical. I guess my heart has stage fright. Even the Dr. was frustrated. I told him that if any cardio. where to discover what causes these problems and more importantly, cures it, that Dr. will have a solid gold throne made just for them and we will find a way to have that Dr. knighted. I told him he should think about that and work toward that throne.
He laughed and said he'd love to be able to come up with a solution since he has other patients that are having the same problem.
Oh, well. I am doing fine otherwise. By the way, this time, Mylanta stopped my skips. It's so bizarre what can stop it. Sometimes milk, sometimes OJ, a banana, mylanta, magnesium, yogurt, oddly sometimes Advil (when I also have a headache). One would think not since it has caffiene in it but I don't question what works.
Hope everyone is doing well and that the new year has been happy so far.
|
Melissa
Guest
1/07/2004
04:20:45
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Well, here I am again, freaking out with terrible palps. I don't understand, I had pretty much put all the blame on my cycle and hormones, and of-course the occasional stress. But, all of a sudden tonight-while sitting around watching t.v.- They started just a few like usual, but they kept getting worse until I finally had to get up, it felt like every beat was wrong. I am just shy of a week after the finish of my period, which is the time I am usually "at my best". You know, since logging on I already feel alot better. The only thing I can figure is it's stress, although I am not completely stressed at this very moment. But, I have 3 children going back to school in the morning after an entirely too long break. My youngest is going to daycare for the first time and I am starting a new job, after a really really long break. That's the only thing I can figure unless there is something REALLY wrong with my heart, but I am trying real hard not to think like that. Well, I am praying if I end this I'll continue to be alright. Happy New Year everyone, Prayers for all, God Bless, Melissa
|
Karen
Guest
1/08/2004
00:18:53
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, I have just read most of your postings as I have had heart flutters, palpations for the past 10years. My heart seems to do a different kind of flutter everytime,little flutters, big flutters, hard n fast flutters etc. I often have missed beats for days on end or weeks or months, again,learn to live with it is the doc's advice. However, when I have had enough of them, a doc told me to try popping my ears, hold your nose and blow (most of you know how to pop your ears anyways) but this does seem to work when I am just having the normal missed beat (heart stop, then the thump of it starting up again). I have tried some medications but they didn't seem to help so I stopped them. I often avoid many situations that will cause a lot of anxiety, although I am a teacher and this can be difficult with a classroom full of teenagers on hormonal rollercoasters themselves. Anyways, it is comforting to know that one is not alone as you so often feel. When I walking around a shopping mall I convince myself I am the only one out of thousands in the mall who is having palpations...crazy huh! But that is the sort of life I am reduced too..my whole life focuses on my heart beat, will I hang the washing out? What if I keel over who will find me? Things like that go through my head every day and that is what will ultimately drive me Crazy!
Anyways, Cheers to you all from Australia.
|
Sheryl
Guest
1/08/2004
00:44:05
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I know that this is easier said than done, but almost all of us have been to the emergency room while having an episode and have been given a pat on the fannie and sent home. We have had heart monitors and sonograms and were told we are fine. I have been having these episodes for 15 months and every month they are different. Some bad, some not so bad, some I feel like I have the flu along with. I feel so bad for all of you that are so scared because I remember what it was like. I finally found someone in my area who has experienced what I have and she says that she gets up and does something to get her mind off of it. Usually it has to be exercise related. She has also lost over 50 pounds and says that helps a lot too. I don't know about everyone else, but I could lose 40-50 pounds myself. Maybe our bodies just can't handle what we could before 40. I don't understand how you young-ones get this, but I hate being scared, and hope that some of this will help you. Sheryl
|
Natalie A. Meyer
Guest
1/08/2004
00:52:34
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, I have been looking on the web for some answeres about heart palptations, and I don't think i am looking in the right spots. I am 25 yrs old. I am 30 lbs over weight, I gained it all in the last year and a 1/2. The last five during the holidays. I know I need to loose weight, I am trying. I just started to get the palps four DAYS ago and they are about 2 an hour when I notcie them. Does this meen that I ned to loose weight, work out, do I have a thyroid problem, am I hypoglycemic? I do have severe acid reflux syndrome as well. All of this by the time I'm 25 whats next?
|
Melissa
Guest
1/08/2004
03:32:41
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Greetings!
Hope all are well. I was just reading through and thought I'd take a moment to write. I am 28 years old, 5'3" and 125lbs, I have 4 children. I was reading about the weight issue and I wonder if this has anything to do with me. I have always been little, 110 was considered big for me. I wonder if my age, my lack of exercise, and my anxiety/panic, could be doing something to slow down my metabolism which in turn has something to with the palps. I don't know, I am just fishing. I know it is most definitly related to stress and hormones, but that is all I can surely link to it. Anyway, I am going to bed while I feel alright! Goodnight, God Bless.
|
Linda
Guest
1/08/2004
19:34:56
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello. Just found this site and am glad to find out I'm not alone in the heart fluttering business. I started at age 35 with a huge hot flash, the only one I've had until now at age 51. After the huge hot flash, I started with heart flutters occassionally. By 41 I had them so much I ended up in atrial fibrillation. I've had atrial fibrillation happen only 3 times in 10-12 years, but the flutters have been keeping on. I've had every test too and heart specialists tell me AT happens to 1% of people and they don't know why. Well, I think it's hormones with me because I get the flutters during, half way between (when fertile) and right before my periods. So because med docs don't know why I get the flutters and if it's hormone related, I'm on a mission myself to try natural hormones - black cohosh (for the first two weeks after my periods) and progesterone cream (for the two weeks before my period). So far it's working, I have no more flutters. I'll see if it keeps up. My thyroid is perfect, heart is fine and health is excellent. Any input from any of you? Thank you.
|
Linda
Guest
1/08/2004
20:28:10
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi again. I just sent the above email about the heart flutters and thought to ad some other things that I have discovered over time. I've had them for about 16 years now and know that besides hormones causing it for me that also there is a certain way that I bend forward and a little to the left that I can actually get the palps started almost every time. Also after I eat a lot, I cannot sit in a slouching couch or chair, especially a recliner because I tend to feel pressured under the rib area and palps seem to start up then. Also, if I lay on my left side in bed or lay down too fast, sometimes that can bring them on. So for me, I think it's related to menopause mostly, as you see in my above email (I'm 51 now), and maybe also to that large nerve that runs on the left side of our bodies that goes from the stomach to the heart and up to the throat. I was told by one heart specialist that in some people when that nerve is pressured, it can send a signal to the heart to mis-fire. Also, I find if after I drink water or eat, if I don't 'burp' when necessary, that seems to make like a pressure feeling in the heart area and a feeling like a palp might start. I most always find relief after I burp. Don't know if this sounds silly or if it helps anyone out there.
|
Jean
Guest
1/09/2004
15:35:43
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I've been part of this posting from almost the begining.There are definately common threads that run thru our postings. Off the top of my head I remember some of them.
1. A high stress level ,or as one person put it "I have four kids".
2. "I might be overweight"
3. "I get them after eating"
4. "It's hormonal"
5. Our hearts check out just fine.
6. Most medications don't help.
7. Relaxation methods can help.
8. More palps during pregnancy.
9. More palps during perimenopause
I'am sure there are more. It seems there are ways to somewhat control them. I think we need to find out how to control the palps. I mean find out what works best for yourself. Most importantly don't give up because the doctor says they are normal or you just have to deal with it. I think that there is a cause and effect. There is something that will set them off for you. Try to identify the cause and find ways that work for you to control them. But you are going to have to make the change. So far the doctors haven't come up with the pill that will cure us. I think any suggestions that might help someone are great.
|
Giovanna
Guest
1/09/2004
17:59:59
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Everyone:
Has anyone been to a Cardiac Electrophysiologist about their rapid heart rate, palpitations, etc.? They are a new specialty in Cardiac care and specialize in Arrythmias, which rapid heart rate is. I went to one yesterday and he's suggesting several studies to try to isolate the problem for me. I have to go off my beta blocker to do them so I've not made the commitment yet. Really cannot function without the beta blocker. The rapid heart rate, palpitations, etc. are too bad. Seeing an endocrinologist Monday for her opionion. Let me know if anyone else has tried this new specialist within the field of cardiology. They seem to have a very different approach to identifying causes for the problem so many of us seem to be plagued with. Thanks.
Giovanna
|
christel
Guest
1/10/2004
18:13:45
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Just found this site and am thinking it might reassure me as well. I'm 39 and just started having palpitations recently. I had one episode about 4 months ago which only last a couple nights, but now I've been having them nightly for a week straight. It always happens when I'm at rest in bed - sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and sometimes I just can't get to sleep because I can feel my heart beating so loud and fast. I've monitored myself to be about 78-84 beats per minute which is high for resting. I went to the Dr. once and had EKG - which was fine. Thyroid also tested ok. I'm thinking it's stress and I'm a very high strung person, but it's weird and scary to have these episodes. I also feel like maybe there's something really wrong, but my husband thinks I'm paranoid as I often overreact about medicine things. Don't know what anyone can really suggest, but it helps to just vent about it. Thanks.
|
Sheryl
Guest
1/10/2004
18:56:05
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
christel-ya know my doctor told me that we only feel the palps when we lay down 'cuz we are relaxing and are not busy with our daily lives. I was in kaiser for 30 minutes a few months ago and I could watch the monitor from the ekg showing the palps. The doctor said that was perfectly normal for someone under stress. I have had stress for many years. Either my age (43) is not taking it well now, or it's that darned hormonal thing. Try laying down and relaxing during the day and see if you are having them then. What I was told to do is to read a book or get on the computer to get my mind off of them. Hard to do when all you want to do is sleep, right? Good Luck, Sheryl
|
CANDICE
Guest
1/10/2004
21:46:25
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I AM 25 YEARS OLD AND JUST RECENTLY GOT HEART PALPS...I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN AUGUST. THESE THINGS ARE REALLY SCARY. SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE MY TONGUE IS NUMB AND MY THROAT IS SWELLING SHUT. I ALSO GET REALLY DIZZY AND SHORT OF BREATH. DOES ANYONE ELSE FEEL LIKE THIS? I HAVEN'T HAD ANY TESTS DONE BUT AN EKG IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM.
|
Melissa
Guest
1/11/2004
16:53:08
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hello! I am having a really wierd morning. I woke up feeling great, but bleeding for the second time since Christmas (which is odd). I started to go about my morning, shower, laundry, etc... I was folding laundry and all of a sudden felt this wave of fear flow through me, mind you, I am known to have high anxiety and panic attacks, which I've learned to cope with. But this was differrent, I don't have a very rapid heart beat and no palps, just extreme fear- shakes, sweaty palms, dizziness, and that aweful feeling in the pit of my stomache. I was thinking of going to the emergency room, but I thought of how this site usually helps to calm my palps, so here Iam. I do feel alittle better, I also took a xanax, maybe that's helping too. I hate it when something new and different happens. That's what happened when my palps started, I was used to having panic with rapid heartbeats, but now they've changed to the skipped beats. Which lead me to this site. It may have something to do with my having 2 periods within 2 weeks. I am usually irregular, but not this irregular. Maybe the stress of just starting my new job triggered the period. I don't know, well I am feeling alittle better, so I am going to try getting back to everything that needs to be done here, thanx! God Bless!
|
CANDICE
Guest
1/11/2004
23:18:17
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION. IT HELPS ME TO COME TO THIS SITE ALSO. I HAVE HAD A PERIOD FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS NOW. ITS NOT HEAVY JUST SPOTTING HERE AND THERE. MY HEART PALPS ONLY HAPPEN WHEN I AM LAYING OR STANDING TO LONG. I GO TO THE DOCTOR TOMORROW TO SEE WHAT HE CAN DO FOR ME. BUT FOR ANYONE THAT WANTS TO TRY THIS NEW THING I GOT PLEASE EMAIL ME. IT IS A SET OF TAPES TO HELP PEOPLE WITH ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION. NOW IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN INCOME ALL YOU PAY IS THE SHIPPING FOR THE TAPES WHICH IS $13.90. I GOT ONE TAPE TO START OUT AND I AM SENDING IN MY CHECK FOR THE REST. IF ANYONE IS INTRESTED FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE NUMBER TO CALL TO GET THE FIRST TAPE AND INFO PACKAGE. IT'S BETTER THAN BEING ON MEDICINE AND FEELING LIKE A ZOMBIE ALL YOUR LIFE. THANKS CANDICE
|
ann
Guest
1/14/2004
05:18:02
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
hi i'm new to this site....i'm 33 years old with three kids....i have been having heart palpatation off and on since i was in my twenties but the last few years they seem to be getting worse....i've also seen a cardiologist and wore a holter and had a stress test...i was on a beta blocker for awhile but stopped it when they started getting better but now are getting worse again....i get scared it hurts in my chest and goes through to my back sometimes...mainly it happen to me when i lay down at night to sleep...the other night it was continuous for about two in a half hours....i have a dr. appointment tommorow i think i am going to see if my doctor will check my estrogen level....i'm glad i found this site, now i don't feel alone...
|
Jess
Guest
1/16/2004
17:45:49
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Ive been having palps since i was 12 (skipped beats) I am now 21 with two kids and I have been experiencing them lot. I also get them when i bend over or get up. The one thing that really bothers me is that I get a rush from my head to my chest which causes a feeling of pressure and my heart then skips. Its an awful feeling. Does anyone else feel this? Another strange feeling is during the day i get these weird shock feelings like my heart is going to skip but doesnt. If someone feels any of these things please let me know cause Im really worried...especially the rush feeling. Thank you
PS ive been to the cardiologist but they dont ever worry cause im so young...they blame it all on anxiety
|
Jess
Guest
1/16/2004
17:47:19
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Ive been having palps since i was 12 (skipped beats) I am now 21 with two kids and I have been experiencing them lot. I also get them when i bend over or get up. The one thing that really bothers me is that I get a rush from my head to my chest which causes a feeling of pressure and my heart then skips. Its an awful feeling. Does anyone else feel this? Another strange feeling is during the day i get these weird shock feelings like my heart is going to skip but doesnt. If someone feels any of these things please let me know cause Im really worried...especially the rush feeling. Thank you
PS ive been to the cardiologist but they dont ever worry cause im so young...they blame it all on anxiety
|
Jess
Guest
1/16/2004
17:48:20
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Ive been having palps since i was 12 (skipped beats) I am now 21 with two kids and I have been experiencing them lot. I also get them when i bend over or get up. The one thing that really bothers me is that I get a rush from my head to my chest which causes a feeling of pressure and my heart then skips. Its an awful feeling. Does anyone else feel this? Another strange feeling is during the day i get these weird shock feelings like my heart is going to skip but doesnt. If someone feels any of these things please let me know cause Im really worried...especially the rush feeling. Thank you
PS ive been to the cardiologist but they dont ever worry cause im so young...they blame it all on anxiety
|
Linda
Guest
1/16/2004
21:17:42
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Jess. I'm Linda, I wrote the 8th and 9th email above. I'm much older than you, but you wondered if anyone else is experiencing the palps when they bend over. As you can see in my email above, if I bend forward and to the left a certain way I can bring them on almost every time. There is a Vega nerve on the left side of our bodies that runs from the stomach to the heart and to the throat. One specialist told me on some people, when that nerve gets pressured it can send a signal to the heart to misfire. That would explain why we feel that when we bend over or even eat too much. And I do also, like you, feel a mild "feeling", don't know what else to call it, during the day like a palp wants to come on. In my case however, mine has gone into atrial fibrillation, which simply means the heart kicks into an irregular beat and won't come out of it on it's own without medical intervention. It's happened to me so infrequently - three times in 10-12 years - so it's not something I need medication for. For myself I am suspecting it's related to hormones also because I get the palps during PMS and, so I've decided to try the natural estrogen for the first two weeks after my period and then the progesterone cream the second two weeks. So far it is working, I don't have them any more. I don't know if hormones can be a factor in someone as young as you - I'm 51. As you may have read in the all the emails above, most doctors want to put people on anti-depressants, or something similar. I really can't understand that one because if these palps are stress or anxiety related, why do we get them moreso when we are relaxed and resting? Blaming it on anxiety or stress is probably just a convenient answer, and obviously from the emails in this website, those medications make the problem worse. My heart specialist told me mine is NOT from stress, he said it happens to 1% of people and they don't know why. I know he is right because I've been under tremendous stress both physically and emotionally and they don't happen then. Being that doctors don't seem to know why, maybe that's why we go out on our own and find an answer for ourselves in our particular situations. Another thing that I am doing is taking magnesium - that seems to be helping too. Hope this helps.
|
Annie Mia
Guest
1/16/2004
21:25:57
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
i'm 17 and i was diagnosted with PVC's palpataions and arrhythmia. sometimes it feels like my heart is beating so fast and hard that i'm gong to die. i'm on a beta blocker and it's making me really cold. my heart doctor keeps having me do the heart moniter like she's looking for somthing else wrong. she won't tell me what she else she is looking for. what else can be wrong with my heart? thanks for listening.
|
kristina
Guest
1/16/2004
22:13:11
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi Jess and Linda! I noticed your two e-ms and have written much earlier on in this chain about having the problem too when I bend over sideways or other it can bring about a palp. Also, when I lay on my back sometimes, lift something thr wrong way, cough, talk or even try to draw air up through my nose when it is stopped up. I was told as well that the Vegas Nerve probably has some play in this and it is honestly the only thing that makes sense when it comes to mine. My cardio recommended seeing a Chiropractor or a Rolfer who can help realign or adjust the Vegas Nerve. Also, if your stomach muscles are tight a lot it can cause a palp due to the tightening around the Vegas. I get the feeling as well like one is going to happen but then does not. When mine happen, depending on how hard my heart is beating, it knocks my breath away and gives me a rush feeling. If I am talking it cuts my voice off and I have to catch my breath. I explained earlier on as well that this is due to the extra make-up beat hitting the diaphragm. IT JUST STINKS and i wish they would go away. I don't know about anyone else but it impairs my ability to want t go far for fear of it happening. Thanks, Kristina
|
Mindy
Guest
1/16/2004
22:19:29
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I also get the palps if I stand up too suddenly or bend over, like if I'm scrubbing the bathtub or something liket hat. I get them as well sometimes from taking a deep breath or sniff too hard.
I have been taking magnesium and find that it has helped somewhat. I haven't had many palps lately, just a couple of tiny ones.
|
Kristina
Guest
1/16/2004
23:03:40
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Mindy,
Has your doc or anyone else on here who has them as we have described it had their doc explain why or whether there is something we can do? Was magnessium suggested by your doc for the palps? Thanks, Kristina
|
GWEN
Guest
1/16/2004
23:05:04
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PALPITATIONS FOR A FEW YEARS. EACH TIME I MENTIONED IT TO A DOCTOR THEY DOWN PLAYED IT. SOME SAIS OH EVERYONE GETS THEM EVERY NOW AND AGAIN. SO I IGNORED THEM. I WAS HAVING CHEST PAINS A YEAR AGO AND WAS ADMITTED FOR HAVING LOW HEMATACRIT AND HEMAGLOBIN. HAD A BLOOD TRANSFUSION. WHILE IN THE HOSP. I HAD ECHOCARDIOGRAM AND THE TECHNITIAN NOTICED I HAD PVC THAT I FELT AS A PALPITATION. HE FELT IT WAS SIGNIFICANT. WHEN THE DOCTORS READ THE REPORT THAY DOWN PLAYED IT AND SAID IT WASN'T OFTEN ENOUGH TO BE CONSIDERED SIGNIFICANT. 1 YEAR LATER,NOW I CAME DOWN WITH A BAD COLD. WAS EXAMINED, HAD A CHEST XRAY AND I VIEWED THE XRAY WITH THE DOCTOR. I BROUGHT TO HIS ATTENTION THAT MY HEART LOOKED ABNORMAL AND LARGE. HE SAID NO AND DIAGNOSED ME WITH BRONCHITIS. THE NEXT DAY I WAS CALLED IN AND TOLD I HAVE AN ENLARGED HEART!!!! NOW I'M UNDERGOING TESTING. AND I STILL HAVE PALPITATIONS. SHOULD IT BE TAKEN SERIOUS YET? :) :) :(
|
GWEN
Guest
1/16/2004
23:36:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
PLEASE RESPOND TO MY PREVIOUS E-MAIL AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK. I FEEL SOME PEOPLE ARE VERY IN TUNED WITH THERE BODIES AND CAN DETECT THE SIMPLEST CHANGES AND SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUS. IF THERE ARE EARLY DETECTORS OF SICKNESS AND DISEASE WHY ARE THE DOCTORS SO LAYED BACK.
|
jess
Guest
1/17/2004
03:19:54
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey gwen i wouldnt be to concerned if the doc didnt seem to be but I would get a sec opinion. are you overweight at all? you should see someone i did read about something similar ( icant rem the name of it but it had to do with a enlared heart) Im sure youll be fine.
kristina and linda do you guys or anyone get theserushfeeling in there heads to there chests causing skipping. im really scared because no one has ever heard of such a thing.
thanks
|
jess
Guest
1/17/2004
03:22:29
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey gwen...i think the name of it is called cardiomyopathy but dont rush into conclusions because it may be something totally different...i wish you the best of luck!!!
ps- ask your doc
|
Linda
Guest
1/17/2004
03:26:57
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
What is PVC? My personal opinion, if your doctor shrugs you off like that, find one who will listen to you. I don't know if it's because they don't have answers or if they just don't want to take the time to look into these problems so many people are having and find out what is causing it. No, my medical doctor did not prescribe the magnesium - med docs can only prescribe drugs. I've read articles from medical doctors who also study the natural vitamins and minerals and that's where I've heard the magnesium is helpful. You can go to your search engine on your computer and type in magnesium (or anything else) and find lots of articles on how it strengthens the heart.
|
Linda
Guest
1/17/2004
03:35:29
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jess, no I don't get that feeling of a rush from the head to the chest. Only thing like that I get is a mild throbbing feeling or slight pressure feeling on the left side of my neck right at the collar bone. That Vegas nerve is suppose to run from the stomach to the heart and then to the throat, so maybe that's what that is for me. I don't know. But like everyone says, when you tell the doc something like that, they look at you and they just let it fly over their head. :)
|
Kristina
Guest
1/17/2004
03:59:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Jess,
No I do not get that feeling either. But I wouldn't be alarmed because like Linda mentioned most of the symptoms you describe to your doc concerning the PVCs they seemed puzzled. It is so very frustrating though. Nothing like going to your doc for help or answers and getting the ole "you'll be fine" but you dont feel fine. Did you mention it to your cardio?
I agree with Linda too in that if your doc doesn't want to bother with looking farther into your concerns or acts as if they do not care than get another doc. You ultimately are far more in tune with your body than any doctor and they should listen to your concerns.
Does anyone else get it where it knocks your breath away or if you are talking it cuts your voice off?
Kristina;')
|
gwen
Guest
1/17/2004
04:35:27
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
jess, yes i am over weight. 215lbs to be exact. mostly upper body weight. thank you i will ask the md. i have an appt. in a few weeks. i already had the echocardiagram and results are pending md evaluation. i find out the results on my appt date. blood was already taken results pending also. i'm due to have a holter monitor placed in a week. the doctor i saw last week seems concerned. he hears the irregular heart beat. he said my blood is not emptying from one valve to the other before closing. this causes other serious problems. it's just amazing that it takes for this problem to be serious before anyone noticed. i was just wondering if the palpitations could have been detected earlier and they could have prevented my heart from enlarging. am i correct in understanding that menapause can effect the heart or cause palpitations. i am soon approaching 40yrs.sorry for the length. when i found this forum i got envolved because other people in the world have the same fears i have. unfortunately you very rarely find it among your immediate surroundings. thanks for the advice guys.
|
gwen
Guest
1/17/2004
04:52:39
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
PVC"S PREMATURE VENTRICULAR CONTRACTIONS OF THE HEART
|
gwen
Guest
1/17/2004
04:55:25
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
PVC"S PREMATURE VENTRICULAR CONTRACTIONS OF THE HEART
|
Linda
Guest
1/17/2004
16:31:22
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Here's for some interesting reading, and a way to educate ourselves so when we go to see our doctors, we can impress them with our knowledge. Go to your search engines on your computers and look up:
Neurasthemia
Dysautonomia
Vagus Nerve
|
Kristina
Guest
1/17/2004
17:16:29
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
If you scroll back some on this site I have posted a definition and description and all its details Neurasthemia Dysautonomia Vagus Nerve. Might be easier than looking it up. It does explain a lot about the symptoms most of us have. I checked with doc and he said it is not an easy treatment plan because you do not fit into any one catagory neatly. A lot of times they like to try and treat these with antidepressants first but that has to be a personal choice. It can be some trial and error. worth looking into though for sure. Once I had read the explaination of these health problems it finally made sense for me. Good luck;') Kristina
|
Mindy
Guest
1/17/2004
19:35:30
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Kristina--No, my doctor didn't suggest the magnesium. I did my own research (as a librarian I have many medical books/databases at my disposal--not a very good thing for me, haha) and found that magnesium and COQ10 are supposed to help with irregular beats and/or palpitations. Also Hawthorne Berry tea, but I haven't tried that yet. I take a multi-vitamin plus an extra pill of magnesium. The COQ10 is very expensive. I'm also on Zoloft. I hate to jinx myself but I haven't had any palps lately, just a slight one when I was waking up yesterday.
My doctor insists there is nothing wrong with my heart and that I'm just very sensitive to the palps. I tend to believe it, since I've had them so long, it seems like something bad would have happened by now!
|
Sheryl
Guest
1/17/2004
20:21:00
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
You know, I seem to have forgotten that the very first time that I had these strange palps was when my daughter was getting ready to graduate from high school and wanted to go to college away. Just the year before my mother had passed away and wasn't able to be at the graduation of her only granddaughter. Maybe stress is a big part of this. Since hearing about that Vagus nerve, it sounds exactly like what I may be experiencing. Usually now days, the palps come after I have eaten. I too, am overweight and maybe there is pressure in the stomach area. I always knew that we would just end up helping each other. Thanks for everyone! Sheryl
|
Kristina
Guest
1/17/2004
21:06:05
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Mindy,
Thank you for sharing! I was also told to try that stuff by my cardio but have only tried the hawthorne Berry and ended up breaking out in rashes due to it. ICK! I will try the magnessium but I just wonder if the palps seem to be caused due to the Vegus Nerve verses maybe a lack of suppliment etc. would magnessium help? Worth a try I guess;') My doc also said I am sensative to the palps (under statement of the year) because I am thin and can feel it more strongly????? I don't know but I know they are strong enough to snap me to attention. I am happy you are experiencing less and I sure hope that continues and dissappears as well!
Take care, Kristina
|
Cindy
Guest
1/17/2004
22:04:40
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Gwen,
When you said about the valve not closing all the way that sounds like mitral valve prolapse. I would definitely get a second opinion from a very good cardiologist. Try not to worry too much but make sure you are comfortable with your doctor. If you feel you are being tossed aside go to some one else. You are going through all the right tests right now. Good Luck! I'm sure everything will turn out okay.
Cindy
|
Cindy
Guest
1/17/2004
22:05:20
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Gwen,
When you said about the valve not closing all the way that sounds like mitral valve prolapse. I would definitely get a second opinion from a very good cardiologist. Try not to worry too much but make sure you are comfortable with your doctor. If you feel you are being tossed aside go to some one else. You are going through all the right tests right now. Good Luck! I'm sure everything will turn out okay.
Cindy
|
Cindy
Guest
1/17/2004
22:05:30
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Gwen,
When you said about the valve not closing all the way that sounds like mitral valve prolapse. I would definitely get a second opinion from a very good cardiologist. Try not to worry too much but make sure you are comfortable with your doctor. If you feel you are being tossed aside go to some one else. You are going through all the right tests right now. Good Luck! I'm sure everything will turn out okay.
Cindy
|
Cindy
Guest
1/17/2004
22:05:33
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Gwen,
When you said about the valve not closing all the way that sounds like mitral valve prolapse. I would definitely get a second opinion from a very good cardiologist. Try not to worry too much but make sure you are comfortable with your doctor. If you feel you are being tossed aside go to some one else. You are going through all the right tests right now. Good Luck! I'm sure everything will turn out okay.
Cindy
|
Cindy
Guest
1/17/2004
22:05:35
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Gwen,
When you said about the valve not closing all the way that sounds like mitral valve prolapse. I would definitely get a second opinion from a very good cardiologist. Try not to worry too much but make sure you are comfortable with your doctor. If you feel you are being tossed aside go to some one else. You are going through all the right tests right now. Good Luck! I'm sure everything will turn out okay.
Cindy
|
Cindy
Guest
1/17/2004
22:08:18
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Gwen,
When you said about the valve not closing all the way that sounds like mitral valve prolapse. I would definitely get a second opinion from a very good cardiologist. Try not to worry too much but make sure you are comfortable with your doctor. If you feel you are being tossed aside go to some one else. You are going through all the right tests right now. Good Luck! I'm sure everything will turn out okay.
Cindy
|
craig
Guest
1/17/2004
22:34:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
hi im 30 yrs old and all my funny does first started when i got sharp pains in my cheast and felt breathless n light headed,went to the doctors and they said are you stressed about anything i said no wich i wasnt,2 months later i was at work running round the scaffold (im a builder) and i feel a flutter in my cheast and feel sickly,im thinking whats going on so i carry on working it does it again. get home that night and my stomach starts hurting right in the middle at the bottom of my rib cage,then the pain gets worse.get up next day i went to get my hair cut,got back home and thats when it started my heart was thumping i felt faint basicly i thaught i was gonna die, i went to A+E and the doctors gave me an E.C.G everything was normal had numerous blood tests they come back normal,one of them was thyroid that was normal im thinking whats wrong then.goes home and i fell brill for about 2 weeks and it all starts again 3am in morning i woke up sweating like mad heart palpitating again,feeling faint and tired i tried ignoring it till about 9 am and i said to my wife i cant cope with this im going back to the hospital, so i gets to the hospital again had another E.C.G that was normal had chronic stomach ache and cheast pain,i had more blood tests they were normal again so the nurse said make an appointment to see your doctor and they will give you a heart moniter and record your heart beat for 24 hrs.next day went to doctors tol them what i had come for she said oh no you cant get one of those here il have refer you to a cardiologist so by this time im really pissed off so ive gone private to see a cardiologist and to see a stomach specialist,,,,,its pretty sad when youve got to pay to get things moving, i pay 100 pounds a week tax and my national insurance.....good look to you all.....
|
Mindy
Guest
1/18/2004
22:09:21
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Craig--Sounds like a frustrating time for you. Good luck to you with the cardiologist.
I'm a small person too so it could definitely be related. I looked up some info on Vagal AF and it sounds very much like the symptoms I have. Getting palps after eating, having intestinal/stomach problems, getting palps in certain positions, etc. I don't really get a fast heartbeat that often, it's usually just the flutters. This could very well be my problem.
|
Kristina
Guest
1/19/2004
00:09:31
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Mindy,
That sounds the same as me too. No a fast heart rate but more of the flutters with positions, stomach troubles etc. Did the info you looked up say anything about help if it is vegal Nerve problem. that is the one thing my cardio had no answer or solution for other than trying the Chiropractor or Rolfer who have helped some with similar issues? it is a wonder as to why or how it started any how huh? I keep reflecting back to when it all started and wonder what happened that could have started this whole heart palp problems. Can you think of anything that might have triggered it for you? I do recall the rolfer asking me if I had been in a accident or had fallen and injured myself. I did have a hard fall on my stomach once due to LACK OF SKILL on some roller blades..OUcH! Other than that I can't put my finger on anything in particular. It sure would help to know how to maybe undo this huh;') kristina
|
Kristina
Guest
1/19/2004
00:41:33
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Mindy,
I found some interesting info online about heart palps and vegus nerve and how it plays a part in them. If you would like, or anyone else who thinks this will help, I can e-mail you the info. It was very insightful and even talks about things you can do through their method. Just let me know. take care, Kristina
|
Cindy
Guest
1/19/2004
15:45:23
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Sorry about my message coming up a few times. I was having trouble with the computer.
|
Tanya
Guest
1/19/2004
16:34:21
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have always been extremely healthy and just started experiencings all of the things you are going through a few months ago after switching birth control pills. The only thing is I made other changes in my lifestyle that confuses me as to what actually caused this. I also have been an exercise fanatic for all my life, but over the past couple of years have let my work put that aside. Big mistake! Anyways, mine hit me totally out of the blue, I thought it was a heart attack or stroke coming. I did go to er and was told as all of you that nothing was wrong and sent me home with xanax. I don't have them often but seem to be more now that I am expecting them. I have become paranoid. If I do workout now, when my heart rate starts to go up, I panic. I feel parilyzed. It also happens when I am in meetings or some place that I feel I can't let it happen for fear of embarrassment. But I have a mixture of them all, chest pain, arm pain, headache, and the one I hate most of all, the feeling that I am going out! I feel that I can't breathe and am not getting enough air to stay conscious. I am also interested in the Vagus Nerve thing because I have a lot of problems with my left shoulder/neck due to an accident a few years ago that messed up a couple of disks in my neck. I am wondering if the pressure has built up on that side and causing this problem. As I said before, I have too many reasons to be able to pin it on any certain thing. It makes me feel better to see that other people are doing this and living through it, but it makes me feel depressed that there is no easy remedy to make this go away. I don't want to live like this, it feels like it is taking my life away.
|
Suzanne
Guest
1/19/2004
17:52:21
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Kristina,
I would like to no more about the Vegus Nerve and heart palps.
Suzanne
|
J
Guest
1/19/2004
18:35:33
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Does anyone else get bombarded with millions of
emails in response to their ONE message post SIX
months ago? I do. All these emails are using up
my mailbox space and are a pain to delete often
more than once daily. If anyone knows how to get
me the hell off this site's email response list,
post it and tell me
|
Kristina
Guest
1/19/2004
18:56:33
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Suzanne,
Hi, I would be happy to e-m you what I copied off the site or I can try and find that site and it's page on the Vegas Nerve and link it on here. You just let me know what you prefer. Take care
Tanya,
I know it feels rotten to be in fear of the next palp which inturn brings about symptoms like anxiety etc. I worry too about it happening in a place of real inconvenience or embarrassment. It isn't any fun to be on guard like that huh. When I exercise I worry too about my heart beating faster and harder and whether that will make the sesation stronger. I was given Zanax as well which helps bring down the anxiety level a bit. Did you notice whether your palps started after your accident? If so, that might be a good place to start since sometimes the Vegas Nerve can be disrupted during something like that. Don't feel alone in this as this site has been a great source of information and support from other caring people. Hopefully we can get more answers from each other where we aren't getting it so much from our doctors.
Take care, Kristina
|
Suzanne
Guest
1/19/2004
20:37:38
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Yes, go ahead and post the 'nerve' info. I'm compiling all info. I can to come to a solution. I can relate to the exercise dilemma. I can reach my 'target heart rate zone' before I exercise :) It is all a vicious cycle of symptoms from anxiety, hormones, neck tension, etc. for me, that feed on each other. Confusing, yes. One minute I feel fine. Heart quietly purring along, and the next moment racing, jumping,or pounding. I think the common denominator for me is anxiety, that starts a chain of reactions in my system, causing symptoms. So much happening in our home life and just life in general. And I'm one of those type A, working, worrier. I think now that I'm older, my system can't sustain or bounce back from stress. I go to a new dr. Wed. My first one went on maternity, then moved out of state after just three visits with her. The HRT, Paxil, and Atenolol were great at first. I went from sick to bounding around town. I weaned myself off HRT and Paxil, as they starting messing with my system. I am halfing the Atenolol to 12 mg. to calm my heart. That helps, but I'm running low, and can't decide if I want to continue taking. I tried not taking it for 6 days, and I worried the whole time about the next episode. It wasn't too bad until the 6th day and I couldn't take it anymore, so I starting taking the med. again. I'm weighing the side effects of anxiety meds., and beta blockers. I wish I could just CALM DOWN long enough to see if my sytem heals itself.
Thanks for listening. I think about all you ladies.
Suzanne
|
Kristina
Guest
1/19/2004
21:16:17
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Suzanne,
I will try and figure the site out. I am so computer illiterate so be patient but I will get the info up today or tomorrow. I would just paste it in here but it is long and might tick the others off.
Yes, viscious cycle is a good way of explaining all this. Of course the palps lead to anxiety which in turn brings all these other related symptoms. And anxiety can bring about palps too. UgH! My cardio recommended beta blockers too but I am scared. I am a highstrong person who is learning to bring it down about 10 notches. I just take .25 miligrams of zanax right now. I also take birth control pills but I had palps long before I started those. Isn't it just nuts how doctors can't seem to put their finger on this or how we tend to get brushed off as they see it as no big deal? I am still researching my brains out and firtunately every little step seems to bring me closer to an understanding which I then hope brings me to a solution. knowledge can be powerful. Do you try any other forms of relaxation like meditation, massage, hyponotherapy, yoga etc. etc.? I have seen one other person on here recommend this technique called Hemi Sync so I thought I would toss that at you too. My cardio got me started on it. It is a CD and it is called Hemi Sync and the title is Relaxation. It comes in many forms for different purposes. It is THE ONLY thing I have found that actually relaxes me and my cardio said he had tried everything as well with no success until he tried this. Ok, I can't even begin to explain this process so I suggest you go on the web and look it up and read about it. Trust me though it is unreal and truly works. I gave my mom a CD and she was stunned by how effective it is. I think the web address is www.hemisync.com.
Kristina;')
|
Tanya
Guest
1/19/2004
22:24:46
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
My accident was in '96, the palps only started about 2 months ago just after I had changed birth control pills. But the aggravation and muscle tension and pain are still a very big part of my life since the accident. I wish that I could link it to one specific thing; that would make me feel better. I am trying to take any meds as I don't think that it is going to take care of the problem, it only seems to cause different problems. I am trying to control it with my mind and tell myself not to let it happen, but you know, once that dark feeling hits it knocks you so off guard it gets way too ahead of you to get control at that point. There has to be a solution to this, I believe that. It seems like a really simple problem so why do doctors not have a simple solution?
|
Jean
Guest
1/20/2004
15:11:43
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi all
I found some interesting web sites. Since alot of us have mitral valve prolapse, try searching mitral valve prolaspe syndrome. This seems to cover most of our symptoms. One site said it is not a cardiac problem as much as it is a neurological problem. "The Society for mitral valve prolapse syndrome" had some very interesting info.
|
Leslie
Guest
1/21/2004
20:30:55
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi,
I have been on this site for a few days now and it helps a little bit. I feel like i am going crazy. I have been experiencing the palps for about two weeks now and every once in a while my arms go numb and i get these pains like i am being shocked-I go to the cardio in about two weeks but have not been able to sleep for days now-I am taking Xanax and still can't seem to calm down-any suggestions?
Leslie
|
Kristina
Guest
1/21/2004
21:59:34
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Leslie,
Sorry you are feeling this way. The Xanax isn't helping to calm you down at all? How much are you taking? It is difficult to calm down or get quiet while the palps are acting up but sometime deep breathing and just quieting everything around you can help a bit. I hope your visit with the cardio goes well and it will ease your mind a great deal I'm sure. Take good care, Kristina;')
|
Leslie
Guest
1/21/2004
22:24:40
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Kristina,
Thanks for the kind words. I am taking .25MG of Xanax-I also try deep breathing-I have a lot of stress in my life right now which isn't helping-I find myself afraid to go to sleep lately-is that wierd?
|
kristina
Guest
1/21/2004
22:44:18
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Leslie,
I also take .25 xanax and it basically helps calm me but if I take .5 it makes me sleepy. I would certainly check with your doc about that. Let him/her know you are having trouble sleeping and that it is just making everything more stressful for now.
I used to be afraid to go to sleep too when these first started but I guess I moved through that. I am one of those people who needs at least eight hrs or I am a WRECK! I am pretty stressed out too which is no help to the palps or anxiety but I am trying to decrease my stress levels. Takes a lot of looking into your life and sometimes your body just relaiates or kicks you in the ass to get your attention and say "enough". That I feel has been my experience with the heart palps. How about you? Has any doc told you what's going on or done any detailed checking into? Or will that all happen at the cardio? Does it help a little to know you certainly are not alone? It was a big thing for me to find this forum and know I wasn't alone or crazy;') Take care, Kristina
|
kristina
Guest
1/21/2004
22:48:05
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
J.
If you go to the main page of this Resonance Support Forum and click on "customer service" and request to be removed they will do so. Good luck!
|
Leslie
Guest
1/21/2004
23:00:36
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
It does certainly help to know that i am not alone. I also find it helpful to stay busy as possible-I do not notice it so much when i am moving around. No detailed testing yet-I have had an EKG and a chest x-ray which were normal-I get an ECHO when i go to the cardio-I usually do not stress this much-I think just too much going on at once
|
Kristina
Guest
1/21/2004
23:24:09
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Good o hear the other two tests were normal and I bet the ultra sound will be too. It is an easy test so don't stress. Keep us posted and I will be removing myself from the notification list so if you want or need to talk you are welcome to e-mail me directly any time. i plan to check in periodically too as it has been helpful to hear what others advice might be or if anyone finds an asswer that could be insightful;') Keep calm and stay positive;') kristina
|
Angela
Guest
1/22/2004
06:16:00
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I have been suffering from pvc's/palpitations since the birth of my daughter 3 yrs. ago. The pvc's (premature ventricular contractions) feel like "skipped" beats, with a pause in the heartbeat, followed by a hard thump (felt in my throat). I sometimes have several in a row for 10-20 mins and they do create alot of anxiety! I also have palpitations with a hard, fast beat (like with exercise, expect at rest) They last all day long sometimes. They are so hard that I have a difficult time sleeping on my left side at night because it feels as though my heart is just below the skin and it drives me crazy! I have had these almost every night (and day) for 3 yrs. I went to a cardiologist last yr. and had an ekg, echocardiogram, holter monitor, event monitor, MUGA scan, and stress test. After ALL of that, I was told that I had PVC's, PAC's and mild tricuspid valve regurgitation. Blood tests were fine, with mildly low potassium levels. Nothing to worry about, but I was anyway. Sometimes, when my heart would race, I would almost black out and think that I was dying. Maybe a panic attack caused by my reaction to the tachycardia and PVC's. Oh, I also have been diagnosed with IBS. I'm 31 yrs. old and otherwise healthy.
ANYWAY, I started researching the possible causes of these arrythmias (which they are, even though harmless)and found that low magnesium levels could be a possible cause. There have been many studies done to substantiate this. I started taking a 250 mg. supplement a week ago and my palpitations are completely GONE. Everyone, PLEASE read about magnesium and the studies that have been done (at reliable gov. and edu. sites) online. It has completely changed my life. No more constant awareness of my hearbeat--I really can't feel my heartbeat anymore and periodically check my pulse to make sure that it still is beating! I even made a pot of coffee tonight, had 3-4 cups and NO palpitations! A bottle of magnesium from Wal-Mart costs about $2-3, it is non-toxic in large doses, it's an essential mineral that our body needs for over 300 biochemical reations and 85-90% of the population doesn't get enough of it. Also GREAT for lowering blood pressure, migraines, PMS, osteoporosis, anxiety and many, many other problems. Sorry for writing this book-- just want to help everyone. I take a regular multi-vitamin with extra B vitamins and the magnesium supplement. Please try it and let me know your experiences while taking it, too. In the meantime, do some online reseach about the benefits of this mineral and see for yourself what the studies have shown. Good luck, everyone!
|
Linda
Guest
1/22/2004
17:58:14
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Angela - thank you for your story. It really blessed me. I 51 and too have been taking magnesium faithfully and am also on the natural estrogen and progesterone and am doing well on all three. My palps are almost gone too. Thanks for sharing.
|
Suzanne
Guest
1/22/2004
19:31:42
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm on Atenolol for rapid heart and palp. 25mg. Though I take 1/2 tablet. Do you think magnesium would eliminate my need for the Atenolol? I'm worried about the effects of Atenolol that I have found out.
|
Linda
Guest
1/22/2004
20:13:32
| RE: Heart Palpatations
IP: Logged
Message:
Suzanne - check with your doctor and tell him what you know about magnesium and see what his opinion is. The decision is yours to make.
|
Sue C.
Guest
|