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Kathyk
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8/14/2003
08:50:10
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 Subject: Heart palpitations
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I can't believe it that there are so many of us out there experiencing the same thing! I really thought it was just me. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes...just knowing I'm not alone in all this is HUGE! I'm 49, and have had intermittent heart palps for about 8 years. Sometimes they're bad, other times they're just...kind of there. Sometimes I'll even go for a month or more without them. In the early years, I didn't worry about it much. Had discussed it with my physician at that time. He did some basic tests and was rather unconcerned about it, and told me not to worry about it either. The heart palps have worsened as the years have gone on, as I'm closer to menopause, and my stress level has upped about a thousand percent. Consequently, I've been reading about heart palps and how they can be associated with menopause (not just stress)...which is how I found this site.
Here's my story. 4 years ago, the job-related stress started really ramping up. I endured 4 company buyouts in 4 years, rounds of layoffs, management initiative changes, my own HUGE departmental changes (I laid off 12 people in one week, and 6 more several weeks later.) Made the decision to end a long-term relationship during this time, too. All this culminated last November after more rounds of layoffs at my company. I ended up with a really frightening episode of all night panic attacks with really scary heart palpitations. I really thought I was going to die that night, even though there was no pain associated with all of it...just the strangest feelings, and the frightening heart palps, followed by warm flushes that kind of took my breath away. Funny thing...I called the doctor first thing in the morning, and even before I got there, my heart calmed down, I calmed down, and I felt completely normal by the time I got to his office. Even so, we talked about it at length and I wore a monitor for a month. (By the way, my doctor also had NO idea that heart palps are associated with menopause.) Another funny thing, too...could NOT get a reading during the month I wore that monitor! The heart palps were so short and insignificant, I couldn't hit the button fast enough. Anyway, got through the holidays, without too much upset, and the heart palps and anxiety settled back into the manageable range, with some days being worse than others.
Then another bout of panic hit this summer when my company again decided on another round of layoffs. I had to layoff more people in my department, and was (and still am) unsure about my own survival...not to mention the stress surrounding how I'd manage a large house payment by myself if I was laid off. Had another wave of these all day/all night heart palps in July. Even though my doctor explained about PVC, and how the heart palps I'm experiencing won't kill me, they REALLY freaked me out.
Like the rest of you, sometimes I sit up all night wondering if I'm going to die. Lying down on one side sometimes starts them. Actually, typing as I am right now can start them. If I eat too much, or too little, or don't get enough water, or too much exercise...all these things seem to have an effect. To date, I've cut out all caffeine (including what you get in chocolate, tea, soda, aspirin, decongestants...even decaf coffee,) most all alcohol (maybe have a glass of wine 2 nights a week,) most carbs, most sugar. I still have the heart palps...they seem to come in cycles...but they seem to be better when I stick to a fairly solid regimen.
Anyway, I'm sitting here writing as I'm having another bout of heart palps. Not as bad as they can be, but they've been bothering me all day. Went for a nice half hour walk tonite...thought that might help, but tonite it really seemed to fire up another round of them. By writing, it seems to take my mind off them somewhat.
Thanks to everyone who's posted on this site. I can't even begin to tell you how much you've helped. I will take some of the advice here and look into magnesium/calcium. I understand that Hawthorn can also help, too. Any other advice on supplements would help. (My doctor didn't have any good advice in that area.)
Hang in there to all of you. I'm doing the same. I hope for all of us that these weird feelings will eventually go away as hormones settle down after menopause.
I look forward to hearing from you!
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Karen
Guest
8/17/2003
15:20:28
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi, hope you don't mind me writing to you. I have just read your letter abot your palpatations. I'm so worried about mine, it's nice to hear other people are going through the same. I'm 38 years old and 24 weeks pregnant, I have had palpatations for years off and on, but over the last couple of weeks they seem to be pretty bad and today I feel like I am gong to die they seem to be hear all the time, I visited my GP but he seems to think there is nothing to worry about, but of course I do worry.Hope you dont mind me writing to you, its a little easier when other people know what it's like.
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Sheryl
Guest
9/07/2003
07:03:03
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I will sometimes get these palps and even though they weren't painful I would just get angry because they are like a nagging mother-in-law. I just can't get them to go away! Ever since my depo-prevera shot I have had only a few mild cases but because I had those bad episodes, I feel like I am on guard. I am sure relaxation is a key here, but it is easier said than done. Does anyone out there have any better success at ridding our bodies of these awful things? Sheryl
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Carol
Guest
10/09/2003
04:18:42
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I can totally relate to what all of you are talking about. I just turned 49, and finished going through menopause. I have had palpitations starting when I was going through puberty..they started with a couple of flutters just when I was PMS'ing. My mother had the same thing, so she told me just to take a deep breath, which always worked. I bounced through the teen years with the monthly palps, and became pregnant with my son at 23. I had no problem with that pregnancy, but with my daughter, at the age of 25, I had horrible palps during the first tri-mester. My OBGYN told me it was probably hormonal, but if they persisted, I should see a cardiologist. They stopped shortly thereafter, and again, I went through my 20's and early 30's with the same scenarios, and sometimes I noticed that when I was coming down with a cold or flu, I would have them. Then, at about 37, I didn't realize it, but I guess I was entering the premenopausal stage. My PMS was horrible, and the palps were REALLY annoying. I finally went to a cardiologist, and he did a stress test, and EKG...he said everything was normal, and it was probably hormonal. When I was about 46, my period just stopped one month, and I didn't have it again for 6 months. It was like that for 2 years - I only had 4 periods in 2 years time, and besides the weight gain of about 25 pounds, I really didn't have all of the horrible things that I heard about menopause...even the palps stopped (thank God). Now, in the last 3 months, they are back! I have horrible allergies, and so when I went to my GP in July, he said allergies can cause palps due to the body fighting the histimines. Sounded good to me, so I took the Zyrtec as prescribed, but the heart just kept pounding. I just went to the doctor again (I feel like a hypochondriac), and he listened to my heart....he says I have Mitral Prolapse Valve and tomorrow I am getting a holter monitor for 24 hours. I am so upset that these stupid palpitations have returned, and that apparently, this condition is something that I have had all along. It's not supposed to be serious, but can be controlled by simple things such as exercise, vitamin supplements, yoga, diet, lots of water. If that doesn't do the trick, you can go on Beta blockers. I have been so upset at the return of the palps that I don't even want to leave the house sometimes, for fear that I might pass out while driving or in public (highly unlikely they say) but I think the fear and anxiety perpetuates the palpitations. It's easy for people who have never experienced them to tell you to relax - they're not the ones feeling like their hearts are flopping and spinning inside!
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JENNIFER
Guest
10/22/2003
01:46:17
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi guys, there is another site much like this one. You should try and find it. It is with Resonance also. Under heart palpatations.
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Shawna
Guest
11/18/2003
05:41:27
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi I just read your email on your heart palpitations.
I'm 27 and started getting palpitations last summer, when I became pregnant with my second baby they seemed to settle, but since I had my baby 5 months ago, there back in full force.
I've been to see my doctor several times and in fact go again next week. She says I am to young to have heart problems, so she doesn't want to run any tests. She prescribed me ativan, which I took for a week and then stopped taking them after looking up the side affects. They didn't stop the palpitions anyways.
I am starting to feel a little depressed, I am often focussed all day on this. My palpitations are there when I wake up and until I go to bed. Any bit of caffeine sets it off. Any bit of stress, though I think my main source of stress is because I worry that I will have a heart attack, and leave my 2 little children behind.
It has just been good to write about this instead of just sitting here worrying about it.
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Shawna
Guest
11/18/2003
05:53:56
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi I just read your email on your heart palpitations.
I'm 27 and started getting palpitations last summer, when I became pregnant with my second baby they seemed to settle, but since I had my baby 5 months ago, there back in full force.
I've been to see my doctor several times and in fact go again next week. She says I am to young to have heart problems, so she doesn't want to run any tests. She prescribed me ativan, which I took for a week and then stopped taking them after looking up the side affects. They didn't stop the palpitions anyways.
I am starting to feel a little depressed, I am often focussed all day on this. My palpitations are there when I wake up and until I go to bed. Any bit of caffeine sets it off. Any bit of stress, though I think my main source of stress is because I worry that I will have a heart attack, and leave my 2 little children behind.
It has just been good to write about this instead of just sitting here worrying about it.
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Shawna
Guest
11/18/2003
05:54:40
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi I just read your email on your heart palpitations.
I'm 27 and started getting palpitations last summer, when I became pregnant with my second baby they seemed to settle, but since I had my baby 5 months ago, there back in full force.
I've been to see my doctor several times and in fact go again next week. She says I am to young to have heart problems, so she doesn't want to run any tests. She prescribed me ativan, which I took for a week and then stopped taking them after looking up the side affects. They didn't stop the palpitions anyways.
I am starting to feel a little depressed, I am often focussed all day on this. My palpitations are there when I wake up and until I go to bed. Any bit of caffeine sets it off. Any bit of stress, though I think my main source of stress is because I worry that I will have a heart attack, and leave my 2 little children behind.
It has just been good to write about this instead of just sitting here worrying about it.
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Wendy
Guest
11/18/2003
06:51:15
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I am 31 years old. I have experienced heart flutters/palitations since I was about 17 years old. I have been to the ER for it when it first started. They did an EKG and said everything looked good. They said to avoid tobbaco/caffiene & alchohol. They also said stress played a big factor in it. I have continued to have my yearly and when they listen to my heart it seems to be fine. I also suffer from anxiety disorder. I also have experienced PANIC ATTACKS through the years. I think sometimes I will die or something bad is going to happen to me. I always thought I was alone with this. My mom used to make me feel better and know she has passed away. She died about 6 years ago. She had heart problems. So I think that is what is happening to me, even though I have been told different. My father has had a history of PVC's . But putting that all a side my stress level is really high and I am wondering if that is what is triggering it lately. It comes and goes. Anyway thank you for listening.
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emily
Guest
11/26/2003
21:39:51
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi - I am so glad i found this site! I was just pacing around my apartment after suffering a whopper of a palp - felt like my heart turned inside out, and was followed by a hot flush - 2nd bad one in 2 weeks, the last one was at my tae kwon do class & i had to leave because i thought i was dying - i too have been to the er & the cardiologist, they always say my heart is fine & not to worry about the skipping beats or whatever, but i get so scared even though there are no pains or other symptoms of heart problems. my husband says i am too young for menopause (36) but i think i am experiencing symptoms - ridiculously heavy & erratic periods, weird hot flashes, palpitations during and after my period...wow, it's great to write about it! I guess i should get a physical!
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camille
Guest
12/07/2003
00:50:16
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Finally a site where people are experiencing the same thing I have been for years. Looking back I think it was stress that bought the first palp over 5yrs now. One minute I was talking to my husband in the kitchen and the next I was on my hands and knees wondering why I couldn't control my racing heart. Needless to say it stopped and after numerous visits to the doctors and ER Hospitals I was informed my heart was fine. Since that episode I have continued to get palpitations missed beats but do believe in self control. However since the onst of 40yrs my pms has worsened and everymonth at the same time come the palpitations. I'm writing because one of the worst experiences to date was the other morning I woke in a huge hot flush, sweating profusely and palpitations like you would not believe. My first thought was why did it happen when I was sleeping then oh my god I need a phone to ring an ambulance I was alone and scared. I sat on the chair and took deap breaths while cupping my hands over my mouth and nose with the window open to cool myself down. within a few seconds everything calmed down and returned to normal. I honestly believe that this is when I realised a common ground between pms and palps. If there is anyone out there with any self help or similar experiences I would be happy to hear from you.
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Rose
Guest
12/16/2003
05:11:30
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I have had heart palpatations since I was 37 right after I had my son. They were everything everyone else is complaining of, non stop, horrible, frustrating. I too have been to cardiologists, endocrinologists etc. They find no heart disease. I am now 43, I still get them, in fact I'm going through a stage right now where they are keeping up at night. One thing I have noticed is that they are worse at night and especially after a meal or drinking alcohol. Indigestion seems to set them off. The only time I have had a good break away from them is when I stop eating in the evening. If I don't eat after 3pm I usually don't get them. Also if I dont eat spicy foods. I used to get them due to my periods but I have had a hysterectomy so that is no longer an issue. I also have hashimotos thyroiditis and asthma. Does anyone else have these conditions? Currently I am on B-complex, folic acid, Vit E, C, and calcium/magnesium. Has anyone found any herbs or supplements that really work? Thank you,
Rose
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Edna
Guest
12/18/2003
17:56:31
| RE: Heart palpitations
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It brought me to tears to read about others that have the same problem as I do. In a sense I'm happier, I feel less alone, in my world, I'm the hypochondriac. I was perfectly normal and never had any problems really in the physical sense and in when I was 25 and had my daughter I started noticing that my stress level was obviosly higher, I wasn't as calm and ablt to handle stress as I had been. When she turned 3 I started having terrible, terrible panick attacks, the regular doctores couldn't have cared less, so I started seeing a kinisiologist, who got me off the prozac and started me on a more herbal formula with out the horrific side effects (like worse panick attacks) Since the day that I started seeing him, I have never had a panick attack, but I still get heart palpitations and I'm starting to notice they are definetly PMS related, although I don't get many other pms symptoms I do know that a day or two before my period I'll get that one whopper heart palpitation that will almost make me pass out. NOW, I also went to see an accupuncturist who stated that I'm eating completely wrong for my blood type (O+) I'm vegan, I should be practically totally carnivore, there may be some validaty to this but I'm not sure, but my cholesterol level is very low about 11 points lower than normal. If anyone can help please email me extremeleft@hotmail.com I would love to chat more about this, I wish to GOD there was a solution. Meanwhile guys, don't let this depress you , I know its easy to get depressed, but we need to live life. My little 23 year old cousin just got hit by a drunk driver and killed and it tought me that life it to short. Even though we may have some problems we need to keep living. Take Care, Peace
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Robyn
Guest
12/23/2003
03:25:42
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Sorry to Hear about your cousin edna. Yes it is true life is very short. I have been through a gamut of the above and maybe more. This site is a blessing I,m not alone, but I am scared.
Happy Holidays all!
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debbie
Guest
1/02/2004
00:26:51
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I am 44 I also get them around my period, i sometimes get a deep dual sharp pain on the left side of my heart,had some test done years ago everything was ok, did'nt have pain at that time when i had tests done, dose any body else get pain at times with their palpitations? please respond
thanks
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debbie
Guest
1/02/2004
00:28:45
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I am 44 I also get them around my period, i sometimes get a deep dual sharp pain on the left side of my heart,had some test done years ago everything was ok, did'nt have pain at that time when i had tests done, dose any body else get pain at times with their palpitations? please respond
thanks
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Sheryl
Guest
1/02/2004
02:21:59
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Debbie-I also get palps and rapid beat around that time of the month and yes, I too get pains around my chest area. Sometimes if I put pressure on the spot, the pain eases. I have had a number of tests done and apparently I'm just fine. The pain is sometimes around my collar bone too. The first thing I thought was my arteries are collapsing or something. Sure would be nice to have a doc in the family. Anyway, the pain and palps never last for more than a few days (up to five) and then I await the next month. Now that I have had these for more than a year, the stress level is not as high and I tend to get through them easier. Hang in there. Sheryl
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Lilly
Guest
1/02/2004
07:11:53
| RE: Heart palpitations
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check out site on artificial sweeteners;aspartame especially a cause of palpitations. I'm convinced chocolate also....at least in my case.
Thyroid disease definately...also... I had palpitations when I had Graves disease...(hyperthyroid) right now I'm having palpitations after eating chocolate chip cookies
...convinced it's the chocolate...as I've noticed it before.
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Lilly
Guest
1/02/2004
07:11:56
| RE: Heart palpitations
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check out site on artificial sweeteners;aspartame especially a cause of palpitations. I'm convinced chocolate also....at least in my case.
Thyroid disease definately...also... I had palpitations when I had Graves disease...(hyperthyroid) right now I'm having palpitations after eating chocolate chip cookies
...convinced it's the chocolate...as I've noticed it before.
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Kim
Guest
1/03/2004
00:14:32
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I don't have the slightest idea what's happening to me...
Mine happen ALL THE TIME when I am at complete rest.
Yep. WHen I am really relaxed I feel a fluttery, heart-twisting jolting around of my heart.
It was so bad the other day that I went to the emergency room. Guess what- They say I was prob. having a PANIC ATTACK. Come on....
One other Doc says that it was a spasm of my esophagus. Another doc says some kind of "varient cough symdrome"... What in the world???
I wasn't even coughing....
I have been told that it's all in my head that there is nothing wrong with me.
The first "one" started in a college class in 1989. During these "attacks", I lose my breath and can not get it back for a couple of seconds. My heart almost feels like it "tickles". It jumps around and wiggles (it feels like it anyway).
I am scheduling an appointment in Houston, Texas at a really good cardiologist to see finally what the problem is here...
I got too much to live for- and I know that this feeling is not normal.....
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Carol
Guest
1/04/2004
00:45:38
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi;
As I have previously posted on this board, I have had the palpitations all of my life starting at puberty, and they usually came at the time of PMS - seems like there is a genuine link to hormones and the palps....mine got worse as I neared menopause, and they stopped completely for a few years, but they came back again after menopause. I am wondering - are any of you "A" type personalities, like I am? Seems like anyone else that I have personally met with these same problems were very hyper people as well. Also, I have noticed that when I am coming down with some kind of infection or illness, they seem to pop up as well. My doctor says that when your body is fighting an infection, your heart speeds up a little and therefore can cause the heart to skip. After having numerous tests on my heart and being assured that there is nothing wrong, I seem to be able to handle the palps much better now and they seem to be less frequent and milder (the fear of dyeing of a heart attack seemed to perpetuate them).. although, I am a chocoholic and I know that when I have too much of it, I am just asking for trouble, but at least I know what the cause is. Also, allergies to foods, pets etc. can also cause this reaction.
Carol
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Mary
Guest
1/04/2004
04:02:29
| RE: Heart palpitations
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As I sit here and read all your postings I can clearly see one thing in common, we all are looking for the Answer and try to single out one thing that is causing us this horrifc experience.
I have not had caffiene in any form for many years..scared to, I have spent the most of my life worrying about dying, have been to the emergency room som any times I am ashamed of myself, but the "beat" goes on.
I am 49 years old, I had 30 palps yesterday, yes I kept count in a journal I bought just for this purpose, I once kept a diary for over a year I found all most of my episodes happened shortly my period as well, now I am in menopause actually through it, and still pestered and tormented, it has controled my life made me a prisoner of my own body and mind.
I have not gone anyplace by myself for so long, and would rather not even leave my house at all.
My first experience was with a racing beat, really fast and really hard that lasted for just a few minutes, but since that I have had many and learned how to take a deep cleansing breath and holding it untill my heart converts back to a normal rythym which is quickly, but it has to be a very deep breath, a couple of times it did not work and ended up at the ER with my blood pressure botomed out and not being able to realx enough to get that deep breath, and learned from a nurse there that has the same thing that a deep hard cough works for her, so I did both coughed and held and it converted, I used to strain really hard as if pushing a baby out and that worked but I liked the result of holding my breath most. I wonder if there is anything in our backgrounds that we have in common that could explain why this is happening. like alcohol use drugs lifestyles anything???
I do believe as I can tell y ou do too that there is an answer and a cure, I went through the thinking food, too much, too little, sleep, exercise not exercising all of it.
I wish we could find a DR that r eally wanted to find out the answer and would do some kind of research if only via the internet to connect the dots .
I wish the best to all of you and I fully understand what you are going through,
Anyway to describe the feeling I have now most of all is a hard thump, or a catch inside my chest around the heart area, I have alot of heart burn, I have had my gall bladder out, and I have some problems with acid reflux, I really am more leaning to the abdomen for the answer to these bothersome feelings, I feel like it has more to do with the digestive system than the heart maybe the esophagus it could be described as a valve of some sort flopping shut or opening in there, it is a hard sensation to really describe, I have had the feeling of a quivering of my heart that I have seen described here so I know that is a different feeling altogether, well, feel free to email me, marybaker55@joplin.com
Mary
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Shawna
Guest
1/04/2004
04:43:28
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I have written in here before, I'm 27 and have had heart palpitations for the last 2 years on and off. I first got them about a year after my son was born and then again shortly after my daugheter was born this past summer.
I was definately stressed when it all started happening, my sister and I had our babies a week apart from eachother this summer. She wound up with severe postpartum and spent the following 2 months in the hospital, I took her oldest child for the summer, my baby was 10 days old. We had our niece for 2 months here, and then travelled at the end of that time to where she is from and I stayed there for another month to help my sister make the transition home. It was then that I started feeling ill. Starting with a severe migraine and pulseing in my stomach. It felt like I had a baby kicking. Within a couple of weeks it turned into palptitions, which at times I would have all day. I suffered daily from those
until the beginning of december, then they abruptly stopped. I was feeling fine until last week when I woke up in the night with a racing heart. It was at 140 beats per minute, it is normally 60 beats per minute. It was very scary it lasted for about an hour. And it happened again a couple of nights ago, lasting for about the same amount of time. I had had a little alchohol both nights and don't know if that set it off. I find it hard to go to sleep at night
afraid that I will wake up again with that. I would rather have the palpitations. Does anyone else get the racing heart apart from the palpitations? I'm sure that for the most part it is some sort of mild panic disorder, but I always worry just what if there really is something wrong?
Let me know if anyone else gets the racing heart
thanx Shawna
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Courtney
Guest
1/04/2004
18:37:52
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi everyone. I am 26 years old and have been suffering from heart palps. for about 7 years now. I am 28 weeks pregnant and they have gotten worse. They control everything I do. I just had one bad one which made me get on this site. I cry all the time after I get one. It is so upseting. I don't even want to leave the house. Please if anyone wants to talk to me about this email me. It would be so nice to talk to someone who knows what I am going through. Does anyone notice that they get them when you are hungry or maybe when your blood sugar starts dropping. I notice them like that sometimes. Can anyone feel your pulse all through your body. I have such a hard heartbeat. Its like you can feel it down to your toes. Please email me....Bratt2377@aol.com
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Mary
Guest
1/07/2004
18:03:28
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi Everyone.
I have recieved several emails from some of you and want to thank you for your input and discussing our symptoms and feelings.
I know how hard it is for all of us. I feel so bad for each and every one of you!
I think I have every symptom described here as mine has gone on for 20 years and have felt so many diffent things it is hard to cover here.
I want to thank you all for writting, and encourage anyone that wants to correspond to feel free to email me.
Your letters help me and I hope that mine help you.
I cant stress the fact that you are not going to die enough!
It is a "feeling" it is not pain, although when we are in a full episode of arryhtmia there is some discomfort sometimes a pressure in the chest, but it is not unbearable it is uncomfortable.
Try to concentrate on the one one thought that you are safe, you are not dying!! Relax make that happen, tell yourself over and over this will pass.
Maybe some nice Dr will come across this site and realize that we need help!!
Good luck All (marybaker55@joplin.com)
Mary
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Stacy
Guest
1/14/2004
19:40:55
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I ran across this site while searching for answers to my problem. I had to write in. I thought I was the only one that had a problem that was being ignored!! I am so glad I am not. My symptoms have been progressive. It started when I was about 23 yrs old. I had some heart flutters that my doctor dismissed as back flow of blood and a sign of a healthy woman. hmmm. It then progressed into a series of heart flutters, followed by what felt like my heart stopping for a second and then a deep,really hard thump! It is now a daily occurance all day long for the most part. The palpitations started about 10 years ago. I am now 35. They were far and few between until about two years ago. They don't seem to be triggered by anything inparticular although occasionally if I drink a beer or something but can't prove that since it doesn't happen EVERYtime I have a beer. They happen in the morning, evening, night...no matter the time. I did notice that they seem to happen the night before my period starts.
I too had worn the heart monitor and my heart was acting up quite a bit when I wore it. But, the results the doctor gave me indicated that it was nothing more than an extra heartbeat. Ok! Whatever! I then went to a cardiologist and he was not concerned and had no information to offer me. I was told like everyone else that if I tense my muscles it would correct it. Well that doesn't help much.
I can feel the tension in my chest not a pain, just a feeling like I have to cough to clear some sort of congestion or like my heart "needs" to flutter to clear the feeling. Occasionally a tight feeling. I feel healthy, blood tests come back good, but constantly feeling your heartbeat is very annoying and the symptoms are scary. You would think that as many people that we have writing into this site that have sought help, they would take notice and try to research this. I tried to research the internet, but none of the symptoms coincide with heart disease.
My sister has Mitral Valve Prolapse, but it is not the same. The doctor told me my problem was not Mitral...what do you believe though? I did have panick attacks as a child, but no longer have them...I do feel anxious at times with my symptoms. I did take diet supplements at one time, but that was after the flutters, etc. started.
Thank you for listening and I am now going to be active in participating in this message board. I am just glad I am not alone.
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Carol
Guest
1/14/2004
21:56:14
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Ever notice that there's no men on this board? I really think there is some kind of connection with hormones.
Carol
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Amanda muddimer
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1/14/2004
22:26:40
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I have had palps or PVCs since i was 11 also other stuff thrown in had all the tests Normal! currently experiencing PVC thumps every 3 beats or more with periods of every beat for about 30/40 beats and have been for 10 days does anyone else have them going on this long i am very fed up with it i am 40 and about to have a EP study & ablation for other arrythmias but apparently PVCs wont go away am beginning to wonder if i have Mitral Valve Prolapse anyone else have them going on all day every day with no let up.
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arcadia
Guest
1/15/2004
00:20:12
| RE: Heart palpitations
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It's not in our minds or whatever. It's more than likely hormonally related.
Read John Lee, MD's book called "What Your Doctor Did Not Tell You About Premenopause". Palps is just one sign of estrogen dominance. That's where the body isn't producing enough (if any) progesterone to balance out the effects of estrogen. Your estrogen can be rather low, but if there's no progesterone it will still run amok in your body and give you all kinds of nasty symptoms. Try using natural progesterone cream during the month to balance out the estrogens. I'm not talking about progestins which is what the doctors prescribe. They are not the same thing. The cream is all natural and safe to use.
Magnesium in drinkable form works great.
http://www.vitaminsthatwork.com/most-recommended.shtml
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Sheryl
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1/15/2004
05:52:15
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I check this sight every week or so and when I heard women saying that we should look into different types of supplements I thought they were just grasping at straws. I have had bad 'monthly' palps for over a year now. And they would come as regular as my cycle. Then I saw an ad for Coral Calcium and decided, what the heck. I never have taken any vitamins except when I was pg and even detest taking aspirin. But I have to tell you, since taking this (with extra dosages of magnesium) I haven't had any bad experiences with palps since the end of October. I started taking the pills the first week of November. Maybe it is a coincidence, but it couldn't hurt to try. I suggest for all of you out there that are scared and lost like I was, just try some supplement with magnesium. Let us know the results. We only have each other! Sheryl
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mARY
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1/15/2004
16:59:22
| RE: Heart palpitations
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AMANDA
YES I HAVE HAD THEM FOR SEVERAL DAYS STRAIGHT, AND THEY WONT GO AWAY. I HAD ABOUT A MONTH OF THAT AND STARTETD EATING A BANANA A DAY AND WHETHER THAT IS WHAT HELPED OR NOT I DONT KNOW ALSO HAVE BEGAN MAKING MY HEART RATE GET UP BY EXERCISE, WHICH SEEMS TO SET IT INTO A RHYTHYM.
AND BEWARE OF THESE VITAMIN THERAPIES, I TRIED THOSE TOO, AND ONCE YOU HEAR FROM ONE VITAMIN PUSHER YOU WILL HEAR FROM MANY. I DID THE MAGNESIUM, I DID THE CALCIUM, YOU WILL FIND THESE ADVERTISERS ON EVERY ARRYTHMIA SITE OUT THERE,
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Christina K.
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1/15/2004
17:45:32
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Mary (and everyone else),
You are right about advertisers sneaking into sites. I also post on a pregnancy loss support group and every now and then someone sends an ad to me from that. I think that's pretty "nervey" to do that. Especially on a site dedicated to loss.
While I do a few supplements (just to be healthy and they do help some), I find I can get plenty of magnesium, potassium and calcium from yogurt, OJ, bananas, pumpkin seeds and milk. I try to be sure to eat a balanced diet and that helps a lot. And I watch my salt intake. If I retain too much fluid, I get skippy (just like when I was pregnant the second time).
Again, you are right about exercise helping too (at least for me). It works out the adrenalin and stress that builds up and irritates my heart.
I still get skips that go on for a while but they go away quicker and don't seem to bother me as much as they used to. I guess I've gotten use to them and I don't stress over them as much.
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arcadia
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1/15/2004
18:49:09
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Sheesh!!! I was only trying to help and yet everyone is ready to label me a troll for posting that link. I guess it's like I've heard before that sometimes when you extend your hand to help, you can get bitten.
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Jodee
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1/15/2004
18:49:25
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I am 16 and i didnt know if it was wierd that i was experiencing this at such a young age but i read some of your stories and i feel better knowing that some of u felt them at about 11 or so, thanks.
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Courtney
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1/16/2004
02:13:41
| RE: Heart palpitations
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i noticed sisnce I started taking magnesium that mine are not as bad anymore so I know that must help a little bit. again let me know if anyone wants to talk. i love being able to relate to others that are going through the same thing. i will say a prayer for everyone.
Bratt2377@aol.com
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Christina K.
Guest
1/16/2004
05:00:32
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Arcadia,
Sorry if you misunderstood my response. It was NOT directed at you or anyone in particular. I was just reminded of something that has happened to me on another site.
I too think supplements can help. I just use food more often than the supplements.
Again, sorry about that. It was not intentional.
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Bonney
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1/16/2004
13:12:01
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi
I am a 34 year old female. I first started having PVC's a year and a halif ago. I also developed really bad allergies to mold and grass at the same time. I had started a new job so was under a fair amount of stress too.
I went to doc and has EKG, holter moniter test, and ultrasound on heart. PVC's was the result. Lasted about a week at the worst thean didn't have much at all for over a year. Now they have come back really bad for 3-4 days so far. My period is due in about 10 days and I have all the symptoms of PMS too. I believe that makes it worse or triggers them. Last night I couldn't even fall aslpeep cause they were so bad. I am trying the calcium supps to see if that helps.
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Mary
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1/16/2004
16:18:09
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Christina
I am sorry if you took me wrong, I really am, I just get really frustrated at the way people get into us and try to sell us stuff, whether it be herbs, or vitamins or whatever, I only posted just to warn everyone about that sort of thing.
Yesterday I had a great day, I was in a positive state of mind. got plenty of rest, always eat right and no palps, then evening and we went out to dinner at our fav buffet, and after wards we head off to the mall or someplace where we can walk around alot after a good hearty meal, I have a bit of irritable bowel syndrome, and of course had to find a restroom quickly, then the palps started... all through our walk and until I got back home and into bed where I could lie down and relax, they stopped.! I will tell you they were quite hard ones too, I didnt let it deter me or slow me down this time nor did I let it scare me WAHOO! I feel almost victorious about that.
Again about the vitamins sups etc...Just hate to see sellers prey on us by trying to sell us supplements we are all searching for answers, and hopefully by hearing others problems and stories of thier own experiences it will help us pin point the cause, it is obvious that DRs are not all that concerned for us, and are not taking us seriously so looks like all we have is each other. I will stick to my warnings about people coming in here with testimonies of success and then offering to sell us the exact dosage we need for 49.95 a month.....!
Mary
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Stacy
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1/16/2004
16:28:09
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I have a bit of Irritable Bowel Syndrome also...anyone else on this site have stomach problems in addition to your palps?
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Christina K.
Guest
1/16/2004
20:17:04
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Mary, and everyone,
I didn't have a problem with what you said. I was just concerned that my response to your post had hurt Arcadia's feelings. It wasn't my intent.
When you mentioned sales people sneaking into sites it reminded me of people selling stuff on our pregnancy loss site. It's bad enough when they bother those of us with chronic problems, but to go after people grieving is just low.
Congratulations on not being bothered by your skips. That was a huge step for me. Not getting anxious stopped the adrenalin and kept them from getting worse. It really feels great when the fear has been taken away.
Today, I've been having constant skips (pac's) for about 3hrs now. A few months ago I would have been antsy and pacing the floor. Now, I just do what I normally do. Clean up, grocery shopping, read to my son, etc... Eventually, poof! they are gone. Plus, Aunt Flo is due in about 3 days. That could be part of my trouble today.
This bit is for Stacy too, I also have IBS. It's fairly mild and seems to be laying low right now. I also have GURD so my heartburn doesn't help either. I saw on an IBS website that there is a theory that, yes once again, tension/stress/anxiety can cause it to get worse. I know for myself, stress can be a factor but I'm starting to get frustrated being told that everything that happens to me is stress and anxiety related. Maybe it is, but it does get old.
Hope everyone has a skip/palp free weekend.
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Lisha
Guest
1/18/2004
05:31:47
| RE: Heart palpitations
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My husband has been having this problem for about six years now , we have been to Dr. after Dr. , the Er and everything were really getting frustrated with not getting any answer , they say everything is fine !!! What should we do ??? Last night was the worst he's had in a while, and of course we went to the ER , and it quits when we get there , so he feels like a hyprocondriac (spelled wrong) Does anyone else have this problem ??
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Lilly
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1/18/2004
06:12:48
| RE: Heart palpitations
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There's something to the calcium magnesium supplements...haven't had any heart palps since I started taking it every night...about 2 weeks ago. (Also ordered the natural progesteron cream.... let's see what that does for me. Calcium also helps me sleep better at nite...definitely!!!!!) Nam Myoho Renge kyo!!!!
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Lilly
Guest
1/18/2004
14:41:30
| RE: Heart palpitations
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There's something to the calcium magnesium supplements...haven't had any heart palps since I started taking it every night...about 2 weeks ago. (Also ordered the natural progesteron cream.... let's see what that does for me. Calcium also helps me sleep better at nite...definitely!!!!!) Nam Myoho Renge kyo!!!!
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Lilly
Guest
1/18/2004
14:43:55
| RE: Heart palpitations
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There's something to the calcium magnesium supplements...haven't had any heart palps since I started taking it every night...about 2 weeks ago. (Also ordered the natural progesteron cream.... let's see what that does for me. Calcium also helps me sleep better at nite...definitely!!!!!) Nam Myoho Renge kyo!!!!
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Carol
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1/18/2004
16:14:56
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Lily - I was wondering how old you are....if you're past menopause, as some of us are, I am wondering if the progesterone cream will do anything. As I had mentioned in previous posts, my palps got worse as I neared menopause, but ceased for a few years after menopause. They are back now, so I am puzzled - I always linked it to the hormones, but now it must be something else.
Carol
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Maureen
Guest
1/18/2004
20:06:59
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I am 44 years old and have had heart palps on and off for over ten years now. They stop for weeks or months at a time and then come back with a vengance. I have been checked out by a cardiologist and at ER and am told that I have PVC's. They are the most horrid things.
I do have IBS and stomach problems and they ( the PVC's) seem to occur much more frequently after I eat. If I don't eat, I don't really seem to get them very much. This, of course , isn't the solution.
I have had a hysterectomy and am on estrogen cream.
Please, I would love to hear from others about possible respite from these awful things. They can control my life!
I live in England.
Thanks, and I hope to hear from you.
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Debbie
Guest
1/18/2004
22:36:30
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Maureen, I also get them when I eat, my heart rate seems to go up also. I have low blood sugar so if I eat to many carbs I get them more then too, hormones seem to be a big factor to, I've had heart palps for about twenty five years now!!! they still make me nervous
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Sara
Guest
1/20/2004
01:09:21
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi, I'm not sure you are all talking about what happens to me (feels like my heart is skipping a beat every so often, like a thump in my chest). I decided to try something simple: drinking lots of water and guess what? It has helped immensely! So, it's an easy thing to try. Hope it helps some of y'all!
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Jane
Guest
1/20/2004
06:29:41
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I am so glad that I found this site. I just got released from the hospital after two days of palpitations. I am 36, don't have any children but have had a lot of female problems. I started experiencing the palpitations about a week ago and it is the scariest thing I have ever been through. I've had three major surgeries and have high blood pressure but never anything as taxing as this. They did every test that you could think of and they saw the palpitations on the ekg and the 24 hour monitor but told me that it was "benign" and that it won't harm me. The most frustrating thing is that I don't know when it's going to come on. Sometimes it feels like a hot flash then the palp or just the palp accompanied by terrible gas. I was told that it could be from anxiety or a panic attack. I never thought that this could happen to me. That feeling of overwhelming doom or dying is something I do not want to go through everyday. I am trying to deal with the problem without medication. The doctors would like me to continue to go through more tests but I figure that they would have found it by now. Does anyone use any techniques to settle the feeling down? The palps can last all day or all night sporadically! It's really affecting my life. I'm sorry that I'm rambling but I am in tears because of this. Thanks for listening.
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Jamie
Guest
1/21/2004
21:04:38
| RE: Heart palpitations
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This is a great site. It is reassuring to read that so many people have similar symptoms. I have had PVCs on and off for ~7 years. Did the holter test, tread mill, echo, and EKG....just PVCs. After a pretty severe bout in 97 they happened only on occasion. I currently have GERD/reflux symptoms and the PVCs are back. They are worse after I eat. I have eliminated coffee, chocolate, spicy foods, etc. In addition,I eliminated my morning orange juice smoothie that always has a banana in it. I drank it for the first time today and so far....no PVCs. I have read that magnesium and potassium help regulate the heart. Maybe simply eating a banana a day helps. I have also read that red wine and cod liver oil affect magnesium absorbtion. For me, regular exercise seems to help as well. So at least today, no "thumps" or "roll-over" type feelings and the anxiety that goes with them.
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Angela
Guest
1/22/2004
05:49:21
| RE: Heart palpitations
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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 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!
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Richard
Guest
1/24/2004
22:09:31
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi, Reading all your posts brings back a lot of sad memories. I had palpitations pretty bad for a lot of years along with a lot of other problems like panic attacks and irritable bowel syndrome. I no longer have any of these "problems" and I wrote a book about my experience that's available at my site www.readingyourbody.com. Although I'd like to sell a couple of books, I'd be glad to exchange information about what worked for me by email with anyone interested. Richard
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courtney
Guest
1/25/2004
02:59:30
| RE: Heart palpitations
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richard
please let me know some of the things that worked for you. i feel like i can't go on anymore with these things. please email me bratt2377@aol.com
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Angela
Guest
1/25/2004
03:42:59
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi Richard,
Thanks for sharing your information with us. It seems as though most of us have had the same symptoms, so I would be interested to know what you have learned. I've been taking the magnesium supp. for a week and I haven't had any palpitations since, but I would like to learn all that I can about the possible causes of these symptoms. With solid information and good support, maybe we will be able to help each other so that we can all begin leading peaceful lives again. If you wouldn't mind, please email me at boling3@omuonline.net. Thanks so much!
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tim
Guest
1/27/2004
19:22:59
| RE: Heart palpitations
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There was a post above about palps only happening to women, well i'm 19 and have been having palps since i was 16.
They happen when my immune system is low, or when i havnt eaten, and then when i do eat!
I also get them if im tired, after a late night, or due to an extensive period of no exercise.
I hope they dont carry on till im in my 40's.....i dont hink i could deal wih that.
Are there any other guys of my age range out there with this problem??
Has anyone found that doing more exercise prevents them???
please post!
-Tim.
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Gail
Guest
1/27/2004
22:39:27
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I am 54, very healthy, and have been experiencing heart palpitations very regularly for the last week. I went to the emergency room a week ago and everything checked out alright: EKG, chest Xrays, blood work. What is strange about mine are that they mostly seem to happen when I swallow, when I am eating or drinking. Then, it makes me cough. Anyone with a similar experience?
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Angela
Guest
1/28/2004
00:09:25
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi Gail,
I did some research on the possible correlation between swallowing and palpitations and this was the only information that I could find (from medhelp.org) that was directly related to your specific problem. It is in a Q & A format between a patient & a Dr. on the site. I hope this helps some. :)
Also, you might want to research the vagus nerve/palpitation connection. My palpitations are gone since I've started taking a magnesium supplement. I believe this is probably due to the fact that magnesium relaxes blood vessels, nerves and muscles (incl. the heart)---among other things.
Anyway, here is the information from medhelp.org:
What possible connection can there be with swallowing and an atrial
arrhythmia? I have had about a 5 year on again, off again history with
atrial arrhythmias. No apparent reason exists to account for them. They
seem to last for about 3-4 months then leave for awhile. Last year I had
zero arrhythmia occurrences and was able to run 1700 km, including a
marathon. I do not generally get any arrhythmias unless I swallow. It
actually makes eating difficult at times because the rhythum gets so lost.
The correlation with swallowing is 100%. Even if I run or exercise nothing
happens unless I swallow. My heart rate monitor shows a pulse rate of
140 bpm and immediately after I swallow it jumps to 230 for a short period of
time. If I press on my carotid artery before and during a swallow the
chances of the arrhythmia are less. Any ideas? I recently had an EP study
done which confirmed no apparent cause. When the study was done the
arrhythmia had gone dormant and I couldn't cause one to save my life. Is it
possible that the study could come up negative if something like WPW were
the cause of all this? Sorry for all the questions but a doctor suggested
it could be Lown-Ganong-Levine Syndrome. What is that? Thankyou for any
help.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Mr. Burton,
I’m not familiar with a swallowing-facilitated atrial arrhythmia. It is possible, however, that the swallowing causes an alteration in the delicate balance that the nervous system provides to the rhythm of the heart. Possibly, the act of swallowing causes some mechanical disturbance to the atrial tissue, due to the movement of the esophagus against the left atrium. Thus, it wouldn’t be unheard of to experience this problem in the context of swallowing.
If the heart rates you report are accurate, then it would be worthwhile to seek a second opinion from an electrophysiologist for this problem. It is possible that a correctable cause exists, but that it has not been detected. Regarding the Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome… this is characterized by certain electrocardiographic features (short PR interval, normal QRS complex) in the setting if paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, or PSVT. This can also be corrected by EP testing and radiofrequency ablation, if it is present in your case.
If you’d like, call the Cleveland Clinic at 1 800 CCF-CARE, and ask to make an appointment with an electrophysiologist at desk F15. Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general medical purposes only. Specific recommendations can only be provided by your physician.
Good luck, Gail.
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Gary
Guest
1/30/2004
09:21:16
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I'm also one of the rare men who have this problem.
It's amazing reading these posts, they describe the problem perfectly. Basically our condition has terrible symptoms - but thank God is not that harmful. It's just something you have to put up with when the attacks happen.
As far as advice - definitely avoid needless stress, don't excercize too much, maintain good blood sugar by eating healthy meals spread out through the day, stay hydrated and use support systems like this one.
Good luck to all.
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Tony
Guest
1/30/2004
19:12:10
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Well thank goodness.
I started having heart palpitations yesterday...started getting more frequent...sat watching the telly and thought I would check my pulse and surprised to find I missed a pulse during palpitation....down to casualty...xrays,blood checks,ecg etc. told to go home, it's ok, come back if it get's worse.
I have still got them...mainly when I am relaxed or in bed.
Why do doctors seem to have no idea how worrying this is...I have never come across it ...only by a concerned search on the web and seeing this site can I get any comfort.
Thanx all....going out to buy some banana'a and magnesium!!! :-)
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Pascal
Guest
2/05/2004
02:26:02
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Thanks to all. It's really reassuring to know that I'm not alone out there with this problem. I'm male, 28, active, good blood preasure, good cholessterol, however still worry way to much about my palpitations. I've been having palpitation on and off for about five years. They seem to be getting worse as the years go on. I've been checked twice by a cardiologist who conducted a running test, 48 hour holter monitor, and ultrasound all of which came back indicating that my palps were benign. Of course the doc told me not to worry but still, I live in worry about this. Sometimes I think if I'm going to drop dead, I'd like to just get it over with. Don't get me wrong...I love life I just hate living in fear of something that's not suppose to be dangerous.
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Nancy
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2/05/2004
16:03:54
| RE: Heart palpitations
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HI everyone, Thanks for all your honest thoughts on your experiences. I am 40 years old, and have had heart palpitations since I was about 28. At first it was very scarry, and like most of you I had the Drs reassure me that it was nothing to worry about. I too have had all the tests and was told I had a benign arthmyia. It is interesting to know that most Drs donot seem to understand this. I starting getting them around my period, then they would come whenever, no ryhme or reason. Now I was recently told that I have a fibroid cyst, my periods are longer, I am on iron, I take vitaimins, I am not overwieght and I excercise. I do know that when I consistentnly get aerobic exercise they seem to be more stabilized. I also know for me prayer has been key to getting me through also. I was surprised to hear men also experience this. I will be praying for all of you. When you know whos Hansds you are in, it is comforting.
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Sandy
Guest
2/05/2004
21:13:09
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I ran across this site while looking for more information on PVC's because I've been having them 24/7 for 2 days now. I'm 44 and I've had them on and off for 10 years and always for days at a time. I can't sleep on my side when I have them either. I have also had every test there is - twice because I just have a hard time accepting that something so terrible could not be life threatening. Most of the time I just try to ignore them and sometimes it is impossible. I'm sorry we have it, but is so reassuring to read other experiences with this and know that I am not alone. I don't know anyone personally who experiences these PVC's. It is hard for my family to understand because they don't feel what it is like. We seem to have a lot of the same feelings about this "condition". I wish you all the best!
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Nancy
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2/05/2004
22:44:20
| RE: Heart palpitations
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HI Sandy,
Thanks for sharing. Yes it is so nice to know others understand! I was wondering if you or anyone else experience, tension in the neck shoulder or upper back when you are having palpitations. I notice I get these symptons also as well as a feeling of up tightness. I feel total not myself, when this happens. I did notice today when I had some episodes, that rubbing my sinuses( as strange as that sounds) actually brought me relief. I am going to look in to this.
God Bless You
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Heidi
Guest
2/06/2004
19:18:38
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hey everyone! Reading your stories makes me feel so much better, and a lot less scared and alone. It is sooo hard trying to get others to understand how annoying the palpitations are if they, themselves, have never felt them before. I am 23 years old and am beginning my second month with consistent heart palpitations. They just came on one random day and have not left! I don't understand how something like this could just come on out of nowhere? My doctor attributes it to stress, even though I tell her I don't feel stressed! I find that they come on about 30 minutes after eating, but she did not think that this was a viable connection. She put me on Xanax and my palps stopped for about 1.5 weeks! (Thank god!) But now they are back full force. It feels like my heart stops beating for a moment and then thumps back into its regaular rhythm again. I also sometimes feel like I need to take a breath when it happens. EKG and blood tests came back normal, but still, all my doctor offered me was to go to counseling for stress management, but I really don't think this is what I need. Sometimes my palpitations only happen a few times a day, and sometimes they happen like every other minute! It makes it very difficult for me to concentrate on my work and it is very scary especially when they can be so frequent! Any tips on managing these things would sure be helpful!
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nancy
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2/06/2004
19:48:33
| RE: Heart palpitations
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http://www.vh.org/adult/patient/internalmedicine/faq/heartpalpitations.html
I found this site to be interesting. HI Heidi, welcome to this site I am new here also, I have left a few postings if you'd like to read my history. I am experiencing right now staying off caffeine and taking magnesium and calcium.
I know it is scary but please keep in mind, that most times there is nothing to worry about, we are all just trying to find out why they happen at all, today alone I probably had 25 palps, they come and go for me wiht no ryhme or reason.
I also beleive consistent exercise is very helpful. I havent exercised the last few days and they have been worse.
I hope this helps a bit.
Please remember, something good can come out of this. I totally understand what you are going through.
PS I don't drink alcohol at all or take any prescriptions.
Blessings
Nancy
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Carol
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2/07/2004
13:56:26
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Hi everyone!
I have posted on these boards a few times before, so I won't go into all of my history, but I am 49 and have had palps since puberty.....I, like so many others have had all of the tests done and my heart is perfectly normal. Since tests have proven that my heart is fine, it has lessened the stress that I am not going to have some kind of heart attack, therefore, the palps have let up.
A couple of weeks ago, I was sick with bronchitis and coughing to death in bed, when I felt a pinch in my abdomen. I just thought I strained myself, but when I went to the bathroom, I noticed that I had some staining, which startled me because I am post-menopausal over 2 years. I immediately called my gyno to schedule an appointment. I am faithful in seeing him every 6 months because I have a history of mild dysplasia showing up on the pap smears, so I wasn't too concerned. When I saw my gyno, he told me that he needed an ultrasound to measure the lining of the uterus, and he also did another pap while I was there. I got my ultrasound done a few days later, and still wasn't too concerned.
Well, my gyno called me back last week at 8AM....when I answered the phone and he said "your tests came back and I need to do a D&C because the lining is much too thick" (could be uterine cancer, could be something else), my legs became like jelly, and, of course, my heart started palpitating wildly. After I hung up and was still reeling from that news, he calls back about 10 minutes later to tell me that my pap came back, and the dysplasia was now showing elevated levels of precancerous cells - so now I need a colposcopy and leep cone procedure.
I have been having problems functioning over the last week - palpitations all over the place. I know mine were brought on by the stress! I went to my gyno yesterday for the colposcopy, and he cleared up some of my fears. I feel much better now, but will continue to be stressed until after the D&C - I'm a big baby when it comes to needles, IV's and being knocked out. I have discussed the palps with my gyno, and he has been suffering with them for many years as well. He went through all of the tests, like most of us, and nothing was found either. He says that his were so annoying, that he decided to go on beta blockers several years ago. In discussing my palps with him and my other GP, they both were implying that some people are just wired a little different and are sensitive to things -- hormonal changes, certain foods, allergies, stress, infection - can all cause the heart to "skip".
I know in my particular case, hormones, caffeine, when I'm coming down with something, stress, lack of sleep, - these all contribute to my palps. I have noticed in the last several years, that if I have the ability to just lay down and catch a short nap, often when I wake up, I feel better. I agree with the previous posters about exercise as well -it does seem to help. I am an "A" type person, so I am constantly hyper as well. I also believe that the palps seem to get worse the more you dwell on them.
My only advise to all of you out there is too try to relax - believe me, I know - and try to ignore them. If they become unbearable after trying relaxation, exercise and avoiding stimulants, then it may be time to consider taking medications and be done with it. I hope my post will help to put some of your fears aside.
Take care,
Carol
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Wayne Kindred
Guest
2/07/2004
18:00:47
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I am a male 73 years old and i had open heart surgery 5 months ago. Had four bypasses and I have avery irregular heartbeat. My heart skips all the time. It will beat 3 times and skips and sometimes it will skip every two times. LAST MONTH MY PULSE GOT DOWN INTO THE THIRTIES AND WAS GOING UP TO TWO SECONDS BETWEEN BEATS. i HAD A PACEMAKER PUT IN AND IT KEEPS MY PULSE INTO THE 70S BUT MY HEART STILL SKIPS LIKE IT DID BEFORE.I get very dizzy and feel like I am going to pass out at times. I went back to the doctor that put in the pacemaker and told him about my dizzyness and about to pass out and he said that there was nothing wrong with me and that I needed to see a phsiciacrist. It gets very discouraginmg when a doctor tells you that. He will not even listen to me. I hate to say it but I wish all those doctors would have the same problems and then they would know what we are going through.
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Robyn
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2/08/2004
03:14:19
| RE: Heart palpitations
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To everyone that has taken the time to tell their story...I thank you so very much....I am 43 and have had them(pvc's)since I was 14..I do take inderal a (beta-blocker)and now lots of xanax...I'm so desperate to make them stop I will do anything...they are worse than ever...sometimes all day...I'm about ready to give up....I also have panic disorder which dosn't make it any better...I would appreciate any advice......again thank you all for sharing...I'll pray for everyone of you to get some relief.
Robyn
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Sara
Guest
2/08/2004
05:37:19
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I agree with you Wayne. I think the doctors don't know how to deal with everything. Just like us I guess. Everyday I wake up, some days I feel bad, some days I feel good. It's never been different. Hang in there.
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Ellen
Guest
2/09/2004
21:20:25
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I'm been experiencing heart palpitation off and on for a few months now. I'm not happy that the rest of you have the same problem, but it is comforting to know I'm not alone. Like you, I've felt very frightened, and I'm searching for the cause and the cure. However, until then, here's something that's helped me relax when I'm in the middle of the palpitations. I start thinking about how much I appreciate my heart. I think about all the wonderful love it allows me to give and receive. I think about the amazing intuitive insights it give me. I think about the incredible highs I've felt when I've felt almost unbearable tenderness, awe and compassion. All of this comes about because of my heart, and I am grateful to it. Thinking along these lines helps me relax, breath easier, and continue with my daily activities.
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Nancy
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2/10/2004
21:29:58
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Has anyone looked into pressure points for relief? I have recently gotten complete relief from palpitaions pressing with my thumb for a few seconds on certain areas, that I was drawm instictively to for relief.
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Michelle
Guest
2/11/2004
00:14:29
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I am sitting here crying as I read all of the
stories on this site. I am 30 and since I was 17
I have been diagnosed a hypochondriac. I have
been to several dr.'s and cardio's and every time
I have been told to live with it. I have PVC's.
Well last week they came back terribly. 5-10 sec.
apart, all day long, all night, I am so tired. I
have a 3 years old daughter and I just am so
worried that I won't be around to share her life.
I went to the dr. yesterday and she put me on
Zebeta (beta blocker) to help. As of yet 2 days,
its hasn't done much to stop the PVC's, maybe just
decrease the strength of them. I walked 3 miles a
day until this started. Needless to say I am
scared to now. I find it hard to focus at work,
all I feel is the akward beat of my heart. I
truely believe that if you don't have them, you
will never understand them. Dr.'s in particular.
I have said for years a week before my monthly I
have them and that is it. Now I can't get rid of
them. Thanks for letting my cry and vent.
I hope we all find answers.
Feel free to email me
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michelle
Guest
2/11/2004
00:26:18
| RE: Heart palpitations
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I am crying as I sit here and read all of your
stories I have been considered a hypochondriac
since I was 17, I am now 30. It took Dr.'s years
to diagnose my PVC's, then they said "learn to
live with them". Hmmmm, obviously they don't have
the. typically my PVC's occur before my monthly.
However last wednesday they hit with a vengance.
5-10 sec. apart. My heart rate was varying and
sometimes the PVC's were bigeminal. Yesterday
(monday) I went to the Dr. and got put on a beta
blocker. So far it hasn't worked much. I am look
at my 3 year old daughter, praying that I will be
around to share her life with her. I am so
scared, I am tired, I am unfocused, and I am
lonely.
I pray everyone finds answers here.
email me at U4iachic@aol.com
Thanks for letting me
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Nancy
Guest
2/12/2004
00:29:07
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Michelle,
I can hear your heart. You will be fine though, it is annoying but everything I have read and talked with Drs about, this is not life threatening. I have found a pressure point under my left breast, that eliminates the palpitations, while I am having them, it feels like a nerve, press gently with your thumb and see if that helps. You are in my prayers.
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Christina
Guest
2/12/2004
03:33:07
| RE: Heart palpitations
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All your messages sound like my life. I have been having pvc's for as long as I can remember. I am now 48. Sometimes I get them for 2-3 days all day and night. One to two minutes apart. It can make you crazy. I used to (since I was 12, or 13) get extremely hard and fast palpatations, 150-190 bpm. This used to send me to the emergency room sometimes the episode would end by the time I got there. I had Dr.s tell me that it was stress...it was nerves, calm down go to a movie....it is hormones. Well...these attacks were getting closer together, and faster and they would not stop on their own. I went to St. Francis Heart Hospital in Nw York and I found out that I had something called W.P.W. (Wolf Parkinson Whilte syndrome). Since it was getting worse and potentially life threatening in my case an ablation was recommended, I had it and have hade no tachychardia (rapid beats...over 220 by the time I had it fixed). It is funny though that I had countless ekg,s and not one GP saw it on the test?? If your beats are extremely hard and over 150 bpm, I would have a cardiologist check this out.
Now to the 2nd part of my story and why I am looking at the boards tonight. I am still having pvc's occasionally (not related to the wpw, and told by the cardio not to worry about them) But now I am getting palps....just the normal variety 100-110 bpm, and a little harded than a regular beat. I know it isnt the wpw, as it feels nothing like that, but with my history I am a little panicky. I was told that it is most likely perimenopause, and that this can cause palps. I was looking for somone who experienced this during menopause. If anyone needs any info on WPW please feel free to e-mail me , cwisme@aol.com
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Michelle
Guest
2/12/2004
22:37:57
| RE: Heart palpitations
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Thanks for the replies. I go to the Cardiologist
on Tuesday. The beta blocker is working a little
better, but palps are still there. I used to walk
3 miles a day, but now I am afraid to exercise.
My GP told me to start walking again. It has been
3 weeks since I have had a good walk. She was
really perplexed today when I told her on the
phone that the palps are exaccerbated by eating.
That blew her mind. Not much comfort. I did
decide to try magnesium. I started yesterday. I
will let you all know if it works. I appreciate
the posts.
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Russell
Guest
2/13/2004
22:39:29
| AND BY THE WAY . . . . .RE: Heart palpitations
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I had very recently posted a response to share with all those suffering with heart palpatations to provide education about the condition. With regard to that communication, I want to also provide you with some general information about the following:
With regard to herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, snake oil, magic beads, copper bracelets, magnetic helmets, masks and rattles, etc. . .. . .
You should take care in consuming any herbal remedies for which you do not specifically know the exact chemistry and mechanisms of action upon the body and its physiology. That goes as well for any contraptions, devices or jewelry with underscored claims of miracle health benefits.
Many herbal products contain stimulants that can exacerbate your problems with palpatations, anxiety, etc. Claims made by the manufacturer do not represent consumer education. Make certain you know what you are putting in your body and do not take someone's word for claims that it rids the body of toxins, heavy metals, blah, blah, blah.
The body has very effective systems that have developed throughout evolution and do a very good job of removing harmful byproducts from the system. In cases where congenital or acquired disease impairs those functions, it is always wise to seek the advice and recommendations of a licenced medical doctor.
With regard to vitamins and minerals, the body does an outstanding job of absorbing all the minerals and vitamins you need through a healthy balanced diet. In fact, the body more readily absorbs these vitamins and minerals from natural rather than manufactured sources. If you feel you need a supplement, it will certainly do no real harm to take vitamins and minerals in very limited quantity due to the fact that vitamins can as easily be toxic to the system as beneficial depending upon the quantity consumed.
Many of you mentioned magnesium and this mineral indeed plays a role in cardiovascular regulation along with a host of other factors, but the amount required is very small and is easily found in many natural foods.
The message here is don't allow your fears about heart palpatations or any other condition to lead you down the path of spending untold amounts of money trying to extinguish symptoms, nor allow anyone to pander remedies to you for which you don't have proven data regarding their chemical makeup, action upon the body and its functions, or documented research to support their use for your specific problem or concern.
Your body is a very complex and well-ordered marvel of biochemistry and has the astounding ability to operate efficiently and effectively given proper nutrition, exercise and emotional well-being. Even in cases where one or many of these requisites are attenuated, the body adjusts very well and performs more than adequately. Feeling the need to tinker with your physiology out of frustration and lack of answers can be a double-edged sword that can either mask a real problem or excaerbate mere non-pathologic symptoms.
Also remember that the powerful inducement associated with cause-and-effect scenarios has caused many a person to take up practices and beliefs that are not necessarily accurate. By example relevant to this issue, if you take a teaspoon of sugar-water and experience what appears to be relief from palpatations, it does not mean that the syrup had an effect upon the palpatation issue. The relative coincidence of timing can play upon out belief system and it doesn't take much when we're lost for answers to grab onto the nearest available prospect. Improperly pairing actions and outcomes can mislead you down a long and oftentimes expensive path in search of the truth.
The best policy is to keep it simple. Do not overload yourself with potions, herbs or excessive vitiamins & minerals with the hope of discovering the magic bullet, nor strap on metal bracelets and pins. Your body with thank you for it. Strive to first educate yourself thoroughly about your condition with as much research as you can locate before settling upon a remedy, particularly one that requires an investment.
While it is true that traditional medicine is not a perfect science, neither are humans themselves. Experimentation can be costly, so don't risk your well-being on a hunch. And there are bad physicians and bad medicines to be sure. The key is not to lose faith in medicine as a science, but rather exercise your options regarding physician care and take an active role in the medicines being prescribed to you. You don't have to be a doctor to make wise decisions about choosing the best medical care.
Finally, support groups are outstanding and have the one component that you cannot find in a pill and it's the awareness that you're not alone in your difficulties. Knowing that you stand among countless others with the same encounters makes us breath a little easier that it has some degree of common occurrence. The fact that these conditions and others are common is all the more reason for you to be both optimistic about the outcome and wary of those who might try and capitalize financially upon your lack of information and direction concerning a remedy.
Best regards and good health!
THIS COMMUNICATION REPRESENTS AN OPINION BASED UPON MEDICAL FACTS AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE, SUSPEND OR OTHERWISE SUPPLANT ADVICE FROM YOUR PERSONAL LICENSED MEDICAL DOCTOR.
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Gail
Guest
2/13/2004
22:48:07
| Don't Want To Take Drugs?
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For those of us who really do not want to take drugs to treat our condition this information is worth considering. I have included only the pertinent excerpts, if you want to read the entire article the website address is at the end of this message.
HEART OF THE MATTER.(cardiologist Seth Baum on therapies for prevention and treatment of heart diseases)(Interview)
Saturday Evening Post, March, 2001, by Patrick Perry
Combining the best from conventional and complementary therapies, a cardiologist presents an innovative strategy to prevent and reverse heart disease.
In his busy clinical practice, triple board-certified cardiologist Seth Baum has snaked his way through the arteries of thousands of patients in an effort to prevent or minimize heart attacks. But over time, the young physician became increasingly concerned and frustrated over the temporary nature of bypass, angioplasty, and other invasive techniques, witnessing an alarming number of patients return for repeat procedures. While the therapies proved lifesaving in a cardiac crisis, they did little to address the underlying cause of heart disease.
Turning his attention to the field of complementary medicine, Dr. Baum discovered a wealth of literature and research studies demonstrating the power of supplements, dietary modifications, and stress-reduction techniques for slowing, and possibly reversing, the progression of heart disease
Q: One particular supplement stands out in your writing, and this is a quote: "Of all the minerals employed in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, magnesium is far and away my favorite."
A: No question about it. One of the things that kept coming up in the literature was that based upon numerous studies, about 75 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium. Their intake of magnesium was below what the RDA recommends. We can miss that on lab tests because we test serum levels of magnesium, and it is actually intracellular levels of magnesium that are much more important.
I think magnesium is "king" for the treatment of benign rhythm disorders, which includes paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, meaning that it comes and goes. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is not necessarily so benign, by the way, because you can have a stroke from atrial fibrillation. But PACs (premature atrial contractions)extra beats from the upper chamber of the heart--or PVCs (premature ventricular contractions)--extra beats from the lower chambers of the heart--can be very bothersome palpitations for patients. I put many patients who have these benign rhythm disturbances on magnesium, and their symptoms totally disappear. One patient came to me about two years ago complaining of repeated episodes of atrial fibrillation. He did not want to take pharmaceuticals, so I put him on a very high dose of magnesium. He has had one recurrence in two years and is amazed. In a number of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, magnesium supplementation significantly cut down the frequency or duration of episodes.
Q: For people who as yet do not have heart disease, do you recommend a certain dosage of magnesium? Would an over-the-counter multivitamin provide enough magnesium?
A: Unfortunately, the typical multivitamin doesn't have enough magnesium in it. I recommend between 300 and 500 mg a day of the chelated form for people with normal renal function. They can handle that dosage fine. Magnesium is also effective for migraine headaches at higher doses. The woman who typed the manuscript for the book had migraine headaches, and she did well with magnesium.
Q: You also wrote: "Magnesium is the body's natural calcium channel blocker. It not only dilates blood vessels but also helps our hearts function more efficiently." You talked about this effect not only in relation to heart disease but congestive heart failure and other vascular diseases. Therefore, does magnesium have a broad application?
A: Yes. The quickest and most satisfying response is with arrhythmia. But I do think that magnesium is very important to heart muscle function in the setting of an acute infarct. As a vasodilator, it can help fight heart failure. That is one of the mainstays of therapy--vasodilators. And if you accept the fact that most of us are deficient in magnesium, why not supplement?
My patient began that program and took a variety of supplements--balanced high-dose antioxidant supplementation with vitamin C, E, lipoic acid, coenzyme [Q.sub.10], and L-carnitine. He took some herbs as well, including hawthorn berry and ginkgo, along with fiber and fish oil supplements. He was the first person that I was using this approach with, so I wasn't 100 percent certain of the outcome.
When he came back to the office, he was so devoted to making the program work and avoiding a bypass that he really listened to everything that I said. His systolic blood pressure was in the 110-119 range. He was as astonished as I was. Although he had only lost a couple of pounds, it was as if he lost 50 pounds to help explain the dramatic lowering of his blood pressure. He gradually got back into exercise, playing tennis f |
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