heart palps......

[Brandi]

So for years I have suffered with these bouts of heart palpitations. Had tests done, talked to different Dr's about it and they see a healthy heart that is anxious. My problem is I can go quite a few months with nothing then all of a sudden I start having them again. It's kinda scary. I always think "should I run to the Dr's"? they will just say the same thing. I am on a beta blocker. Started on one back in Oct of last year. My blood pressure was out of whack. My pressure is under control now. I just hate it when this happens. I think the fact that it scare's me makes it worse. I up my exercise, meditate more, try and relax as much as possible. Does anyone else have this? I am going through it right now. Don't like it!

[KnottedYet]

Yup, me too.

I get PVCs, sometimes in strings, which hurt like high h*ll.

I've ended up at the ER a couple times thinking I was having a heart attack because they hurt so bad. They are scary.

My doc did not want to put me on anti-anxiety meds, and I wasn't thrilled with the idea either.

She took me off ALL caffeine, which was horrible for the first 2 days, but the PVC's cut way down. I was also supposed to reduce the stress in my life... ha ha, like that is gonna happen!

I have found that if I run regularly (even just for 15 minutes a day) it helps keep the PVCs down. Walking and biking and meditating don't do it for me, only running.

[Brandi]

Mine does not hurt. It is just an odd feeling. When I am stressed it is the worst! Reducing stress is all I can do. I did a 10 mile hike today. Had issues when I first started out. I can talk myself into having a palp. It's terrible.

[Bike Writer]

I've had them on and off for years too and it's very scary when it feels like your heart is going to gallup right out of your chest. Caffeine is usually the culprit for me. I've had stress bring them on, but they have also awakened me from a sound sleep and there's not much that is less stressful than sleep so for me detecting a pattern can be difficult. One thing I can certainly tie them to is caffeine.

One thing I've done with some success is that if a bout comes on I mentally change the conversation, example; I do something different that what I was currently doing. Something to keep my mind busy and I don't think about it as much.

[OakLeaf]

I get SVTs, pretty much entirely related to food allergies. They're a little annoying is all, thank goodness for that. I'm not sure if allergies can provoke other types of arrhythmias, but it might be something to explore - stress definitely exacerbates allergic reactions, so that could be the link?

[Crankin]

Me, too.
Had them on and off since I started exercising, but they are not exercise related. It started when I was getting up at 4:30 AM to teach 5 AM aerobics and drinking tons of coffee, under stress from my job and having little kids, etc. I've had several echocardiograms and EKGs. Nothing unusual.
It happens out of the blue or when I am sick/under stress. But, the frequency has decreased greatly. I had some at the beginning of a ride last July. It's often more that I can feel a strong heartbeat and then a little irregular one, or just the initial feeling. I had no idea why this was happening, so I slowed down and it stopped. I later figured out it was the very hot weather, which is a huge stress for me. If I acclimate slowly, I have no problems.

[grey]

Can you get a few irregular beats the day after a really stressful ride? I've had little bouts for years, but usually months (or even a year) between those few odd beats.

Yesterday it was hot (90), and the guys decided it was a good day to do a bunch of hills - 1,300 ft of them. This was only my fourth ride of the season, so I'm not in shape yet. I don't usually sweat much, nor does my face usually get red, for me that's always an overheating sign. Today I feel a little off, and was putting laundry on the line this morning and my heart started fluttering - skipping, for about 5 mins. Not dizzy, no pain (girls that would scare the living daylights out of me!).

Anybody had that happen? I'm thinking low potassium or sodium.

[pinsonp2]

I get palpitations when my thyroid is out of wack. It lets me know when I need to see the endocrinologist.

P2

[Brandi]

I have found that at times when I get them I am also having a mineral deficiency. Magnesium and potassium seem to help. But really good quality. I take "Calm" for my magnesium. It was recommended by a nutritionist for my palps. And my Dr said it is good becuase it doesn't build up in your system. I seem to be better this week. Sleeping better and not waking up in a panic. I hope I am getting past this bout!
The best over all is to stop thinking about them, it seems to give it power!

[Brandi]

I get palpitations when my thyroid is out of wack. It lets me know when I need to see the endocrinologist.

P2

You know we have thyroid issues in our family but the dr doesn't seem to think it is related? Maybe I need a 2nd opinion?

[zoompastmykids]

interesting read on the heart palps. I have a looooonnnng history of this. Started in '89 in college. After tennis, after blowing my hair dry with my head inverted, during sex... all the odd and crazy times. 220+ bpm, numb extremities, cold and clammy... never could get to the er or doctor in time to detect problem. Then during pregnancy in '98 made it to ER and EKG clocked hear rate at 256 bpm. Sometimes lasted to 3 hours. Sometimes as quick as a few seconds.

Drs did catheter ablation therapy where they burned off sinus nodes on the heart that was causing recurring electrical circuit. Endless loop of current that wouldn't let my heart rest.

Now that I'm into endurance biking and marathon cardio sessions at the gym I'm noticing blips again. Nothing like I use to experience but Dr warned me that sinus nodes can grow back. Thinking of having stress test soon to plan for intense hills in Japan. Moving there and want to extend my new found love of endurance biking to the hills. Worrying about my heart along the way. I'm also new to this forum. Thought i'd jump in with the heart palp post. This is a topic that is very close to my heart

[jef09]

All of mine are stress or caffeine related. I gave up coffee and focused on working out. So far so good on the stress management. I am just glad I am not the only one going through this.