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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

'Fluttering' Heart?

34 replies

TequilaMockinBird · 30/03/2011 20:55

Over the last couple of weeks my heart has started to 'flutter'. It feels a bit like when a baby first starts to move/kick - like a butterfly type feeling. It flutters for a second or two and then 'thuds' back to normal. This can sometimes go on for about 5-10 minutes.

When it happens (once a day at least), it makes me feel a bit dizzy and sick. Although I realise that I also panic when it happens which probably doesnt help matters!

Any ideas what this could be? I've stupidly googled and have now diagnosed myself with heart failure . Which makes me panic even more!!

The only things I have changed are coming off the pill, and starting to drink coffee again. Could it be either of those causing it?

Just wondered if anybody had experience of this? Or knows what could be causing it before I go to the doctors.

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Pkam · 30/03/2011 21:07

Could be a change in hormones or increase in caffiene or any number of perfectly normal things. However, always best to get it checked out to be sure. The fluttering can be disturbing if you're not used to it; but if you worry about it you'll notice it more and make it worse! Go to your GP.

mylovelymonster · 30/03/2011 21:12

I think it is very common. I had it very badly (and terrifying) when I had a nasty viral infection. I believe it is totally harmless palpitations. Can be linked to hormone swings (can occur at certain time in your cycle), tiredness, lack of iron, recent illness. Caffeine & alcohol can be linked, I think.

Go to your GP - they can do a trace to check for any underlying arrythmia, and bloods to look at haemaglobin levels (excuse spelling!).

I thought I had a weak heart and was going to peg it, but went through two pregnancies since and only notice it mildy every now & then.
Do go & talk to your doctor tho!

winnybella · 30/03/2011 21:14

Hmm. I had the 'skipped-beat' thing for quite a few months after DD was born and it could go on for a while.

Go to your GP, probably nothing serious, but at the same time you don't want to mess with your heart.

TequilaMockinBird · 30/03/2011 21:19

So I'm not about to drop down dead then?! Phew!

The only things I could find on Google were Heart Disease and Heart Failure

Thank you for your replies, you have certainly put my mind at rest a bit! I will go to the GP, I don't really feel ill in any other way. No chest pains or anything like that, its just more annoying really IYKWIM. It even happens sometimes when I'm resting in bed, so isn't due to exercise or anything.

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Pkam · 30/03/2011 21:30

Had mine since I was a teenager and not dead yet! Mine makes me fall over about once every 10 years but perfectly 'normal'. Stress, tiredness, alcohol, coffee, illness can all make it worse and it can happen at any time - tend to notice it more when you're still though so when you're in bed is perfectly normal too.

(Still go to GP though)

mylovelymonster · 30/03/2011 21:43

That is classic - noticeable when resting. When mine was at it's worst it was when I was lying down in bed to go to sleep, then my heartbeat would skip a beat then thump in my chest and just race. I just had to try and relax as much as possible to bring it back under control. Hideous. That was on&off for around 8 months, but nothing anywhere near as horrible for years, just the odd flutter now. Doctor checked me out and couldn't find anything and I have no underlying problems.
Weird things happen but can be something or nothing, So don't worry about it at all, stop googling, and get down to your GP.

TequilaMockinBird · 31/03/2011 16:33

Just back from GP's. I have to go to hospital first thing tomorrow for an ECG

The worst bit however will be the bloods I have to go for next week. I have a very severe phobia of needles and although she has prescribed some Diazepam to take beforehand, I will definitely need some hand holding!

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TheFarSide · 31/03/2011 16:41

I'm 48 and started getting palpitations, pretty much the same as you describe. I was really worried because it was MY HEART but I had an ECG which was normal then I had to wear a heart monitor for a week, during which I didn't really have any major flutters but those that I did have were just my heart beating faster rather than anything abnormal. There was no obvious cause - I think I put it down to peri-menopausal hormones and stress, even though the palpitations used to happen when I was resting. I haven't had any for the last month or so. Good luck!

Pkam · 31/03/2011 20:40

It'll be worth all the fuss just for peace of mind. Phobia of needles not good though . Good luck - hopefully it will prove to be like the rest of us on here and absolutely nothing to worry about.

mylovelymonster · 31/03/2011 20:54

Lots of luck! Sure you will be absolutely fine.

TequilaMockinBird · 01/04/2011 10:08

Just back from hospital. There are irregularities in the ECG results

The Cardiologist wants to do investigative work (?) and so I have had to take my results back to the GP surgery. I have an appointment with the GP at 10.40.

Please hold my hand

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winnybella · 01/04/2011 10:13

Oh, poor you. Don't panic, though, it may be nothing serious or something you'll need to take medication for.

TequilaMockinBird · 01/04/2011 10:17

Thanks winny. I did take half a Diazepam tablet this morning, they said that wouldnt matter though, it was to do with the electrical something or other rather than how fast it was beating.

Off to GP now, will report back later

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TequilaMockinBird · 01/04/2011 12:26

I'm back.

They suspect I have WPW (Wolf Parkinson White?) syndrome. Something to do with a short circuit of the electrical current in the heart

I'm being referred to a Cardiologist, oh shit

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ArthurPewty · 01/04/2011 12:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TequilaMockinBird · 01/04/2011 12:40

Is a Delta wave bad? GP has just rang, the Specialist would like to see me under an urgent appointment rather than the 60 day current wait time.

Shit, that doesnt sound good

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winnybella · 01/04/2011 12:43

WPW

It usually is not very serious and if meds don't help, a simple surgery can cure it.

But it should be treated as it can cause tachycardia/atrial fibrillation.

wfrances · 01/04/2011 12:49

try not to worry
i suffer from i.s.t.
symptoms similar to yours
i take beta blockers when it plays up
cardiologist said i might have to have a pacemaker if it gets worse with age
(im 35) heart is fine just the sinus node is very sensitive.goes from 70-170 in a beat.
keep us posted.good luck.

TequilaMockinBird · 01/04/2011 12:49

Thanks for the link Winny - I was a bit frightened to google it tbh!

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thumbwitch · 01/04/2011 12:51

Wow. I was going to post to say "oh I have something like that sometimes, don't worry" and now I am worried, having googled the condition!

read this to find out what a delta wave is and see the treatments and prognosis. It's not hard to treat by the look of it.

Might have to ask the GP about it for DS too - I have this thing where I can hear my heartbeat thudding in the mattress sometimes when I'm lying in bed - I feel the vibrations. But a couple of times I've felt the vibrations and they have been DS's heartbeat, not mine (too fast for mine). Hopefully the GP will tell me to stop being so silly a hypochondriac.

Btw, I don't think coffee will be helping you, whatever. :)

TequilaMockinBird · 01/04/2011 12:53

wfrances, do you not take the beta blockers all the time then?

This is all happening a bit quickly, I only went to the GP about it yesterday afternoon!

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TequilaMockinBird · 01/04/2011 12:55

thumbwitch, yes I can sometimes feel my heart beating through the mattress like you say. However it's more the fluttery feeling which makes me worry!

I am going to cut out all caffeine and also alcohol in the hope that it will settle down.

Mentioned to the GP that when it happens I can stop it myself by lying down, deep breaths, holding my breath etc. He said if it continues for more than a couple of minutes and I cant stop it, then i need to dial 999 . That makes me even more worried!

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wfrances · 01/04/2011 12:59

no,i was only having episodes every couple of months and even though they lasted 48hrs we(me and cardiologist) decided it wasnt happening enough to take them everyday 3x a day.so i take them when i can feel it coming on .
im not good with meds cant even take lemsip so cant take them all the time.

vintageteacups · 01/04/2011 12:59

Sounds like a possible heart murmur.

Very common and often picked up in pergnancy - as easier to hear.

I had mine detected in pregnancy but then after having echo, they said it was all fine and only brought on during pregnancy.

I occasionally have it now (not pregnant) so I'm wondering if it's still there.

vintageteacups · 01/04/2011 13:00

Did the GP listen to your heart for a murmur? hey often have to wait a good while to hear it and often hard to find.

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