Is this a palpitation or not?

[opioneers]

I had palpitations a few years ago, probably to do with a mixture of peri-menopause and stress, but a mixture of magnesium and finishing the house renovation from hell sent them away.

They've come back, I've realised gradually, over the last few months and so I went to the dr last week and talked it over (I also had an ear infection so not the longest of chats). She said she wasn't worried, but would be more worried if I were getting them after exercise.

What I've realised since that conversation is that my heart is absolutely banging in my chest every time I walk home - we live at the top of a short but very steep hill. It calms down very quickly, in just a few minutes, but I don't know if this counts as a palpitation or a sign I need to get fitter (I do cycle in the summer, but in the winter just aim for 10,000 steps a day, so not that aerobic). I'm not breathless at all, just a bit panicky, and I realise I am getting into a feedback loop about this, in that I am waiting for it to happen and then it happens and I panic more.

I'm going back to see her in a few weeks, so should I raise it then or go and see someone before that? Or just take up running?

Oh, and I am taking industrial quantities of good quality magnesium again (realised that I had been taking oxide by accident) which has made the other palpitations get much less.

[NK346f2849X127d8bca260]

Go back, don't leave it weeks and ask for a ECG.

[PollyPerky]

Palpitations are when you heart seems to race for no reason. You are experiencing this with exercise.

You may be simply unfit. A faster heart beat is to be expected if you are unfit.

Google angina, palpitations and see your GP if you are worried.

[MeadowHay]

From the sounds of things, the increased heart rate is due to your fitness levels, but it has now gotten worse because of your anxiety. I don't know how old you are though as well which is a relevant factor, and whether heart conditions run in your family or not, or what your BMI and blood pressure are etc. If you are not having these problems at any other time than when you are walking home I would wait until the few weeks time to be honest but if it's really stressing you out it is better to go sooner rather than later if only to put your mind at ease. Have you tried listening to music or concentrating on breathing deeply and slowly whilst you walk? This might help if it's related to anxiety.