Heart palpitations

[blummineck]

Hey guys,

Just after some of your experiences. I've always had the odd heart palp now and again, and never been fussed by it.

Some months ago I started getting them more frequently, one particular time I had a long episode whilst on the treadmill at the gym....

I did stop the gym after this and went to the docs. They had a listen to my heart, and took some bloods (was also getting episodes of feeling faint), doc said heart sounded fine, and the bloods came back normal.

I've noticed quite recently that I'm having more of these episodes throughout the day, I must have had over 10 episodes today, just lasting a few seconds each. I'm now keeping a note of how many I'm getting a day.

So I'm just wondering if this is normal in some people? Should I see a doc again?

May be worth noting, I had one cup of tea at around 6.30am, then I was drinking water at work for the rest of the day, and had 1 coffee when I got home, so I don't drink that much caffine.

I'd be interested in other peoples experiences of this or perhaps a doc on here could give me some advice?

Thanks for reading.

x

[FelixDaSouza]

I've been having palpitations recently which I felt faint and dizzy with. Went to the GP and had my blood pressure checked which was very high and my pulse was racing.

I've been under a lot of stress/anxiety recently so that's the likely cause of mine. I've just started taking a beta-blocker for it a few days ago so hopefully things will improve.

I would certainly head to the GP for a wee check up. Have you felt stressed or anxious?

[blummineck]

Thanks for your responses guys.

Well I suppose work is really busy and I have recently failed an exam at my second attempt, so I suppose it could be stress related.

I just find it weird how, one minute its normal, I'll be sat at my desk working, doing nothing particularly stressful at the time, then I'll just get these flutterings. I suppose I always thought stress would be a different feeling? Like you would feel it more at the time you feel stressed, does that make sense?

Today for example, I was on the bus on the way home from work, just listening to my music, and I had a couple of episodes......


x

[VerySmallSqueak]

I think that palpitations can be linked to thyroid problems,so that may be worth checking out.

[FelixDaSouza]

You're right very, my gp took bloods including thyroid function to check that angle out.

[Goonatic]

Ooh thats interesting, I have always had those, and I have an under active thyroid. I too have had more lately, but have moved house in the last two weeks. Might be time for a blood test!!
Hope yours get sorted. Maybe a thyroid function test?

[CrikeyOHare]

Hi, blum - I've been getting these bloody things for about 17 years now. They started when I was pregnant with my DS, and have never really gone away.

I've had an ECG etc, all came back normal - and I now realise that they are completely harmless, a variation of normal.

I probably get at least one a day - sometimes more. I definitely get more in the run up to my period, and also exercise can bring them on. Every now and then I get a run of them, which is scary, but thankfully that doesn't happen too often.

Definitely go back to your GP to put your mind at rest - but it really can be entirely normal to get them this frequently. I have always been told by my Drs to feel reassured by the lack of any other symptoms - if there's no pain, you don't feel sick, sweaty or dizzy because of them, then you're probably fine.

[blummineck]

Oohh Crikey, I'm due on actually, wonder if thats something to do with it.

I'm actually due to make an appointment for a smear soon (sorry if tmi), so I will mention it whilst I'm there.

Thanks for all your input guys, its really appreciated!

x

[larrygrylls]

Hi,

I think you should get checked out by a cardiologist and, if all OK (as very likely to be), I would resume the gym. Cardio is very good for the body and destressing and, ultimately, if the palpitations are stress related, will be beneficial. However, just in case, I would ask for cardio referral first.

[blummineck]

Thanks Larry,

The doc had already advised I could go back to gym activities, (this was way back in March), so I have been doing.

I will get checked out again though.

Another thing I've noticed is, sometimes when I'm falling asleep, my heart feels like it stops beating for a couple of seconds, its like this complete silence where my breathing and my heart seems to stop, then I take a big breath in and all is well again. (don't recall any episodes when asleep, only when falling asleep), rather bizarre, anyone else had that?

x

[Highlander]

They're called ectopics. Highly unlikely that a cardiologist will want to see you.

[ooohstressed]

The odd skipped beat is nothing but if there are prolonged episodes of fast or irregular heart beat you should go to the GP and get an ECG then ask for a 7 day monitor of the heart [GP can arrange this]to check if it is just the odd extra beat or episodes of a fast heart rhythm.

[jellybeans]

I have them and saw a cardiologist; had ecg and 24hr holter and was told they are benign. GP wants to try me on meds if they carry on. I have terrible scary ones but try not to worry now and just cough or 'bear down' if they are repeated. I read that somewhere. My worst are when there is a gap every 3 to 7 beats for 20 mins or more so all that time there is a regular missed beat every few beats. Horrid. Single ones are scary too but nowhere near as bad. Think mine may be stress with exams etc and maybe thyroid but am receiving treatment for that. I would see About referral for holter tests or ask for further reassurance, also cut down on caffeine etc.

[GoingBlankAgain]

Blummin, I get that when going to sleep. Usually when I am over tired. Watching this thread now! Highlander, is that what you were referring to when you said they're called ectopics?

[CrikeyOHare]

Here is a fantastic explanation of ectopic beats - and I found it very reassuring:

www.nomorepanic.co.uk/articles/palpitations/

[blummineck]

Thanks Crikey thats a really interesting article!

Thanks for all your input guys, much appreciated!

=)

x

[digerd]

You should have a Thyroid test. I had palpitations when my Thyroid was Overactive, but my pulse was 160 sitting still and blood pressure through the roof too, plus many other symptoms