Heart palpitations - when to go to A&E?

[lookwhosalonenowitsnotme]

I have horrendous health anxiety and a big fear of heart problems. I’ve had dozens of ECGs, 3 day monitor in September and a heart scan in October, all normal.

I went to the bathroom just now - upset stomach - and had a run of ectopic/missed beats after. Can feel them in my pulse - get two beats, stop, two beats, stop.

No dizziness or fainting.

It stopped of its own accord within 30 seconds.

I’ve had it before and triggers are usually anxiety, stress, adrenaline. Sometimes exertion.

Part of me wants go to A&E, for an ECG - but I’m under agreement with my CPN that I won’t do that unless it’s really essential.

I live alone though and I’m panicking about something happening.

Ring your GP tomorrow and book an appointment, I had this and was diagnosed with anemia. Though I did feel dizzy too.

You'll be fine!

They aren't dangerous OP. Especially given you've had your heart checked out! I get loads. Had heart checked to be on safe side, all fine. I never pay them any attention now.

OP - I started to get these in my teens I'm now in my late thirties. I've always suffered with anxiety, doctors told me that I have high levels of adrenal in my blood. Skipped heart beats are a symptom of my anxiety and is usually triggered by coffee, cigarettes when I did smoke, certain foods and emotional distress. I too have had all the tests done, been to A&E only to feel guilty and stupid for wasting doctor's time. I had CBT which did help me, I also researched and read self help books. My advice to you is see your doctor as many times as you need until you are ready to take control. As much as I hated wasting their time with the same outcome they never made me feel like I was a burden. Health anxiety is a big challenge to overcome and you will do it in your own time. On a good note having health anxiety isn't always so bad...you are always going to be on top of anything that happens to you.

As a HCP I would strongly urge you not to take advice on this from anyone having a guess on an internet forum. Call 111 to discuss.

Follow the NHS advice on this page or phone 111
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-palpitations/

They won’t do anything if you do go so just go to your GP tomorrow

Please don't go to A & E with an upset stomach, you could be passing that onto people with poor immune systems.

Ring your GP tomorrow.

Calling 111 is one of my triggers that always gets my heart racing.

@Mosa369 I would agree!

Can you contact your CPN or the OOH emergency MH team? You must have an agreement for a reason.

I do (reason), it was agreed that going to A&E every 2-3 weeks (as I had been when very bad) was hypermedicalising things/feeding obsession and feeling that ‘something must be wrong’ and that I needed to focus on things that weren’t medical.

plus CMHT want to reinforce the fact that I can cope with a lot of things alone and don’t need someone to be with me 24-7. As much as it feels that way.

So I agreed with CPN/CMHT that I’d do my best to try and manage things but it’s not always so easy.