Heart palpitations... what should I do?

[MotherPanda]

Hello,

I think this has been a long term issue, as I can remember having 'episodes' like this for at least the last few years.

Every now and then (and more often recently) I will get a sudden heart 'squeeze and palpations. They will make me gasp and grab my chest, the pain will release after a few seconds, but then I'm left in a bit of shock and have a huge adrenalin rush that takes me a little while to get over. They seem to happen when I get up, or twist round to reach something/turn over in bed etc. If the pain lasted I wouldn't hesitate to call an ambulance - its that bad, but because it leaves me as quickly as it comes, I don't worry about it.

I remember my DH used to tell me that my heartbeat was irregular - so I'm wondering if these are related.

My Nanny has also just been diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation - which made me think I should think about getting my heart looked at, but also wondered if AF was genetic - NHS website doesn't say anything on the issue.

I'm 21, and have had no other heart problems to date. Because I have a 16 week old dd, I feel like I'm constantly at my doctors and don't want to waste their time if its just something like eat more veg - DH is moaning at me to go and get checked out though - I'd feel more justified if i was in constant pain.

Any ideas? Thanks

this i something you MUST get checked out...however scary...it's your HEART! Its not as if you're going in with a cold! Please make an appointment in the morning.

[strict]

I will check back tomorrow to see that you have done. Dont worry....it wil be fine.

Yes sir, Mummy Mumbling

But most things I read on the old internet say that if your young and have a healthly lifestyle (I don't drink, smoke and drink decaf) then its probably normal for your heart to miss a few beats and doesn't mean anything untoward.

I was just reading somebody elses post about a heart problem - and absolutley thought they should get to a&e right away but its so different when its you that's in the position.

Very British behaviour - rather die than use up the doctors time :)

ok, i'm thinking about calling the surgery. It's so difficult with pain that comes and goes though - I'll go and feel fine etc

You say you gave birth 16 weeks ago, could you be anaemic as that can cause palpitations. Definately get yourself checked out especially with a family history.

That has happened to me a few times over the last few weeks. I will start coughing eventually and my heart will restart. I don't want to tell my GP. I've been too many times over the last few months. He'll just think I'm nuts

I think missing a beat now and then is pretty normal - mine seems to just decide to miss one, then have 3 or 4 quick ones, which startles me! But it doesn't come with a pain that makes me gasp, or to have any connection to moving.

So I think the fact that its causing you pain, enough to take a while to get over it, is definitely worth getting checked out.

The pain isn't normal and nor is the rush of adrenaline...I was very Anaemic during both pregnancies and had the palpitations but they never hurt...just made me breathe hard going upstairs.

As I say....I will check back tomorrow to see if you have phoned the surgery.

[peers over top of glasses and frowns at Panda]

ok, thank you - it's good to hear your thoughts on this. I'm seeing the GP at 9am Thursday morning.

A1980 - I'm there all the time! I'm on first name terms with the receptionist now... oh dear...

Lesstalk - I became anaemic during pregnancy, but was told I didn't need the iron pills after giving birth - so that could be a cause. will ask for a blood test to check things are ok.

Thank you all - will check back to let you know the outcome

Well done panda! you should always get things checked out. Remeber Drs are paid to look after you. And your even more important now you have a dd to look after.

Good luck.

Aww, I feel like I should get a sugar free mumsnet lollipop now.

A red one please.

Ah! Well done!

[hands over red lollipop]

how did it go panda?

Hello, Dr was lovely - said its probably nothing, but they took some bloods and did an ECG (they had one at the gp) so i'll get a call back tomorrow to see if anythings amiss.

Thanks again

Well done! [pats Panda on head] If they were worried you'd have known about it....it's sure to be nothing as doctor says. Maybe it's a bit of anxiety?

My doctor is lovely, and has an 18 week old daughter so understands my current lifestyle - he said it could be because I'm constantly on alert, listening out for my baby etc - which I can definetley see.

I'm not stressed... just a control freak mother who can't let go for one little second. Will let you know the results tomorrow :)

So, ECJ and all the bloods came back fine, so there's absolutely nothing wrong with me.

Apart from maybe a little bit sleep deprived and stressed etc.

Thanks everyone.