Palpitations

[dippydaydream]

I have been having palpitations off and on for nearly a week. Plucked up the courage to go to the doctor later on today but in a bit of a state. I suffer from anxiety and have had palpitations in the past but these are more frequent and alternate between being fast and sometimes irregular. My resting hb is 80 which I think is quite fast? I wondered if I could be anemic (clutching at straws) and started a multi vitamin with 14mg of iron in it a week ago hoping it might make a difference. Anyone else had this problem?

I suffered with episodes of palpitations from late teens (female hormones make condition worse). I'm in my mid forties and was finally diagnosed with SVT earlier this year. Does this sound like you? A lot of people have SVT apparently.

Thanks for your reply. Yes it could be but I am afraid to read too much as I makes my heart beat faster! Do you need treatment teasel? I have had one episode as a teenager when I was convinced I was having a heart attack and my doctor considered putting me on beetablockers because my heart rate was so fast. I spent a week just resting and it passed off and the episode was put down to stress. My mum gets palpitations when stressed so maybe its hereditary?

First of all, it's really good that you're going to the doctor.

But, for a little bit of reassurance in the meantime....

How do you actually feel when the palpitations come on? Are you in pain, do you feel faint &/or breathless? Not just the giddiness that anxiety can bring on - but full on room spinning & weakness that makes you need to sit down?

If no to none of the above, then try to be reassured by that. Serious heart problems have serious symptoms. Palpitations more often than not are harmless - horrible, but harmless, particularly if there are no other symptoms.

Lots of things can cause them - hormonal imbalances, caffeine, thyroid issues. I've been getting them since I was pregnant with my DS (18 years ago) & they no longer bother me. I have noticed, though, that I get them far more frequently if I'm feeling particularly anxious about something or in the run up to my period.

So try not to panic. It's probably harmless & hopefully your doctor can reassure you.

My resting hb is 80 too, btw. Always has been & I'm perfectly healthy. Anything up to 100 is considered normal.

Hi SVT is caused by short circuit in the heart and heart gets itself into abnormal rhythm. I used to get palps any time of day, could even be three in the morning waking me from a good sleep! Caffeine and stress used to make it worse. SVT was diagnosed by having an ECG while the heart was in abnormal rhythm. Cure is laser ablation of the faulty circuitry in the heart. I had this done while fully conscious as a day surgery procedure, went home 4 hours later. Not had palpitations since and can now drink caffeinated coffee with no ill effects.

Hettie, hormones during pregnancy make SVT worse. Many women only discover they have condition when preggers.

In my case, it's not SVT, teasel. Good old fashioned ectopics.

Glad you were sorted out so effectively :)

How did it go at the drs? I've got a thread running about this too...

Thanks. Cried at doctors but very understanding. I am booked in for bloods and ECG in 10 days time. Still getting them but blood pressure all ok and said my valves sounded fine. HR up to 100. I know I have been up tight recently so hoping if I get more rest I might feel better. Thanks for all your replies.

I got palpitations, the shakes and anxiety (I'm normally very laid back), before being diagnosed with an overactive throid. I was put on thyroid tablets and betablockers which worked quite quickly. I also felt unwell, like flu without the fever, lost weight and had a goitre. A simple blood test diagnosed this.