Minor palpitations –any ideas?

[KnitMeAUnicorn]

I've been getting small fluttery palpitations for maybe two months now. They're mild and not painful, but seem to happen 3 or 4 times a day and are getting a bit annoying as I'd just like to identify the cause. Can't think of anything that's changed diet or exercise-wise. I always have one strong coffee every morning and not much caffeine the rest of the day –maybe one cup of tea –and have been drinking coffee like this for years. Don't want to go to doc if it's just one of these things ... I did read it can be associated with the start of the menopause but I'm only 42 and periods still like clockwork. Any thoughts, anyone?

I'd guess PAC's, or Premature Atrial Contractions, which originate from the top of the heart (the atrium), and are entirely benign. They tend to feel more "fluttery" than PVC's (the one's originating from the ventricles, lower down).

Other possible causes:

SVT - sudden speeding up of heartbeat, may only last a few beats. Benign, but will need checking.

Atrial Flutter, A-Fib - usually benign, but will need checking.

Short bursts of multiple PVC's can feel fluttery.

Hard to tell without a holter. Get a 24hr monitor, and it should be picked up if it's happening several times a day.

My PVC's were made much worse when my ferritin level decided to plummet off a cliff (think several hundred a day), then you've also got various vitamin deficiencies which can cause it, and of course, changing hormones.

Also get an ECG.

Chances are, it's a variation of normal (pac's/pvc's are not considered an arrythmia) :)

Thanks, Godstopper, that was very comprehensive. I will go and get it checked out then. Will a normal GP issue me with a monitor then, do you think, or would I need to be referred?

You'll be issued with a 24 he monitor from your local hospital. It takes literally minutes to set up, and will be returned early the next morning (you can't shower with it!). It's a routine thing for palps, and should be no bother getting one - I had one last week to quantify the PVC's.

G.P obv. has to make the referral. You'll prob. be able to get an ECG at the DR's.

I had to drastically reduce coffee, but refuse to give up one in the morning. Same with wine. I'm so used to these PVC's now that I just do it knowing the consequences (not overboard, but refuse to cut out everything to deal with what is essentially a harmless phenomena).

I second ferritin (iron stores)

Thanks again. So if ferritin is low, that's something like anaemia then?

Glad to hear you still have your one coffee a day - I'd freak if I had to give that up!! [Grin]

And wine is a cause too?

It can be, as alcohol can disturb the rhythm in large quantities. I usually notice increased PVC's the next day, but nothing horrendous.

Low ferritin is, I think, a precursor to anaemia for most people. My level was 11, and needs to be more like 70. Same for many women. All symptoms improving on supplementation.

See if you can get full bloods done. Specifically, low magnesium, B12, and potassium are often culprits.

And it, annoyingly, is partly age. Apparently, about 100 palps are normal a day in a young-ish adult. Most aren't felt, though the majority have them. I've had PVC's for 20 years. Dr said I won't die, it just might feel like I am!!!!

Thanks, this is really useful, and reassuring too. Would be ironic if it was low iron as I have recently returned to eating a bit of meat after many many years as a veggie, but I have occasionally been low in the past life. Not accompanied by palpitations though - this is new ...

Oops, autocorrect - in the past. Not past life (I don't think)!