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Palpitations/ectopic beats - why?

26 replies

stupidbutsoscared · 17/05/2019 15:13

I have had palpitations since I was 11 or 12 or so . Never had any reason for them other than anxiety . I have had a 72 hour monitor , a 24 hour monitor, an echo , a stress test , dozens of ECGs and all normal except for sinus tachycardia , PVCs and PACs (apparently more of the latter) . GP says these are totally normal .

I find them terrifying as I’m scared with each time I’ll collapse. I have gradually stopped doing anything that triggers them . I avoid laughing , exercising, big meals . Even just standing up and walking to the toilet . Anything that causes adrenaline or an increase in my heart rate I find I get another one and I panic .

I’ve had short runs of 3-5 before . Most recent a fortnight or so ago, 111 sent an ambulance round who said normal ecg and no worries.

My first panic attack was in a building with a defib and I think it’s become an obsession . A relative of mine got told he has inherited condition too and that’s frightened me as well . Cardiologist told me they aren’t concerned as my tests normal . But online it says that condition needs an mri .

I’m aware a major part of the problem is anxiety and possibly I’m not fit enough with having stopped exercise but I am spending 24/7 panicking . I don’t know how to reassure myself . I’m hardly living now because I’m so scared 24/7 :-(

If there’s any reassurance at all would really appreciate it :-(

OP posts:
Nicecupofcoco · 27/05/2019 18:17

Hi op, i really understand how you feel. I have alot of anxiety related to my heart too,it stems from somebody I know passing away from an un diagnosed heart condition. I've always had palps occasionally, but since my friend passed away they have been much more frequent.
I was given an ecg at my doctors after mentioning the palps.
It came back abnormal t wave! So had to be referred to cardiologist!
I was bloody terrified and had a really long wait, about nine months for an appointment to come through.
I had a twenty four hour tape and more ecgs, still showed abnormal t wave and a benign arrhythmia, but the cardiologist wasn't concerned, and said its nothing to worry about, and my normal.
I was so relived and for a while my palpitations went away, but when ever I'm stressed or anxious they reappear. Can be down to anxiety op, honestly!
You've had a lot of tests, your heart is absolutely fine, you've just got to trust the cardiologist, if they had found anything at all concerning they would have you back in like a shot. We just have to try to trust what they say.
But do get help for your anxiety if you can.
All the best.

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