Heart palpitations

[Leanne053]

Hello,

Ive been to the doctors a couple of times over the years for heart palpitations, I've had many ECGs and they've always come back normal, as does my blood work.
I started taking Venlafaxine at the end of March and been on a 150mg dose for coming up to 5 weeks.
I'm certain my heart palpitations have gotten worse. I know we shouldn't drink red bull but I have one every now and then, well I won't be anymore because last time within minutes of drinking it my heart was pounding and this lasted for hours afterwards. Again with alcohol if I have a drink, even 3 glasses of wine my resting HR last night was 104 and then if I stood up and walked it shot up to 139! I then have terrible heart palpitations the next day. I feel like my heart is pounding, racing and I can feel it in my neck!
I'm becoming increasingly concerned that there is something underlying with my hear that maybe a ECG can't show? Is that possible? Is it worth speaking to the doctor or will they just say "don't drink red bull and alcohol"!
I am 29 yo female, healthy weight, no other medical conditions.
Thank you for any replies 

I think from my results my thyroid was okay!

@Leanne053 my gp was missing my slow and steady rise in my t4 as they only tested that every so often. My TSH stayed normal until my thyroid levels tipped into toxic levels. Worth asking them to test t3.t4 and tsh all together.

One of the side effects of venlafexine is tachycardia (palpitations). So its worth going for a review of that. You might be a slow processor of that drug and so would be better served by a lower dose (if it works for your with your MH)

You can also try to take some magnesium, it is very involved with heart rhythm and most people are deficient.

Just avoid the red bull and wine for a month or so and see if you have any improvement (keep a diary of your symptoms daily so you dont forget)

If you want to spend about 100 pounds, look for the Kardia on Amazon. It is a cardiologist approved sensor that pairs with smart phones and can run a full ECG using just your hands. It gives you an indication of the results immediately and you can save copies of tracings and show your doctor. I used one to get a diagnosis for my heart condition as it would never show itself in the doctors office

Look online for vasovagal manoevers. Little tricks that you can use to slow your heart rate if you are having palpitations

A cardiac ultrasound (echosonogram) is the only other test that might be helpful at this stage, it shows the structure of the heart and valves.

Thank you everyone, I have made a list and will look into it!!

Already been said but my tuppenceworth. Your ferritin is not good - and you will very easily be symptomatic at that level - including palpitations.

I was backwards and forwards to the Dr and hospital with this from the age of about 17. All tests under sun apparently. Was diagnosed with ectopic beats. Reader it wasn't ectopic beats at all but an issue undiagnosed since childhood resulted in sudden cardiac arrest and a month long coma at the age of 45.
I knew something was wrong all those years but was sent away amd told ectopic beats and heartburn. Get a second opinion op.

I do 12 lead ECGs for a living and very rarely see any of the palpitations patients experience. We usually refer for a 24 hour monitor at the hospital as you've got more chance of seeing the changes over a longer course of time.

What was yours, in the end?

@SeaToSki a Kardia device does not run a 'full' ECG. It's a basic level, not equivalent to a proper medical test done by a professional.

@kingsleysbootlicker Her potassium was 3.5 which would not be considered low.

@Innocenta I said borderline... the range is 3.5-5.3

Quote about the 6L Kardia device from digitalhealthcentral.com

In July 2021, the team of Pr. Balsam from the Department of Cardiology of the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, published the results of a comparative study.

They evaluated the Kardia mobile accuracy compared to a 12-Lead Gold standard electrocardiogram (EKG). The prognosis value obtained with a $100 pocketable device to diagnose atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter was comparable, if not superior, to clinical devices

My cardiologist uses the results he gets from my device without bothering to test again and he is the head of department at a leading hospital in a major healthcare hub on the East Coast of the USA. So yes, I stand by my statement that it gives equivalent data to a hospital ECG.

@kingsleysbootlicker I know. Doctors within the NHS are pretty chill about values around 3.5, even if it dips a little below. I'm not arguing about what the range is! Just relaying that it would not be deemed significant by pretty much any doctor who has ever dealt with hypokalaemia in my experience (speaking as someone with chronic hypokalaemia).

Whether that is correct or not is another story.

@SeaToSki lol, sorry but I'm really not fussed about your cardiologist. I could namedrop mine if I wanted to, I don't see why that's relevant.

It's very irresponsible to recommend people substitute personal tech solutions at home for actual medical attention.

I am not suggesting anyone substitute personal tech for medical attention, I am suggesting that a FDA, NHS and NICE approved medical device could be a useful addition to working out if the OP has a cardiac condition that needs attention when it is clearly sporadic in nature and has not yet presented in the doctors office (as they are clearly already engaging with medical professionals)

@SeaToSki Except I looked it up and you've recommended this device quiiiite a number of times on Mumsnet. Which I personally find a little disconcerting, especially as you have been advising people on how to use it in monitoring their health at home. That's really overstepping and inappropriate.

@SeaToSki btw I was already full familiar with Kardia. I don't have any issue with the device - just the tenor of the advice you are giving.

*fully

Innocenta.

They couldn't even tell me as it had gone on so long an artery had collapsed over time. I still don't have any answers although I'm still pushing for them. But the fact the consultant discharged me from his clinic less than 2 months after the event says it all. If I have anymore issues in future I will be going private whether I can afford it or not.

Are you on any asthma medication - mine gives me palpitations along with caffeine, tiredness, low thyroid and low iron levels.

I find foradix (i think its called) helpful for the iron levels

@Inthesameboatatmo You poor thing! I'm sorry to hear you've been through something so frightening and then not even received a clear answer

@Innocenta.
Thank you that's very kind.

Another palpitation sufferer here. I was back and forward to doctors until mine ramped up to the point of going to A&E as my heart rate was 180 BPM.

I second the recommendation of a Kardia device. Without this the doctors would never have taken my problems seriously. You can use an apple watch heart monitor too which will tell you what your heart rate is as a starting point.

I had heart palpitations and breathlessness at ferritin level of 20. I ended up having an iron infusion at my own expense, due to being unable to absorb iron from tablets.

Isn't it ridiculous how difficult it can be to arrange an iron infusion via the NHS? And they are so expensive privately! I'm glad you managed to sort it out.