Palpitations worry

[queenofthebongo]

Not sure where to start. I have a stressful job, a complex wider family. Child going through exams. Sibling died of heart issues recently and another sick. I have reached menopause. Mostly I cope, but since the revision/exam period has started I have started getting severe palpitations. I have had them as long as I can remember but they came occasionally. Now they are happening once or twice an hour. They last for 5 mins or more. it’s going on all the time. If I think about them they get worse. I feel like I must be having a giant panic attack except I am not panicking. No sharp chest pain no shortness of breath, except it occasionally takes my breath away. I feel like I have a lump in my throat.
it’s nearly all the time. What can a dr do if it’s a weird panic attack?
thanks.

It might be a panic attack but it might not be. And the only way you’ll know is by going to the doctors. If it’s a panic attack, they might prescribe something and if it’s something else, far better to know and get proper treatment.

If it helps, both my parents and my sibling have/had heart issues and it’s amazing how much medicine has advanced in the last two decades. Just go and checked out. ❤️

You need to see a medical professional asap. You need proper examination, tests, diagnosis and treatment.

Thanks. It’s been going on for 2weeks….😕

gp for bloods. could be iron deficiency.

cough the next time you get a palpitation and see if you get a lump of phlegm. i get that. it seems to be fine and the palpitation stops when i cough it up. weird but true.

You probably dont need to panic, but get to the GP and have an ECG

I started getting them aged 59 , and I was getting short of breath and really struggling - had all the tests - nowt wrong with me - just anxiety - which had increased considerably after a near miss when driving - abnormal heart rates always occurred when driving

@suki1964 did you need meds or anything?

I do, I take Sertraline for the anxiety which really does help

If I miss them for a few days, my body soon tells me , I get palpatations

You have a LOT of stress in your life and menopausal , high anxiety is very common during menopause

If I’m honest I even worry about anxiety meds! But I think I need something.

Definitely make a GP’s appointment. They’ll probably give you a 24hour heart test (I’ve had that a couple of times). You’ll feel 100% better from knowing what it is, rather than feeling anxious about what it ‘might be’.

I had these and it turned out I had a heart condition. Not saying that to worry you but more to say get it checked out and don’t be fobbed off by the doctors. Mine made me feel like it was in my head for about a year before I got diagnosed. They might be able to give you a beta-blocker too, which are pretty effective and can be just taken when needed.

Anaemia. Trust me. Book an appointment to get your bloods done.

Bloods first. Yes it is a heart problem (I have it) it's working harder because your haemoglobin levels are so low.

No need to be catastrophic on first symptom.

I have similar (early 50s, family history of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, so obviously a bit scary). No obvious issues after ECG and echo but I am currently on watch for subclinical hypothyroidism, so I would recommend asking to have thyroid tests - TSH and T4. I take a low dose beta blocker when needed, which helps. And as others have said, low iron can cause palpitations. Like you I've had them on and off since my 20s, and used to go months without, but definitely escalated in past five years to become increasingly frequent. I also have a stressful job and have kids who've gone through exams and some other stuff over that time. It's a lot and you need to persist in asking for tests and medication if necessary. Sorry for the loss of your sibling, too - I'm not surprised you're stressed and scared.

I had this and it turned out to be asthma and I’ve had an ecg as they happened but I’ve still been told if it feels too much get to an and e. Hope it all gets easier op x