Palpatations again, arghhh!

[Lissy43]

I am sorry to post about this again but I need some advice.

My anxiety the last week has been abit better, lots of + thinking and all that:winks: but I am still a tad worried about the palpatations I am having and I would like some advice/reassurance about them again.

I have suffered HA for about 10 yrs now, I rarely suffer from panic attacks but I do have a stressful life, HA to contend with and 3 young children all under 7yrs, its alot:winks:

I haven't really suffered with palpatations before now other than when I was pregnant. I started about 4 weeks ago when I was coming home from my holiday, I had about 30 of them when we were stuck in the airport for 6 hours with the kids, I hate flying and was incredibly anxious at the time.

Ever since then they have not gone then 2 weeks ago I fainted when I stood up in work, saw GP told her about the palps and she said they were bound to be stress related, she listened into my heart/pulse and said all was normal, 80BPM and my BP was 100/60 which she said was low and explained why I went black on standing. She did a blood test to rule out thyroid probs though but that was all normal.

She said if the thyroid came back ok then not to worry about the palpatations or the dizziness.

I am feeling fine now but I am still getting the palps esp at night, I have had about 5 in the last hours since the kids went to bed and I am relaxing.

Should I not be worried? the GP listened to my heart, said all was normal and bloods were fine. I had a whole load of bloods done in May and thyroid 2 weeks ago so surely I am ok but I keep worrying what if palps are linked to something nasty and the GP has missed it but I asked if I needed an ECG or anything else and she said no.

[Alisonj]

Palpatations are so common. Thing is people with HA tend to be much more in tune with their bodies and feel things alot more than others. Everyone has "glitches" and some feel them some dont. Having a low BP is a great thing as long as you are not passing out often. If it becomes bothersome, make sure you drink lots of water and salt your food.

[Lissy43]

THanks Alison,

I am just concerned and worried maybe I should go back to see my GP but I only saw her 2 weeks ago and my thyroid was fine.

[Alisonj]

If you are really worried and think it will help ease your mind then a visit wont hurt. I see my GP whenever I have a fear that I cannot get over. He usually runs a test or something to reassure me the best he can. Problem is then I usually find something else to worry about.
Hugs and I hope you feel better soon.

[bex1970]

Hi there - poor you, it must be horrendous.

Honestly, palpitations are a REALLY common sign of anxiety - and are often worse when we have time to sit down and 'relax' because then we have the time to focus on them whereas when you're running around looking after your 3 kids etc it's probably less easy to notice them.

Definitely go and see your GP if you are still concerned but it does sound as if thyroid and heart issues have been ruled out. Low blood pressure can cause fainting (I have it and it does!) and I really think that blood tests etc would show if there was a thyroid problem.

I'm sure you've been told this a thousand times, but when you feel them starting take really deep breaths - in through your nose and out through your mouth - really deep and slow. This really works, I'm not sure whether it's concentrating on the breathing or more oxygen coming in that does it - but honestly, it helps.... my palpitations were always worse when I was in bed. I found that if I propped myself up slightly and did the deep breathing thing it really helped.

You're honestly ok - it's not worth a doctor's while to reassure you when there's a real problem. And, if in doubt, go back and tell him/her you're really worried.
xxxx

[Lissy43]

Thanks very much,

I shall try to relax and see if they go, they really are horrible but if no better in a week or so I will book in with the GP again.

[Yush1ta]

Libby

I too have suffered with palpitations/ectopic beats for years. I am a 36 year old man and had my first experience with them 6 years ago.

I went to see my GP who put me on a 24 hour ECG tape, and during that time I experienced literally hundreds of those horrible strange sensations that I later found out to be "ectopic" or extra beats. As a precaution I was sent for an ECG and stress test and my specialist told me that I was indeed suffering from benign ectopic beats and not to worry.

Now to anyone who is suffering with these its not as easy as saying "don't worry" because you think you're going to drop down dead and the anxiety of this worry makes your ectopics worse and so the vicious circle begins!

One thing I have learned is that they really are harmless extra beats, they DO NOT damage your heart or indeed mean you are going to have a heart attack. Relaxation and acceptance really is the best medicine.

I have heard that some beta-blockers (atenolol etc) can help with the short term effects but haven't tried them myself. Rest assured that you are not alone and that these ectopics are more common than most people realise. I am sure you will find it reassuring in these forums that we are all going through it with you!

All the best

Yushi :)

[Lissy43]

Thanks so much Yushi, that is very reassuring to hear.