Oh no! Heart Palpitations

This is more of just a vent post...and to just hear from others who also have heart issues with anxiety/panic that I'm okay!

I started having random heart palpitations about 4-5 days ago.  I was so upset   They have always freaked me out.  I have had them before, but only after having a baby (my blood volume returning to normal & anemia causing them for about 1-2 months).  Now they have just cropped up out of nowhere.

I logically know that heart palp.s can't kill me and I'm not going to drop dead of a heart attack.  I am also pretty confident that I don't have a heart problem (32, healthy, etc.).

I'm just SO frustrated that they are here!  I cut out caffeine and most sugars a few weeks ago, so I can't figure out why I'm having them.  Just a random symptom of panic/anxiety, I guess?  But I'm feeling okay about all that...I'm working with a therapist, my meds. are down (5mg lexapro, .25mg klonopin per day) and I have never had them aside from post-delivery.

Anyway, just wanted to share my disappointment and frustration with somebody!  They are so frightening to me...I really hate them.

Thanks for listening...

Well, you're definitely not alone! I've had 2 emergency room trips since Friday. One being late last night. I've had them for many years here and there. But the last year they've gotten much worse. Sometimes it will be almost every beat is skipped. I've tried my Ativan and biofeedback and neither help. So, I'm on a new beta blocker, Toprol. The dose was just doubled today to 100 mg. They said if the meds don't work, I'll need an ablasion (sp?). I guess that's where they go in and zap your heart or something. Sounds lovely.

But, on the good side. Last night I had a wonderful emergency room doctor. He pointed out how stressed and anxious I am. I didn't feel that strung out but he kept persisting that I was a mess. He said he noticed PVCs on my EKG and that they are harmless. Everyone has them everyday. A lot of people don't notice them. I've never had a doctor tell me to my face that they are harmless and if they are frequent or ongoing, it's okay. They won't kill me.

I'm glad you cut out the caffeine and sugars. I did that too. I even gave up Chamomile tea this week because I'm not sure if it can cause palpitations. I'm doing what I can but it's very frustrating and scarey. I know how you're feeling and you're not alone. Feel free to e-mail me whenever you like. We can compare notes. Take care and make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids!

IF you can stomache a hot milk with a dopple of cinnamon on top it has a natural ingredient in it that when heated is activated
Puts me to calm in no time
I have one at bed with meds and I am out for the count


Prolly why they give babies hot /warm milk eh .....

Ummmmmmmmm so good and calming

LYN

Warm milk does sound yummy - I will try that tonight...although I'm not sure my Sleepytime tea is off the table just yet!

Thanks, Diane.  You know, it's just been so long since I've had weird heart stuff and this popped up so randomly - I kept thinking it was just that day, or than instance, but it's been almost a week with no end in sight.  In fact, the palp.s have increased (probably because I'm anxious about having them in the first place!).  I will really have to work to tune them out - I start obsessing about them.  UGH.

Ugh I know exactly what that feels like! I get PVCs constantly, one on top of the other when I'm really anxious and even when I'm not my heart just "skips a beat" (literally!) here, there, and everywhere. It totally stinks and I completely agree with others that it is so much worse when you are sitting quietly because they really become obvious. I am having a round of them at the moment and although I keep telling myself no one dies of PVCs, and they are harmless (so says my DO and the cardiologist), my anxiety brain thinks otherwise. Aries8 - back when I was first dxd with PVCs I was put on Toprol, it really helped! Actually I was hoping to hear from my doc today (since her nurse was supposed to call me!) about getting a beta blocker since the cymbalta was a complete disaster, but nothing yet. I'm hoping she'll call in a script tomorrow, I'd really like some relief from the PVC's, they just amplify my already wound up state. I read somewhere that people with anxiety tend to be super sensitive/hyper aware of their bodies and so PVCs that everyone has daily (my dad gets them all the time and only noticed during an EKG - thanks for warning me by the way dad! Sheesh!) that we actually feel them when other people don't.. aren't we the lucky ones! Actually I meant to ask, does any one else experience "ectopic beats" where you feel something like a heartbeat somewhere else in your body? I get them frequently too. Yet another weird sensation for my mind to amplify a million times and turn into something disastrous. The mind is something else, if only it could focus on wonderful happy things instead of doom and gloom.
Well all that aside you are definitely not alone! I'm glad you posted this because I was going to start a line of my own about how frustrated I am with my non life threatening anxiety inducing cardiac issues.

YES! I get those random heartbeat things like you as describing, dixibella...I don't your whole cymbalta story, but I did try it. It made me anxious, so my doc added buspar. The combo did okay, but then I found out I was pregnant and had to stop. I tried buspar alone after baby #3 and it was AWFUL. I had the worst side effects. Anyway, I hope that your medications even out!

And the "eye twitching" is a great description, Soul...I have lots of throat issues as well. Throat/chest region overall. No matter how many times I hear that it's not life threatening, my brain just automatically goes to that place, you know? It doesn't want to believe that PVCs, random beats, twitches, whatever are okay.

Anyway, I really appreciate the responses - I needed that support.

When I was 14 years old I started experiencing fast, pounding and skippy heart beats. I went to the emergency they set me up with the heart center of the hospital. They strapped me with a device that I would keep on me for 24 hrs and that would record my heart signals. They did not find anything. I am now 32 and starting to acccept my hearts problems, blaming stress. I am also doing the same slowly for my anxiety crisis. For my part to stay calm I tell myself that its only adrenaline kicking in real hard and when it stops I will be fine again. So far it works. I know thats its annoying, if there was a magic button to stop all of it... Best of luck!

momtothree

You have received such a great response...........I just wanted to drop in and leave some warm and caring hugs for you.

(((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))))

Kitt

MELBE

As long as you just put enough chocolate in it for a wee bit of taste it still should work
Cait also has one each night has since she was small


I am hoping to hear how it went for you's that were gonna give it a try

Be well and all the best

Luvs
LYN