Palpitations

I have palpitations, they're very common as i'm sure you know. You just need to know that there's nothing wrong and i think breathing exercises even simple deep breathing can help. Although sometimes they don't, i sometimes get a heart rate of ~130bpm while resting which breathing does not help, eventually i've just learned to ignore it as there is nothing i can do.

Beta blockers are an option, i was given propranolol for anxiety but for me it actually exacerbated my sleep paralysis so i couldn't keep taking it. There's probably no harm in trying them though.

Hi Rach and welcome to HW!

I am really glad to see you posting and responding:) I am sorry that you are dealing with the palps at the moment. They can be very frightening...even if you know that they are harmless, it is hard to ingnore the fact that your heart is flopping around like a fish in your chest!!!

Many members have used Beta Blockers for this symptom. I personally don't have experience with them. I don't feel that my palps are regular or severe enough for that, but I do use self-calming techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and breathing. I also have to watch that I don't eat too much at once, as a full stomach and certain foods can trigger them.

There are so many post/threads on this subject! If you would like to read more on it, do a search here at HW. Click on the search button at the top of the page, and it will give you the links!

Take care, look forward to getting to know you better, and keep posting.:)

S.C.

Rach, Sometimes it is hard to know which came first, the palpitations or the panic. Heart  palpitations can be caused by anxiety, stress, fear and many other things. Reducing stress and anxiety can help lessen your heart palpitations. Try breathing exercises or deep relaxation (a step-by-step process of tensing and then relaxing every muscle group in your body) at the time of your heartbeat sensations. Also, consider practicing yoga or tai chi on a regular basis to reduce the frequency of your palpitations.   Beta-blockers control some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as trembling and sweating. Propranolol (Inderal) is a beta-blocker usually used to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure. The medicine also helps people who have physical problems related to anxiety. I have been on Inderal for years for BP control as well as a familial hand tremor.  However, I am not prone to panic but to GAD.   Please know that you are not alone and that we all know where your coming from and what you going through.  I hope you keep on talking with us.    Be well, Kitt

Thanks for the replies! I think I'm going to attempt therapy before I start any medications, but for now I may have to take my Xanax if I have an attack, the last time I took one was over a month ago. I hope this is a good sign!