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So Tired of Palpitations.

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Posted 1/11/2015 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
I take 400 in a multivitamin, it is magnesium oxide and I also take an additional supplement called magnesium plus that is 100mg of magnesium oxide w 6 mg of B6 ( I think the B6 does something for absorption, not sure). I take 1 of those morning, noon and evening. I'll be honest (and I don't recommend this) I started taking this amount on my own because I had read about it and I was desperate to stop the PVCs. I have since had it cleared w my doctor. The other thing is, I also am not deficient in magnesium according to blood tests. However, I think that there a limitations with blood tests. It shows what is in your blood, but not necessarily what your body can use. There may be some people that aren't absorbing it into tissues like others and need a higher amount. That's just my own opinion though, of course discuss this with your doctor.

Also, something else to consider is that magnesium and calcium compete for the same transporter in the intestine (and the same neurotransmitter that activates muscle contraction- thus the heart problems and tightness of muscles with a lack of magnesium) so if you are taking (or eat) a lot of calcium that may influence how much magnesium you are actually absorbing. You could stay on your recommended dose and try to limit the calcium you are ingesting from foods.

Another relaxing way to get magnesium is through an epsom salt foot bath. It has been used for many years for health and calming for a reason! :)

An interesting article: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201106/magnesium-and-the-brain-the-original-chill-pill

Post Edited (MissGigi) : 1/11/2015 7:46:58 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/12/2015 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
I drank a cup of Coca-Cola this morning and then went strictly decaf the rest of the day to test some more ideas out. I had a few very minor palpitations this afternoon. Minor to the point I questioned whether or not I was having palpitations or just some other feelings in my chest.

Didn't have any true full blown palpitations until after supper tonight. I ate some ribs and I had a minor skipped beat, large enough I knew exactly what it was, but not large enough to cause me anxiety.

So I am almost ready to completely rule out caffeine as one of my triggers, and putting a lot more thought into sodium intake being my main, non-anxiety related trigger.

And jut for due diligence, my BP tonight is 127/86 with a heart rate of about 75.
Posted 1/12/2015 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
CSA,

Great job of doing your journal/research on triggers!

Keep this and your coping skills up for anxiety management, and you are going to find yourself feeling better and better!

High fives!!

S.C.
Posted 1/12/2015 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for putting up with my daily posts. Just seems to be the only place I can turn to really put all this out there.
Posted 1/12/2015 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Here's one of the days anxiety builds up quick. I get chronic allergies and sinus issues. It's not uncommon for me to wake up 2 or 3 times a month with head pressure. So, of course, if I stretch, stand up or anything like that the rush I get is intensified due to the pressure in my forehead.

Of course, if I have a palpitation I immediately think "are they connected? Is this a bad sign? Am I about to have a stroke?"

I had a single palpitation this morning. It didn't appear to be connected at all to my head pressure but that didn't stop my mind from trying to connect those dots.

Seriously, many times I feel like I'm going crazy because of these thoughts.
Posted 1/12/2015 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like cognitively you know these are not connected or a serious issue...

...but the fear does still creep in and have an effect!

Use your positive mantras/breathing/coping skills to help keep the anxiety at low level.

Peace and progress,

S.C.
Posted 1/13/2015 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
125/73 (heart rate of 90)

Had a bit of a rougher evening than normal. My anxiety went away this afternoon. I went for my evening walk and worked up a good sweat. No symptoms of any sort while out and about, and my heart rate got into the 90s for normal/moderate exertion.

Got inside and needed a quick boost so I ate a couple of peanut butter sandwiches. I know peanut butter has become one of my trigger foods (I have no clue why but the last few years peanut butter sandwiches give me awful palpitations.)

I was hoping this time it wouldn't since I reduced the amount of peanut butter I put on the sandwiches. Nope. 30 minutes later my heart rate was up to 95 and I was having a few hard skipped beats. Had about 1 every 15 minutes until the spell ended.

Aside from one random skipped beat I had a bit ago (those bother me more than the ones where I can pin point the trigger) the rest of the day has been normal.

So there's my nightly check in as I continue to try to get this stuff under control. So far so good on being anxiious about it.

I keep repeating that with a normal blood pressure, a heart rate under 100, and no other symptoms that a doctor wouldn't think twice about them. So it seems to be keeping me calm.
Posted 1/13/2015 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Try fish oil tablets...I use to have them really bad..especially afta drinking alcohol or was noticing I get them when I have gas tmi I know lol but afta taking fish oil tablets for stiff muscles I've noticed a huge difference I rarely have them now maybe one skipped beat a weak if DAT...so yes I highly recommend them..I take 1200 MG's...hopefully this works for u!!! Good luck!!! :-)
Posted 1/13/2015 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Good job on the positive mantras! This is one of my most effective tools in anxiety management!

Great job on the workout too! :)

Peace and progress!

S.C.
Posted 1/13/2015 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
It's like every time I get past one thing, a new thing develops. I had a few palpitations after eating today. No big deal. I'm used that now. So they didn't bother me all that much.

I went out for my evening walk which I have done nearly every day in some shape form or fashion for nearly 10 years now. Today I worked a bit harder than normal because my track has been mucked up for days thanks to rain and cold weather.

I've had palpitations while walking and jogging before (in fact, it's one reason I do lengthy walks rather than jogging is that I am afraid of the skipped beats that follow a lap or two of jogging.)

Today, while working harder than normal, I got to my last lap. it was cold (about 35-40 degrees, with a 30 or so wind chill.) I was sweating and on the last lap after about an hour.

Then it hit. I had two or three skipped beats and I stopped. I didn't get light headed. I didn't struggle to breathe. I just got scared. I stopped and checked my pulse and it was higher than normal, but I figured that was to be expected.

I finished my walked and headed inside. I checked my pulse and it was about 105-110 with my blood pressure about 115/80.

So any chance anyone has some words of wisdom on this one. (Did I mention how frustrated and fed up I am with these blasted things?)
Posted 1/14/2015 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
CSA,

I have had some big thuds while exercising. In fact, the first time I went in to really get my palps evaluated was after an episode while exercising.

The doctor ran an EKG, and everything was just fine. :)

Unless you notice an increase of palps while exercising specifically, and on a regular basis, or develop further symptoms, I think you can just continue to treat with self-help.

See what happens tomorrow with your regular exercise regimen. Hopefully you'll have no more issues. :)

S.C.
Posted 1/14/2015 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
I just always focus on the idea of more than one being a problem. When it felt like 2 or 3 I was like "oh gosh they say 3 in a row is bad...." I've been fine the rest of the night. As of 10 pm BP was 120/80 and my heart rate about 80bpm. No problems. No real skipped beats since calming down after exercising and my initial panic. Sorry I'm like this. Just in constant fear of this stuff since my mom passed away.

My fam said I did something similar after my grandmother passed away. I constantly thought I was going to die from anything and everything. So this may fit right into that dynamic.
Posted 1/15/2015 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Been a peaceful day for a change *knock on wood.* Went for my evening walk and had no palpitations (thank God) had a few after eating this afternoon but I told myself I was fine and the rest if I had any were minimal. It could be that I have trained myself for this stuff and perhaps focus on that even when I'm not thinking about it.

Blood pressure tonight 110/75 and heart rate 80. Things seem okay and I am relaxed for a change. *knock on wood again*
Posted 1/15/2015 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
tongue   cool May it continue so!!  Great job on getting back into your exercises routine, and having a symptom free walk!

S.C.

Posted 1/15/2015 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
...oh and sorry I couldn't respond to your previos post..yesterday was crazy busy for me...

I am sorry to hear about your losses.:( Death of a loved one can certainly and understandably be a trigger for health anxiety.

Is this something you have been able to talk about in therapy?

S.C.
Posted 1/16/2015 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Still trying to find a therapist. Been a massive run around. A lot of little details.


My BP is 130/80 tonight (you can tell a slight increase from stress.) Heart rate of 80.

Made it fine all day. Ignored my palpitations. I finally started convincing myself the more I ignored them, the more they would stay away. It seemed to be working.

I sat down to eat dinner tonight. Finished it was relaxing and watching a movie. Then, had either two or three back-to-back. They always happen so fast I struggle to figure out the exact number.

The first one came on and I felt the brief build up and then the thump like fall afterward. I think there was a break for a moment because I remember thinking "not again..." then the next one hit. It didn't seem to be as big as the first, but certainly enough to get my attention.

I've rarely had them back-to-back while resting. Though it's certainly not unique, just rare. So for the first time in two days my palpitation anxiety returned. I struggle so hard to ignore the unusual ones like that, but I always think if it's more than one like that that it means something exceptionally bad.

Did my walk just fine today (did it on the tread mill, too icy out to try to walk today without risking a fall or two.)

My heart rate didn't seem to get up that much when it happened either. No other symptoms other than that momentary deer in headlights terror they bring on.

I've even heard some doctors online say that a change in palpitation doesn't mean anything if you've always had palpitations. It's only if an actual change in symptoms comes with it. Still doesn't help it sink in and I always fall back to square one.

Btw no need to apologize about missing replies. Don't know how you're putting up with this weird thread anyway at this point. It's something when I become the guy that is the high strung one in a forum to talk about being stressed out =P
Posted 1/16/2015 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hardly!

You seem pretty pragmatic about all of this. You are pro-actively seeking help...and you continue to push for the answers and methods you need to feel your best...

...you are a dream member/poster! ;)

Hang in there as far as finding a therapist goes...it can be a pain, and take time.

I remember being in tears, because after the umpteenth phone call I had made...I was again told that the therapist was not taking new patients...

....or that my insurance was not under their coverage, ect...

I finally ended up finding a guy that took my insurance, offered CBT, and had room in his practice for me. The catch?

He was a therapist for geriatric patients, who specialized in end of life counseling...

...not exactly comforting for someone who was dealing with panic attacks and health anxiety!! I already thought I was dying, so whatever...I went with it! ;p

It turned out to be a great experience though...so hang in there an take what you can get, right?

Hoping you have a great day, with no symptoms!

S.C.
Posted 1/18/2015 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Another day with only a few palpitations. Both seemed to come after eating. One bigger one after eating a hamburger and fries for supper, and another smaller (somewhat more unusual one) after eating lunch. That one I felt the build up then it just trailed off.

I am curious, do you have to be anxious for palpitations to hit or can being anxious off and on make you open to them at any time?

Morning BP 120/80 (HR 90)
Evening BP 135/85 (HR 85)
Posted 1/18/2015 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
I do not have to be actively or consciously anxious to get palps...but I have a lot of symptoms that seem very random.

However, anxiety is tricky, and we can have many anxious/negative thoughts flitting through our minds so quickly or on a subconcious level, that we don't always register it!

That is one reason why daily use of coping skills to decompress is so essential!

S.C.
Posted 1/18/2015 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
I've often wondered about subconscious anxiety. My brain is constantly working and there will be times I'll relax and literally think "wait, I should be worried about something." I've gotten tension headaches when I thought I was calm and relaxed for the night. So I've wondered about that as well.
Posted 1/21/2015 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Bah!!! After two good days (aside from the minor stress over sneezing yesterday), I had a bout of palpitations tonight. Seemed to come out of nowhere. I did eat a chocolate bar about 30 minutes before (surely that wouldn't have done it that swiftly?)

My heart rate got up between 90-100 and I am assuming stress induced blood pressure that went to 145/90. Several skipped beats were felt (though some I think were false feelings as I was checking my pulse when I felt one of them and I didn't feel an associated skip.)

So anyway. Yet another stumble after a couple of days in which I thought I was slowly getting passed it. However, a couple of skipped beats, the related anxiety and all that goes with it threw me back down the ladder.

I keep telling myself this is okay. I'm not even close to showing any signs of it being dangerous, but it is so hard not to think the worst when it just comes on out of the blue.

I was talking on the phone when it happened tonight. I tried to ignore it, but by the 2nd or 3rd time in a few minutes it just got to me. And I could feel my anxiety go up. I hit one of those moments that any little noise and anything going on made me want to scream in frustration.

So fed up with this. And the weird thing is I know I've done this for years. I know I used to eat stuff and get them just like this, and probably even felt the skipped beats. However, it wasn't until I found out what that feeling was that I started freaking out about it. *sigh*
Posted 1/21/2015 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
I bet some of what you were feeling was gastro related!!

I have felt what I thought were palps...but same thing...when I checked my pulse...no skipped beats.

Shortly after, I would burp...

Stomach gas/pressure can feel the same as skipped beats!

I wouldn't consider this a setback so much as a bad stomach night. :)

S.C.
Posted 1/21/2015 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
I do believe that you are right. I know I do get skipped beats when anxious, but I am becoming more and more confident that something is off kilter with my digestion.

After a small breakfast this morning, I felt few if any skipped beats. They were minimal if they were there.

I ate a decent sized lunch and about an hour later, I began feeling skipped heartbeats. The first one was rather large, but I steadied myself telling myself that I knew it'd likely happen when I got full.

After that, I went for my walk and felt several smaller skipped beats while having several "air burps" (that creaking type burp that seems to come from your esophagus rather than stomach.)

So I do think that my emotional side does cause some skipped beats, but I also think a lot of it has to do with getting full as well.

I have had problems on and off with GERD over the years and like I said, it wasn't unusual in the last ten years to have a heavy meal at supper and feel palpitations throughout the evening (before I knew what they were.) I worried about them then as well.
Posted 1/21/2015 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
To answer your question, given that you've been checked out by your doctor and cleared of any problems, I'm sure that they're related to your anxiety about having them. I also have them as does my mom and both of my kids that are both grown now. Most everybody does have them, but some don't feel them at all. Others like us are blessed to have them come on out of nowhere, for no particular reason and make no sense. I agree that it's very frustrating and can be very frightening. As you said, mine also cause no pain or lightheadedness, they just show up whenever they feel like it although I've noticed a heavy meal can cause a more rapid heart beat. Part of that could be attributed to the large nerve that runs along side the heart and is also close to the stomach. Pressure from a very full stomach can trigger the skipped beats or rapid beats. Rest assured that you're not going to die from them. As hard as I know it is, try your best to ignore them. As silly as it sounds, I've played mind games with them. I'll feel it all of the sudden and say "hey, you weren't invited" or "I'm not afraid of you!" Try not to pay attention and know they WILL NOT hurt you. I hope you feel better.
Posted 1/22/2015 4:42 PM (GMT 0)

mysweetpanda said...
To answer your question, given that you've been checked out by your doctor and cleared of any problems, I'm sure that they're related to your anxiety about having them. I also have them as does my mom and both of my kids that are both grown now. Most everybody does have them, but some don't feel them at all. Others like us are blessed to have them come on out of nowhere, for no particular reason and make no sense. I agree that it's very frustrating and can be very frightening. As you said, mine also cause no pain or lightheadedness, they just show up whenever they feel like it although I've noticed a heavy meal can cause a more rapid heart beat. Part of that could be attributed to the large nerve that runs along side the heart and is also close to the stomach. Pressure from a very full stomach can trigger the skipped beats or rapid beats. Rest assured that you're not going to die from them. As hard as I know it is, try your best to ignore them. As silly as it sounds, I've played mind games with them. I'll feel it all of the sudden and say "hey, you weren't invited" or "I'm not afraid of you!" Try not to pay attention and know they WILL NOT hurt you. I hope you feel better.

I've even tried that LOL. I've actually gotten angry and talked to my heart. It only sounds goofy to folks who have never dealt with this.

I have had a few palpitations this morning. I ate a couple of ham sandwiches for an early lunch after skipping breakfast, and I've had a couple of moderate sized skipped beats (the thumping type that you KNOW is a skipped beat.)

I've also had other sensations that made me think I was having skips. I was checking my pulse to see if I could feel it when one of those sensations happened. It did and neither time did I feel my pulse stutter at all.

So I am just wondering if these feelings in my chest are, as SC noted earlier, could be gastric in nature. Then, when I feel them I tell myself I am having skipped beats, and I get the real ones from whatever associated anxiety comes with it.

I know anxiety goes up every time I have one of these, and I guess even if I try to ignore it, there is still that voice in the back of my head building up the anxiety levels little by little until THUMP.

And I am doing the "air burp" thing again. It sound so gross to put it like that, and I apologize. I just don't know a better way to describe it.

Still no other side effects, however, other than the "I'M GONNA DIE!!!" thoughts associated with them lol. I laugh, but when it happens it's like "so not funny!!!"
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