Heart palpitations. Don’t these two words make you shudder with anxiety?
Well, maybe the words don’t, but the sensations caused by heart palpitations certainly do scare people.
In fact, it’s the main topic of emails that I get from people who contact me with questions.
And given that this anxiety symptom is so common among anxiety sufferers, I thought it would be helpful to do a “how to” article on palpitations.
First, a few basics. A heart palpitation is an abnormal beating of the heart AND your heightened awareness of your heart beat. Palpitations can cause your heart to beat fast (tachycardia), slow (bradycardia), flutter, or to even have ‘skipped’ heart beats (PVCs).
Heart palpitations can be caused by electrolyte imbalances, adrenaline, anemia, heart disease, arrhythmias, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and of course, anxiety disorders. There are more causes, but the ones listed are common.
Now, because heart disease could be involved, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor if you’re experiencing new or ongoing heart palpitations.
No need for fear, this is mainly a precaution to safeguard your health and your sanity. When you go to your doctor he/she will run an ECG and take some blood. If the results come back negative, then you can start your efforts to stop your heart palpitations without having to worry about having a heart attack.
How Palpitations Work
When related to anxiety, heart palpitations are triggered by the fight or flight response. If you’ve had problems with anxiety for any length of time then I highly recommend that you get acquainted with this term.
This is because the fight or flight response is the source of much of your misery, and a detailed understanding of it can help you to reduce stress. Because with knowledge comes less guess-work, more facts, and less anxiety.
So then, the fight of flight response is essentially your sympathetic nervous system gone wild. When you become scared, nervous, and worried, your brain will trigger a fear response, which, in turn, causes your body to undergo a few changes, like:
- Palpitations
- Cold/Hot flashes
- Dilated pupils
- Urge to urinate
- Diarrhea
- Tunnel vision
- Muscle tension
It’s also important to point out that palpitations are almost always accompanied by anxiety and panic.
Part of what also happens when the fight or flight response is triggered is that the brain signals the body to release stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, in preparation for violent action. But, in your case, there is no action to be taken.
The adrenaline and cortisol however still get injected into your bloodstream, where it acts on the nerves of the heart and causes palpitations. So, in most cases, it’s adrenaline causing all the havoc but, there could also be other causes.
One such cause is electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are electrically charged ions. They include elements like: sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, sulfate, phosphate, bicarbonate, and magnesium.
These elements are important in maintaining proper voltage levels in the body, and are also critical to muscle function. The heart, as we all know, is a big muscle. If these electrolytes become imbalanced then palpitations can occur.
This is because electricity and contraction are what makes your heart beat and keep a rhythm. If there is a disruption in the electrical impulse, or the contraction of your heart muscle, then you get things like a fast, slow, or weak heart beats.
How to Stop Heart Palpitations
There are several ways to stop palpitations. If you’ve been cleared of heart disease by your doctor the following techniques can be effective.
1. Balancing electrolytes: When it comes to matters of the heart, the four most important electrolytes are potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. If any of these electrolytes become too high or too low then palpitations may result.
A simple blood or urine test will tell your doctor if this is the case. If you have excessive/deficient levels of electrolytes then you can speak with your doctor about how to bring them back into balance.
In general, this would mean taking supplemental vitamins or increasing/decreasing the consumption of certain foods.
List of foods rich in the four major electrolytes include:
Potassium – See full list here.
- Bananas
- Apples
- Milk
- Orange Juice
- Potatoes
- Raisins
- Wheat bread
Calcium – See full list here.
- Dairy Products
- Almonds
- Beans
- Tofu
- humus
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Oatmeal
Sodium – See full list here.
- Meats
- Dairy products
- Frozen foods
- Snack foods
- Canned food
- Spices
Magnesium – See full list here.
- Nuts
- Cooked soybeans
- Peanut butter
- Yogurt
- Milk
2. Diet: Diet is an important part of any anti-palpitation strategy. Here are a few more examples.
Foods that you want to eat more often would include:
- Grapes
- Guava
- Honey
- Fresh fruit and Vegetables
- Whole wheat foods
Foods and activities that you should try to avoid include:
- Foods that contain caffeine like chocolate, soft drinks, etc.
- Sugar
- Alcohol
- Smoking
3. Hydration: Water is a fundamental part of what you are. If you don’t drink enough water then even mild dehydration can create palpitations. You don’t need to go overboard and start walking around with a gallon of water, either. Many of the foods you eat already have water in them, but it’s still a good idea to drink about 5-8 8 oz cups per day.
4. Medication: You may also want to talk to your doctor about medications. Doctors will usually prescribe beta blockers, which block the effects of adrenaline on the body. This would be a good option after experiencing palpitations for a prolonged period of time.
5. Valsalva Maneuver: This technique can be used to stop a fast heart beat. First, pinch your nose and close your mouth. Next, breath out forcibly. The idea is to strain as if you were trying to defecate while holding your breath. This will cause a quick spike in heart rate, followed by a slowing of the heart rate. If you have heart disease, or are advanced in age, please do not try this maneuver.
6. Coughing: Coughing vigorously causes pressure to build in your chest, which “squeezes” your heart back into a normal rhythm. This is not a preventative measure, so do it when you’re actually having a palpitation.
7. Cold Water: Splash cold water on your face. This technique works well for palpitations and panic attacks. The idea behind this is that the cold water shocks your nervous system back to normal. The water should be as cold as possible.
8. Relax: Palpitations can strike at anytime, even while you sleep. As a result, they tend to startle you and make you feel as if you’re going to die at any moment.
This is why it’s important to not rush around in a panic, thereby adding stress to your racing heart. It’s best to have a seat, breath deeply from your stomach, and chill out for a moment.
9. Exercise: Exercise might sound like the opposite of what you want to do when you know that palpitations can occur. But after a good workout your blood pressure and heart rate will generally decrease.
This is why it’s not unusual for highly conditioned athletes – like Lance Armstrong – to have very low resting heart rates. A normal resting heart rate is between 70-80 beats per minute. People that have conditioned bodies, on the other hand, can get their heart rates down in the 50’s or lower.
Let’s not forget that the heart is a muscle, and if it is worked, it will get stronger and more efficient and what it does. So despite the apparent contradiction, exercise is a great way to cope with palpitations absent any heart disease.
Caution: If your palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, blurred vision, chest pain or shortness of breath, then it could be something more serious. The unfortunate reality is that panic attacks and intense anxiety can mimic symptoms of a heart attack.
One of the tell-tale signs of something serious is severity and duration. If you have chest pain or the like continuously for more than a few minutes, and if the pain is severe, you likely have a problem. Always err on the side of caution though and get checked out if you’re just not sure.
If, on the other hand, you’ve already been screened for heart disease and nothing was found, wait. Be patient and wait about ten minutes and the symptoms will usually die down on their own.
I know that heart palpitations can be frightening, but they are usually not dangerous. That’s why I encourage you to see your doctor if you haven’t already. Because once you’re cleared medically, you will have the confidence needed to cope with the fear tied to palpitations.
Understand that heart palpitations are a very normal part of having an anxiety disorder and stress in general. When they happen don’t over think things and start jumping to conclusions. Instead, try some of the techniques outlined above and try the best you can to not shock yourself with fear. I hope this helps.
Hi there Floey.How did you get on overnight?I get a bit confused by the time difference!!I hope that they settled and you got a good nights sleep.Hang in there they will settle. when do you get your blood results back?
Mine are definitely settling. they didn’t start today till about 3pm and my afternoon and evenings are usually worse anyway. But the episodes aren’t anywhere near as long and not as many. hoping this trend continues!!last night they were a nuisance when i tried to relax but i manged to breathe thru them and they settled or i fell asleep,not sure which happened first!!
Hope everyone is doing okay today.
Hi Jude, mine are still off and on. I’m glad yours are relaxing!
How long has this episode been going on for you? This will be my 12th day. Where are you again? I am in California, where it’s currently almost 11pm
Hi Floey
I am in Australia where it is 5 pm ish Sat afternoon.I have palps on and off for about the last 15 years. usually they are a bit of a constant companion maybe a few a day but nothing that bothers me.Usually just the occassional one. However about 4 weeks ago they came back full on.Constantly during the day, several a minute that would last for ages.I couldn’t sit still,as long as i kept moving and kept busy they weren’t noticeable.They were different to what I usually get both in number and duration.I had never had so many in a minute before.It is easier for me as i know mine are anxiety related,no doubt about it.
But in saying that i remember only too well when I first got them and so can totally empathise and sympathise with what you are going through.It is a crap time no doubt about it.As hard as it is just remind yourself that they are benign.Be reassured by all the stories that are on here and other sites. easier said than done I know.Wish i could make it better I really do!
My Friday has actually been good. No watching kids for the weekend, the palps seem to me very minimal, though not quite gone still. Technically this is my 18 day or so of having them straight, but today i’ve only had a handful, thankfully. So, just know they will stop Floey. Mine seem like sometimes that they will never stop, but they do. By the way, i live in WV..country boy. Don’t judge me lol. 🙂
Hey there Josh that it is such great news yours a settling!
Hi gentle greetings y’all I hope you all Doing better me not quite my palps is less but I have a numbness on my left side and pain that dnt want to go away make me feel like I’m about to die at any time all my tests come back ok it all started after I quit the benZo drug went to a new doctor told me it’s all came from benzo withdrawal thats I keep telling y’all if you on any Benzo drug like Xanax Valium klonapine ect… Please stop they only make things worst when you dnt it anymore pls sorry
I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. It’s so crazy how it’s Saturday afternoon/evening there. It’s late Friday nite/early Saturday morning here.
Yes Josh I get confused myself when posting!I forget you are a day behind and you havent started the weekend yet.As you are a night owl it makes sense you are up.I have always lived in Australia so have nothing to compare it to but I do love it.The climate is perfect,very relaxed place to live,quiet,easy living and the outback and countryside just beautiful. We do a fair bit of outback/remote area camping and 4wd ing and just love it..But you have amazing country where you are.It looks breathtaking from the pictures/documentaries I have seen.Would love to visit there sometime,especially the nature spots like your National parks and wilderness areas,beautiful.
Hi there Sammy.Sorry that numbness is causing you so much grief, It is incredible what physical symptoms anxiety can cause.Where you on the benzos for long?
JUDE-
Thank you for the reassurance. I will just continue updating and checking in on this site because it really does help– since most people I talk to really have no idea what I’m talking about or just seem confused about it. It’s good that you know the cause of yours. I’m sure it’s very important for you to relax 🙂
JOSH- Yay to having no kids this wknd! Unfortunately I don’t get labor day off (I have a few friends who are Teachers and most schools, etc get it off). Oh well! Glad yours are starting to settle down as well. Have you been doing anything differently to help them settle or does it just happen on its own?
Hope you all have a good wknd! Anyone have any big plans?
Yes
They do seem to happen on their own, but i’ve also been taking Magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, calcium, D3, and Hawthorn berry (after asking my doctor). So, it could be those things or just them stopping or a mixture of both? Hope you feel some relief soon.
Hi JOSH,
Okay, that’s interesting. Mine are still off and on today. How are yours? I’m trying to find some kind of pattern in mine, but I can’t. Sometimes they come in the evening, and I thought they weren’t as strong in the morning, but they were today. So I’m kinda confused. Very confused actually.
The magnesium still hasn’t seemed to have much of an effect yet but we’ll see. How long did it take for u to see a diff? And how long do your spells usually last? About 2wks u said?
It’s chilly tonight in California!
Hi everyone
Hey there Floey.Mine eased noticeably about 3 weeks after a I started the magnesium.I am going to change powders though as I think the one I am taking contains more selenium than I need and that worries me a little.Sometimes I think I just think too much!!But mine are loads better. It is bliss not to be aware of my heart beating all of the time!!
Keep warm and have a nice weekend.something nice planned? Mine is more packing and sorting ready for our big move!
I’ve been taking my vitamins for about 2 weeks, i think, and not all of them. Some i’ve only been taking for a week. Yeah, my palps usually go hard for about 2 weeks. Today has been a very good day w/them. I’ve only had some, but i notice them more after i’ve ate.
JOSH –
Me too sometimes. And it’s not like I’m eating anything unhealthy. I had some greek yogurt and almonds with some wheat bread and I noticed them quite a bit afterwards. Maybe it’s the sugar that I’m sensitive to maybe? I don’t know. This has never happened before when I’ve eaten sugar though so I’m confused.
Glad you’re having a good day though 🙂 Have you ever had your blood work done?
JUDE-
Ahhh, 3 weeks? haha, that seems like eternity !
Hey josh gentle greetings when dealing with anxiety palp you don’t take specialy bvitamins they make palpitation worst
Floey, i think i have had blood work done at some point. I just can’t remember lol. If i did it was a few years ago. Going in and out of the ER, doctor’s appts galore, all kind of ran together back then.
Sammy, thanks for your suggestions! 🙂 I’m not taking B vitamins..Just the main essentials for me.
JOSH- Did they say anything about your blood work? Did you have low levels? Or do you not remember haha
I don’t think i had low levels of anything, but this would have been a good 3 years ago..I definitely don’t eat right anymore. Sometimes i don’t eat anything until between 5pm-7pm, usually dinner, and then just some random things through the nite. So, that’s why i figured it couldn’t hurt to take these certain vitamins.
Hi everyone!
Sammy thanks for that re the b groups. I get so confused by that one as I read that vitamin b supps are really important for people with an anxiety disorder as most are deficient in these but other sites say they make palps worse.Thanks for your info!Hope you are a having a good day today.
Floey I had bloods done about two weeks prior to my palps starting(general 2 yearly overhaul!!) and all were normal.I share your confusion as my diet was the same pre palps as now so i don’t no whether it is the magnesium or not but hey they are getting better so i am sticking to it!!It is nearly 6 in the evening here and i have had an almost palp free day,just the occasional one yeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!I know you said three weeks seems like forever but just keep moving forward. Each day is a day closer to them going. How is your calcium intake?My dr said that apparently that helps women with palp that flare up just before their period.Have you got your blood tests back yet?
Sylvia has some good info on an older post of the correlation between palps and indigestion.I have read that it is quite common.I know mine are often worse after a meal.
Hi Josh,hope yours are still settling and don’t forget to eat!
JOSH – You don’t get hungry during the day? I wonder if snacking during the day would help?
JUDE- So glad to hear you’re having a good day 🙂 My day wasn’t so great– palps were pretty strong from 7pm-11 at night. Right now I’m just seeing if they’ll go away. One of the things the Dr. did mention (I’m still waiting for Blood Test results) was that I have LOW blood pressure. I wonder if that could be a factor in all of this? I’ve been drinking Gatorade though everyday to try to replenish electrolytes but I guess it isn’t helping yet…?
Floey I am so sorry you are having a crappy evening with them.Are you getting enough sleep. You seem like Josh a night owl too.They must really be tiring you out. we put so much emotional and physical energy into them or trying to get rid of them i should say.It is almost 8pm here and mine are just rearing their ugly head but I am trying to ignore them….easier said than done I know.Be really interesting to get your blood results it may give an indication of why bp low and hence maybe those palps.Hang in there Floey,thinking of you and just know you will be okay,they will pass.Big hugs
I just eat at evening/nite the way a normal 9-5 working person would eat through the afternoon and day..I definitely eat, it’s just at different periods of day from the average person. I also just went grocery shopping yesterday, so i will probably be stuffing myself. Also been buying more all natural and organic products the last couple of months. They are expensive, but i try to even it out.
Hi evryone
Sounds good Josh.Yes organic is expensive but I also try to balance it out,buy some stuff organic and others not.Hopefully as more people start buying it the price may start to drop a bit.I think we are all getting concerned re sprays,GM etc and as informed consumers and heading more to organic.
I had an excellent night last night re palps,bliss!But ruined it all by having a doozy of a panic attack this morning.Woke up with a burning sensation across my back and chest that i havent felt before so of course Googled it and all of a sudden i am having a heart attack!!Grrrrrrrr this anxiety disorder stuff is the pits. I haven’t had a panic attack for so so long.At the moment I think i am just a bit on the edge and easily set off. I obviously have some gastro/indigestion thing as diarrhea,nausea as well as the burning but of course I catastrophised it!Feel like crap though not sure if it something I ate or a bug.Could it be the magnesium? wouldn’t have thought so as i only have a 200mg a day.I will still take it this morning.
Anyway hope everyone else having a good day.Hope Floey your night settled.Hi Stephan and Gary hope you guys are still travelling well and Sammy hope things settling for you.Hi Sylvia I still haven’t had a chance to start that book yet!Cheers to everyone!
Omg JUDE that sounds horrible. I hope you have a better day today. At least you got some rest last night.
Yikes :/ Please update with us on how you’re doing.
I’ll be back later tonight for my palp progress of the day.
Hope everyone is well.
JOSH- What are some of the things you usually have for dinner?
Hey Everyone!
Floey- I know we all have different triggers, but I started taking it easy on Gatoraid as I noticed an increase in palps with it. It may help you, but just letting you know that it had the opposite affect on me.
Oddly enough, I found that taking Omega-3 caused me some PVC’s, so I stopped them.
Jude- I am soooooooo sorry to hear about your panic attack. I know EXACTLY what you went through as I’ve been there before. Doesn’t it always lead to the belief that we are having a heart attack? You know (knock on wood) I haven’t had a panic attack in years, but to this day I still bring Aspirin everywhere I go just to make myself feel better that “just in case” I have a heart attack, I can take it! You see, most people would think I’m crazy, but I’m betting some of you understand! Hope you are doing better.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Hi all
Thanks for your thoughts Floey,I am feeling much better,still actually sick with some bug but hey not a heart attack so that is a bonus!!!haven’t had a panic attack for years especially with that symptom but apparently they can change.Thanks for listening earlier,it helps keep it real.
Gary your post made me smile, thank you so much for that ! Yes i do understand!! I nearly didn’t post about it because i didn’t want to you all to think I was crazy, I really am quite normal(ish)!!. But it knocked me for a six as i haven’t had one for years either. You know i couldnt just have a cold, a virus,flu,stomach bug nope, it has to be fatal!!!!!!!
off to the drs for some antibiotics as my cold has found it way to my chest which i think is what making me feel so crappy and caused the burning sensation this morning.I try to avoid antibiotics which is why i have put up with it for over a week now but enough’s enough!Also i haven’t been able to run which hasn’t helped the anxiety but must say the palps are still easing.Joy!
I get frustrated as i don’t feel stressed. Yes ,i have big things happening but they are wonderful, exciting things that I cant wait to embrace and do but these anxiety symptoms still rear their nasty head.Feel like stomping my feet in a tantrum but know that wont work!I just have to remember it will pass, it did before and will again and good riddance I say!!!!
Anway enough of my crankiness.Thanks all for help keeping it real and for listening. Big hugs.
Hey Jude be careful with antibiotic anxiety they worsen symptom you to try the linden method what you have call classic organic anxiety one or one you feel ok next day you feel worst I’m going through the same things chest pain burning sensation you name it I got spent weeks in hospital bed nothing was found I learn from Charles linden these symptom are false fear the have nothing to do with your heart enjoy swimming gym have no alchool no drug I eat only organic fresh fruit and veggie juice I use the sauna to burn adrenaline jog if you can’t take a long for 30min dnt be affraid of sex it helps as well I’m getting better its not fun going through this I know somtime it feels Like you about to have a stroke or heart attack remind yourself you ok it’s not real just let me know how you feeling I’m always there for you all to listen and read your post It has been very nice to meet you all even not even in person just by sharing each orther pai I know it feels I’m steel going through these symptoms I understand you all anyone you told its all in your mind remind yourself of Sammy they real just false fear you all in good health ok sweet gratitude to you guys.
Gary its ok you fine you’re not havin a heart attack becareful with aspirin remember your nervous system is in flight or fight wish your you’re produce more adrenaline anything can worsen your symptom it the same people who take Xanax Valium any type of anti anxity once they after a day or 2 their symptoms worsen Gatorade is not good for you buddy drink a lot of purify water drink vegetable and fruit every morning you need to balance your ph from veggie and fruit juice if you guys want I can send you some receip on how to make the juice eat salmon for omega3
Hey Sammy thank so much for your heartfelt post.Thanks for being there and understanding what we go through. It really helps and thanks for sharing your knowledge.I am so sorry that are going through what you are and wish you much peace and happiness in recovery.Sounds like you are well informed and doing all the right things and more so hope recovery comes soon.I will check out Linden method and all your great advice.yes i think I definitely need to exercise to burn off that excess adrenalin. As i have been sick i haven’t this week and it is taking its toll i think.You rock Sammy, thanks!
Gary, i’ve also heard that some people have palps from Omega-3.
Floey, i tend to eat things that involve a lot of bread. Sandwiches, pizza, etc. I like salads, fish, potatoes. I eat a lot of Special K bars/Nutri-grain bars, yogurt, fruit cups. Definitely do not eat completely healthy. I like my chips and candy as well. Not really big on chocolate, more candy like Nerds, Starburst, Gummy bears lol. I can’t prove it, unless i would keep a food journal like Sylvia suggested, but i think bread seems to cause me palps for a bit after a meal, but this isn’t all the time, just sometimes. I’ve hardly had any palps today, but i noticed after i made a toasted sandwich, i had a palp fit for probably 10 minutes or so.
Sweet gratitude Jude thanks for the kind mention and you’re quite welcome my friend
Hi Everyone.
Sammy-thank you so much for your insight. Much appreciated.
Had a bit of a rough few hours this morning. You see, by now I’m used to the occasional flutter/PVC/Palp, but every once in a while I get what seems to be several in a row. I was driving and noticed a quick flutter or two…no big deal. Then it happened, what seemed to be about 6 or 7 in a row! I, of course, grabbed my pulse to see how bad it was. I think my heart beat about 3 times in a matter of 8-10 seconds. I understand the missed or skipped beats (PVC’s) but that many in a row literally takes my breath away. It’s as if I can’t breath, or my breathing does me no good, and I start to get lightheaded. Fortunatly, it kicked back into rhythm after that. But, my body felt “off” for a few hours afterwords. If that’s how it feels for you guys who have them constantly, I can’t tell you how sorry I am. For about 8 seconds this morning, I didn’t know whether or not I was gonna pass out on the road and kill myself and maybe others.
Anywho, hope you all are having a better day!!
Morning everyone
Gary that is not a great way to start your morning.Sending you very very big sympathetic and understanding thoughts,Of course you checked your pulse we cant help ourselves.Not matter how often they tell us not to we do.I think too because it felt different than you have had before that ups the fear factor immensely.That “What if” this is different this time.(I did that yesterday)That take your breath away feeling is frightening but you did it. You didn’t crash,you didn’t faint, you didn’t kill yourself or others,you got through it.I am just really sorry that you had to feel that way. Maybe it is because you have been doing so brilliantly lately they are just giving you a gentle reminder they are there.Were you running late or driving to something stressful or thinking about something worrying? Obviously if not I am sure they gave you something to worry about,my chicken and egg theory again!Hope your day got much better and sending you warm wishes for a peaceful and happy day.
Hope everyone else had a good night. It is early morning here.My palps had a lovely time last night but they are starting heaps later in the evening so all good.I am not having any panic attacks today!!!Not going to let it happen!
Hope to hear from you all later.
I never have got the light headed feeling that sometimes can come w/the palps being close together. I’ve read that some people will have that, and as many as i have so close together over long periods of time, i’ve never experienced that, thankfully.
Hi, I am 50n and had skipped beats every now and than for the passed 20 years…nothing mayor though. It scared me at first but doictors say its anxiety. However, since last night i have skipped beats about once every minute and it wont stop.I tried that holding your breathj and than forcibly breath out…that didnt help….anything else you guys do that you can suggest?
Hey Gary, I know how you feel…I also experience the same thing when I least expect it. I actually have hit myself in the chest to try and get the rhythm back on track, I know that’s probably not a good idea. Sometimes I cough and that seems to work, at least I think it does. It feels like your heart is just going to STOP! and that scares me…BIG TIME! Anyway I hope you don’t get these too often…take care
Hi there Corliss,how have you been getting on?
Hi Jude, Thanks for asking 🙂 I have been feeling much better for the past few days, only 4-5 palps a day and nothing too strong. I almost feel normal! I hope it lasts for a long stretch this time. I don’t handle stress very well but I find going to the Gym 3 times a week and trying to live a simple life helps.
I hope your day is going well!
Corliss that is wonderful news.ahhh… normality how good does that feel!I am so happy for you. You definately deserve it.Enjoy!!
I was just realizing I hit my 3 month mark since my first episode a few days ago(the 7th). It seems like it’s been at least a year but the calendar doesn’t lie.
Gary – I remember my first episode was an hour long of non stop PVC’s. I had everything going bad for me that day – as I was driving to the doctors office my hands went numb and that’s when I convinced myself I was dying. Of course, I got to the office and everything went away and I was sent home only to be back at the ER that night. Then the adventure continued to where I had the 9 hours straight of PVCs which led to my first use of Xanax which cured every symptom and led me to believe my issue was purely anxiety. I had several episodes after the first one where I’d get runs that lasted several beats in a row and I also remember the more I have the more wiped out I felt.
Corliss – funny you mention hitting yourself in the chest. During my first few weeks of episodes I met with a pastor friend of mine who told me of his heart issues from years of energy drinks and pills. He was having PVCs/PACs/ and even registered periods of A-fib. He hadn’t had an issue in many years and about 2 weeks ago had a 5 day run of rhythm issues. He got fed up with it and whacked himself in the chest too and it reset everything. Apparently it is a used practice but not recommended because you can potentially cause more harm then good.
Sammy – you’re full of amazing information and I hereby title you ‘The Professor’.
The magnesium is definitely helping at this point. I’m only feeling a few PVC’s a day which is wonderful, however, the past few times at the gym I’m getting exhausted way too easily. I keep getting these sensations that I should stop before the inevitable happens. Today I could only do 4 miles before I had to give up, the last few times I was doing about the same. In fact the only PVC’s I’ve felt today were while I was working out.
I’m glad everyone is doing well – Thanks again for all the stories. Like everyone else I don’t always post but I read everyone’s messages.
Stephan thanks for the kind mention
Hey everyone. Andrea, i would suggest going back a few pages or so and reading what all has been wrote in the last few weeks. There has been lots of helpful suggestions. I think it would be easier to just rewind a bit and read up. Hope you get to feeling some relief. Keep us posted 🙂
Hi there Andrea. Well all share your pain. as Josh said there is stacks of helpful information on the last few pages,definitely worth a read.As your palps have come back quickly and fiercely is there a new drug,,food or chemical you have recently started or come into contact with,maybe a big caffeine binge, energy drink? Are you dehydrated?Or something that happened that may have caused you stress or anxiety to increase?.I try and exercise or distract myself to get rid of them.It takes my mind off them which helps i think. I keep busy as mine are worst when I rest.A lot of us have had relief with magnesium supplements and other dietary supps.Mine are anxiety related so I find chamomile tea helps to relax me too.Let us know how you are getting on.
Hi everyone.
I’m glad to hear that the magnesium supplments are helping some of you! Mine are HOPEFULLY starting to rest. (knock on wood). I’m praying that this will be an extended relief and that since I’ve been eating more potassium and meat and drinking a lot more electrolytes that that’s what was causing them in the first place.
REALLY crossing my fingers.
JUDE – I’m glad to hear that yours are semi under control.
JOSH- How are you doing? Are you kid-watching this week?
Best to all.
Okay, I guess I kind of take that back that mine are quieting down. As they are not being so cooperative right now at night.
Josh, mine also tend to start up when I’ve had some carbs, which is too bad…I wonder why that is.
Can any of you explain how does the your heart sensation feel like mine a lil weird but I was listning to it it sounds normal it makes me hard to breath I can’t sleep
Oh crap it sounds like I am joining the bad night crew. Almost burst into tears but held it in as the kids were with me.Ythey dont know anything about my palps obviously.My son was in his drama class i was in the park lying on the grass reading my book and my daughter doing her homework beside me.Should have been one of those blissful moments but nope the palps were shocking.Just having a flat moment,I felt so sad and melancholy about it all. I feel better now but they can be so consuming and distracting from the things that really matter in life.Anyway it will pass,I need to stop this self indulgent behaviour and get on with it!Give me a kick up the butt guys!
Floey my heart goes out to you.The nights really are a shocker for you. Could you try cutting out carbs in the late afternoon evening and see if it helps? i have read a few instances where a wheat intolerance was the culprit and people that did a gluten free die found there palps severely reduced or eliminated. Might be worth a try?Have you tried cutting abck the gatorade as well?
Sammy my pulse rate is normal and I get theses extra beats thrown in there.I dont get a fast heart rate with them at all theses days,i did years ago but not know. I think that is because i no longer fear them,It may be one then a few regular beats or it may be two or three in a row.Sometimes it feels like my heart is vibrating,flip flopping feeling.Does that make sense?I do feel short of breath with it sometimes but think that is more an initial anxiety symptom rather than a result of the palps.Sorry you cant get to sleep,hope rest comes soon.
Hey it is only early evening here so if you need someone to talk to I am up!!
Wishing you all a peaceful evening.
Floey, i’m kid watching right now. Thankfully it’s just one kid lol.
Sammy, my beats are pretty similar to Jude’s. My pulse is fine, it’s the extra beats close together that are the problem..
One of my friends was in the hospital last nite because of her palps. She lives about an hour away, so we don’t see each other that often, but she told me she was in the ER because of her palps. She has PVC and i have PAC, so i tried to tell her she would be ok because i don’t think hers have ever acted up quite like mine have before. I felt so bad for her or anyone when they first experience these because they don’t understand them or understand what is to come for them.
Me to pulse is find its the beating pr
Morning all
sorry about my little temper tantrum yesterday.I have been in this position before and should know better that it does get better!Enough of m sulking!Butt duly kicked and i am going to have a great day today.
Josh i am so sorry to hear about your friend. it is lucky she has you to talk to about it as eliminating the fear early on is so important before an anxiety disorder develops.Hope she is okay.
Hi there Sammy are you having trouble feeling your pulse?
JOSH- Please keep us updated on how your friends doing. How old is she? So this was her first time getting them?
JUDE- I am so sorry about what happened to you yesterday. I hope you have a much better day today.
I am feeling kind of discouraged, because every time I feel like they’re under control or going away, they happen again and I cannot put my finger on why. Sometimes I think its carbs, and then I’ll have some cereal without any palps. I’m wondering if it might be salt. I experienced them yesterday after I had a pickle (haha). Anyways, I hope today turns out better for me.
I am also antsy because my blood test results haven’t come back yet and I keep calling :/ Argh.
Working from home today for about 2-3hrs.
Floey thanks for your thoughts. Hey you are doing AMAZINGLY for a first timer. I have been in awe of your attitude that you have had and wish i had reacted a quarter as well as you when I first got mine.I lost the plot big time!!!It is a pain that your blood test results aren’t back as that that may have a few answers for you.Do you have a follow up appt with your dr?Dont let it be pickles, I love pickles!!!!!!!Hang in there Floey and keep trying with the foods to see if you can find a trigger. Also my magnesium took a couple of weeks to kick in so don’t panic if you feel that isn’t working yet.Do you get enough calcium?Anyway thinking of you and hope you have a palp free arvo.
Well, they called me about my blood test results and said that nothing was abnormal. Coincidentally, today my pals have definitely been on edge and I’ve been feeling them throughout the day.
I tried going for a walk to calm them down but that didn’t help much.
The Dr. asked me if I thought they were anxiety related…but if they were, I don’t think they would last this long and this consistently….right…?
Thoughts?
Floey yes if anxioety related they can definately last this long and it is hard as the more you have the more anxious you became.My first palps episode about 14 years ago now came out of the blue,i was the happiest i had ever been in my life at that stage and they just arrived.It was put down to too much caffeine and alcohol and they eventually went after a few weeks.Never completely gone but hardly noticed them.They didn’t come again full on until I had my first panic attack and then diagnosed with an anxiety disorder years later after a trauma involving a much loved relative.But when i had my first episode if someone told me they were anxiety related i would have laughed and said no way.
So i guess what am trying to say Floey is yes they could be anxiety related but that doesn’t mean they are hanging around forever.They will go away and hopefully never come back again.But if they do you will be better equipped to deal with them and you will know that they will go again. Sometimes you just have to ride it out like I guess we are all doing.But keep up the magnesium as that helps with anxiety,maybe try cutting out the gatorade now too that you know bloods results are okay.Wish i had that magic wand to make it better.But know that it will get better.Are you still doing a food journal like Sylvia suggested?Did you eat more carbs or starchy food today?
Big hugs