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 amy, thankyou for that information…perhaps i should mention a few of them to my doc and see what he says?
meand google are terrible, every sympton etc etc has to be googled and then sometimes regret looking at them as they sometimes come up with such scary things lol..
did u find the meds helped you?
Its new years eve here in the uk right now ( im assuming a few of u are american? ) anyway im off out tonight for drinks with mates etc, still feeling worried that later tonight im gona have yet another attack.. cant seem to shake the thought! perhaps a little dancing 😉 haha
Justin, I’m going to ask my doctor about it but I don’t go back until the end of January. I usually don’t Google my symptoms but I guess I wasn’t really worried about what I would find out with this one, I just wanted some reassurance. The meds did help but also along with therapy. Sometimes they have to be adjusted or changed because after a while they don’t seem to work as well. That’s what happened with me and the Zoloft; I was on it for many, many years. I have an appointment with a psychiatrist on Thursday to discuss my medication. I decided to go that route instead of my regular doctor since this is what psychiatrists specialize in. Some people are against taking medication; but I’m not! lol
I’m in the US so we still have 7 1/2 hours to go until midnight. I’ll probably be asleep by then. No party plans for me this year. I hope everyone has a happy and safe new year and I pray that 2013 is better for all of us!
Sometimes when i’m having a fit of palps i get them a lot after i’m done eating or while i’m eating.
I don’t think you can delete posts, Jude.
Floey, i will have to look at the mg to tell you for sure.
Happy New Year everyone!!wishing you all a wonderful year full of all your favorite things and the peace we are all searching for. x
Five are you able to post the vinegar,honey lemon recipe I cant find it.Cheers
Congratulations Gary you must be holding your new little one by now, how magical.Hope all went well for Mum and baby.Enjoy that most wonderful love!
Now I am back on this asthma medication my palps are having a wonderful time.I will need to find a dr here and see if there is something else I can take.I will stick with what I have got for now though as i know the palps aren’t harmful but just so tiring and annoying as you all know.
Sylvia i was thinking of you the other day as I was reading that book. How have you found it? I am really fascinated by the science behind our food and our bodies , it all seems to make sense.
My palps are worse after eating too,no doubt about it.Not sure if it is volume or types of food? I need to do thst food journal too.
Not having much luck finding the magnesium powder i had back home here in the uk so will need to order it online. Has anyone tried the “natural calm magnesium?”
hey guys 🙂
So i had my night out last night and yes enjoyed it… new year etc etc
However after the alohol i drank i am deffo paying the price today! my panic attacks today are unreal and the anxious feeling has not onceleft my side!
happy new year to you all 🙂
How are things?
Justin I have stopped drinking for that very reason! All great while I am doing it but the next day ugh…….I would love a beer or a nice sweet white but for me it just isn’t worth it.My anxiety just goes sky high and feels like I am having one big panic attack.
I am so happy you had a great night though,you would have really needed it and deserved it. at least you know why your anxiety is thru the roof and know what it is and that it will pass.Do you have a hangover as well!,!!!!!
I decided to stop my asthma preventer today and make a dr appt. they were just too full on yesterday and when trying to sleep.Ii have been on it or years but only take it in winter but am pretty non compliant as it makes me feel yuk.i just thought it was just my anxiety as when my asthma plays up my anxiety does as my beautiful mum died of an asthma attack when she was younger than me,but after monitoring it I know that it is it. My asthma is well controlled anyway and very rarely causes me probs.Today has been much better. I know they aren’t why I get the palps in the first place but they do make them heaps worse.i am sure there is another one I could use.
Happy day everyone,hope all doing okay.Floey your scan is soon?
Hey Jude
That recipe is one tsp organic apple cider vinegar, one tsp fresh lemon juice, and one tsp honey (I use buckwheat) mixed with warm water. I take this twice a day with my 200 mg of magnesium and organic grape juice. It has been 9 days of peace so far but as human nature dictates i got comfortable and decided to leave my strict diet and go out on the town with friends last night. The consequences was the old tightening of my chest and one very faint palp. This was a good reminder to me that my condition is still there waiting to flair up if i return to my old life style. Rule i must live by: 1) No stimulants; alcohol, coffee, tea, or anything with a high sugar index like breads. 1) Eat small meals–that larger the meal the harder your body works to digest causing you pressure and heart rate to jump. 3)Stay away from processed foods–The label is a warning sign not to eat 4)Exercise–this is never a bad thing 5)Don’t take life too seriously–I like to watch Carl Sagan’s “The Blue Dot” to keep things in perspective. I hope this helps.
Hey Five thanks so much for that I am going to give the recipe a try. I especially like tip no 5’not taking life too seriously. I think anxiety disorder takes that away sometimes and we forget to do it!! Life is for living and laughing to its fullest which is why I refuse to let it stop me doing just that.
sounds like your reminder to stick to your foods that work for you was only a gentle one so that is good.I haven’t has caffeine or similar for over 15 years now so it is just habit now.Fancy being female and not eating chocolate,almost criminal!!!No wine,no chocolate….mmm….maybe that is my problem!!!
Thanks again and hope you continue to stay palp free,you are very encouraging!
heeyy jude
I have deffo found out now that alcohol seriously hieghtens my anxiety so for that reason i am no longer going to drink until this is all over atleast!… yes i was very hungover ahaha, but it was worth it 😉
how are you? i am very sorry to hear about ur mum bless her (:
i suffered with asthmaas a kid but am told i grew out of it so was quite lucky as it seems it can be nasty aswell.
Palps really are a very uncomfortable feeling and i just dont seem to be able to stop them after ive eaten, any ideas?
Thanks
Hey Justin, thanks for your thoughts. Glad you are recovering from your New Year’s Eve and so happy that it was worth it,you deserve it,too young to be dealing with this crap!!!
I wish I knew the answer to stop them.i don’t know if it is one thing or a combination.i know mine are anxiety related but it is the palps that give me the anxiety.ahhhhh! So I guess I am working on reducing the anxiety.exercise helps me a lot ,I now that isn’t possible for you yet .i find the magnesium has helped take the edge off my anxiety.i have run out but have ordered some online but have noticed a small difference without it. I find it frustrating as I don’t feel anxious. I have a beautiful life,wonderful partner,amazing kids,my life is blessed but I have all the anxiety symptoms. They make me anxious.
Last night while trying to relax the pals were full on several a minute for over an hour.ending up just going to bed so i could have some peace from them.they were good all day so were obviously saving up!!i have had them for every day for nearly 4 months now but I know they will pass.i just have to find what works for me. I definitely steal clear of all stimulants,avoid processed foods and try to live as healthily as I can. I Take magnesium,b groups and vitamin c.i do need to increase my calcium intake as I know that is low.but the best thing for me when having a run of them is to do something like a walk,run,bike ride ,distracts me as the more I focus on them the worse they are.
I am going to try smaller meals like five suggested as mine are definitely worse after eating. I am sure it is all stuff you already know but apart from finding that magic wand I don’t know what to suggest!!would love to hear what worked for others .
Hey Justin, we truly understand how you feel. I felt like i was in a bubble of stress as i was bombarded with palps all day long while everyone around me were living carefree lives. Sometimes I would try to explain what i was going through but no one really understands. My mother, who had the same condition, really was my inspiration. It took her years of single lonely battle to get hers under control and during that time I was one of those who sympathized but did not really know the hell she dealt with on a daily basis. So after years of research and trial and error (and no help from the doctors) she came to one conclusion; her trouble arose from underline stress made acute but food allergies. The two problems feed into each other and cause a myriad of symptoms that can emulate many health issues. As i have stated before, my troubles began with stress at work and ordering Chinese food. The MSG caused me to feel like i was having a heart attack, something known as Chinese Food Syndrome, which i turn caused my anxiety to flare, which lead to palps and my long journey to cure them.
hi jude and five,
Thanks again for all the advice! i certainly understand what jude is saying when you say that the palps raise the anxiety and without a doubt they do!
my palps only ever really occur when i have eaten quite a substantial meal soo yes this is everyday…
More my problem is panic and i cant stop it, im on beta blockers as of today (propranalol) ? heard of these? people say they r really good for anxiety panic and a racing heart 🙂 fingers crossed..
do either of u 2 experience an irregular heart beat during these episodes of palps? i do! and its soo scary and then sure enoughi panic and it all starts again, damm this is one vicious circle!
how has both ur day and night been?
i sure didnt sleep at all last night as palps and panic were both very bad 🙁 fingers crossed for tonight
thanks
Justin,
I think you will be pleased with the beta blocker. It will calm down your heart. Let us know how it goes. Yesterday my palps were horrible! Last night I couldn’t calm my mind enough to go to sleep so I had a little wine. I finally fell asleep and about an hour later I woke up with a terrible racing heart and of course a full bown panic attack! It was awful! I saw a psychiatrist today and he is going to try me on Buspar to help with the anxiety. I hope I’ll be able to tell a difference before too long because this anxiety is horrible! I know how you feel Justin.
Hi Jude, Sorry it took so long to get back to you. For some reason I had to reregister because it would not let me log in, and did not recognize my email.
I wanted to tell you that I have been thinking of you, and that I love the book you recommended to me, Good Health In The 21st Century. I have actually been reading it and studying it. There really is a lot of good information backed by science. I am finding the book to be very fascinating. And it all really does make sense. Our bodies really are what we eat.
You really do need to keep a good journal. It was not until I kept good records of everything I ate and drank, and symptoms and sensation, that I was able to correct and or eliminate what was triggering my symptoms. I would have never believed that there was a connection, but I am living proof that there is. It now has been two years and three months since I have had any palps.
Speaking of magnesium powder, I order mine online from either Amazon or Vitacost. I take natural calm magnesium in the evening and Slo Mag in the morning with my morning supplements.
I hope everyone is doing well tonight. And I wish everyone a palp free night/day! Big Hugs 🙂 Sylvia
Hello Five, I just wanted to say that your mother’s journey sounds like mine. I went through years of having palps and anxiety, and with very little help from doctors. I did my own research and trial and error. And found that I had allergies and sensitivities to foods. drinks, chemical, additives, MSG, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, cold medicines, etc. along with stress which were all triggering my attacks which I had since 1988. Spending many hours in the ER over the years, having numerous test done. After eliminating many things and adding different supplements, along with eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, and taking a small dose of beta blocker, I have finally been panic free for two years and three months. I know what your mother went through and what so many others are going through now. I hope everyone here can find what is triggering their attacks and become palp free. Hugs 🙂
Hello guys and gals;
I hope all is going well. My Palps have been pretty non existent, I’ve been feeling zero to one, maybe two a day. However, the past few days I’ve been feeling terribly anxious, waiting for the palps to come back full force. Funny thing is, they’re not there – which is great, but now I’m having this terrible pain in my legs which my wife and I are assuming comes from being in a cramped police car most of my days. The pain started on the back, upper part of my legs (pretty much where they sit on the seat) – but the past week it’s been shooting down into my calf muscles and shin area. It’s been getting progressively worse so I finally went to the doctor today and they are sending me to have my legs ultrasounded for blood clots. The doc doesn’t think it’s that, but we shall see. Either way the impeding doom sensations have returned and I’ve been taking 1 .25 mg Xanax every day for the past 3 days in the evening. Today I had to take one this morning and I just took another – I don’t like this one bit Sam I am – I do not like anxiety and ham….
So I just needed to vent for a minute and receive the all supportive sympathy this group has been providing me for many months now.
I truly pray you are all doing great – keep your heads high, and make this year a great one!
God Bless
Hi stephan you need to be away from Xanax your body getting used to it now I had that pain when I was on benzo and withdrawal from those med give more symptoms and enability to cope with stress becareful. And I’m happy you’re doing well make sure you keep going to the gym and exercise.
Hi Stephan, I am sorry for what you are going through right now, I know that feeling of impending doom. But it sounds like your doctor is on the ball doing an ultrasounded. Once anything serious is ruled out you should be able to relax some, and your anxiety should ease. I am happy to hear that you have been palp free! Please keep us all posted! Wishing you all the best!! Hugs 🙂
Sammy I know you have had awful experiences with the Xanax type drugs – I’m fairly confident that they are not affecting me the way they did you. I was clear of them for a couple months and I’m taking a fairly insignificant dose that just takes the edge off. I’m sorry you’re going through such a struggle but I am not dependent on the medication as in taking it 3 times a day, full dose as prescribed. I simply use it as stated, it takes the edge off.
How long did you take the drugs?
Hi all.sorry late reply but have been away.
Sylvia it is so good to hear from you.I have been thinking of you lots.you really are an inspiration to me and I truly appreciate each and everyone of your posts. I really admire how you healed yourself armed with knowledge and determination.you were obviously going thru hell for years and turned your life around and healed what the drs couldnt.i am glad you are enjoying the book.I find it fascinating and love it too. I need to get my act together and start a food diary. Now we are in the uk I have had to be careful as the food I normally buy in aust would be preservative,colors ,nasties free!! But here I have to check all the labels as they are different.i try to steer clear of processed food anyway,fresh is best as they say! Again great to hear from you please keep in touch I appreciate all the help and encouragement you have given me. Big hugs xx
Hit Five,your mum sounds like an amazing woman.it really is only the last couple of decades I think anxiety has truly been recognised so I can’t imagine what it was like suffering from it in our parents generation,it would have been poorly understood and frightening. My gorgeous dad I am sure also had it ,after my beautiful mum died he did have what they called a “nervous breakdown ” at that time and I am sure it was anxiety not suprisingly but probably poorly understood and treated in the 70’s. he was an amazing ,beautiful and wonderful man devoting his life to look after us 4 kids. Enough of my reminiscing!i brought the vinegar and will start it today. I read up on it and it appears to have some wonderful health benefits. Hope you are still palp free and anxiety reducing.
Hi Stephan you have all my sympathy and more.i am so sorry and truly understand,this anxiety stuff is just so complex.we remove one symptom only to get another.my first year of being diagnosed with panic attacks and anxiety disorder I had every illness known to man,just in my head of course!!i wouldn’t get a headache I would have a brain tumour etc,I would catastrophise every single physical symptom I felt.as we are so keyed up we feel every slight physical change. You are really so new in your journey and have done amazingly well with your recovery so far and all this is, is a hiccup.you will have the scan be reassured and keep moving forward. You are definitely doing the right thing getting it checked . Let us know how you are getting on.remember how well you have done so far and know that it does get better. You will get thru this.must be frustrating as I guess you aren’t running at the moment. I am sure a good run would help.thinkingof you and wishing you peace and happiness.
How is everyone else getting on?
Justin sounds like you have been having a really hard time of it.with the panic attacks (I know you will think I am crazy here !!) but what really helped me was this.just let them happen. Don’t fight them.scary as hell I know and it took me a lot of practice and tears but it worked for me. When I would feel one coming on I would almost get cranky and say bring it on and let’s get it over with. It is knowing that they can’t hurt you,they are just a feeling an immense fear.when you begin to let them happen you are reassured that they are harmless ,totally frightening yes but they won’t and can’t hurt you.the more you fight the more fearful you are the more intense and longer they hang around. Justin it isn’t easy I know.i have been where you are know and it is hell but it will get better, I found the meds I was in helped me to practice all the skills I needed to recover like the above.Then when I was off of them it was just second nature. I had over 6 years without a panic attack till the big stuff in my life happened,some sad but some wonderful.when I had my first one after all that time it Took me a while to realise what was going on! So hangin there you are doing great,take it one step at a time,you are stronger than you could ever give yourself credit for by going thu this. Let us know how you are getting on.
I probably should stop taking up our tine with my rambling everyone! hiJosh,Sammy,Floey and Corliss.hi too Susan haven’t heard from you for a while hope all okay. Amy sorry about your attacks post wine,that is why I don’t drink !: ( I would really love one some days!!hope you are feeling better and thinking of you.how did you get on with your new medication?hope all going well xx
That should have read your time!
Hi everyone,
I was planning on a peaceful weekend but instead i got the flu. It mugged me outside of Costco on Friday and stole 2 boxes of tissue, a magnitude of medication, and my ability to stand for 3 days. The worst part is that while my immune system has been strip-mining my electrolights to fight this off, my palps decided to take this most inopportune time to make an Iago monologue. Now that feeling up to it, i will have to go back on the defensive.
Hey Jude,
It is amazing to me to think that in our lifetime that such leaps in information have occurred. It pains me that our parent had to suffer in obscurity but it was lonely journeys like theirs that give us our understanding we have today. I just wish the older medical establishment would come be more enlightened on addressing the problems we face instead of just blanketing everything with pills. Medication has its place, don’t get me wrong, but many of life ills can be corrected by a life choice. It is a longer harder road but one that overall is more fulfilling.
Just wrote a post but lost it sorry if it comes twice!
Hi Five,sorry to hear you have been sick,that flu sounds a nasty piece of work ugh…..no wonder your palps came back. I hope you are recovering well now and fighting back. Yes it is so sad to think off the lonely journey our parents went thru.it breaks my heart. I am not sure about where you are but in Australia mental illness is becoming a far more openly discussed subject and the stigma attached being pushed back.statistics suggest one in ten people will suffer at some stage in their life so lets be open about it. Anxiety,depression,cod etc. I am always open about my anxiety disorder and if people judge that is their problem. But I find often people will say they suffer from t or know someone who does. I have inadvertently managed to help people by being open about it.anyway I know I am preaching to the converted!!!
Five as you are interested in healing thru nutrition etc you may be interested in a book Sylvia and I are reading. It is called Good health in the 21st century by Carole Hungerford. It is written by a dr it “rejects the routine cocktail of medications and side effects and shows how to heal with minerals,vitamins,fatty acids etc.” and covers a huge number of illnesses including anxiety.anyway hope you are feeling better soon. Have you tried olive leaf extract? Great for reducing severity of colds etc. I take it when I feel one moving on and it helps immensely.
Happy day everyone.
Happy New Year Everyone!!
Sorry I haven’t posted in a bit, but WOW is it crazy where I am. First things first, IT’S A GIRL!! My 2nd child came before the 12/31 scheduled C-Section and joined us on 12/27. And man am I tired!! But, only a few crazy palp episodes in the past week and a half, so I guess that’s good!
Jude, thanks for thinking of me! And thanks for always taking care of the group. Sorry to hear about the effects of your medication, I hope you are doing better.
Stephan, sorry to hear about your legs. You know, I wonder if seeing a chiropractor may help that. I had some issues with my legs and back, even bulging a disc in my back. For the past 8 months I’ve been seeing a chiro 2x per week and it has made a big difference. I went through 3 of them to find the right one, but it is working. I have more energy too and I’m not getting sick as much. I think they may be helping the palps too! You may just want to look into it. I actually got the idea from my good friend of mine who is also a cop. Like you, he sits all day in a car.
Amy, I was very glad to hear your echo went well! Hope you are doing well!
Five, thanks for posting that recipe and your techinques for avoiding palps. I’m gonna give that recipe a try!
Justin, I can relate to your symptoms. I still get the crazy panic jump when dozing off to sleep sometimes, I HATE IT!! But, it will get better. And I’m sorry about you panic attacks. Like Jude, I had them like too, but what she said really works. Remember, a panic attack only comes because you are afraid of it. My panic attacks stopped almost cold after I read a book called panic away. It said to embrace and ask for the panic attack to come. I thought the guy was on crack!! But, after hitting rock bottom with them, I gave it a try. I no longer have panic attacks! Why? I’m not scared of them. They would start, I would say bring it on, and they would stop dead. It takes some practice, but it works. I don’t think you can buy just the ebook anymore, but search for panic away by Barry Mcdonagh online and you may find it. If not, I have a could probably email you a copy.
Floey, Sammy, Josh, Corliss, and everyone else, I hope you are doing well!
Hello all. Wow, so many comments today to catch up on! Jude, thank you for asking….the new medicine (Buspar) is doing pretty well. I realized today that it has made me calmer. I had a stressful morning but no panic attack!! I’m taking a very small dose and am supposed to increase it after a week. I’m not sure I want to stay on it for too long because unlike Zoloft, it almost makes me feel zombie like but only very slightly so I’m not too concerned about it. I’ll take it for now to give me a break from the anxiety! I’m starting with a new therapist soon too so I hope the Buspar will just give me some time to recover and I won’t have to stay on it for too long.
I’m anxious to hear from Floey about her echo!
Gary, congratulations on your new baby girl! Such a blessing!
Justin, how are you doing lately?
Congratulations Gary On Your New Baby Girl!! Best wishes to you and your whole family!! Hugs 🙂
Gary – we have even more in common now, my oldest was born on the 27th and we just celebrated her 10th Birthday then. Seems our connection is growing down some awkward path.
I thought about the chiropractor but it’s one thing that my insurance really doesn’t cover for a reasonable cost. I was recommended to take some Herbalife Joint Supplements from a friend of mine. I bought two kinds today and was told I should hopefully start feeling some relief in 2 weeks.
I also found an Herbalife product for anxiety which contains some of the previously mentioned ingredients that others are taking as supplements. I picked up a bottle of that too and will start taking them tomorrow. I’ll let you know how they work.
Also Gary – Congrats. I’m betting she is probably carrying the same name as my daughter…..
God Bless
Hello Jude and Everyone, Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it!! It is always great to hear from you as well! Like you, I stay away from process foods, I try to stick as close as natural as possible. I also buy a lot of organic products, to stay away from pesticides and other chemicals and additives. I believe that people with palps, anxiety, panic, etc., are more hyper sensitive to many things which in turn triggers palps, etc.
I would definitely recommend that everyone here read the book that Jude and I are reading called Good health in the 21st century by Carole Hungerford. I think most of you here would find it very interesting and helpful.
I think for anyone on here who has not been diagnosed yet,for peace of mind I would recommend a 30 day Event monitor along with blood work and echocardiogram tests. It was not until after these test that I had peace of mind. Of course I also had a cardiac cath, which showed that I did not have any blocked arteries. But I did not feel peace of mind until I had the 30 day event monitor during a time when my palps were very active. But now I have been palp free for two years and three months since finding my triggers and adding supplements, changing diet, etc.
I wish everyone a palp free day/night! Hugs 🙂 Sylvia
Hi Gary congrats!!! Happy for you. And My Heart hasn’t felt like talking much throughout this difficult time I’m going through my express wishes to you all on getting better.
Sammy so sorry to hear you are going thru a hard time and understand how hard it is to post when you are gong thru what you are but please know we are all here for you as you have been to us whenever you need it.Sending warmest wishes for you to feel better.Thinking of you.
A wonderful big warm happy congratulations to your beautiful early arrival precious girl. Hope mum , bub and of course dad and big sister all doing well.How precious is a new little one.That is such wonderful heart warming news,beautiful!!Who needs sleep anyway Gary!!!
Thanks for the kind mention Jude. Heartfelt gratitude I wish you the same bud you take care.
Hi everyone Hope everyone doing okay. Floey any news in that Echo annd Stephan hope all went well with your scan.
Sammy I just really feel for you. you have been thru so much with the benzo withdrawl ( what i have read it is horrendous)and still have the recovering to do. But you will get there my friend, no doubt about it. What you have gone through will one day be in the past and a life full of peace of mind and happiness will be yours. Keep fighting you will win this for sure, you are one strong and informed person look at what you have been thru already.Take it one day at a time and beat this buggar.Sending positive thoughts your way.
My palps havent been too bad since I came of the seretide.Much better so at least i can ascertain that wasn’t helping!Worrying about my asthama sends my anxiety silly of course which isn’t helpful!!CBT needed for that one and less catastrophising!
I am feeling the palps mostly in the evening now or during the day if I have too much mind talking happening ( i really need to know when to shut up!)Yesterday was a bad day but it was my gorgeous kids first day at the new school so i think I was worrying about them as we do!!Of course they had a great day.I have started taking the natural calm magnesium half in the morning and half early evening.i have also started the cider vinegar mix too that five is using and keeping up the vitamin c.I was really interested to read about the health benefits of cider vinegar.
Anyway thinking of you all and sending a palp free and happy day to you all!!
Hi to all
My palpitation still going on daily basics so i dont kniw what to do i cant beleive that ectobic beat can come regulary unless something wrong with my heart i had my breaky in the mornung after 10 min it start agai. And wont stop im doing my house work slowly coz of it the palps driving me crazy and im nearly going to lose my mind of it i done my eco on tuesday waiting for the resault on monday next week please someone give me some advice coz i cant rest my mind does anyone expierience it like me coz it getting toooo much
Hey Susan,
Don’t go losing your mind, we’ve all been where you are at. It sucks, it really does. There are a ton of great suggestions on here. For me – taking the Natural Calm Magnesium seems to have gotten rid of most of the palps and I also take Xanax very rarely when I feel overly anxious and start getting palps. Don’t fret please. I know that is easier said then done but it does get better. Praying for you right now.
God Bless.
Hi Susan, I replied yesterday but my reply seems lost in space. So sorry if it turns up again.Sounds like you are doing it incredibly tough at the moment.We all know the hell you are going through and it truly is hell.But it will not always be that way,believe me.
If there was anything at all wrong with the echo you had done there is no way known that they would let you leave that hospital. i use to be a nurse and i can assure they would not let you leave if they thought you had a life threatening condition. Secondly hope this reassure you is that i have had theses palps full on for over three months now and i am still here!I had my first palps 15 years ago and i am still here.They are not life threatening just annoying!!When they scare me i say to myself , what happened yesterday when you had them all day….NOTHING. Nothing has happened or will happen to me because of them. i will live and long and wonderful life despite them.
They will settle as yours will we just haven’t found out how yet. But it sounds like you are going thru a heap of stress at the moment which doesn’t help. they thrive on your anxiety.Are you seeing a pyschologist or similar as these are really affecting your quality of life and you need good help and support.keep in touch and sorry my other reply didnt reach you.
Thinking of you xx
Hi stephan thsnk you so much for your reply yep its really driving me crazy cant cope and cant sccrpt there is nothing wrong coz of it its really life thretning for me i get so nerveuse when it start snd it keep going daily i get scared and start crying coz i dont know why it comes im only doing my daily work waiting for the echo resault on monday thanks stephan all the best for you
Jude thank you do much for caring sbout the group im really appriciate your care
Hun yes im seing a psycologist but noe im.waiting for my care plan to get done ill tske an appointment strsight after the kids start school sjr tough me a breathing technique five breath every one hour and it help for months and i was feeling fabulous going gym snd go in out but when i stsrt moving house and cleaning it comes again with my negative though about a heart attack so hun for me it a life threatning
Yesterday i had it all day it was my birthday and didnt enjoy that day at all coz of the pslps it was reslly crazy ever minute every second non stop but ay night coz i have history with stomach acid i took gaviscon antiacid liquid and it desappeard for about three hour untill i went to bed do you think my palps it related to stomach acid? I will talk to my doc about it soon
Thanks jude and really happy when i hear from.u
Susan sending you the biggest hug. I have been thinking of you and wish there was a way to help. happy birthday for yesterday I am so sorry it wasn’t the joyful happy one you deserve.Definitely a link between reflux and palpitations. i can remembering reading about it before and if the gaviscon settled the palps that is really encouraging!Defintiely talk to your dr about it but in the meantime see if the gaviscon continues to help them settle.Try googling GERD and heart palpitations and you will see you are not alone. Hope today a better one for you.Sending warm and positive wishes your way.
GERD is definitely a possibility. I was prescribed Nexium for 2 months during the worst part of my ordeal – whether it helped or not I don’t really know but the doctor told me GERD can cause palps. Of course – lots of things can cause palps – but if you notice a difference when you take your med there might be a link. The more anxious you get the more palps you will certainly feel. Please try to relax – we feel your pain and I wish your birthday could have been much better. You will soon find a place when the fear and anxiety are in your control and not controlling you. Fight the good fight.
God Bless.
Hi stephan thank you so much for quick reply it possibly be gerd coz when i eat i can feel it go crazy so i have to check with my doctor again for it
Thank you stephan all the best
Hi jude thank you hun for thinking of im going my doctor today and ill chat with him about the symptoms thanks again big hug to u too
Hi Susan.glad you are seeing dr today hope it helps reassure you.i have another email address it is treelove243@gmail.com so feel free to contact me(that goes for anyone of course!)
Hope everyone is doing well today and having a happy day.
Floey haven’t heard from you for ages,have been thinking of you and wondering how that echo went. Hope all is okay.
Hi all! I just wanted to say thank you so much for your thoughts and words. A family friend flew in for the holidays and I spent a lot of time with them and rescheduled my echo for next much. By the glory wonderness my palps haven’t been as horrible as they were in the beginning. Praying every day that they are quieting down and trying to keep my mind occupied, focused, and on track.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you guys daily.
JUDE, JOSH, AMY + everyone else – I hope you are all well, please update me on how you are doing.
xoxo
Great news Floey it probably helped having your friend there to distract you. I am sure you had a wonderful time together.Distraction works wonders for me!Keep it up!!:)
Mine haven’t been too bad thanks for asking. Still there but i am learning to live with them. This is the longest and most insistent and persistent they have ever been so it is all new for me in that regard but i am getting there as we all do!!trying some different things and see how it goes.
Hi to everyone! Thinking of you allxx
Just need to vent…..AAHHHHHH! I dont drink or smoke. I exercise everyday, I have a healthy and balanced low fat fish eating vegetarian diet. I don’t have caffeine,junk food, I don’t even have chocolate !!!!(and I call myself a girl!)What am i doing wrong, maybe I NEED a vice!
Okay rant over thanks for listening!
Jude good on ya strong girl 🙂
All the best
Thanks Susan but I was actually having a big grizzle, a moment of weakness where i was feeling sorry for myself and not being strong at all,just being cranky!!LOL!
But then i had a big think about it and thought how incredibly lucky am I . Yes i have an anxiety disorder and all the fun stuff that goes with it but look at all those people that have real physical life limiting illnesses that effect their quality and quantity of living.That are fighting everyday to stay alive or living with a severe disability or living on the streets. I have a blessed and wonderful life with all i could ask for and more and I don’t have a right to self indulge on this anxiety stuff.It was just getting me down today that it is still hanging around and i was feeling sorry for myself.
It doesn’t minimize anxiety disorders at all. They are real,scary and frightening ,all consuming,distracting and we are incredibly strong for battling and recovering from it.Superhuman!!But it made me put my self wallowing in context. I would rather have this than a real life threatening illness any day!!!
Just thinking out loud,sometimes it helps to put it out there!
Sammy how are you doing. Just wanted to let you know i am thinking of you and hope you are doing okay. I know you are doing it really tough at the moment and heartfelt wishes to you.Take care.
Thats right hun my friend once sent a video on you tube aboyt disable lady batteling every day lufe and u know you tube video after video and i felt what happen if i was like this peaple and they still fighting to walk we just have a mild stress related and we can controle it but sonetimes we cant fight it we just get scared of it or run away but the peaple with desability thry fight and battle untill start walking a little baby step how amazing is that 🙂
Susan you are so right ,they are true heroes and I have absolute admiration and respect for them.They are amazing and incredible people.
True :-):-)