Anxiety Guru

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How to Stop Heart Palpitations

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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.

 

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Comments

  1. Hi everyone so glad to have found this page I can’t believe so many people have this and I thought in a way it was just me I’ve had anxiety for 2 year after having my baby it started I hated it so much and the fact that I could not get that magic pill to take it away killed me I wanted some sort ov antibiotic or something like you get for other medical problems and there wernt one I was gutted and did not know what to do with my self I now after 2 years with it know how to control it but for the last week have started getting HP I get 20 + a day and it’s scary I’m goin to the docs tomoz and I sort ov know there gonna say it’s cause ov my anxiety I just wish someone could make my magic pill to make it go away so I can be normal me again

  2. Great resource.

    I had problems on and off for years — things were always worse when I got busy and didn’t take my vitamins (D, Calcium, Magnesium, and Multi — the magnesium supplement especially was essential for keeping the palpitations down), but I never quite pinpointed why I always always deficient in these vitamins and minerals and had to be so strict with my supplementation. Finally, after a trip to the ER where I found out I really had nothing wrong with me that should be making my heart do funky things, I happened to look up caffeine sensitivity symptoms online. (The only thing odd I could think of that I’d consumed the day before the ER visit was a latte fairly late in the evening.) Well, check, check, check, my heart palpitations were on the list of symptoms as well as a lot of other niggling issues I’d suffered over the years. I gradually gave up my coffee (had some nasty withdrawal headaches) and I’ve been doing great since.

    On a side note, I gave up aspartame and sucralose a year earlier and that got rid of panic attacks and that weird feeling like I was going to have one every time I got behind the wheel of the car. Substitute with Stevia if you need to (I replaced my diet sodas with Zevia).

    I have wheat and dairy allergies, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise that I might be sensitive to these chemicals as well. Not sure why it took so long to click, but I’m glad it finally did.

  3. Excellent article! I agree with every described method apart from taking medication. I think that should be used as a last resort. Unfortunately, doctors use it initially before other natural methods are tried.
    I would also advise to stay away from chemical additives in our food and to eat more natural food.
    If you want to find out what helped me to beat my own arrhythmia you can read my story here:
    https://www.mcarticles.com/a/how-i-cured-my-arrhythmia-a-personal-story

  4. Hey all,

    Sometimes having alot of palpitations can be very scary…I am a 30 year old female who has had open heart surgery 2 times….I recently had another operation in Feb…I have never felt palpitations before until really after my 2nd surgery… I have been to the doctors a few times about this issue. Alot of the reason I am having it is anxiety for sure. I have developed anxiety since having these operations.. I am also on a beta blocker which helps… But try to really aviod coffee, chocolate teas anything with caffine…Caffine is a big contributer to palps! 🙂

  5. Hello,

    I am a 32 year old male. I’m really glad I found this web page. Since I was 27, that is five years ago, I’ve been living with anxiety issues. It all started with high blood pressure episodes that got worse when I went to the physician. They called it the “white-coat syndrome”, and I went home with hbp medicine that I took for two years. After that, deciding that my work was causing bad episodes of stress, I found another job – it also payed better 🙂 -, and the hbp went down to normal levels without the need for medicines. Recently, that is a month ago, I had an hbp episode that lasted for a week (140/85, I know it is not that high but it is higher than normal), and since then (the hbp lowered again), I’ve been feeling palpitations when I am resting. I went to the doctor, he ordered an ECG, ruled out heart attack and everything came back normal, but the palpitations did not go away (twice or thrice a day I have an episode).

    So, all that background just for the conclusion I have reached by reading this article: The thing is that I have some overweight, with a BMI of 29 (just under obesity), and after a year of constant workout that resulted of very little weight loss, I decided to go for the help of a nutritionist and start whatever diet she suggested. I did, and since then I’ve lost 10 pounds (BMI of 28 now), but now that I read this article and all the posts, I finally got to the amazing conclusion that the hbp and palpitations came at a very similar time, that I am VERY prone to anxiety and that I have a 1500 carb diet given to me by the expert, which, I think, can very well be the reason for all my symptoms, except the hbp (which can be explained by the anxiety), so, there you go, that is my story and after reading all the info. on this page, I am breathing a lot easier and I am much more relaxed. Thanks to you all.

  6. Hi guys!

    When I was younger I suffered with anxiety and had a lot of panic attacks.
    Recently I’ve been getting them again but with different symptoms!

    I am so glad to have found this page as I actually believed I was dying and going crazy! I’ve found that taking fluoxetine and listening to relaxation tapes help!

    Also, in times when feeling distresses/suicidal/despair you can always call The Samaritans (UK) 08457 90 90 90
    They listen to your problems and comfort anyone in need!
    Hope this helps
    Xxx

  7. hey everyone i’m adrian i first experienced palpitations in july of 2009 i was at work around 3 in the afternoon i haven’t eaten anything that day i bought a monster energy drink so i drinked it and about 45 minute’s later i got palpitations really scared me rushed to the E.R got a ekg and blood drawn my doctor told me it was palpitations, after i was experiencing them not as much a month later they go away and in march of 2010 i drinked a coffee i really don’t drink coffee and i got palpitations again and till this day i experience palpitations any advice? thank you.

  11. thank you i’ve read, you don’t know if you can get rid of palpitations? are they permanent?
    i don’t drink coffee at all anymore at times i eat pieces of chocolate nor i drink cola or tea i avoid them. but it’s like i’m fine for a while then out of no where when i wake up i feel weird and i have palpitations, i haven’t had them recently but i’ve gone to my cardiologist he’s say’s everything is fine.

  12. I had heart palpitations for a few years. My doctor did nothing to help.
    Tried B6, B12 and Folic Acid on my sisters reccommendation, and to my releif the problem is gone.

  13. Hello to everyone who have experienced heart palpitations. I started heart palpitations two years ago and went to a doctor for advise. I undertook EKG, heart monitor, blood tests, heart tests including jogging and other tests I don’t remember. And guess what? everything was normal. I read all your describing your experience and it exactly matches all my experience with heart palpitation. It went off and on for past year.

    And then two weeks ago I experienced the worst heart palpitation and it has not stopped since that time. It occurs every fifteen second of every minute of every hour of everyday, no matter that I sit and watch, sleep at night, or walk, or eat a meal. It drives me nuts, I went to a doctor again and undertook the same tests that was described above and the results were same — normal.

    So I checked the internet for advise on “how to stop heart palpation” It helped a bit but my heart palpitation still continue. I feel like grabbing my heart out of my chest and pound it to go back to beating normal.

    Any advise would be gladly appreciated.

  14. I’ve been having palpitations for a week now along with some slight pain; I was tested a year ago with the same symptoms and they found nothing wrong. I’ve been suffering from allergies/cold and I’m an asthma sufferer. I set an appointment to clear it up again; wondering though if asthma or allergies can cause palpitations as well?

    Feel free to email at romulorubio@yahoo.com Thanks

  15. Hi Adrian,

    So many things can cause them. I get them when I drink just one cup of coffee. When Im stressed or tired they will last all day and for a number of days. It can be a vicious circle if you are a worrying type. You feel a palp, you start feeling your pulse and feel that missing beat, which in turn worries you more. You might even get a dizzy spin (usually due to a moment of high anxiety) and that too makes things worse. Don’t worry about them, dont drink caffiene and get plenty of rest and they should go away if you are not suffering from stress/anxiety. If you are stressed then you need to manage that as unfortunately its a symtpom of stress.

  16. It is a good feeling when you know you are not alone. My palps started about 2 weeks ago out of the blue. I did the doctor thing and my EKG was normal also bloodwork is fine. I am a worry wart. I dont know why but I analyze everything in a bad way. What if this happens or what if that happens. I wish I could just be the type of person that doesn”t care about the little things but I seem to worry about it all. I know that the worrying is causing my palps now I need to learn how to relax and I also need to learn how to not sweat the small stuff. Easier said than done. Anyone out there have any suggestions on how to cope with stress and anxiety? Thanks.

  17. Hello I have been dealing with anxiety for about 6 months now it has turned my life upside down and I don’t see any end in sight. Because in this short time I have tried about everything possible from reading anxiety books to meditation. I have changed my diet cut out all caffeine, tobacco and all sweets. I seem to do fine for a few days and then something else happens the latest was heart palpitations it scared me so bad I layed in bed just waiting to die because my heart would skip a beat about every two seconds. I talked myself. Out of an anxiety attack but still went to the ER to make sure I have done about three EKG and had a Eco done on my heart but all is normal along with every other test I have had. I have never had anxiety and now at 30 I am scared to death because I used to be a confident outgoing person. I am so afraid of side affect I won’t take medication so that is out of the question. Does anyone have an answer for me? Thank You

  18. Hi. I have been dealing with anxiety for a few years now, but it hasn’t been as serious as its been in the past month or so, which is when I had my first palpitation. I was scared, I thought I was dying and I went to the ER to get looked. When there, the doctors said that everything was fine, though I still didn’t feel 100%, so I went to my doctor to get checked out. Blood test, EKG, Hotler monitor (I wore it to work, had three smoke breaks), Echo gram and everything came back normal (even the hotler monitor, though I was still dealing with chest pain and the new, heighten feeling of my heart. I’m scared every day, and being a senior in college and a member a fraternity, I’m worried that something will happen, even though, from the looks of tests, it’s just my mind playing tricks on me. I’m a fairly outgoing person, but I’m afraid of becoming agoraphobic or having sometime other type of condition/disorder result from this. I just want to get the help that I need so that I can possibly have some of the life that I use to have.

  19. I’ve been suffering from Anxiety for about 3 years now. Recently, my doctor also mentioned I have a bit of depression so I was put on Zoloft, however the effect back-fired on me. I was so anxious to the point where I thought I was gonna die. I stopped the medication immediately and all the side effects subsided. Anyways, as for heart palpitation, I get them quite often, I normally get the skipped beat/flutter/heart dropped feeling. At times, I would get them in a row, seems like the more I worry about them, the more it occurs. Someone mentioning about feeling a palp, then you go ahead to start feeling the actual skipped beats drives me off the wall. I tried ignoring it, but it’s almost impossible. I’ve been to 2 doctors and they assured me it is my anxiety that’s causing the palpitations. I never did EKG/ECG, just a bunch of blood work. Oh, forgot to mention, I also have the “white coat syndrome” Almost every time I’m in the doctor’s office, my HP will be sky high (170/99) but once I’m out of there, it goes back to normal. I’m glad this site made me realized there are tons of people out there who suffers from heart palpitation. I do have a question though, has anyone ever had it while they are asleep? And it happens to wake you? Please share. Thanks in advance.

  20. jennifer.

    i had that recently 2 time’s this past week while i’m sleeping and i’ll wake up in the middle of the night with palpitations, this was the first time it happened to me so it was a bit scary just woke up feeling the pounding in my chest.

  21. Hello all. I don’t want to come off as if I know it all, but let me tell you all a story. I’m now 44, and my palpitations began when I was only 18. I had every test done known to man and everything came back normal. I take Klonopin for panic attacks and anxiety. The palpitations only happen at certain times and yes it is very scary, but trust me, once your doctor has ruled out anything serious, these palpitaions are nothing to worry about. The heart still beats normal and you will not die from this disorder. It’s like a muscle spasm, we all get them… in our legs, arms,… well, same concept here. Just try and relax, drink plenty of water, and get LOTS of potassium! Mine only seem to happen when under stressful situations, but as soon as I take a breather and calm down, it goes away. So, take care people. You are not alone and we can live with this. God Bless you all.

  22. hi people,

    im 27 yrs of age, i have been experiencing palpitation for just over 2 years, im not a chain smoker but for me it happens when i spark up the cig, although i only smoke like 2 or 3 a day, most time it lasts for about 20 to 30mins sometimes it lasts for few hours,it can be worrying and just i keep checking the pulse in my neck to feel it beating – to make sure im not losing it and that it is actually beating, and i do feel quite shaky and little sweaty, nothing major. i dont drink too,
    iv been to dr and had all the ecg crap done – and i heard nothing back from – so assumed all is fine – im trying to quit but sometime i do feel the palps when im at work or doing the normal thing.i have like 2 cups of tea a day – even though i love my tea i guess the palp wants to even take this away!!! anyhow people try not to let it worry you too much.
    just try and relax and occupy your mind whilst the paps are happening, it will try and calm it down – well it works for me!

  23. I’m 42 and have had anxiety/panic attacks since I was 17 years old on and off. When they start I usually go on zoloft start at 25mg to 100mg. They take 4-6 weeks to get in your system, so if you feel the pill is making you worse when you first take it, it’s not the pill it’s your anxiety. Most doctors will also give you xanax until the zoloft gets in your system. I’ve been so bad at times I would not leave the house afraid I would experience another attack. Drugs and therapy are the key. Usually on meds for a year then your Doctor should taper you off of them.

    As long as you had your heart checked these attacks are harmless. It’s how you react to them that will cause a full fledge panic/anxiety attack. If your doctor recommends meds please take the advice. They will help you.

  24. been having heart palpitations for years but they have gotton worse to where it happened every other beat. it would drive me crazy and i would think all kinda crazy thoughts. i don’t like going to doctors and do a lot of reading cause i don’t beleive in taking drugs. BUT I READ SOMEWHERE YOUR BLOOD COUNT COULD BE OFF AND MAKING YOUR HEART DUE CRAZY THINGS AND USUALLY IT’S LOW ON CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, AND ZINC. SO I FOUND A VITAMIN WITH ALL 3 IN IT. VITAMIN D3 200 I.U., CALCIUM 333 MG., AND ZINC 5 MG. I HAVE BEEN TAKING IT FOR A WHILE NOW AND NO HEART PALPUTATIONS @ ALL. I STOPPED TAKING ALL OTHER VIT. BUT STILL TAKE 1 FISH OIL EVERYDAY AND A 81MG. ASPRIN AND I FEEL AWSOME. I’M 43 YRS. OLD AND I JUST HAD TO SHARE THIS 🙂 LIFES BACK TO GOOD.

  25. Dang I thought the doctors weren’t looking in the right places because of insurance reasons. I get palpations all the time some times more than others. They usually last for hours. I also suffer from anxiety too. But I always thought it was my heart, because the palpations would give me anxiety attacks. I was always holding my throat checking my heart like a weird-o. But it’s like you just can’t ignore the symptoms no matter what. I tried stopping all the ” habbits” that would trigger the symptoms but for me the palpations still linger. I take adivan only when I’m extremely freaking out cause I’m scared of meds. I’m 24 and I’m now to the point I just ignore it cause im sick of it deciding what and how I’m going to get through the day to day. I’m done worrying. And oddly enough I think its working.

  26. hi.im 45 years old and im sufferring from anxiety for about 10 years now
    and i always had those heart palpitations for 20 years on and off i went to the er many many times and all the test always come back normal i was on metoprolol for 2 years and it really help until the cardiologue told me to stop.i took fluoxitine and it really help i felt better and i stop now i have so many symptomes at the time im short of breath and heart palpitation acid reflux alergies, everything is scary and confusing its all kind of different pain i eat healty,i exercice,i quit coffee and now i thinking if i should go back on my medicice ,any advice.

  27. I have suffered from anxiety since I was 12years old as well as heart palpitations. It got worse when I became a mother for the second time. The palpitations came on so strong I thought I would not wake up and cried for most of the night. There have been times in my life where they all but seemed to dissapear, but they have come back and now, for the past 20 or so years, just breathing normally is a foreign habit that I do not know how to do. This issues with breathing seem to be triggered by my heart palpitations and anxiety. Lexipro helped a great deal when I had insurance, not that I do not, I have to do without the meds and some how deal with it. It sucks.

  29. Ok when I get these heart palpitations it feels for a second like my heart stops, is that what it is??

  30. hello everyone, i don’t know if it’s me or the anxiety but i get pains in my chest they come and go and this squeezing pain right under my right shoulder it lasts 2-3 days and with the palpitations i want to know who else gets this squeezing, tight feeling?

  31. Ashlan. Yes, thats what it feels like. I remember when practicing my lines for a show we were going to do, my heart would just jump, or stop just long enough where it would fresk me out. Or, I would just be sitting watching t.v with my family and there it would go, just start flipping or stop just long enough that it would scared the crap out of me. Jennifer, yes, I have had them when I am sleeping and it wakes me up bad. I am gonna try the Calcium, zin, vit D, aspirin trick our friend Shari gave. I to think there is an inbalance in our bodies and those of us who are more sensitive to changes and suffer from anxiety will suffer these palpitations. I am willing to try it at least once. Will check back and tell you what happens. Have to try it at least 30 days to reall see results. Ya all take it easy and lets breath. Ciao

  32. I have been experiencing heart palpitations for about 5 years on and off. Definitely worse in times of stress and anxiety, and alcohol can make them worse too. Recently I found success with a program that helps you to breathe through your nose instead if your mouth, it worked great until the last few days. I had a miscarriage a month ago, so I think it might be because of that. I hate them so much and just want to go back to normal!!

  33. Hi,
    I have had heart palpatations. (Four bouts since last Nov 2010). My problem is that they last for hours and have to go to emerg to have them stopped. I had one that lasted for over 8 hours. Has anyone else had them for this long? It is really scary. I am on beta blockers now. I am also on blood pressure medicine. At the time I had stopped BP meds because my BP was down. Big mistake! It was way up and I ended up getting heart palpations. I believe my BP does effect the palpatations. I am 60 years old. It sounds like some of you are quite young. There is also a surgical procedure where they coderize it to stop them. I would really like to know if anyone else has had them for over 8 hours? Thanks and I feel for each and every one of you.

  34. I’ve experienced extreme palpitations since I was 7. I am now 55. They are a regular part of my life. I have trained myself to put them in their place and not freak out when they happen. And yes they can go on for hours days even. As a teen I was labeled a hypochondriac in my 30’s I was diagnosed with chronic PTSD, the result of 15 years of child sex abuse…In my 50’s I am working hard to take control of my body and bodymind. I now swim regularly (4 times a week) and find myself calmer overall.

  35. Hey I’ve suffered from heart palpitations since I was 17 I’m now 25, I noticed I felt like I was shaking inside all the time and my throat felt tight so I went to the docs and explained my symptoms he asked me if I was aware of my heart beat at that time I didn’t notice it so I went home, later that evening I started to feel my heart beat again my heart is constantly beating fast from the minute I wake up to when I go 2 bed I went back to my docs and told so I was sent for a ECG same day due to family history of angina, tests came back clear so I was put on medications and within 9 months I was feeling better so I was taken of my medication and was fine for a year after and it came back but this time I got anxiety with feeling panicky and dizzy also it got that bad I wouldn’t leave the house as I was worried in case I would have a panic attack so again went to the docs and was put on meds took yet another 9months to work but the panic attacks was still present so I never left the house, I got a job which was very hard to go to incase I would get panicky but I did it thanks to mum for helping and my panic attacks finally stopped only because I looked on the internet on ways to deal with panic attacks and it was hard but I did, year after I stopped taking medication for the second time round I get it again was back on meds but came off them due to being pregnant so I’m still experiencing them now but they are not as bad, the docs cannot find a cause for them so I will have to live it! When I go out I still experiance feeling of a panic attack coming but I tell myself I will be ok or try to take my mind off worrying as that causes u to panic more and it seems to make them fade! Also I use BACH RESCUE REMEDY a liquid solution u can either put on your tongue or in your drink, that helped lower my heart rate and helped me feel less panicky u can get this from most health shops and tesco currently sells it around £6 a bottle also comes in a form of sweets and a night solution and spray solution but its worth the price and lasts a while and also its a small bottle to carry in your handbag for when u need it on the go!

  36. I am a 47 year old and have been experiencing these heart palpitations off and on for the last 10 years and I hate them, been to the cardiologist several times and he assures me that everything is fine, but somehow I’ve convinced myself that I’m not alright and I think that makes matters worse. I would love for these to go away. I also experience waking up in the middle of the night with palpitations, feels like my heart is beating out of my chest. It’s a scary thing to have it happen to you. I was on a beta blocker for a little over a year but I felt like I was dragging, seemed like I was always short of breath, so I stopped taking it and I felt better for awhile, but now I still feel short of breath and continue to get the heart palpitations. Still trying to figure out what triggers it. I hate having these and I freak out all the time, If anyone has any suggestions on how to get them to stop I would love to know.

  37. Hello Everyone,
    I will not go into a lot of detail (well maybe ;-))…but, about 8 weeks ago I had what appeared to be stroke like symptoms. My doctor rushed me the to ER (everything was normal). I continued to have neurological symptoms w/o a diagnosis (no MS, no tumors, etc). The heart palpitations came about 4 weeks ago. I’ve been to the ER 3 times and admitted twice. Well, the last time I went they did an CT scan of my heart, lungs, kidneys, etc and found that there is a small benign mass on my adrenal glands causing many of my issues (including heart palpitations). The heart palpitations wake me up at night and I’m typically not able to go back to sleep (very frustrating). I also get them periodically throughout the day. This has been one stressful period in my life. However, my faith, family and friends keep me going.
    Good health and healing to everyone.

  38. Hi Jennifer S
    Is anything being done to remove the small mass on your adrenal gland or will it go away on its own? It’s not hard to believe that it would trigger palpatations. It seems that there are lots of triggers! Take care.

  39. I would really like to know the present statistics regarding the number of people suffering with heart palpations. Maybe it’s environmental?? Too much stress in our lives?? Or just plain heriditary.
    I am on a sodium free (as sodium free as possible) diet and wonder if I am getting enough sodium at times. I exercise every day and eat a plant based diet. I have been for 2 months now. Lost 3 inches off my waist. I had hoped this would also help with the palpatations but I did have one bout. Like I said previously I’m on beta blockers now. I reduced the dose to half a pill as a full pill left me drained, dizzy and feeling lousy. My best to everyone.

  40. Hi again,
    This seems to be my day of questions. Are there any menopausal women experiencing heart palpatations? I have often wondered if menopause has anything to do with them. I have had millions of hot flashes (since age 45) and wonder at times if these flashes trigger palpatations or make me more susceptible. It did one time. I had a hot flash that went right into a palpatation. I’m hoping I’ll grow out of both. Presently, I’m doing everything I can to keep healthy.
    I’m thankful to know that there are others like me. Your feedback really keeps me going. Thanks.

  41. This article was very useful! I appreciate it. Laying and experiencing palpitations for my first time this article definitely was able to relieve some of the panic and fear that suddenly overwhelmed me. Certainly an odd phenomenon but seems to be fairly common nonetheless. Thanks again.

  42. Hello all,

    I am 29 years old and up until 4 years ago i led a very normal life. A chain of events that started with my knee being ripped in half and ending with my wife leaving me left me feeling very…empty. Not long after i started noticing that i was worrying about everything. Then one day i woke up and found myself having very weird heart pain. I put it off for some time before i went to see a doctor about this. By the time i went i was so sure i was having a heart attack, that when i got to the ER and after running tests they told me i was fine, i got more upset because i was certain i was right. The ER doctor came in and told me i have heart palps and gave me a script for Xanax. I have only just started to change my diet and the way i handle things. Anxiety for me is pretty new, but learning to calm down, deep breathing and cold water have helped me alot. Back when this started i really felt like i was alone, but after finding this site it is really nice and comforting to know that i am not alone.

  43. Hi everyone,

    I’m 20 years old and I worry and stress over everything. I was like this when I was a young kid as well. If I had a little chest pain, I’d automatically assume I was going to die and a little 10 year old girl isn’t suppose to feel like that. I had an EKG at the time, and it came back normal. I haven’t had one since then but I’m starting to feel like I should. The thing with me is, I feel okay throughout the day but as soon as it’s nighttime, I get palps. That leads me to sit and listen to my pulse for that skipped heart beat for hours on end because I’m convinced that my heart will just stop altogether. I’m starting to think I have an anxiety disorder.

  44. been experiencing palpitations for three months now, guess due to stress on my work, ECG and chest xray are normal…I quit smoking for a week now and just try to be positive hoping it will stop the uncomfortable feeling on my chest…

  45. Hey every1 im 21 turnin 22 dis week n ive been havin d same symptoms,in d past month n a half itz hapend about 3 times so far n they scare me 2 d point were im preparin 4 d worst,it starts with pain under d shoulder n works its way down 2 the whole arm with burnin n tingly feelin,then i find it hard 2 breathe n my heart will beat so fast it loses control,makes me extremely dizzy n my temperature dropz,d pain lasts bt heart calms after 5 /10 minutes n il get minor 1z again n again,im so scared i cant go a 2nd without tinkin bout it,im very freightened.ive been told by d docs dat its anxiety n wen it hapend d 1st tym d paramedics said itz a tummy bug,im left lost confused n scared,i cant help bt tink dat its a major heart problem,im getin bk 2 college next month n ii wont b able 2 concentrate wid dis on my mind 24/7. wen it hapenz i realy do tink im gna die on d spot.my diets normal,all healthy n mor fruit then u can imagin..d after effect of d palpz last like over 12 hourz….p.s i used 2 have depression wich lasted 4 over 3 years bt gon nw sins bout 3 months.i just want d palps 2 go so i can worry about other tings such as studyin..oh n i totaly relate wiv u all,glad 2 hear im not alone 🙂

  47. Ive been having palpitations for over a week now. I was exercising pretty hard on the treadmill and got short of breath (i thought this was just because i was flat out running, really pushing myself…) I finished my work out but the feeling remained all evening. Struggling to get my breath and fast heart, like it was thumping really hard. Had an ECG and blood work to rule out thyroid problems and was told it would probably pass. But 11 days on and my heart rate is still jumping between 70-125, during rest. I can feel it all the time. I went back to work at the end of last week to try and ‘distract’ myself from it all, but ended up having a full blown panic attack. Colleagues called the paramedics. Again ECG showed nothing and they said its all to do with anxiety. Ive been trying really hard since to calm my breathing down and do it more slowly. And although i’m still having to ‘catch’ that breath every so often its not nearly as bad. I think i was starting to relax about it a little, then today the doctor at a follow up appointment said my heart was doing extra beats and i should see a cardiologist. But an appointment is gonna be over a month wait. I’m so stressed out right now. My heart is going crazy all the time. I can’t stop thinking about it. Is it really all anxiety related?? Or is there some underlying heart condition. I know right now my anxiety levels must be through the roof, but i dont know how i can relax….
    Jess2348@hotmail.com (if anyone can relate or wants to talk…i’d really appreciate it)

  48. So I am 24 I was in the military for 6 years and was in very good shape i could run 5 miles in 38 minutes. Then I hurt my back doing a restoration on a friends car and had to start taking pain killers, All was fine untill my Dr. gave me the generic version of a non-narcotic pain killer which I was allergic to so I ended up developing seritonin syndrome. Which hospitalised me. After that I have had an irregular heart beat accompanied by palpitations for the last year so it hasnt been easy but from all of the research that I have done. You will need to go to the Dr. and make sure you dont have a pre-existing heart problem and if you don then just ask your Dr. about beta blockers to keep your body from reacting to the adrenalin your body pumps out during yor anxiety attacks or when you have a fight or flight response and you should be fine I’ll be starting my beta blockers tomorrow. also home remedis are splasch ice cold water on your face, eat alot of grapes or bananas, and stay away from sugar caffeine and smoke. I have also found out that reading can help and or playing a fast paced game they help keep you occupied I hope this helps some of you cope.

  49. It’s so interesting to me that many of the doctors want to rule everything out as anxiety. Maybe that’s why our society is so messed up. We’re all on anti-depressants. 🙁 At any rate, my only suggestion is to keep on the doctors. I have been to at least 5 different specialists (next appt is with a rheumatologist on 12/8/2011). At first, they thought it was anxiety, then it was due to a mass on my adrenal gland. Now that’s not the case. I have, however, noticed that I’ve developed an allergy to wheat. Celiac, along with many other disorders, can cause heart palps. Since changing my diet to gluten-free (this past week) the heart palps are minimal. Please stay on the doctors and make sure they are not treating the symptom, but the root of the problem. While the doctors have a lot of schooling and know more about the body than we do, we need to remember that the body is complex and doctors do not know everything. Keep the faith and don’t give up!

  50. Hi Jess,
    The first thing to do is try to pull yourself together. Nothing is worth your health. Take the deepest breathes possible (expanding stomach). It may take numerous tries but the more you do it the better you will feel.
    Also, please take a long hard look at diet. (This is for everyone experiencing palpatations). What we put in our mouths totally affects our health. A plant based diet is the way to go. Lots of vegetables, some fruit, whole grains, beans, legumes, lentils, etc. Eliminate ALL fats. That includes oils, including the so-called heart healthy olive oil. It is still a fat with NO nutritional value whatsoever. Changing one’s diet not only makes you feel and be healthier, it takes the strain off the heart by lowering cholesterol and unclogging arteries. You want to do everything possible to get healthy. I have been on a plant based diet since Sept 23 and lost 3″ off my waist. (The concensus is if there is excess fat around the middle then in all probability there is fat around the heart). Also absolutely NO caffine!! No sugar! Sugar is one of the worst things for the heart. It’s sacrifice but it does work. Exercise, daily. A daily 20 minute brisk walk is all that’s needed to keep the tickering ticking properly. Hope this helps.

  51. There are three main types of nightmares(death dreams or being chased dreams ,flying dreams or falling dreams and Incubus) that are caused by three main scary symptom {the scary sensations of palpitation make you feel as if you’re going to die at any moment[1], the scary sinking feeling in heart of palpitation and scary fainting (syncope) }. They are all different in certain ways. All three types of nightmares can lead to a scary heart palpitations-sensations. Scary Incubus or scary fainting (syncope) can lead to scary lightheaded and dizzy , a loss of strength and a loss of consciousness, perspiration, vision problems, difficulty hearing, ringing in your ears, pressure in your chest[2] and others do not.
    [1]https://www.anxietyguru.net/how-to-stop-heart-palpitations/
    [2]https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Fainting/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

  52. I HAVE HAD PVC’S/PAC’S/TACHYCARDIA/ETC. EVER SINCE I GOT PARACARDITIS WHEN I WAS 23 YEARS OLD. I’M 48 NOW AND THEY STILL EXIST. OVER THE YEAR, I DEVELOPED A RAGING DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROBLEM IN AN EFFORT TO RUN FROM THE HORRIBLE ANXIETY CREATED BY THE HEART ARRHYTHMIAS. I’M NOT TRYING TO MAKE EXCUSES FOR MY ADDICTIONS, BUT ALWAYS THE UNDERLYING REASON FOR MY ANXIETY WAS MY HEART PALPITATIONS. I’VE BEEN CLEAN AND SOBER FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS NOW AND I STILL HAVE ALL THE WEIRD HEART BEATS. I’M LEARNING HOW TO DEAL WITH THE ANXIETY CREATED BY THIS PROBLEM, BUT IT’S DIFFICULT TO SAY THE LEAST. I EXERCISE, EAT RIGHT, ETC., BUT I STILL HAVE DAYS WHERE THE ARRHYTHMIA’S KICK MY ASS–I HATE IT. I’VE HAD EVERY TEST KNOWN TO RULE OUT HEART DISEASE AND ALL HAVE COME BACK NEGATIVE. HOWEVER, WHEN I GET A RUN OF PALPITATIONS, IT LITERALLY KNOCKS ME DOWN TO THE GROUND. IT’S A NEVER ENDING CYCLE; THE HEART PALPITATION CREATES ANXIETY, WHICH CREATES THE HEART PALPITATIONS, WHICH CREATE THE ANXIETY…….

  53. wow… it is soothing to know i am not the only one!!! I have atrial flutter just had catheter ablation 44yr old mom of 4… for three years i was told i have anxiety… 3 yrs of my life i thought i had anxiety… but it never was… what happened was my heart would go back to sinus when i arrived at the er… yea i do need to slow down with kids and exercise and the stress of life because i always thought it was normal.. until last year when 158bpm was my heart rate at rest after playing floor hockey..it was Gods way of telling me to slow down… i am also on beta blockers because of my over kill adrenaline… yes now there are days after all this chaos in which i have to deep breath because of actual anxiety of all i have been through….. pray and breath i say…

  54. Hey there, my name is Chad. I am a 24 year old male from Georgia. I’ve been dealing with anxiety and palpitations for around 5 years now. I’ve been to the doctor and ER several times to only get the same response… “you’re not dying” This has crippled me from a life in which I know I should be enjoying. So I decided to start running, taking vitamins, and eating right. I’ve been doing this for about a week now. Everything seemed fine up until about 2 nights ago when laying in bed I started to develop heart palps. Most of it has been happening at night before bed and in the morning. It happens throughout the days as well, but the other times of the day are when they are more frequent. I could really use some advice if someone thinks I’m doing something wrong or just to assure me that this too shall pass! My email is freudianslip1988@yahoo.com I’d love to hear from some others. Maybe exchange numbers and keep each other updated. Thank you for your time.

  55. I tend to have this problem as well. I’m nineteen, and this problem began when I was fourteen, following my starting on the medicine known as Concerta. After I was taken off this medication, two years later, I still have that problem. Given that I am slightly overweight now, I was not at the time. Regardless, these never cease to scare the living shit out of me, and I’d like to know if there are some alternatives, as opposed to having a pacemaker put in, as has been recommended by one of my doctors. I was thinking about taking on a very strict exercise program that involves all-day exercise. Do you think this would help?

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