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. So yesterday I took the Magnesium in the morning and after about an hour or two I felt completely normal for the first time in a few months. At about 3 o clock though I started to feel funny flutters again and sure enough the PVCs came back, it wasnt anything terrible though. Last night I was lifting some weights and the PVCs got awful – but I fought through them and by the time I was done I felt great.
    Today again, same thing, took the magnesium and I went to the gym and did some strong cardio exercises and played some racquetball and then ran 1.5 miles. I felt amazing! I plan on lifting again tonight and I’ll see what happens….. The pharmacist said I was fine taking the Xanax and the Magnesium.

  3. hi
    stephan!!! i have been experiencing the same symptoms as you are & that too for the past 5 months…it started with when i had my lunch & suddendly i felt that my heart was racing like hell & i was experiencing confusion, restlessness … i was taken to the hosp. & by the time i reached hosp. i was feeling pretty ok, but still my heart rate at that time was 160 i was diagnosed with tachycardia & was tld that it was an anxiety attack as i had my exams after 5 days… after this episode i became insomnic & had 2 more such episodes & this time my hands would go numb accompanied by breathlessness…. i thought i was going crazy… after my exams my symptoms were still there…so i decided to see the cardiologist & he tld me that i had PSVT (some extra electric charge), my heart was healthy but till date i m experiencing the samr symptoms & mainly after taking heavy meals… i m nervous all the time, i feel scared if someone comes to meet me, i m scared to stay alone…. i really dnt know how to come out of it

  4. Well it looks like the Magnesium can be effective. What kind are you guys using?

    I sometimes get called to do some drumming for a local recording studio. They called me yesterday so I went over to help out. Wouldn’t you know halfway during a song I had to stop…not because I felt PVC’s (which I did feel from time to time there), but because I was all of a sudden out of breath and my legs and arms started shaking. As soon as I stopped it felt like I just got done sprinting a 100 meter dash and my heart rate was over 180. Sure, I was playing pretty hard, but come on, I’m just drumming. I’ve been doing this on and off for over 15 years and never had to stop like that. I’m wondering if my PVC’s could be causing the palps? Although Stephan you seem to be fine working out. Now it seems I have 1 more thing to be worried about doing.

    Anyway, I have an appointment with the cardiologist next month. We’ll see what he says I guess.

  5. Saira that’s what anxiety does numb specialy in your left side face lips hands fingers chest pain all kind of crazy symptom they are all harmless try to calm take hot shower eat more veggie I do a lot of fruit and veggies organic it helps me a lot the sauna also help dnt let these symptom scare you I know they hard to deal with be patient you will get through

  6. Hey Saira – Glad we can sympathize with each other. Time, medicine, prayer, talking to people, and reading these forums have all helped me. I’m about 9-10 weeks since my first episode and the past several days I’ve felt the best I ever have. I haven’t taken the Xanax in two days, I’ve been taking the magnesium supplements and today I decided to eat a chocolate bar for a treat (I haven’t really had chocolate for awhile since it has natural caffeine). I did have a couple PVCs about 30 minutes after the chocolate but it was worth it! Just find some support – I cried a lot – I felt near death, like I couldn’t breath, I definitely had some severe trouble sleeping before I took the Xanax, but I finally feel like I’m reaching the top of this mountain.

    Gary – I was frightened to do anything physical for many weeks after my episode. I’ve even been at the gym on the treadmill feeling like I was going to die cause my heart rhythm was so jacked up – I just pushed through it. It was hard, but eventually my heart got in sync because I gave it no choice. I was terrified but I did it… The doctor said my heart was fine so I just had to go with it. Just yesterday I ran 8.3 miles, that’s the furthest I’ve ever gone at once in my life.

    Keep your focus guys and gals, don’t let this junk beat you. I’d write more but I’ve got to go for now.

  7. hey thanx a lot!!! the only thing which is bothering me is whether i have psvt or anxiety disorder as when i went to another doctor for the second opinion he said that it is all in my mind and that i shud excercise regularly & keep myself busy rather than noticing my body… i m planning to start homeopathy as they believe in some adernal fatigue which cud be the cause of rapid & abrupt fast heart beat

  8. The last 4 days I’ve been having palps like 3-4 a min. for only a couple mins. Some of you have them so sevre, I don’t know how you cope. I was scared to death. It happens at night, before bed when I am putting my kids to bed or sitting in the couch. And after a couple glasses of wine. I went to bed last night & breathed deep a couple tmes and they went away & I fell aleep. I prayed that they would stop & I would wake up this morning. Last yr in Sept. I had a severe all out panic attack. I say panic because it lasted 3 hrs., had chills, shakes, diarrea, muscle tension & aches, couldn’t sit still, racing heart, sweats and finally started feeling nauseas. It was 11:30 PM,my kids were in bed my husband was in bed, I kept going up to him & saying, I don’t feel right, something is really wrong with me. He shrugged it off. In the beginning I tried to breath through it as I’ve had similar attacks before but not to this extreme. I drove myself down to my in-laws and I was crying, my father-in-law who has has heart issues, stints,etc. drove me to the ER. Got all the tests everyone else has had, even an MRI because my blood test came back w/ suspicion of blood clots. EVERYTHING was fine. I was given 10 pills of Lorazepam & told it was anxiety. That was the first time I was actually diagnosed, I’ve known I had some sort of anxiety, from having smaller attacks that I was able to control w/ breathing and mind over matter. I’ve only had to use 4 of the pills since. I thought I was going to die. That is my fear w/ these palps. I am only 37, have a 10 & 6 yr.old & when I get these palps it makes my anxiety come on. This forum has been so helpful. I’ve never wrote on a foum before. My life is good & I don’t know why I feel like this. No one understands anxiety, it is very scary when you are going through it. I am going to start taking my multi vitamin to try to help w/ any mineral deficiences. I am fit, I exercise 4-5 days a week. And try to eat pretty healthy. Thank you all for sharing your stories.

  9. Saira- I started out almost exactly the way you did. I woke up in the middle of the night with my heart racing. I thought maybe it was a bad dream, but when it didn’t slow down at all after a minute or 2 I didn’t know what to do. My wife drove me to the ER, although it has slowed down by then. When I followed up with the Dr, they said PSVT was what they were going to call it, but it could have been panic or anxiety. Problem was, I NEVER had anxiety or was nervous about ANYTHING before. But after that, I became anxious that is was going to happen again and that’s when the panic attacks started. I thought I would NEVER get better. But I can tell you I honestly don’t fear panic attacks anymore or have nearly as much anxiety thanks to much time reading about anxiety and panic attacks. If you are interested, I can email you a PDF copy of a really great book that helped me. My email is gary@gdlucas.com.

    Emily- That book my really help you as well. Feel free to email me and I’ll send you a copy. Like you, I have never written in a forum before either. Only after reading what Stephan wrote did it inspire me to write. I have been helped by reading what others wrote from time to time so it makes since to try to help, even if it only helps one person. That being said, I can relate to you also. My wife shrugs off what I say. So now, most of the time I don’t even bother telling her when I’m having PVC’s or palps or get anxious since it does me no good! Thankfully I’ve gotten better at handling them, and I PROMISE that you will too. For a time I wouldn’t get on an airplane, meet with clients, or was even afraid to go to sleep. Trust me, you are NOT alone, and I know that helps me to remember sometimes. I got better, in time, and so will you.

    Stephan- Again, thanks for the encouraging words. It really does help! I will keep on keeping on. In fact, thanks to you, I’ve got back into working out. In the past few days I’ve been on the treadmill 2 days and done some lifting 2 days. I owe that to you!

  10. Gary, thank you but I am going to try the natural calm magnesium. My palps are scary, but I think I can handle them now that I know they are “normal”. Thinking about it now, I have been a little more stressed than usual lately. Not sleeping well doesn’t help. I’m tired, but as soon as my head hits the pillow, my thougts start racing. Then I lay there with the same stuff running through my head over & over. It can be as stupid as a chorus to a song. Not even stressful thoughts. I wake up with neck pain. I can’t remember the last time I actually got restful sleep.

  11. thanx gary!! i m so happy to find u guys… my life has really changed immensely after this psvt…it is actually scary… i just came from a party & drank coffee there & within few minutes i could feel my heart going crazy… i left the place there & then telling them that my daughter was unwell & called my friend to get the phone no. for the homeopathy clinic but she said that yesterday she also went to see a doc & her heart rate was 116 & askd me to chill…well!!!I m feeling that there are so many like us who have the same prob. however they dnt pay attention…my husband thinks that i m crazy & i have also stopped telling him abt my prob. .. but one thing is for sure this prob. arises from stress.. i have been married for 6 years now & we had quite a lot fights which are enough to give me this problem… so in order to get rid of this prob. one shud remain positive & happy in life…
    gary! i definitely need to read this book,however, i m reading a book called Neale Donald Walsch’s ‘Happier Than God’ which is helpful in getting out of this negativity trap…
    take care & keep in touch

  12. i have been to the er 3 times and ambulance once all for heart racing chest pain everything thinkin im having a heart attack….every time nothing comes back….last night i ate taco bell and around midnight my heart just started racing and of course i get into my head cause of my anxiety and im still having the palps….they have gotten better seemed to be worse when i would try and lay down… im gonna take a magnesium pill or half of one but i was perscribed to klonopin and no longer insured so im really struggling right now…yall have put my mind at ease cause all i ever think is im gonna die im 24 years old….thanks for all the comments it has helped reading others stories

  13. It’s kind of interesting that we all found each other here. I too had never written on anything before. Perhaps some writer/director can find us and make a lifetime movie about our stories. ;o)

    Gary – glad to here you are getting back to normal. I again went running last night and did 4 miles. In fact – since starting the magnesium supplements I’m feeling less then 5-10 palps a day (much better then it’s been), then don’t seem nearly as strong, and I definitely am feeling like I have more energy. whether its a placebo effect or not I do not know – I just know I feel much better then I have in awhile.

    The only troubling thing I see is the lack of spousal support. My wife has been a rock start throughout all this. We’ve been married 11 years and God knows we’ve had our share of trials, but her support has been tremendous. I would talk to your respective spouses and let them know that you need their help; be it a shoulder to cry on, an ear that’ll just listen to you talk, etc.

    Emily – I had so many issues sleeping too and it wasn’t till I started taking the Xanax that I found any relief (drugs aren’t for everyone). I’m onto day 4 I think of being Xanax free and I’ve slept great the past several nights. I also hear the magnesium can help with sleeping too!

    take care all – I am off for a weekend trip with the wifey kids free! this should help with any anxiety/stress I still have…

    God Bless

  14. Michael you’ re ganna be ok at 24 you ll be alright just dnt eat to much carb not eat late eat more veggies and exercise dnt stress yourself with this and the linden method I’m doing now its really his name is Charles linden his program really work check it online Facebook

  16. Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with pvcs and an anxiety disorder 9 years ago. Which came first I am not sure.Like the chicken and the egg i think!

    Anyway i just wanted to let you know that it does get better.It wont always be like this. I have been there and felt the total fear you are feeling and i am never going back there again that is for sure.

    If you have the all clear from your dr and they say they are anxiety or stress related start believing them . It is the first step to recovery.Readand learn as much as you can about panic and anxiety disorders. They are so reassuring just like this site as you realise you aren’t going crazy and others are experiencing the same things as you and that you will recover from this.

    Dont stop doing things, most importantly, it wont solve things. I have had plenty of panic attacks at the most inappropriate times but it is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. I did that plane flight and i survived or i sat through that assembly and lived to tell the tale.My bodies fight flight response was permanent, always waiting for a threat.By exposing yourself to situations you get a little stronger each time,. in the end each time i felt a panic attack it was like “bring it on, lets get it over and done with’

    Exercise definately helped me immensely but I did go on an antidepressant for a year.My children were only little and i felt so proccupied with the disorder i wasnt being the mum i wanted to be, It put me mentally in a place where I could start to think rationally and settled the pvcs .It just helped calm me enough to do the mental work needed to recover form this. I stayed on them for a year and slowly weaned off them.I have been off them for 6 years and living a wonderful life. The year of hell taught me so many things,too many to list here!I have still had the pvcs over the last few years but were able to acknowledge that maybe i was in an anxious situation, or tired or unwell and learnt to ignore them.As Stephan said a good time to exercise and wear off that extra adrenalin!

    I know you have probably heard all this before but I just wanted to reassure you. Yes that first year is hell but you can recover from this.

    I havent had a full on panic attack for years as i acknowledge what i am feeling when i feel it coming on and distract myself, exercise or think about what could be causing it.

    So why did i visit this site??Well it has been a huge 3 months. My beautiful Dad passed away from Alzheimers, my dog who i have had for 13 years since a pup has been really unwell and have had to consider euthanasing and we are moving from Aust to the UK for a year……mmmmmmm i wonder why my anxiety but more importantly in relation to this thread my PVCS kinda obvious I think. I was waiting for it to rear its ugly head, The pvc have been relentless this past week, the worst I have ever had.Several a minute and going for ages. Only when I try to relax though grrr…..like driving the car,heaven forbid trying to sit down and relax!!!!I am sure you all know what i mean!

    I havent been to see the Dr. I am acknowledging that they are anxiety related.Yesterday they settled just reading theses posts a bit of reassurance needed.But I have tried increasing my intake of magnesium from food sources but also a magnesium supplement.Jogging every morning and they are definately settling. Haven’t felt any since yesterday afternoon.I have been working on my thoughts as well.I can bring them on if I want by thinking anxious thoughts!I actually think they started because i was worried about the pvcs and the long haul flight. All the what ifs!!!

    Catastrophising and unhelpful thinking!!!PVC have been a constant companion for the last 14 years and I am still alive and kicking and leading a very healthy, active lifestyle!!!They are benign and not going to kill me!I just need to stop the negative talk and focus on the positives!Am going to start meditating again too while going thru this stressful patch.I am not going to let PVCs or anxiety disorder stop me from living the life I want through fear. I am going overseas and i am going to have a brilliant year!!!So take that anxiety disorder!

    Live you dreams and know that it WIll get better, hang in there.Talk openly to friends and family or on forums like this. It keeps you sane!You are not alone.

  17. I have started 3 new jobs in the past year. I have noticed palps on and off for the last couple months. I actually work in the healthcare field and I know not to get too concerned by them. I often use the coughing technique to get it to stop. Its just amazing how scary they are even when you know alot about them. I am going to try the naturally calm magnesium recommended by a few of the people. I too don’t want to take Xanax or a beta blocker. From my patients I have learned that they can make you feel very fatigued. Thanks to all for posting helpful solutions!

  18. Hi Jude. Thanks for sharing all of that! I know exactly what you mean about the whole “chicken or the egg thing.” After my first bout with SVT anytime my heart rate felt “off” I didn’t know if it was the anxiety causing it or it causing the anxiety. Truth be told, I still don’t to this day! I wish you the best with your trip!

    Michael, I was about your age when that whole thing started for me. I remember thinking I was too young and healthy to deal with it! Do me a favor…STOP EATING TACO BELL AT MIDNIGHT! Seriously, if you do have an anxiety thing going, which it sounds like you do, you really need to eat better. Sure, taking supplements can help, but putting that crap in your body can increase anxiety. It like those people that go to McDonalds everyday and order a ton of food and then get a diet soda. The diet soda isn’t going to offset the other stuff. With your condition, I really believe knowledge is power, so start reading everything you can about anxiety and then take it step by step to get better. Eating right is a good start. And keep going on these forums. You WILL get better. Keep us posted.

    Stephan, how was the trip?

  19. Hi Gary thanks for that , how are you going with the magnesium? I have been on it for a week now and definitely noticed a reduction in the PVCs but also finding that I am far less reactive to my flip flopping heart, so all positive so far. I am only taking 200mg actual magnesium per day,but plan to up it. Started a slowly as I am one of those people that as soon as i read of possible side effects I get them mmmm must stop reading the side effects!

    I hope everyone else is going okay. Wish i had a magic wand to make it all better.Take it day by day hour by hour if you have to,Slowly the better days will overtake the terrifying ones,then the good days will outnumber the bad days then the great days will outnumber the not so bad ones.Then all of sudden you forget when your last full on panic attack was.Sure anxiety is there lurking deep down somewhere but you will have it under control so it never causes the terror it once did and it doesnt interfere with your living a magnificent life.

    Talk about how you are feeling regardless of how crazy it seems.You should hear the thoughts and illness I have imagined!I have had it all.We all understand and have been there done that and have genuine empathy.

    Take care all

  20. I’m just glad everyone is being positive about all of these and not meditating on worry and fear. Jude – you are a rock-star – your story is very encouraging!

    Gary – the trip was great – I lived to see 33! *cheer*

    I have been off the Xanax for – I dunno – 10 days now. I’ve been taking the magnesium pill (250mg) every morning with breakfast and my PVCs are almost non existent now (except Sunday night – I had a crazy bout, I ran 5 miles then came inside to do some weights and when I laid on my back the heart started going nuts – I worked through it though). I also just ordered the natural calm stuff Sammy recommended to take at night. I’m definitely not sleeping as good as when I was on the Xanax and hopefully the night time mag will solve that.

    I’d be lying if I said I stayed caffeine free, I had to go try the new Doritos Taco at taco bell and couldn’t resist a small cup of Baja Blast Mt. Dew (that’s the only caffeine I’ve had since August 7th) I felt fine afterwards and it was nice enjoying a real soda, but I’m not going back to the old routine again – it was a definite treat.

    As always – grateful for the support and shared stories. Keep up the fight!

  21. Hi all
    Cheers Stephen, love the rock star comment!Needed that!

    Melanie how are you getting on?Did you find some Natural calm? I have had trouble finding it here but got something similar in a powder today. I was having trouble swallowing the big tablets!Had to chop them up into little pieces a pain. The lady at the health food store said powders are better absorbed anyway.

    Gary I read in the previous posts that you do meditation. Do you have a favorite guided meditation that works well for anxiety? I am getting back into it again as I slackened off for a few years when anxiety was settled.I have checked out a few online and downloaded some but wondering if any you would recommend.

    It is interesting about the palps post exercise that others have had too. I find that after exercise I often have Panic attack symptoms. I get PVCs, feeling dizzy etc.especially when my anxiety has flared up. I know what it is so I can just let it pass but it does annoy me though!Trying to do the right thing by exercising grrr….I find exercise so useful. Some mornings I wake up feeling edgy and a good run uses that extra adrenalin so dont wont ever not do it for fear of an attack.Found this which you may have already read but I found useful and reassuring.

    “The Anxiety Connection ( I cut and pasted this from this site,by Paul,Anxiety Guru.)

    Now can exercise bring on an anxiety attack or startled nerves? Yes it can. This is because working out causes the body to undergo a lot of the phyiscal changes that occur during a bout of anxiety.

    Profuse sweating, uncontrolled breathing, increased heart rate, dizziness, sound familiar? This is especially true if you are new to exercising vigorously. You may feel a little out of control and off balance. This can cause uneasiness and anxiety. But remember over the long term exercise is good for you!

    It is normal to feel uneasy when you physically exert yourself. Your memory is tied into your phyiscal symptoms so much that the very fact that your heart rate is at 150 bpm can scare you. You may be making an unconscious connection between how you feel during or after a workout and your past experiences with anxiety – very normal.

    As anxiety sufferers we are simply tuned into our bodies much more than the average person. So if anything feels off it becomes a great concern. We have to train ourselves to understand that not every bump is fatal.”

  22. Jude- I used to do meditation everyday. But like you, as soon as I started doing better, I stopped doing it. I’m going to try to not fall in that trap again. As far as what I’m doing now, I’m keeping it very simple. I just go to a quiet place, put some relaxing music on and then just follow my breath for a while. Then I take some control and try to breath more deeply and slowly. I used to do visualization and all of that and focus on a word over and over, but truth be told, I didn’t get much more out of it than the simple stuff. Dr. Andrew Weil has an audio CD out that I rented from the library. There is some decent stuff on there, I’d recommend it and it won’t cost you anything to get it from the library! It’s called something like the masterkey of breathing. Oh, and I got the magnesium from Amazon and will be starting that soon, so I’ll keep everyone posted on that.

    You know, I didn’t work out or do any type of real exercise (other then playing golf riding in a cart) because the last time I had a bout of SVT it was after I had a good workout. I was scared to bring them back on again. Thanks for sharing that about the exercise. As I mentioned, it was Stephan who really made me feel comfortable again about working out. I’ve been at it for a few weeks now. Hearing everyone else’s struggles has helped me to keep pusing on with it too. So thanks to everyone. And keep posting. I know it not only makes me feel better reading about others going through this, but it also makes me feel better posting too!

    Stephan- Welcome to the double 3 club. How is the week going being a whole year older??

  23. Thanks for that Gary I will check out what they have at the library,I would love to get to that point where I can meditate unaided again!!I used to love it and really looked forward to my meditation time!I am so glad that Stephen has helped you get back into exercise again and am breaking though that fear.You wont regret it. I agree totally with the reading and sharing of posts. It is helping me get thru this hiccup I am having.I know it will pass and maybe it is just checking my recovery skills are still there but it has helped no end being on here.

    I have a challenging weekend.I am going away with ten other women to celebrate some birthdays and a farewell for me before i head overseas. I struggle with social anxiety ,normally it is very manageable but at the minute a bit challenging!! Crazy i know as most women would love spending the weekend with some gals!We are going to a beach house in a beautiful spot. The last time we did this was several years ago and it was one long panic attack,it was a terrible time for me but i silently got through it.So I am packing all my knowledge and skills, my magnesium and my chamomile tea and going to have a great time. I don’t drink alcohol as I find this makes it worse,so i will be in control and have a fabulous time…..mantra done and thanks for listening!

    Hope you are all traveling well and have a happy weekend.

  24. Gary

    Well – I’d like to say I was still rocking and rolling at 33 but the past few days have sucked. Since Tuesday night I was feeling very anxious about what, who knows, just my body acting funny. I went into Wednesday and forced myself to the gym and did some great cardio, still felt funny though. Come Thursday the kids wanted to go to the gym for a ‘fun night’ at the child watch so I was forced to go back. I was up to 48 hours of feeling funny at this point and had to take a Xanax. I felt great again after 45 minutes and went for another great run. I felt fine all day yesterday but as soon as I laid down for bed I started feeling lots of PVCs. I was able to get up, walk around, breathe, and they went away. I laid back down again then the sensations of not being able to breath right hit me… I ended up popping another Xanax and fell peacefully asleep. Today I’ve been great. Stayed busy at work and then prepped for this impending hurricane. Felt fine. Now as the house gets quiet I feel it all coming on again. This is ridiculous.
    All I know is today in the mail, courtesy of UPS, my natural calm mag powder showed up. I’ll take it soon enough and hopefully fall right asleep with no issues. I really don’t want to take another pill.

  26. I just wrote a really big reply Stephen but I forgot to put my name details in before I sent so maybe it has gone for moderation. But if it doesn’t turn up I will redo.

  27. Decide it probably wont turn up so if you get this twice sorry!

    Stephan it sounds like you have had a really crappy couple of days.Dont feel bad about taking the Xanax. You have been doing so well and are in the early stages of recovery.Do whatever it takes to get through those bad days.Look at the positives and how much you have improved, You haven’t needed Xanax for how many days now, what an improvement.So what if you need to take one everyone now and then?Don’t be so hard on yourself.

    I also know what you mean about feeling s coming on when quiet. That is because our bodies are still switched into that fright flight mode and is warning us. DONT RELAX, DANGER DANGER……so being still is tough.It wants you to respond, take flight.It wants us to run not be still and calm. I would get so jealous of my gorgeous partner when he could snuggle up on the couch with our beautiful kids watching a movie while i paced or just kept busy, couldn’t sit down.I was either active or asleep .This is where meditation comes in handy, it takes practice and is hard to start with but helps you to be at one with your body and ignore those panic symptoms. Later in my recovery i would love my meditation times and really looked forward to that peacefullness.

    Also as your recovery progresses don’t be surprised to find your symptoms increase or new symptoms arrive. This is the anxiety disorder being a devious critter and testing you out. It ups the anti. Crazy I know but it does.But it makes you stronger, You learn to recognize them as anxiety symptoms and so don’t spiral into that same fear. You can get new symptoms reassured by your doctor and then move on to dealing with them.Accept them as anxiety.In this relapse I have a newie in tightening of the throat. But i haven’t gone to the dr, i have had this anxiety disorder long enough to know it is an anxiety symptom. I am acknowledging it and know it will pass.

    Also I think i remember in previous posts that this may be related to PTSD?Have you had any counseling?It is amazing what are subconscious can be focusing on and so it is really important to deal with any underlying issues.For me at the time the panic attacks started I had the perfect life, amazing partner(Still is!) , incredible and beautiful kids (Still are!), fantastic lifestyle and happy as.I was the last person you would expect to have a anxiety disorder. But my mum died young at 40 when I was only 8 and my whole life i had irrationally thought the same would happen to me. There was no sound basis to it, but i was truly convinced and scared,actually terified. I went to see a Reiki specialist for counseling and she brought all this out of me,helped me grieve for my mum (as i was so little I didnt do this) and then helped me move on and start recovering.I never though I would live past 40 and here I am fit and healthy at 44.So if you have any issues it is really beneficial to deal with them. I don’t know if this is easier for women to do but would recommend it.

    Sorry for my long rambling but I have been where you are and know your fear and pain but i know it will get better. Take it minute by minute if you have to and some days you may get to the end of the day and realise you have had no symptoms.I had a terrible morning the other day but that is all it was, by lunch the sun was shining again.Hang in there you will win this.I am a really good listener and so vent on here whenever you need,it helps.

    BTW: I survived the weekend. I did it and even had a brilliant time. Of course it had it moments but I worked through them. WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!

  28. Hi Everyone. I just stumbled on this page this afternoon and was reading everything. I’ve had PACs for a couple of years or more now and they use to cause me horrible anxiety, but the more i’ve had them the more i have gotten use to them. However, it doesn’t make them any less bearable to deal with. My thing is around twice a year, my PACs go insane..All day for days, even weeks sometimes. Usually in APril and October, or close to those months. I’ve done everything i can and had been recommended to control them and stop them, and nothing seems to work. I’ve been on ToprolXL for a couple of years as well. I’ve been willing to try anything to manage them, and even went out and bought magnesium yesterday. My 2nd day taking them, don’t know if it’s too early to see a difference or not.

    But i feel good all year round, other than the 2 times a year the PACs seem to flare up. It’s just frustrating. I get moody, tired, irritable..Everything but having anxiety over them anymore. They can take a lot out of me 🙁 I know or have read that to have the PACs/PVCs corrected, you have to have something of 20,000 palps in a day or something..I would say i had every bit of 500 or more the other day. The longest a PAC spell has lasted for me was 2 weeks straight, everyday, most of the day..The shortest was 3 days..now i’m on day 6 of one and it’s tiresome. Any advice?

  29. Hi Josh

    That really is crappy.It is really interesting that they get worse at those two times a year?Could there be something environmental causing it? My friend rented a house near a pear orchard and whilst there her blood pressure increased and all these other illness developed and it was suggested it could be a reaction to the sprays used?When she moved she became well again.Is there something that happens environmentally around your area at that time,something seasonal perhaps?Could it be allergy related?

    Or on an emotional level is there something in your work that is stressful at that times or are those times of year significant in some way to you.I know sometimes when my anxiety symptoms seem to be flaring up ( I wasn’t aware of being stressed about anything in particular but the symptoms were there) I would look at my calendar and see that it was near the date of my mums death or my uncles or anniversary of my first panic attack!.My body was reacting subconciously.Is there underlying emotional issues that could be causing it?

    I cant comment on the drug you are on as mine haven’t been bad enough to need medication but I have found the magnesium helpful with my pvc’s.Could be placebo but i don’t care it is working!!!Today has been a bad day but I had a big weekend and I usually find I crash a bit after getting through a time like that.Tomorrow will be better!

    As my PVCS are anxiety related what works for me is it seems the magnesium,I need to up my water as i know dehydration doesn’t help,definately exercise a big helping factor for me,distraction and meditation and chamomile tea.

    Have you read some of the older posts i think there are other suggestions that help others with theirs.

    I know how tiring it can be and I am sure lack of sleep doesn’t help me either. I take some magnesium before bed and a relaxing hot bath and chamomile tea and that definitely helps me get off to sleep.My pvc used to drive me crazy when i laid down and tried to go to sleep but since taking the magnesium that have all but gone at bed time.

    As i say mine are definatley anxiety related so I am not sure if this helps you at all but definately give the magnesium a go. I have a low dose of 100mg in the morning and than at night and eat magnesium rich foods during the day.The effect of the magnesium for me clicked in after three to four days for me but have read it can take up to 6 weeks so persevere!

    Wishing you all the best with them and hope relief comes soon.Let us know how you get on.

  30. Thanks for your feedback. I do live in the country, but typically i don’t have allergies or anything like that. Like you, October is the month my mom passed away, and it could very well be some underlying anxiety to the issue that i’ve not previously recognized..As for the month of April, i have no idea. Now, my flare ups are sometimes a little off from these months, but usually really close to them. My Toprol meds i was placed on 2 years ago or so, and i’ve often wondered and read that they could potentially make the palps worse or could have more side effects than good side effects, so i don’t know, i just take it daily. Usually well hydrated, as i love water and drink lots of it.

    As for the magnesium, i read that a lack of it could cause palps more so, especially if one uses the bathroom a lot, as i do because of my heartburn meds, and can be from an electrolyte imbalance. I don’t always eat as many meals a day as i should, so i went out a few days ago and bought some magnesium. The lowest dose my story carried was 500mg, which i thought was a bit too much, but i bought it anyway. So, is it safe for me to take this on a daily basis? Could there be any side effects to taking it? I haven’t got around to asking my doctor yet. Since i am a nite person, would you recommend me taking them in the morning/afternoon or evening/nite? I know yesterday was the first day out of the 6 days the my palps seemed to me more low key compared to the other days before. They even stop for almost 2 hours before i went to bed, and i thought they were letting up, them bam! They started again in full force. It’s too early to tell today if they are going to get crazy, because they always start out very faint, and as the day progresses, they get what i call more aggressive. So, we shall see. I just know this run should be over soon, or at least i hope.

  31. Hi Josh hopefully third time lucky i keep losing my posts!

    With regards to your questions about magnesium. Magnesium can interfere and reduce the effectiveness of prescribed medications so it would be best to check with your Dr to see if it is okay with the meds you are on. I have read that 350mg is the recommended max daily dosage but have read of people taking much higher doses with nil problems but i have no idea whether this is safe or not.You need to check on the label the amount of elemental magnesium. Mine contain 200mg elemental magnesium in a few different forms.I did a lot of research before taking magnesium as I am a medication phobic and found it to have very minimal side effects documented.Diarrhoea and nausea a possibility but that can be fixed easily by reducing the dose.

    I split my dose having 100mg in the morning and at night although I am just about to change it to a powder which will increase it to 150mg twice a day.I find the morning dose sets me for the day and the evening one aids in sleep . So if you are a night owl maybe afternoon and the late night dose good for you? You may have to play around with it and see what works best.I also at lunch try to incorporate high magnesium foods like nuts, seeds and avocado and a banana for potassium!

    I have heard that about Toprol but really know nothing about it as i have never been on medication for them.Maybe someone else on this forum will have personal experience they can share.

    You mentioned you have heartburn and i can remember reading somewhere a correlation between the two but I cant remember what it as about sorry.

    This will sound out there but i wonder if they come each year around those times because you are expecting them and stressed they may return? Sounds crazy I know but nothing surprises me after 9 years of learning about anxiety and panic attacks!

    Hope they are starting to settle and give you some peace soon.

  32. About 6 months ago I felt my heart take off like it was beating out of my chest. It really scared me. After a couple more episodes and really worrying, I visites the ER twice. All my tests returned normal. I followed up with my doctor and ultimately a nuclear stress test. It too was normal. Friday night I had another bout with palpitations and an ER trip. I ultimately ended up in a heart hospital and had a heart cath to verify no blockage was present (which could be missed by a stress test. After blood work, x-rays, heart sonogram, and heart cath, all come back normal. I have completed a sleep study for apnea, but dont get my results until next week. Absent the possibility of apnea, anxiety is the only thing left, or a combination of both. My question is, I dont conciously

  33. Hi Josh,

    I have been taking Toprol for four years now and have never had any side effects from them. I am also using magnesium, calcium, multi-vitamin mineral supplement, D3, hawthorn, potassium, B vitamins probiotics and enzymes. I also have problems with heartburn, and I do believe that there is a relation between heartburn, food and drink sensitivities and palpations. Since I started taking the supplements, and stopped eating and drinking any foods or drinks I am sensitive too, I have not have had any palpations in two years. I tried many heartburn meds over the years, did not have much luck with them. I found it more helpful to just eliminate foods and drinks, etc. that were triggering the problems, like for myself that included any high acid food and drinks, coffee, etc. I also cannot take any cold medicines as they will also trigger attacks in me. It took me awhile to figure out all my triggers because I usually did not have a reaction for at least 2 hours after and up to 48 hours after consuming or being exposed to any of my triggers.

    I am sensitive to orange juice, cranberry juice, grape juice, certain berries, coffee, pizza, any high acid foods or drinks, sodas, caffeine, alcohol, and others that I can’t think of right now. Sometimes it is just too much of a food or drink I am sensitive to, or a combination of foods or drinks I am sensitive to in the same day. These will set off symptoms in me sometimes right away and sometimes hours later (delayed reaction). Sulfites, MSG, artificial sweeteners and other food additives can all cause reactions to sensitive people.. A lot of cleaning products like bleach and some air fresheners will cause me to have palpations. Some perfumes and cosmetics will also set me off. I am also very sensitive to second hand smoke. Stress is another big factor in my palpations and anxiety. Just remember that it could be anything that you drink, eat, consume, breathe in, or touches your skin (because anything that touches your skin can absorb into your bloodstream. Any of these can cause you to have a reaction which can cause palpations, and the reaction can be right away or delayed by hours or even by several days later.

    I suggest keeping a journal of everything from, foods, drinks, chemical exposure, medicines, stressful situations, as any of these could be triggers. Eating healthy and getting enough sleep also helps. Lack of sleep can cause palpations. As can low blood sugar and electrolyte imbalance. I use a large 3 ring binder filled with paper as a journal. Write date, time, along with anything you drink, eat, consume, breathe in, or touches your skin. Also record any physical and emotional symptoms and sensations. You can look back later and see if you can see a connection between any of these and your palpations and others symptoms.

    Sometimes when I feel the palpations coming on or I just don’t feel right, I will drink a bottle of unflavored pedialyte, so I am guessing that sometimes my electrolytes are out of balance. I also drink a lot of water, water is good, but it does not replace electrolytes. The reason I use the unflavored Pedialyte is because it does not aggravate the heartburn like the flavored drinks.

    If I have not eaten much and my blood sugar is too low, I will try to eat something like a banana or an apple or you could also keep some glucose tablets around. I have notice when by blood sugar gets too low I am more prone to palpatations.

    If I do start to feel that I am getting heartburn or my esophagus is irritated I use this natural product called Heartburn Out, this has worked well for me. Alka-seltzer Gold really helps me too, they don’t sell either of these in my local stores, so I order them online from amazon.

    I keep my stress down by listening to relaxation apps, cds. and mp3’s. Doing breathing exercises also help. Going for walks and doing some kind of exercise every day. Relaxing with a good book, or watching something funny on tv also helps with stress.

    Since I have been keeping my heartburn, blood sugar, electrolytes, stress, etc., and getting enough sleep under control, I have not had the palpations in the past two years, which is pretty amazing to me because I was getting them almost daily for many years. It was figuring out my triggers and correcting them that is what really helped me!

    Best wishes to you!

    Sylvia

  34. Oops…..contd…..I dont consciously have anything on my mind that One would think causes a panic attack. Is this possible, to subconciously have panic issues?

  35. Thanks you Jude and Sylvia for your replies. I will call my doctor tomorrow and see what she says about the magnesium. And Sylvia, would you suggest Vitamin D or D3? I have really ad heartburn to the point i don’t think i could be off of my meds because i get it from even the most obscure drinks/food. A journal definitely sounds worth while. Sylvia, how bad were your palps when you were having them? I know a lot of people say that certain things trigger these fits, but i can’t think of anything that is new in my life that causes these..I have a fairly consistent life when it comes to a regular cycle of foods, living habits, cleaning products, etc. People suggest stress and anxiety and all these other things that i don’t have could cause them..But like i said, i have no more stress or anxiety than the average person. I know that a few days before i started having my spell of palps, i bought a new Glade air freshner that is really strong and set it next to my bed. I don’t know if that could be, but like you all said, when you have these things, anything is possible as to the culprit. Sometimes i just think that there is nothing that triggers them..They just come and go as they please. I don’t know. It’s frustrating, but i’ve learned to not get anxious over them. They are more like an annoying family member that is visiting-they come for a while, and then they leave again for a while. Also Sylvia, what mg do you take of Toprol? I take 50mg divided up into 2 periods of the day..Would you think asking the doctor about a higher dose would be worth while?

  36. Hi Josh,

    The things that trigger attacks in me were things that did not use to bother me, that is why it took me so long to figure it out! Because like you, they would seem to come on for no reason. But once I started journaling, I started seeing the connections. I had bought some Lysol spray and used a lot of it early one day, and that same night when I was starting to fall asleep, I was jolted awake with my heart racing, so the Glade could have been what triggered you, like I said before, things that did not use to cause me a problem I have to stay away from now, I don’t know what caused me to become sensitive to these things. I can’t even stand next to someone smoking, that has also triggered attacks in me. The reason it was hard to make the connections at first is because most of my reactions and palpitations are delayed, they usually happen 2 to 48 hours after exposure to any of my triggers. My heart rate goes up to anywhere from a 150 to 180, and as high as 200. My normal resting heart rate is between 50 to 70. I take Toprolol 25 mg twice a day, one 25 mg tablet in the morning and another 25 mg tablet at night. It is hard to say whether more would help or not! I do think Toprolol is very a helpful medicine, it has worked better for me then anything else I have tried over the years! I am taking the vitamin D3, that is what a doctor had suggested to me.

    I know what you mean about heartburn, I would get mine from obscure things too, even water would burn way down in my chest and esophagus, I had it really bad for a long time, it is not completely gone, but it is nothing now to what it use to be. Slowly but surely this has been getting less and less since I have gotten rid of triggers, taking the meds I take, and the supplements, eating healthy, exercise and stress reducing exercises.

    I do hope you find what works for you! I know how awful all this can be! Keep us posted!

    Sylvia

  37. Once again, thanks. I guess i will start with removing the air freshener next to my bed and see if there is any noticeable difference..It can’t hurt to try, that’s for sure. This is Day 8 straight of having heart palps all day long. The longest they have lasted is 2 weeks straight. Everyone says, don’t let them bring you down, just go on about your life..I can do that for the first few days, but after that, i’m pretty much worthless :/

  38. Hi Josh, I really do know how you feel! The longer the palps last, the harder it gets to deal with them, you just want them to stop and go away! I do know that certain chemical smell due trigger attacks in me, so I would remove the air freshener and be careful of chemicals you breathe in, they really can have an effect on many people! Hopefully you will feel better soon! Please do let us know how things are going with you, and if you find things that help you! I am always interested in what helps others! And also if you find out what is triggering your attacks! Take care of yourself!

    Sylvia

  39. Was also wondering if 1) PVCs/PACs were considered a heart disease? 2)Is it possible to collect any form of disability from these? I know they may not affect everyone’s daily lives, but it does mine when i do have them.

  40. Josh have you been check out if you’ve been check everything come back normal you dnt have to worry if you try magnesium it not working try hawthorn berry extract you can google it’s for heart health 15 drop dnt take it everyday it can drop your heart rate to low google it to fine more info

  44. Josh you can eat the berry me I use the hawthorn berry exact 15drops on a cup of water Idnt do pills not everyday every two or three days it makes your heart rate to low it’s good for chest pain to

  45. I’ve had palpitations off and on since I was sixteen. Recently they got much more intense. I’ll have them more than once a day just about everyday. I’ve done a lot to try and change this. I can barely relay everything I’ve been through since starting to see doctors about this. First I was told that I was stressed and I was put on beta-blockers and anti-anxiety medication. I was so eager to get relief from the palpitations that I went on both. I still had symptoms and I was KNOCKED OUT from the anti-anxiety meds. I went off them and the palpitations were worse for awhile. Then I went to an Integrative Medical doctor. He referred me to a cardiologist and put me on magnesium, fish oil, and anti-anxiety supplements. In the meantime my blood had been tested for everything under the sun (elecotrolytes, blood sugar, organ function, even lyme disease) and everything came back normal. At the cardiologist I was told that my ekg and my echocardiogram were normal. He said that I may have a slight mitral-valve prolapse. (this made sense because doctors have always heard a slight murmur since I was a child). I was supposed to do a Holter monitor but the first one didn’t work and I haven’t yet been able to do a second. I’ve starting going to therapy, I quit my job that was a huge cause of stress, I stopped drinking caffeine and alcohol, I don’t smoke, I eat a healthy diet, I meditate regularly. Recently, while doing all this, the palpitations got worse. My heart skips beats and sometimes flutters like a drumroll. After this happens I feel very dizzy and out of it. The cardiologist and doctors knew all this symptoms before… Is this really just stress or anxiety??? It’s so hard for me to believe there’s not something physical there. I’m desperate for relief. I feel like I can’t live my life. I do try to exercise regularly (I’m an active, fit person anyway) but exercise does seem to make it worse. The palpitation happen everytime I exercise and usually after as well. I cannot make sense of when they happen anymore. They’re totally random. Am I supposed to just live with this for the rest of my life? It feels impossible. If it’s not physical then why does is it feel so physically based – they arise even when I’m relaxed and calm… I’m just so frustrated with all of this. And, of course, the more they upset me, the more of them I get. What do I do?

  46. Josh as you are on beta blockers already i would check with your dr before taking hawthorn Berry. It acts in a similar manner to the tropol Both metoprolol and hawthorn exert effects on the electrical activity of your heart.So best to check with the dr.If you google hawthorn and tropol together you will find info on this.

  48. Hi Katie. How often do you have the palpitations and how long do yours last? I just found this page last week so i’m kind of new here. I just posted my story as well. I started having my PACs (premature atrial contractions) around 3 years ago or so..Though i have anywhere between 2-10 flutters on a daily basis, my PACs go in stages 2-3 times a year where they go all day everyday. I’ve been having a fit of them for 10 days straight now. Hundreds everyday without even a minute of them stopping. It’s very tough to deal with. Mine do go away after a while, but they will always come back for me. From the moment i wake up they start, always faint, and as the day progresses they are aggressive and thuddy. They affect my daily life as well. Thankfully they do go away for me, after a couple of weeks. The “spell” i’m in now as lasted for 10 days and i’m praying it will pass soon. I can deal and function w/the first few days, but after that i can barely function. I really have no idea how this can’t be corrected. So many people seem to have the PACs/PVCs. All the doctors say the same thing: Don’t worry, they can’t hurt you. I have got rid of any anxiety that they use to cause me, but they still physically and mentally effect me. I get moody and irritable and tired. It’s not very fun at all. I’m on toprol, but nothing seems to work. In fact, everything that supposedly triggers these things, i don’t do. Everything that has been suggested to make them less frequent i have tried. I just started this week on Magnesium, calcium, d3, potassium and so far nothing, though it may be to early to tell yet. But i really don’t think these things will work..As i’ve stated above, for myself, i just think these things will come and go as they please, unfortunately.

  49. I don’t know, it’s almost like the heart or something in the heart gets in this weird pattern/rhythm, it’s going to do it’s thing and eventually get out of this pattern again. That’s just a theory, though.

  50. Hi Katie

    I am so sorry that you are having such a bad times with these.We all know how physically and emotionally debilitating they can be and my heart really goes out to you.I too found it hard to believe mine were related to anxiety. I was first diagnosed with an anxiety disorder over 9 years ago.You may have read my story earlier.

    If you are finding it hard to accept that it is anxiety related you need to get that halter monitor done, back to the cardiologist and get that reassurance that you need,then if they tell you its anxiety believe it.It is only then you accept that they are a result of anxiety that you can then begin to recover.I have been revisiting all the stuff I learnt years ago as i have been in remission over the last few years.But with some stressful stuff happening I have relapsed.

    I am all the wiser and stronger for it this time as i know it does get better. I and you can and will recover from this.The other night I hit rock bottom.After a couple of crap days the palps had gotten to me and gotten me down,I had lost hope and was sick of it and wanted to be “normal”So after i had a good cry i thought what am i going to do about it.

    I know mine are truly anxiety related and believe that so i knew what i needed to do was start working on anxiety again.But the key is believing that is the cause I think.I was having a lot happening but felt happy and well and at one with the changes happening in my life but bang out of nowhere the symptoms of anxiety returned.It is so so hard to believe it can cause palps I know as it doesn’t seem to make sense.I like you eat healthily, exercise and it is very frustrating.

    So I hopped on here and did some searching and I ended up downloading the ebook The big idea off this site.(No am not on staff or a relative!!! )I am just telling you as it helped me get off the spiral I was on.It was just what i needed . It reminded me what i needed to do in order to recover. I was doing all the wrong things,catastrophising and negative self talk.Fearful of it all, fearful of the palps,fearful of the future,fearful it was always going to be this way….It was very inspiring,hopeful and educational and today is a brand new day and i can see it will get better,I truly believe that.

    I know you said you are having therapy and doing all the right things so maybe getting yourself checked out again would be the best first move so you can be reassured. I have often wondered why electrolytes work such as magnesium (it has certainly reduced mine)but a friend of mine into naturopathy said that people who are anxious, stressed or worriers tend to poorly absorb these and the b group vitamins so that is why supps can sometimes help.

    I would never in a millions years propose so understand anxiety and how it produces the symptoms it does but i do know it will get better.I am sure others on here will have other suggestions for you,this is my personal feelings.read as much as you can ,knowledge and empowerment to help ourselves is so important.Please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

  51. Hi all. Just wondering how everyone is getting on? Mine have been intermittent today ,appearing when i sit down,drive or attempt to relax, like now.!So annoying as you all know.I have upped my magnesium a bit yesterday.Anyway hope everyone is doing okay.Also hope if any of you were or have loved ones in the area of the storm I hope all safe and okay.Take care.

  52. Jude-
    I’m very happy to hear that your weekend getaway went well! I know that when I have trips like that I tend to get anxious. In fact, last year I actully backed out of a golfing trip to Florida (I’m in NY) after I paid for it because my PVC were acting up and I knew I’d be anxious the entire time and not have fun. The trouble is that its a double edge sword because then I’m upset for not going and then get mad at the PVC’s/Palps which of course only makes them worse. UGH. Anyway, its always comforting to hear people with our conditions doing those things and having fun! And may I also add, I’m so glad you are participating in this blog, I enjoy reading all of your posts and hearing how you have workded through it in the past and now! You are a big help to me and I’m sure others.

    John/Josh/Katie-
    If I could throw my 2 cents in, it would be to just keep working at getting better. For someone who has been through the SVT/Palps/PVC’s for years on and off, I can say that it sometimes just takes time. There were times I’d go a few weeks without any symptoms and think I was finally getting better, only to have them come back stronger! What I’ve learned is to not fight it. In life sometime you take 2 steps forward and 1 back and THAT IS OKAY. Try hard not to get discouraged. I know, easier said then done, I’ve been there. I can’t tell you how many times I laid awake at night, or was sitting in my office and thought I was going to die. That is a terrible feeling and I know it’s tough to overcome. If I could also offer another method to help, try some breathing exercises. I find that when I’m anxious (like most people) my breathing gets quick and shallow. Sometimes I even hold my breath without knowing. My heart will then start flip flopping in my chest and let’s me know I have to breath! So the shallow breathing and breath holding can cause the palps too. So I’ve read that doing breathing exercises can also help if not eliminate them. Again, you have to keep at it, and don’t think it’s going to be the magic bullet. Keep up with everything else too…eat right, exercise, maybe take medication/supplements like the magnesium, toprol, etc., mediate/relax, and incorporate the breathing exercise. Remember, when you go to the Dr and tell them your throat hurts, notice how they check your heart, ears, nose, lungs and everything else! Everything else could be affected, so you sometimes have to take a complete approach. So, I would recommend going to your library and pick this up for free: “Breathing, The Master Key to Self Healing” by Andrew Weil, MD. It may help you like it’s helped me recently. Also, check in on your breathing from time to time, is it short, fast, and shallow? It should be deep and slow.

    Stephan-
    How’ve you been?

    Everyone-
    I’ve found it really helps me to read and write in this blog. Keep us posted on how you are doing. I know I don’t always have time to write, but I do get to read here often. Keep on fighting!!

  53. I love this so much. Everyday i read the posts and im very thankful to have other people sharing how they deal with the day to day crap. Some days are harder than others but thanks to you guys it makes it so much easier. Thanks everyone for the positive comments and helping me get through this. Much love.

  55. Thanks Gary for your words, and you as well Jude. I’m still in one of my stages again where my PACs having been going crazy all day for 12 days straight now. I’m getting semi-anxious because the longest they have lasted is 14 days straight..I’m just worried that they will continue..But if they do, i’m just going to go for a check up with the doctor..Obviously reassurance sometimes can make a huge difference. Functioning in the day time is not that bad for me, it’s late at nite and especially as i’m going to bed the PACs are so very thuddy and aggressive, making it hard to sleep. I’ve also noticed something new this time around. In the early morning hours when i’m in and out of sleep, i notice this weird sensation as if my body in vibrating, almost like the inside of my head is emitting a shaking type feeling. I know it sounds weird, but it’s what is happening. Never had that before, other than a few odd times through out my life in which i thought nothing of it. It’s never happened during a PAC fit though. But, i’ve been hanging in there as this isn’t my first round with them. Hope everyone is fairing well 🙂

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