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.
Hey josh I had the same problem but my is gone and how youve been having anxiety
Hi Gary thanks so much for you kind words.Finding this blog has helped me more than you can imagine.I think being able to share keeps it real for me and helps to keep me grounded and not let my imagination take off to far.So thankyou for your posts and encouragement,you are obviously very experienced in this anxiety caper and thankyou for sharing that knowledge. I know what you mean about the breathing,Some days i notice my stomach is sore because i haven’t relaxed it all to take in a full breath as if holding it tight and shallow breathing is the only safe think to do,god forbid what would happen if i relaxed!!So i will see if that book is available here in Aust.I am sorry you missed out on your golf trip,I nearly backed out of this one too but you know i think it is okay to avoid things occassionally to be kind to ourselves. I feel it is only if we consistently do it it becomes a problem and because we are aware of the implications of that we wouldnt let that happen.
As for giving it time I think that is the best advice for me at the moment.I figure packing up your home and moving overseas for over a year,leaving much loved pets and home in the care of others is a stressful time and add to that my first long haul flight with an anxiety disorder no wonder my heart is flip flopping all over the place!I will be patient,accept it in all its forms and keep going as we do.I knew it would always be a crap time for my anxiety disorder but it will be so worth it!!
Hi Josh. Sorry things aren’t letting up for you.Yes i had that vibrating feeling in my head first time round with my anxiety disorder,Incredibly scary i know but it did pass. It hung around intermittently for only a few days. I think going back to the drs would be a really helpful thing to do.Things are obviously escalating for you and I think that getting some reassurance would be a really good intervention before things spiral. I know as i have been there done that and know where our fearful thoughts can take us.They obviously are affecting your sleep and are so tiring physically and emotionally which doesn’t help So i think some intervention from your Dr would be good.Keep in touch and let us know how you get on.
Hi Sammy yes i have experienced numbness but with all new symptoms you should get it checked out just to be sure and then you can accept it as anxiety.
Have a happy day everyone.I am working on it!
Hi all.
Gary/Josh/Jude – Thank you for your encouragement. It does help to write here and read about what you all are going through. As supportive and kind as my loved ones are I really feel like this is something that you can’t get unless you’ve experienced it.
I talked to my cardiologist yesterday and he says that the three hours that the Holter monitor worked was enough to glean information from and that everything was normal. He also says my echocardiogram was totally normal. It’s hard to trust these tests when I know that I didn’t have a palpitation during either of them (of course!) but I am really trying to just believe that I’m physically sound and that it’s anxiety. The palpitations have been much less frequent over the last two days and when they’re not happening, it’s easier to believe that it’s anxiety.
I also upped my intake of bananas and potassium over the last few days. They don’t disappear completely with potassium and magnesium, but I do think that those supplements help. I’ve also been coughing when they come up in an effort to stop them before they go crazy. And I do think that acknowledging that anxiety is the main culprit has helped a great deal. I used to suffer from very obvious anxiety disorder. But now I don’t typically feel overly anxious. I know longer have panic attacks – my life feels a lot more normal and functional. But I didn’t get palpitations then, but I do now. It’s just about going deeper, I suppose
Since they haven’t been so bad over the last day and a half (I haven’t had one yet today, that’s the first time in weeks) I’ve been taking advantage of that time to take extra good care of myself and process through some possible anxiety inducers so maybe this time the peace will last a little longer.
The thing is, that when I’m in a phase of having the palpitations, even when I’m not having one I just feel so different. My chest aches and my back is tight. My heart feels empty and weak. And, of course, I’m obsessive and constantly watching out for the next one.
So…Josh, I feel your pain and I’m sorry it’s been going on so regularly for so long now. Just keep writing here and remember that you do know what it’s like to not have them. It’s SO easy to forget that while they’re happening.
Thanks everyone.
Thanks everyone. I feel a bit better today, but it’s the nights that awful for me. Anyways, i’m not for sure exactly where i stand with rating my level of anxiety. I can honestly say when i first started having PACs years ago, every single one would send a wave an fear/anxiety right from my stomach through my chest. After having them for so long in periods, i don’t get that anxiety from them anymore. I do however get annoyed at the longevity of these episodes, so then comes stress. I haven’t thought much about stress lately because i’m constantly assuming anxiety and stress are the same thing, and they are not. So, what i’ve tried to do today is instead of getting stressed about every little palp, i just tell mentally tell myself that they are now a normal part of my living , and i hoping that with that, it will eliminate the stress factor, and then leading to them disappearing?? It’s definitely worth a try. I do take some anxiety meds once in a great while to help out, but i tend to take them more before bedtime, so maybe i should start actually taking them through the evening, as i stay up very late..It’s not uncommon for me to go to bed at 4 and 5 am, however i do get plenty of sleep.
Hello Friends,
Gary – I’ve been doing good. I’ve read everyone’s posts, just haven’t had time to get to a computer and reply.
I’m glad that we have some newcomers, but I’m not glad that they are going through the same things. At least we can all sympathize with each other knowing we are not alone.
Katie – I’m not sure how far back you’ve read but I too had a complete cardio workup with nothing detected, so I know the frustration. I kept worrying that they weren’t finding anything and I was dying and no one could explain why. However – every time I have an episode come on I take a Xanax and everything goes away. This is the only thing that has convinced me it was anxiety.
I’ve been taking the natural calm mag powder for about a week now. I take a tsp at night before bed and I also take a mag pill with lunch. My palps have severally decreased and I now only feel a few a day and some days none at all.
I did have a real rough run last night though. I was on track to run 8 miles and I hit mile 5 or so and I was suddenly exhausted I could feel my heart rate was higher then normal and pounding heavier. I had to cut the run short because around 6.5 miles I started getting palps on every exhale. It was frustrating, but as soon as I slowed up everything normalized. It’s just annoying.
Josh – keep your head up. Just from your words you seem to have a positive perspective on all of this which will help you overcome.
Jude – you are an inspiration, I am giving you the title of ‘mom’
of the group. You are so reassuring and kind and always seem to have a loving, motherly outlook on things.
Praying for you all.
Sammy- I’ve never had complete left side numbness, but my entire left arm and hand have felt numb. It’s rare, but it has happened. A tingling in the arm and hand has been more frequent, also feels very cold but sweaty at the same time almost. Never had anthing on the right side, not sure why…
Gary that’s the exact same thing I have
I’m pretty sure that many of you have mitral valve prolapse syndrome. This does not show up on echocardiograms all the time and most doctors don’t understand it so we think we are going around with heart trouble, but in 40% of the people who have, it is a nervous system problem. I am not trying to sell anything, but I think if you go to our website, many of you will read about your self. There are life style changes that can help you feel better. This is genetic, so other meembers of your family may have it two. My 3 kids and I all have MVPS, only 1 of us had a positive echocardiogram. Please let us know if we can be of help to any of you. We know what you are going through, we have been there.
Hi everyone. Hi Katie ” I used to suffer from very obvious anxiety disorder. But now I don’t typically feel overly anxious. I know longer have panic attacks – my life feels a lot more normal and functional. But I didn’t get palpitations then, but I do now. It’s just about going deeper, I suppose”. You took the words right out of my mouth this is so so me. I was feeling so good before my palps started, then once palps started anxiety flared up again as i was anxious about them!!My chicken and egg theory!I know it it underlying anxiety that causes the palps and as you say that acceptance helps so much.I am glad yours have been settling and those peaceful moments become everyday.
Hi Stephan, I am so happy that your palps have been settling. Sounds like you are working thru this so well. of course you will still have your crap times and a crap time is all it will be,not forever.You are heading in the right direction. well done you!I take the mum badge with pride and thanks for your kind words. I am often referred to a a mother hen at home,am I that obvious!Hope you have had another run since your crappy one and had that wonderful feeling of release a good run brings.
Hi Josh, you are a nocturnal animal obviously!Way past my bedtime!! but definatley i would look at taking your meds in the evening as this is your most wake time.It is understandable that your stress levels are increasing the longer they hang around you are only human although i think we all deserve the “Super” prefix.Hopefully your run is at the end and relief comes soon.Hang in there, they have gone before and will again.
Sammy did your numbness settle?
Bonnie I read your post with interest and will do some searching.Thanks for that although i am sure mine are definatley anxiety related.No doubt there.But am always interested to read new info.
John how are you getting on?
Hope everyone has a happy and palp free day.Will post a bit later as have to head out but had an interesting chat with someone re supplements and anxiety.
Jude hi how you’ve been feeling lately thanks for the kind mention I still have numbness but it on and off now I’m getting butter
Yes, Katie, it is hard for others to sympathize/empathize. I’ve tried to explain to everyone my “condition” and they are aware of it, but i don’t think they realize how stressful and annoying and sometimes scary it is. Today my grandma asked “What’s wrong?” And i said my heart is still doing it’s thing.” Or one of my friends know it’s happening, but i think it’s really easy for them to forget about it as it’s not happening to them. I don’t think they realize when i say it goes crazy all day long, it literally is all day long. I had a chance to stay at a friends house this weekend, but i didn’t because my palps are berserk still and i don’t rest that well at other’s houses, especially during all this. I was also pretty isolated this weekend, so it wasn’t that fun. However, a new week is beginning after tomorrow, so there is always that to look forward to. I’ve been on my vitamins and supplements (Calcium, D3, Magnesium and Potassium) for 4 or 5 days now. How was everyone else’s weekend? I also just realized the time on the computer had set itself back right now! I was like, wasn’t it just that time a while back? Lol.
Hi everyone. I just started having palpitations/heart skipping beats for about 5 days straight now pretty much continuously throughout the day. I panicked the second day when they didn’t go away and went to urgent care (I don’t have insurance at my PT job).
The Dr. said that my heart was skipping beats and told me to take an ECG, which I did (the next day) — but everything looked normal EXCEPT that I had low blood pressure. But he wasn’t sure if that would be a factor contributing to the palpitations unless he did more tests (blood work, etc).
I don’t eat a lot of meat, so I know my diet is low in iron and maybe magnesium as well. But I’m not sure if those factors would contribute to the palpitations being completely continuously for the past, almost week. Any insight would be very helpful.
Thank you!
Btw, I am 26/female.
@Sylvia, i read where you take Toprol as well as Hawthorn. What did your doctor say about mixing the two, and have you had an weird side effects from taking the two together? Can’t call the doc on the weekends, so i was just curious because i’m thinking about buying some Hawhthorn, obviously after i speak to my doctor though.
Josh please do not mix hawthorn with anything ok
Hi All
hey Josh I have been thinking as you are a night owl I guess you probably have a lot of time on your own to think about stuff? I know I do and I spend far too much time in my head sometimes. This when my palps seems to be the worse too.What can you do to try to distract yourself when you are having a bad run?I will head somewhere,read something positive, or do somethings that grounds me and brings me back to reality.Sometimes it can just be running into someone and having a meaningless chat about nothing in particular with a stranger settles it.Or I post on here!Breaks the thought cycle.This may not be a problem for you.Josh as Sammy said do be careful mixing your hawthorn and tropol as both slow the heart rate.
I also understand Katie re people not understanding.I know that the important people in my life care but know they will never truly understand and i would never wish it on anyone.How do you describe the feelings of a panic attack, an anxiety disorder or these palps produce?That’s why this site has been an absolute find for me as I know you all share the frustration of it.( i am truly sorry you do by the way!)A long time ago i shared a house with a work mate that had an anxiety disorder and panic attacks.This was when i had not experienced them and knew nothing about them.I would sometimes drive him to work when he was having a bad day.We would go to the pub together and he would drink himself silly to feel better ( i didn’t see that then but i do know)Quite a few years later and post my own experience I ran into him and apologized.As his friend at that time I thought I understood what he was going thru but i had no idea whatsoever of the terror he was living with until i experienced it.
I don’t hesitate to tell people though if it seems appropriate.It is not something to be ashamed of or feel bad about. I am sure the more we talk about things the better for everyone. It is suprising once you start talking about ‘IT”how many others have experienced it or know of others who have.Most accept it,move on and it rarely comes up again.My children went to a really small country primary school and out of about 30 families three of the mums have it or have suffered from anxiety disorder. all like you and me normal people living normal lives.
Hi Sammy thanks for your thoughts yesterday. I am doing okay.Working at it!!This relapse i know is temporary and will pass!!How are you going?
Well enough of my rambling!Have a happy day everyone.
@Sammy, when you say anything, are you meaning medicines, alcohol, not sure? Obviously i plan on speaking to my doctor and pharmacist, i just know Sylvia and some other people online take Hawthorn and Toprol, so i was just looking for those that had and see if they had any weird problems. But thanks for your concern, as you were the one who suggested Hawthorn. I had never heard of it until you mentioned it 🙂 From what i’ve been reading, it seems like it’s definitely worth a try and can help a lot.
Med and alcohol you shouldn’t be drinking alcohol if have plps
Sammy-I’m not drinking alcohol, i was trying to see what you were referencing when you said don’t mix w/anything.that leaves a lot of things open, just making sure what you meant..
Jude-I do have a lot of free time on my hands currently, as i’m unemployed, however i watch my friend’s kid monday through friday..in my spare time i read book after book, i watch a lot of shows and movies, read comics *yes, i’m a nerd!*, i write, play video games, i’m fairly social. So, though i do have a very wandering mind, i don’t spend a lot of time thinking about my palps. I’m usually occupied w/something.
Floey-I’m not a doctor and it’s too soon to tell, but you very well may have PVCs/PACs. For some reason i can’t see all the other comments from previous conversations on here, or i would tell you to read them. But if you don’t know much about them, i would do some research. Most doctors will say they are harmless and benign palpitations, even as alarming and aggressive they may be. I take spells of having palps straight for days and weeks straight. I’ve actually been having them straight for the last 13 days. They will go away eventually. People will say there are things that trigger them such as caffeine, chocolate, anxiety, stress, electrolyte imbalance, magnesium deficiency, etc..The list could go on. For me i don’t do any of these things, so i think they just come and go when they want, at least for me. However, i’m sure anxiety and stress could make them more persistent, but everything that is listed as to reasons that one may have them, i can pretty much rule them out, which i why i say for myself, that they just have a mind of their own. They were very scary to me at first, but once i read other posts online and doctors reassured me they were harmless, then i settled down.
@Josh. Thanks for the info. How long do your longest spells last ? And are they continuous throughout the day/night? Mine are. They’ve been pretty much nonstop for about a week now. My EKG looked normal but of course I felt like I wasn’t having any during that time. Hah hah. I do have low blood pressure though, which I’ve been drinking more water and gatorade for, but it might take longer than a few weeks to become normal…idk.
I was taken to the hospital two nights ago..after putting up with these heart flutters/palpitations. All my blood work came back fine, nothing showed up on the EKG, which is not uncommon, since it only measures for a short amount of time. The RN who cared for me said she did see it flutter on the heart monitor. My blood pressure also was lower than usual. I was given IV fluids to make it come up in the ambulance. (?)
So the Doctor who dismissed me 2 hours later told me to have “pure thoughts”. Basically it was an anxiety induced heart palpitation. Scared the hell out of me though. I wish I would have found this article sooner.
Josh looking after kids counts as a full time job!Also both my kids are aspiring nerds,they are held in great esteem in our house lol.But yep you definately don’t have time to dwell on things. Josh it sounds to me like you really have it all together and no issues that is great and as you say they obviously have a mind of their own.Here is to them leaving asap.
Hi Floey ditto what Josh said.Mine are anxiety related but I have had them on and off for 15 years.Have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder 9 years ago but have been pretty much symptom free for the last 6.But they are paying me a friendly visit again!It is good that you are getting them checked out. As you have probably noticed from your searching lots of people seem to have them and they are ruled out as benign.But best to check first for reassurance and diagnosis.Yes they are definitely scary no doubt about it but when you realise that they are not harmful it becomes much less fear inducing.
Yes low iron and magnesium can definately cause palpitations so you should get your iron levels checked. Apparently blood tests for magnesium arent that accurate?others may know more on this.I am stil learning about the supplements.As a vege you may be deficient.I am a fish eating vege and my iron levels aren’t brilliant but okay.Some women find that they are worse when menstruating and hormonal changes.But i think the thing to feel reassured is that they are benign, a huge bloody nuisance at times but not harmful.
Eddy how are you going today? This site has been a real lifeline to me helping me get thru this ,this round.Thank you for your beautiful words, we are all helping each other and I really appreciate it.
Florey lol with them not showing on the ECG,that is a character trait i am sure.!!Mine did the same ,9 years ago i had a holter monitor as they were full on, the 24hrs i had it on none happened grrr…..
@Jude, thanks for the reply. I kinda ruled out stress/anxiety because they are continuous…so I didn’t think that it had anything to do with stress unless they came when I was stressed out and left when I relaxed. I’m just finding it really hard to rest and relax right now because of the palpitations.
Do yours come and go? How frequent/often are they?
Floey mine do come and go depending on what I am doing.If i am busy I do not notice them much at all but if I stop like I am now I notice they are there.Very frustrating as it is hard to relax I know.Mine are worse when i relax. I jog and don’t have any problems at all with them or with any forms of exercise.In fact i find it helps as as mine are anxiety related it helps burn up that excess adrenalin running around!
So mine are more apparent when I relax and will be there intermittantly throughout the day and always when I relax.They will go on for a few minutes, several a minute then usually i get cranky and start moving and they settle or at least i am not noticing them.They may still be there. I haven’t had a palp free day for a few weeks now since they started but i think the magnesium has helped as they certainly aren’t as frequent.If you read back through the posts some have occasional ones, some people like Josh have them constantly.
To help me relax when i have them i try to accept them and do some deep breathing.This really helps me with mine but again could be as mine are anxiety related. They are incredibly scary i know but they wont hurt you, annoy you most definitely but not harm you.
I think you are to young to have mercury fillings? Have you had any dental work done recently?A friend of mine experienced full on palps after having dental work done removing old fillings. Mercury apparently absorbs the magnesium and selenium and other electrolytes leading to a imbalance. He was ale to stop his palps by replenishing with supplements.Have you had any environmental factors change lately. Some people get them from chemical sensitivities such as in cleaning chemicals and some even food sensitivities.Maybe have a look and see if anything has changed in your lifestyle since they started.As you already know definately steer clear of caffeine and alcohol for now and energy drinks.As i am sure you know Tea and chocolate also contain caffeine.
Are you getting bloods done or what is happening next?
Hi, I was really happy to find this site and realize that I’m not alone but lately it seems that only a few people are talking to each other in length!…maybe you few people should send personal emails to each other.
Hi JUDE,
No I haven’t had any dental work done, but I did have an ear infection that got treated with ear drops 2 weeks ago, that’s it. I may have low magnesium lvls bc I don’t eat a lot of fish or meat and I guess that will have to be checked through blood work.
Do your palps come and go? Mine just started randomly last Tuesday when I was trying to sleep I noticed them and they haven’t gone down since. How old are you? I’m 26, so I’m not sure if age is much of a factor in any of this. My Dr. looked under my eyelids and suggested that I may be anemic, so I might have to see if taking supplements will help. Are there any OTC magnesium/iron supplements that you would recommend? I don’t have insurance.
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Floey. I’m 27 years old. My palpitations are every day. On a regular basis i only have a few. Like when i bend over or something in that nature. However, what i call my fits/spells of PACs/palps, they tend to come about 2 times a year. I had a post way above this one about it, but like i said, they seem to have got moved to the previous page now. But i have them all day long, everyday for weeks straight when i do have them. Somtimes, like the last few days, i have periods where they stop for maybe 40 minutes to 2 hours, which usually means they my “fits/spells” are coming to and end for a while. It’s so odd how that just come on there own. The first time i ever had them i went to lay down and they started doing that. Like every other person who has described their first experience, they startled me and i was in and out of the ER w/the same stories as everyone else. But the only time for me that they seem to be low key while i’m having these episodes is while i’m standing. Like i can be in the shower and maybe have a couple, but as soon as i sit down they will flare up again. Sleeping while having them is hard..I don’t have any advice really other than when i’m having them it takes a bit for me to go asleep. I use to wonder how can i sleep with these things?! But somehow, my body has got use to them and my mind just shuts down for the nite. I hope you can get some rest and some more understanding as to what’s going on. For me i just needed some time to get use to them and some reassurance from doctors and others who were going through them. But besides those two random times a year they seem to happen, i’m fine. I feel great and what not.
@Corliss, i don’t mind writing this way, as i’m sure the others don’t as well. Personally if it wasn’t for these lengthy updates from these people, i would probably have just clicked through the page and went on to another page, not finding any info and thinking it was just another dead end page. However, i have learned a lot from this page and others experiences just in the last week and i’ve had the PACs for a good 3 years now.
Corliss I thought that is what this site is all about. The info is there available to all and could be useful to all.If you don’t want to read a lengthy post then don’t but I find them invaluable and appreciate every bit what everyone has written and contributed.I am sorry if you are unhappy with this but I appreciate it more than you can imagine and know that others have helped me and I hope I can help them.The reassurance and contribution from others is helping me thru a really tricky patch and people taking the time to care is so appreciated.Just ignore my rambling posts if you aren’t interested!!!
Have a happy day .
Hi Josh, and Everyone else,
I have been taking the Toprol and Hawthorn for quite some time now and have had no bad reactions what so ever. In fact I take quite a few supplements. And I have not had any palpitations in two years. And I was getting them quite often, sometimes several times a day! This had been going on for many years. I spent many years suffering with palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks, heartburn, and other symptoms and sensations. I have spent a lot of hours in the ER, hospital stays, numerous test, etc. My heart rate would go up to 180 and my blood pressure would go sky high whenever I had these attacks. My normal heart rate and blood pressure is very good! When I told my doctor what supplements I was taking, he said as long as they were working well for me to keep doing what I was doing.
I noticed that when I am not taking vitamins I have a lot more anxiety, symptoms, sensations and palpatation, my guess is that I am low on some vitamins and minerals and this set off the symptoms.
I am sensitive to orange juice, cranberry juice, certain berries, coffee, pizza, any high acid foods or drinks 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. I also cannot take any cold medicines as they cause me to have anxiety and panic attacks. A lot of cleaning products like bleach and Lysol spray will cause me to have anxiety. 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 symptoms, sensations, anxiety, and palpatations. 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 many different symptoms, 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, and even the weather (feeling over heated can make me feel anxious), as any of these could be triggers. I use a large 3 ring binder filled with paper as a journal. You can look back later and see if you can see a connection between any of these and any symptoms, sensations, palpitations, anxiety or panic attacks.
Supplements And Medication I Take: (some of these are everyday and some I use as needed) It might look like a long list, but some of these are as needed only.
Magnesium -twice a day
Calcium
Folic Acid
Vitamin C
Complete B Complex
B6
B12
Probiotics
Enzymes
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Co Q 10
L- Carnitine
Hawthrone
1 baby aspirin a day
L-glutamine
D3
Fish Oil
Zinc
Multi Vitamin Multi Mineral
Milk Thistle
Melatonin – night time
Niacin
Passion Flower Extract – as needed for anxiety, panic and palpitations
Remedy – as needed for stress and anxiety
Benadryl – as needed for allergies, sensitives, and bad reactions to food, drinks, chemicals, etc.
Heartburn Out – as needed for heart burn or irritated esophagus
Klonopin (Clonazepam) – as needed
Beta Blocker – Toprol – twice a day
Tri-Salts – as needed
Alka-Seltzer Gold ( Good for bad reactions from foods and chemicals which cause palpations and anxiety and other symptoms for me) – as needed
Buffered Vitamin C – as needed
Pedialyte or Gatoraide as needed
I also drink Chamomile tea to help me relax.
Sorry this was long, but this is what has worked for me these past two years.
Hi Floey
I am 44 and my palps first started when i was in my late 20″s.They came out of the blue one day but not to bad so i just sort of ignored them then one day after a caffeine binge i found myself in the casualty department thinking I was having a heart attack as we all do. I was discharged and told to steer clear of caffeine and they should settle. I did see a cardiologist and had echo done,halter monitor and shown to be PVCS . I was told to not be scared of them, they are benign and may come and go.I stopped caffeine intake completely not even chocolate!! They did settle for a long time,then about 9 years ago they resurfaced when i started having panic attacks after a trauma.
Ahhh just saw the time have to pick my kids up from school!( i am in Aust) will finish post later!!!
I am truly sorry Jude and anyone else that I have offended…I am just having a bad day/week/life! I have been dealing with palps for 40 nerve racking years and we all have to face it…there’s no miracle cure. I seem “normal” to everyone that knows me…I am a wife, Mother, & Grandmother and my family does not understand what I am going through…it’s an on going daily problem I just have to deal with. I feel sorry for all of you that has this problem…Life would be great without drama and stress! Unfortunately that comes with life.
Hi JOSH, do you mean they are no longer continuous throughout the day aside from twice a year? That’s good to hear if that’s the case.
Did you try to take anything to control them or did you just let them go away on their own?
I am hoping to get some blood work done this week, especially if they continue to persist.
Corliss you don’t need to apologise.I am so so sorry you are having a bad day. I got teary reading your last post as I think we can all empathise. It must be so hard for you after so many years no wonder you were feeling grumpy I would be too .some days it just gets too much . it must be hard being all those roles in your family but needing some understanding yourself. Are yours anxiety related or no real known cause? My heart truly goes out you .vent here if you need to I know I ramble on but I am a very good listener too. Take care.
Hi JUDE, how long did they take to settle after you stopped your caffeine intake? I typically used to drink a diet soda or green tea midday during my break EVERYDAY, but I’ve stopped for about a week once the palpitations started and I freaked out about caffeine possibly being a contributor.
But since I’ve been off the caffeine for a week they still haven’t calmed down — but I’m wondering if it takes longer to settle?
Hope you picked up your kids on time! haha
Hi Floey I was just a little late !my daughter was tapping her watch as I pulled up!!:-)
Mine took a few weeks to settle as I became anxious about them. But they slowly decreased over that following couple of months. They never completely went but I could go weeks without them.they would pop in occasionally lucky me but hardly noticeable.not at all like now.as far as info about the supplements someone else might be more helpful as availably differs here in Australia.i will be really interested to hear how your iron results are.
Corliss, it’s ok! Sometimes it’s hard to understand what one has means online or in a text message. SOmetimes my friends will text me and i’m like, that’s mean! and they will say, no! it wasn’t meant to be read like that. Some things are meant to sound nice but may come off the opposite…It happens 🙂
Floey, for me, my palps seem to come in two spells a year, about 6 months apart. I know it’s strange and i don’t even understand it.Now, i do remember one small flare up of them for a few days that occurred a month or so after a spell of them went away. I’m sorry, i hope this isn’t confusing. But everyone’s are different… Some people rarely get them. But yes, whenever i’m free of a palp fit, i’m typically fine other than a few normal skipped beats a day.
Hi Josh, no, it’s not strange at all. Since I’ve started getting them I realize that they’re anything but.
How long do your spells last? I think you mentioned 2 weeks almost?
Anyways, hope you get some rest tonight! Unless you’re a night owl..
@JOSH, PS. were/are you low in iron/potassium/mag?
Sylvia did you see a naturopath or did you find out what to try yourself? I am getting confused doing my research as it seems to vary what to take and the recommended daily intakes as well.You are obviously very knowledgeable and i am just in awe that you have worked it out and helped yourself to heal.That is wonderful. I am awaiting a book that i brought online called Good health in the 21st century by Carole Hungerfood Dr Hungerford .
A friend showed me there copy and it was really interesting especially for me in regard to anxiety.cant wait for it to get here!
Floey I was out when I posted earlier but now i am home I can tell you the magnesium i am taking is Nutri Vital Ultra Magnesium Complete powder.It has goodies other than just magnesium,like b group vitamins, selenium ( Australian soils are very low in this),calcium,zinc,folic acid and a few others.I don’t know if it is the best one to get but it was similar to the other powders available here.I know on this thread people have mentioned Natural Calm but that isn’t available here.wishing those palps away for you!
Not sure if i was low because i never had anything tested, but i’m sure i am. Because of my weird hours i tend to maybe eat one meal a day and then smaller stuff through the evening/nite..It would not surprise me that i’m low on certain vitamins. My spells usually last 2 weeks straight. I have no idea why they have any sort of time period that they seem to adhere to either.
Hi Jude, No, I have never consulted with a naturopath. I spent years of suffering, so I spent many more years researching what would help me. I have many huge three ring binders filled with what I found while researching. I have a library literally filled with books, Cd’s and DVD’s on health, and many more files on my computer and external drives. I did this for survival, I did not want to spend the rest of my life living like that! I have also worked in nursing for many years, and have also studied health and wellness courses and fitness courses. It took a lot of researching along with trial and error to find things that work for me. I have also found many other remedies that help with some of my other symptoms and sensations. All I know is that it is working! This is the longest I have been without severe palpitations and panic attacks.
I have never heard of that book before “Good health in the 21st century by Carole Hungerfood Dr Hungerford”, but I looked it up on Amazon and it sounds like a very interesting book, I will be ordering it to read and add to my library. Thank you for the recommendation! I can never pass up a good interesting book on health!
I hope you find what works for you! Please keep me posted!
ONe more question, Sylvia: I was wondering how much Hawthorn you take and how often.? i’ve read that maybe every other day or few days apart worked best.
Hi Josh, I take two capsules of 565 mg each of Hawthorn in the morning after breakfast, and another two capsules with dinner everyday. I take all my supplements everyday. I hope everyone is doing well tonight!
@JUDE,
Interesting. Are they OTC? I don’t have insurance so I want to look into getting something that might not be prescribed just to try a small dose of magnesium or something.
@JOSH. Oic. I used to be a night owl too. What do you do work wise?
Well, i’ve done all kinds of jobs. I’ve telemarketed, i worked for my uncle’s paper, i’ve washed dishes, worked on campus, been a delivery guy. I worked at a restaurant for years on and off until 2 years ago when it got shut down. I’ve been drawing unemployment for a bit, which is almost over, and i watch my best friend’s 4 year old boy Monday through Friday.
Oh wow watching kids is a full time job. I would nanny sometimes in college and they really suck the energy out of you, haha.
Good luck with everything. Looks like you have a very varied resume though 🙂
Yeah, and he’s my little buddy too. It can be hard having the palps and being frustrated and watching a kid on top of that. How are you doing Floey? Still having episodes or did they die down? My email said there was another lady that had commented here this evening, but i’m not seeing the comment now.
Hi everyone!
Sylvia you are a hope and inspiration .instead of accepting this as our lot in life you have not only empowered but healed yourself. Panic attacks are so consuming and to be free of them bliss.thank you for sharing your amazing knowledge.it is do hopeful and helpful.I think you will love that book
Floey yep I got them otc.are yours starting to settle?
Josh doing my mum thing here EAT PLEASE!!
I was palp free most of the morning.it felt so so good.they have been crappy this afternoon though g rr.anyway hope everyone is travelling okay today.
though grr
Im 19 ive had an ablation done for arriythmia. I think it was one that was nit so serious? The ablation seemed to go well. I got it done when I was 17. I HAVE been under a bunch of stress as my step father just past away and i noticed getting heart flutters and palpitations.. But i dont feel so stressed when i get it. It just happens. I also have another weird condition.. I usedto work at a child development center and since then, my left shoulder blade gives me sharp pains at random times when i breathe in no matter what i was doing at the time. Then when the sharp pain isnt there, its just a pressure like discomfort from the bottom of my shoulderblade up to my
neck and then around my pectoral muscle, theres a small lump . I
k its deep in because its not noticable unless you touch for it. Its very tender after the back pain. It also moves wih my.muscle when i bring my arm up. Ive been evaluated by a few doctors and they said dont worry about it but i havent had an actual test for it. It also feels like theres pressure on it so i cant take a full breath. When i try, my throat ki.d of suck in because of the pressure feeling. Its very frustrating… I know this migt be the wrong plave to ask but please if anyone knows, HELP! So tired of this all. It also feels like it starts flutters because its like pressing on my heart or something?
Hello Jude and Everyone!
Yes I agree, panic attacks are so consuming! I would not wish them on anyone! Glad to hear that you were palp free for most of the morning, I know what a relief that is! Hopefully one day soon you will be free of them!By the way, I am looking forward to the book!
Josh, I also got an email that there was another post from a lady, but when I went to check on it, the post was not there. In the email she said she was new so I wanted to welcome her here! I wonder what happened to the post! By the way I also watch a four year old boy all the time too, and they do keep you busy at that age!
I hope everyone is having a good evening or day depending were you live!
Hi all
Did you have to register and log in to leave a comment?I haven’t had to do that before.
Hi Rika, I am firstly really sorry to hear about your step father.It is a very hard and sad time for you and your family.Very emotional and stressful time and so it is understandable that your heart flutters are returning.I hope they pass soon. With regards to the other problem with the lump in your back i really am not sure what it could be.Did the dr tell you what they thought it was or just not to worry about it?Did they offer any reason for it all?Anxiety can produce those symptoms for sure but it sounds as though yours has a physical reason with the lump.mmmm wish i could help i really do but other than seeing another dr and not leaving till they tell you what it is i don’t know what to suggest. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Hopefully someone else on this site can be of more help to you.Take care.
Yes i got an email too about a post that isnt up yet,not sure where it is .
Denise i am so sorry you had such a scare the other night.We all know how frightening it is.How silly that the Dr just suggested “pure thoughts”. What on earth is that meant to mean!!!!!He obviously knows nothing about anxiety disorders and panic attacks.Read and learn as much as you can about anxiety. It really does help take the fright away from them and help you on the way to recovery.Don’t hesitate to receive professional help either, I saw a psychologist early in the diagnosis of an anxiety disorder and it helped me immensely as i thought I was going crazy!But hopefully they are gone now and never return for you.Let us know how you are getting on.Good luck!mmmm dont forget those pure thoughts lol!!!
I had an ablation in 2006 or so because my heart would race wildly for minutes and then stop. One nite it didn’t stop, so i eventually had the ablation. Some people will say that palps can be present AFTER an ablation, like mine did, but it took years for it to go crazy.
JUDE- They are still around. But sometimes in the morning they are not as horrible. They pick up midday and in the evening.
What are the signs that they are starting to settle? Once they start settling, do they go away? (in your experience at least).
I am praying that it’s a dehydration/lack of certain nutrients issue for me that can just be solved through more of certain food groups.
Guys listen do any of you have been on benzo or prescribe anti anxiety med cause this thing only make things worse once you stop or dnt take them at all you guy can check out benzo withdrawal symptom specialy heart plp