So scared 😟

[Elsog68]

Please could someone help me understand what’s going on. Every 4/8seconds I’m getting heart palpitations it’s not stopped for the past 2 weeks and I can’t take anymore. I had an ecg at the doctors and he said it was abnormal ,but said it’s okay ???? I’ve constantly got flutters in my throat and it catches my breath. ? I’m not on any meds ?

[Smokie2D]

I am not an expert but what I can say its a circle. Everything we do, eat, think etc effects our bodies. So you are worried by the symptoms, and that worry makes you worse. The more worried you get etc.

So how do you break the circle, first you seek medical help, that's done. He says it was abnormal but its okay, ok lets look at that

Very few people have a totally "normal" ecg, the older you are the more wear you have. So its in ranges. In addition the tests are getting so good they spot everything, even things that don't really matter that much get picked up. So the fact that you were not medicated at that point is reassuring in a way!

So what are the next steps, did he give you any? If not go back and see your doctor, but first make a list of your symptoms and any questions you have before the visit. Or like me you will come out and think I should have asked that! Take notes if you want as I forget what I am told by the time I am out of the office!

If you have a next step and have another appointment ask then. Do not search on the internet blindly because its all out there, the good the bad and the down right wrong. You need to know sites that are trustworthy, the British Heart Foundation is a good starting point.

Stay calm, stay focused and breath, its a circle after all. I hope I help a little bvut look at the BHF site its a good spot and they know far more than I.

[Finvola]

It’s so distressing when your heart plays up and from your description, I think you are describing ectopic beats. These are out of place beats which are uncomfortable but are considered to be harmless.

Your doctor didn’t do a very good job of explaining things to you - abnormal but okay isn’t helpful at all. You need to ask your doctor to explain what is happening and what your ECG showed. Perhaps it would be a good idea to take someone along with you as two pairs of ears hear everything that is said.

In the meantime, try a breathing exercise which may help you. Lie down somewhere quiet and breathe with your belly muscles very slowly in for a count of five and out for a count of five (6 breaths per minute). Continue for at least five minutes. This may calm your heart and reduce or stop the jumps and bumps.

Please do come back and let us know how you are and any questions - just ask.

[Elsog68 in reply to Finvola]

I can’t thank you and everyone else for all your support and advice xx

[Paulbounce]

Hi Elsog. Of course you feel that sometimes you can't take anymore - we all do from time to time. It's all part of having a heart problem. The good news is your doctor said your ecg is OK. I always look at it like this when I have such attacks - It's not going to kill me and will pass. I think the anxiety is as bad (if not worse) than the palpitations. Why not make an appointment to discuss it with your doctor again. Try not to worry though - many of us afibbers go through the same thing and I'm sure you'll be 100% fine

[Lilypocket]

Hi

Is your Dr a cardiologist? Maybe get a referral to one if not. It will reassure you. But in the meantime if your current Dr says it's ok then I would try not to worry. Ectopics are very common and usually harmless. I'm sure you are fine .☺️

[Dodie117]

I agree with Lilypocket. Ask for second opinion but ask to be referred to an electrophysiologist as opposed to a normal cardiologist.

EPs specialise in electrics of the heart.

[Elsog68]

Thank you for your support it makes me feel I’m not alone x

[KMRobbo]

I had afib since Sept 2015 until i had an ablation for afib 29 Jan 18 and don't think I have had afib since.

I do get ectopics , if fact two or 3 different types in terms off how they feel. I have never had every 2 to 4 seconds ocvurence for 2 weeks. I have had 8 to 10 hour runs of the fluttery throat type that has repeated several days or nights in a row. When in that state i can have a "missed" beat from every 5th beat to every 20th beat. (Ish) These are not really missed beats. I am not medically qualified but i understand that ectopics are exta beats, but owing to the extra beat the ventricle in not full on the next normal beat so you dont feel the pulse. I believe that the fluttery feeling is those quiet beats. (Happy to be contradicted if anyone is wiser). However my EP is not concerned about my ectopics so for the past 12 months and even more so recently I just ignore them. Easier said than done but I think that this strategy is working. I suspect, but dont know, that i have had some ectopics all my life but never realised until afib sensitized me to all things heart related so much so that I could hear my heart beat at all times.! Again I do not really hear my heart normally anymore. The main thing now is I am not worried about the ectopics or my heart any more. The experience of the last 4 years for me is that worry makes everything worse : heart rate, blood pressure, lack of sleep, poor concentation which causes other issues and more worry, and quite possibly an erratic heart. Its a viscious circle. If you are new to this I understand the worry, but you need to speak more with the medics on your condition until you get more comfortable with it. If the medics have analysed your ECG they will have discounted most things you may have cause to worry about. The good thing about a consistent issue is that the medics see and understand it. Things that are intermittent are much more difficult to analyse.

Best wishes don't worry.

[Elsog68]

I’m going to

Phone for an emergency appointment tomo as I can’t live like this anymore it’s controlling my life.😢

[Hidden]

I have had these for 47 years and still okay. When I get a string which is rare these days I have a dose of Gaviscon.

Works every time.

Cliff in Australia.