Hello everyone, this is my first post on here and I was just wondering if anybody had the same experience as me - I will try and keep the story concise, but any advice/comments would really be appreciated!
I'm 18 years old and just finished my A levels - since November last year i would occasionally (once or twice a month) get heart palpitations which felt like heart flutters/a sensation that my heart was dropping. I thought nothing of these as the first time was just after a gym class and the other I figured was anxiety. Until just after Christmas I had drank quite a bit one night and the following night I had these continuous palpitations or ectopic beats which after about 11 hours suddenly just went. (I have not had them like this since). I started to get really worried as I am a hypochondriac and asked my mum to get an appointment with my GP (who is really nice). After visiting him he explained that loads of people my age get them and not to worry and said he would give me an ECG and blood test just incase. Both came back normal except my bloods showed I was deficient in Vitamin D and was prescribed high dose supplements. In late January I began to try drinking normally again and at first I had a few odd beats but these subsided - I did not have any palpitations/ectopic beats for about 5 months (maybe one here or there) and figured it was all due to my deficiency and it was great.
Fast forward up until about late June I was days away from my last exam and chilling at my boyfriends house after a really hot day - we were watching a film and all of a sudden I had a cluster of heart flutters that lasted about 3 seconds but really really made me anxious and upset. But again I tried to find reasoning and thought it was just stress of exams/having finished my vitamin d supplements. My boyfriend also occasionally gets them too which helps reassure me they are normal. I seem to link them to alcohol but I'm not sure why. This is when my anxiety started getting really bad - a week later I was about to go on my first girls holiday with 2 friends and I had another ectopic beat while we were in duty free, I was really upset and afraid that I felt I couldn't drink as much as them or enjoy the holiday cause my mind was overtaken by this heart anxiety that something was wrong. I was not drinking any alcohol and when I did it was very little/ not as much as them. On about the 5th day I had a small ectopic beat which lead into a full panic attack as I was really worried and upset and we were supposed to be there for another 2 nights. Unfortunately, my anxiety got so bad I figured I would be better getting an early flight home to go see my GP again, get reassurance and work on my anxiety around this. I felt so upset that I had ruined the holiday for them but on the other hand I didn't want to stay and just be anxious even more.
I saw my GP about 2 weeks after this is which he reassured me nothing was wrong and explained how ectopic beats are just a misfired electrical signal and not helped by adrenaline. He diagnosed me with episodic anxiety and offered me another ECG to calm my nerves. It is now a month later and he has prescribed me with propranolol which I have yet to try, I have been taking the Magnesium Taurate (with his approval) for about 5 days and it is hard to tell whether it has been beneficial yet but we will see hopefully. This is really starting to affect my mental health as I feel I should be having the best summer of my life but I'm just always anticipating the next ectopic beat or too scared to drink alcohol like I used too. Another main factor in this is that I am going to university in September and that is full of drinking and partying and I am afraid I will be made fun of for not drinking as much like other people. It really is making me upset and I really want to see a cardiologist just to reassure me it is nothing structural etc. as I think this would benefit me. I also feel like my heart beats really fast after I eat, and I can sometimes feel small ectopics when I bend over quickly. Sometimes the ectopic feels like a skipped beat and other times they feel like flutters. I get them now about once every few - 5 days. But I think I get smaller ones almost once everyday. I feel like I am constantly feeling my pulse. But I do not know why these are happening but my anxiety will not let me believe it is the anxiety itself!
This is just taking over my life and I want it to be normal again, is this how my new life is going to be?Any advice would be really helpful and sorry for the long story!
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alexandral7
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So sorry that you have had this anxiety which has prevented you enjoying your post exams time. As usual there is much helpful and reassuring advice on here which will help you greatly. The one thing I wished a parent, aunt or uncle had told me was not to give in to peer pressure over drinking alcohol and strategies for dealing with it. With eight younger siblings I think my parents didn't have time. I rarely drink alcohol now as that, too much caffeine and stress can set off my afib. I also don't enjoy it as much. I still get peer pressure at age 78 when friends say keep practising! Fortunately I'm able to ignore them and remain friends!
Hello Alexandral7 and welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you have been experiencing a lot of worry and anxiety recently with your health. We have an 'Ectopic Heartbeats' Info Sheet which you may like to read, you can find it here: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... I hope you will find it reassuring. If you have any questions or would like some further advice and support please feel free to email our Patient Services Team who are always happy to help: info@afa.org.uk
Firstly I am so sorry you are getting so anxious about this perfectly normal heart function and in reality it is the amxiety which you need to focus on and learn to deal with. Not easy I know even for an oldy like me.
Ectopic (out of place) beats are a normal function of a healthy heart and everybody gets them. up to 200 a day or more. The problem is that once you notice and focus on them it is quite easy to become obsessive and then they take over your life which is wrong.
The second point to make is that if, as with many people, aclohol exacerbates the ectopics or any other arrhythmia then forget peer pressure and don't drink. I have dealt with this problem most of my life and whilst sometimes I can use the designated driver card a lot of the time I just say no thanks I don't drink. Real friends won't think any less of you believe me. You also then have the advantage of seeing what complete idiots all your mates are when they are off their faces.
Thank you so much for you kind words 😊Yes it is all about mindset I think as sometimes I have good days and bad days - usually good when I am preoccupied. Yes I have found that the idea of drinking lots is always better as an idea than the actual activity. I do enjoy waking up with no hangover. I think it just makes me upset as I don’t want to exasperate the ectopic beats yet it feels like everybody my age is drinking 24/7. Hope you are well too
Agreeing with Bob on the peer pressure. I think we’ve all been there. I learned pretty early on that I can’t drink too much - it wasn’t my heart in those days, but I would get really ill after one glass of red wine. I remember the suggestions that it was an acquired taste etc. In the end I would say that I liked it, but it didn’t like me.One advantage these days is that there are so many great non-alcoholic choices. I’ve found quite acceptable beer and gin substitutes. It used to be a case of orange juice and lemonade, or a bitter lemon.
All the best for a wonderful time at university - those days are way back in the rear view mirror for me! I’m sure you will meet lots of lovely people who won’t care at all what you drink. Get merry on meeting so many different people, and learning so many new things.
Thank you so much for your kind words too 😊 Sorry to hear that - I guess alcohol doesn’t suit more people than we think because it has become so normalised. I used to be a gin lover! If you don’t mind me asking what substitutes do you recommend? Thanks again and yes I hope the people I meet at uni will accept me for who I am - I suppose I can still go out without drinking !
The one I’ve liked best is Tanqueray 0.0 (not sure how many zeros!). Though I think the secret is a decent tonic water without artificial sweeteners. Fevertree or Fentimans. First time I had it, I was convinced they had used normal gin by mistake!
Hi Alexandral7. Welcome to the forum. You are in the right place! I've been on here a couple of years now and the information/ guidance has been brilliant.
My pennyworth is that purely by chance last month I found entrainment (listening to heart beats) cleared my ectopics in minutes. (Haven't had a chance to post this yet.. so here goes!). I think there's two benefits. Firstly, I find it very calming and secondly, I really believe the heart rate quickly modifies to normal. (I use a handheld ECG to check). Here's a link to a post I made re. the way it helps reduce my AF.
Welcome to the forum. You'll find lots of helpful and kind people here.
Firstly, I want to say to you the you are not alone in having anxiety. I have it, some days are better than others, I have worry wobbles...you just need to read my post from earlier in the week to know that!!
I have not drunk alcohol for 12 years, I stopped when I was expecting my first baby. I've not missed out on a social life because of it, as earlier posters have said, you'll meet such an interesting new bunch of people at uni, you'll find your tribe, and they won't care if you're a non drinker.
If you have time take a look at the 'dare' app, it's got a section about health anxiety which you may find useful. Or try 'Calm' both of which have lots of mindfulness / meditation stuff available....x
All the best for the A level results and your next adventure at Uni.
First, welcome to the forum and hopefully it's a short stay for you, because as others have said, what you are experiencing is perfectly normal. At one point in my younger days I had as much as 10 crazy beats per minute which translates into thousands a day. My doctor told me to ignore them and I did. Eventually they went away perhaps for lack of attention!
So there's a couple of ways to look at this. One way is as something positive, like a wake up call to stop or significantly decrease your drinking. But who is a 70 plus year old to tell an 18 year old how to live there life lol
The other way is to simply live your life as you want. Don't change a thing because of the ectopic beats. Don't even try to make them go way using various techniques because that will just make you focus on them. Just ignore them and eventually you will stop noticing them. They can't hurt you unless you let them by giving them undue attention.
You say you just want to be normal, but you are normal. Like your doctor and people here have told you, ectopics are the way a normally healthy heart works with many of us. Embrace them, don't fight them. And if you find that difficult, maybe seek some counseling through your school or your doctor.
Thanks so much I really appreciate your advice - yes I am going to start and rationally think about them especially when I get them. Thank you and all the best too 😊
Your idea of seeing a cardiologist sounds like a good one. If you saw one privately you could have a much more extended discussion with an expert - this should provide added reassurance. It’s possible that he might recommend an echocardiogram as an additional check. It would be a good idea to get this issue resolved before going to university in September imo. You might find this recent Guardian article on alcohol and young people interesting: it notes that 26% of 16-24 year olds don’t drink at all and that there is a trend away from alcohol: amp.theguardian.com/society...
Thank you for your advice - yes I think the reassurance would really help me, I want to know what can be ruled out etc. I might request an echocardiogram. Great I will take a look at that article - all the best 😊
I agree with others, listen to your body and if it doesn't like alcohol at present don't take it. Whatever age (in fact it gets worse when you are older) we seem to have this fear of changing our Lifestyle, when actually it can be quite liberating and no less fun!
I started with palps/ ectopics at your age alexandral7 and I spent years worrying about them!!!It didn’t matter what any of the doctors told me or how many times I had ECGs examined.
I thought I was going to die young or something terrible was going to happen to me.!!!!
Time will eventually show you that although they are a pest and they can cause you anxiety they won’t kill you and you’ll be fine.
Iv always been a worrier and a natterer especially about my heath and this doesn’t help.! But it’s just part of being me and I can’t help it.!
The bottom line is I’m now 54 still a natterer/worrier but still here enjoying life😁Working,😡
You’ll be fine, try and work on the anxiety if you can. Easier said than done I know, but it does help believe me.👍
Thanks so much for your advice and for sharing 😊 yes I agree it’s the feeling I hate that’s the worst for me - the fluttery feeling - on top of the anxiety it’s just the worst combination ! Thanks again all the best x
You sound a lot like my youngest son in many ways. He became aware of ectopic beats after his first hangover at 18 and it became an all encompassing worry. He was convinced he was about to die any minute,it really affected his mental health despite reassurance from us.
Eventually he was persuaded to get this benign but unsettling condition under control and in perspective. As time went on and nothing untoward happened it became a slight nuisance . By the time he went to university he was in a much better place.
I wish I had known about this site then,but I wasn't diagnosed with AF/flutter at the time. The info leaflet suggested for you to read is excellent.
One point you can make,if you are in Halls of Residence, you can state that you wish to be in a Quiet Hall or section. Most universities offer this for students with particular needs or preferences. Then you won't feel like a part pooper or feel under pressure to join in drinking competitions etc . Just a thought.
Son managed to conquer his understandable anxiety and I'm sure you will too.Best of luck in your studies .
Thanks so much for sharing 😊 yes as a fellow worrier I can imagine how your son felt and I hope by me sharing it also helps others feel less alone. If you don’t mind me asking what kind of things did he do to gain a better perspective ? All the best x
Well done for joining here and posting Alexandra. You have just been through a difficult time: you successfully navigated your A levels during the challenges of a global pandemic and got a place at university! You're on the brink of a big life change - it's exciting and scary for anyone- even if they don't acknowledge it. Many young adults are experiencing anxiety and depression at this time so please know you're not alone. Are you able to get some counselling? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy might be a really useful tool for you to help prepare you for the change ahead, as well as getting support in ways of dealing with the social situations you're worried about. Like others here I wouldn't dream of preaching about alcohol - I've had plenty in my time and more than I should've done when I was your age! It may be your trigger for the palpitations and ectopics but equally it might have been getting to the last exam, a build up and release of stress plus the heat.
My advice would be to look into getting support via counselling and possible overall lifestyle changes so that you are looking after yourself. Getting decent sleep, regular enjoyable exercise (bodies like moving) and whether or not you're eating a lot of processed foods and high sugar. You might like to read the story behind the Deliciously Ella brand. Ella developed POTS early on at university (this is not ectopics btw so not suggesting at all that it's anything you should be worrying about) and she dealt with it by changing her diet. She's now happily married with kids and runs a successful business. Just a relatable story for you.
So you might need to do some flight corrections in your life just now - we all do at some point- but that doesn't mean life isn't going to be good in the future.
And I wanted to add - you are not a hypochondriac- you feel what you feel! If it makes you feel uncomfortable or worried you should voice it and feel heard.
Thank you so much for your kind words and advice 😊 Yes I find I’m always trying to find what the trigger was but I don’t think there is always a trigger as such. Yes when I’m at university I might try find some contacts through student services for anxiety etc. Thanks for the recommendation I will give that a read - thanks so much again all the best😊
Hi AlexYou’ve had several replies so I’ll keep mine short. There are many thousands like you suffering from heart and health anxiety. I was one in my early twenties (now 68). Mine was worse in the sense that my stomach and diaphragm for some reason one day colluded to make my heart sound out loud. Literally, lying in bed, and at the doctor’s surgery (and he called in all his colleagues and rushed me to hospital) there was this loud clicking or slapping from my chest. It was nothing of consequence. The ectopics I was having (I eventually saw a cardiologist for them) were diagnosed much as yours have been.
What will help you? Not magnesium, not vitamin D, not advice, but getting used to the fact that they really are “benign”. Time alone will help: you’ll look back and say to yourself, hey! - that doctor was right.
There’s a wonderful - if a touch old fashioned - book by an Australian doctor called Claire Weekes, something like “Self Help for the Nerves”. I’d recommend you get it. She was my saviour back then and helped till time itself showed me that my I was fine.
The low dose of propanolol might help a touch and is given as in a few it calms anxiety by slowing the heart. It did nothing for me.
Thank you for your advice and sorry to hear that you went through that 😢 I think it will take time but I am gradually starting to gain a better perspective and yes that they are ‘benign’. Thank you for the recommendation I will give that a read - all the best 😊
Alexandral Have no fear. Ectopic beats are no big deal. The only problem you have is the same problem I have. You can feel them. Most people can’t. As long as your heart is tested and you have no underlying conditions, you are 100% ok. Different foods can set off ectopic beats, anxiety can, stress or it can be they just happen. Breathing exercises really help calm them down. I know the tough part is getting use to them. In time you will. I’m 60 years old. 😀
Yes ! I hate the feeling of them it’s the worst - especially the fluttery feels that feel so out of control for a couple seconds. Thank you for your advice and recommendation 😊
>>he has prescribed me with propranolol which I have yet to try<<. This condition has upset you so much that you even cut short a vacation to come home and see your doctor. If you've gone to that extreme because of the anxiety, why don't you take the medicine that he has prescribed?
Try the magnesium taurate and see if it works. I personally understand the hesitation for taking the propranolol. I would recommend trying to stay calm when you feel them. I have the same issue, where I feel them very acutely. Practice some meditation type exercises to help keep you calm when it happens. Try to recognize that it’s not life threatening. These are the things that helped me.
What also helped me is recognizing my arrhythmias were stemming from stomach upset, gas, and acid excess. I have to be careful with things like coffee and wine due to this, as well as various acid causing foods. This may not be the case for you, but I want to mention it as something to consider. I have no obvious acid symptoms so it wasn’t easy to figure out, but every time I have an attack of ectopics and tachycardia, taking antacids and/or simethicone stops the arrhythmia. I believe magnesium taurate has also helped them become less frequent.
Thank you for your advice 😊 Yes my GP only recommended I try them first but not as a regular thing (he only suggested ever taking them before a stressful social situation etc not on the daily). Yes I feel them acutely but also sometimes quite strongly which frightens me 😢 How did you recognise that they stemmed from your stomach? As I mostly get them in the evening / this is when I have eaten. How long did it take you to feel the benefits of magnesium taurate ? All the best x
Yes, it was always in the evening, after meals, or if I ate late or had a late night glass of wine, they would hit me as I was lying down for the night. Sometimes it would get so out of control my heart would go off running well over 200BPM. I figured it out because of reading about gastric cardia (also called Roemheld Syndrome). It prompted me to pay attention to my digestive system more. So I always would get a sort of feeling like I had to burp but nothing would come out. Like it was stuck. It didn't feel like heartburn (I've had heartburn a few times, when I was pregnant so I know what that feels like) and I didn't have noticeable reflux. So taking some antacids and/or simethicone (which is anti gas so I would take it if I felt bloated) when I would feel the ectopics/fast heart beat start, I noticed within 10-15 minutes it would stop. Occasionally a bit later in the evening it would start up again after, so I'd just take another antacid tablet, and it would stop again.
My GI currently currently has me on a short "trial" of omeprazole (prilosec), but even before taking that I was also able to control it quite a bit just by not eating close to bed time, making sure I chew my food more, not overeating in one sitting, and trying to limit acid causing foods, as well as taking the magnesium. Everyone is more sensitive to some foods than others so that will be a trial and error thing, but if you look up foods to avoid with acid reflux it will give you a starting point. It's worth a try. I take the magnesium taurate, 200mg morning, and 200mg around dinner time - I would say it took a week or 2 to feel like it was helping. The thing is that right now while I'm on the omeprazole the magnesium probably isn't doing much, which is why I'm looking forward to getting off it. Omeprazole is known to block the absorption of magnesium. Best wishes to you! We are among the youngest here, though I'm going to be 40 soon! All of my tests have come back free and clear of any problems with my heart -EKGs, Echocardiograms, stress tests, etc. Seems my belly is just wreaking havoc.
I’ve been experiencing exactly the same thing since December around Christmas time. I have a very stressful job and got stranded in Germany due to snow which really triggered my anxiety. I started having panic attacks/heart palpitations then on Boxing Day I experienced my heart flutter/thud. I was only having it once or twice a day but as the months have gone on it got a lot worse. I thought I was getting better and couldn’t feel it but this week it’s definitely taken over. I’ve had numerous trips to A&E, everyone keeps telling me it’s anxiety. I’ve had ecgs, blood tests and awaiting results from my Holter monitor. I’m starting therapy on Monday because it’s consuming my life, every time it happens I get so scared that I’m going to die. My health anxiety over my heart is my life now and I’m so depressed.
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