incessant palpitations

[wbekim]

can anyone help me are the horrible feelings of irregular heartbeats a symptom of persistent afib or are they independent of afib and therefore not respond to ablation I ask because my main issue is with these feelings like impending death and doom and if they in themselves are more linked to anxiety or other problems I probably would not proceed with ablation procedure for which I am on the waiting list the other afib symptoms do not particularly bother me but these destroy any quality of life ps I have been in persistent afib for 6 months now on 7.5mg bisoprolol hr approx 80-85 and edoxaban have asked for flecanide and amiodorone but either not suitable or not ill enough and yet I am almost suicidal with worry any help appreciated

[BobD Volunteer]

AF is an irregularly irregular heart beat and it sounds like what you are feeling. Over and above that is your anxiety which is exacerbating everthing. I suggest that you speak to your doctor about that before your AF. Ablation will not stop your mental anguish but it should reduce your AF symptoms but really a two pronged assault would be best.

[wbekim in reply to BobD]

Thanks bob I appreciate your support I am at the end of my tolerance with these horrible feelings they prevent me having any peace or relaxation even at night due to age 65 when I have 1 of my 2 or 3 toilet visits I feel them come on slowly and then increase until they are unbearable so sleep becomes difficult as well are they of more concern because I feel them or the same as asymptomatic afib

[BobD Volunteer in reply to wbekim]

NO you are feeling AF just like most of us. Try slow deep breathing. Use stomach not shoulders and keep to six or fewer breathers per minute for at least five minutes. Longer if you can.

[bantam12]

I have daily long runs of irregular heartbeats and my pacemaker shows its pacs and pvcs rather than Afib. I cancelled an ablation as it wouldn’t have helped with these annoying beats.

[jeanjeannie50]

Sorry you have this worry, most of us on this forum know exactly what you are going through and also the anxiety it can bring.

I've had AF now for almost 20 years and in the early days when attacks hit me at night I was convinced that the way my heart was flopping in my chest I'd be dead by morning. I used to text my daughter in the night, her mobile phone would be switched off but I'd ask her to check on me in the morning. However, I'm still here and I can look back now and see that all the worrying I did was a waste of time. So I'm telling you please to stop worrying, don't waste your life like I did - suffering about 12 anxious years of AF before I calmed down and then my AF did too. Would I have listened if anyone else had told me that - no, I'd have said (and did say) that their AF couldn't be as bad as mine. It's very rare that anyone would die just from AF. In fact to be honest in all the years I've been on this forum I've never heard of anyone dying. It's a hateful condition and because we don't look ill, it can be difficult for others to understand quite how dreadful we can feel.

I've had 3 RF ablations and many cardioversions and have been told that I won't be offered anymore of either again. The first ablation was 13 years ago, with the other 2 following every 2-3 years later. I'm now in constant AF have been for the last 5 years and my life is so much better and my heart-rate now flits between 60-90bpm. I can cope with that rate. There is light up ahead I can assure you.

While waiting for your ablation, cut out all food that contains artificial additives and try to have a healthy diet (that's what I honestly wish I had tried before having any ablations). Artificial sweeteners were a sure trigger for my AF attacks but it took me ages to realise that.

Good luck my AF friend. Here for you if you need any support.

Jean

[Achant1 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

What an awesome post that is, happy Christmas lovely lady 🎅🏻

[Cavalierrubie]

Everything you have said in your post l think most of us have felt at some time. AF has this awful symptom of fear and anxiety which affects us mentally. Personally, l think when you get your AF under more control with the treatments on offer then your mental state should improve. What you need is a break from it and to have that you need to get the ablation.

With AF., some of us are more symptomatic than others. Some don’t know they have it and others are knocked off their feet when it happens. It stops me completely when l have an episode and l feel very ill.

Reading your post, l would like to tell you not to give up. It can be hard going, but there are lots on here who have battled on and now have a good quality of life. It is achievable with the correct care and treatment. You just haven’t got there yet, so keep strong and this forum should give you hope that you are not alone and hope for better times to come. Hold on to the fact that this isn’t life threatening, this dark time will pass, and you will smile again.

Everyone is here for you, to help you through this AF journey. There are some wonderful AF nurses to speak to and l am sure Admin. will help you with the phone numbers. They have reassured me on numerous occasions.

All the best to you.

[wbekim in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thanks for the replies I just need some periods of time where the terrible feelings of worry abate and I can feel at least as though living is worthwhile for a moment or two

[Cavalierrubie in reply to wbekim]

It will come. Hang on in there because you are going to be ok. Perhaps your GP could give you something temporarily to help you sleep until you are feeling better. Sometimes we need extra help. Take care.

[southkorea in reply to wbekim]

AF attacks are frightening but not life threatening! So calm down!! There are definite triggers in my case, too much alcohol , spicy food , stress and the Covid Vaccination. The best think you can do when you have an attack is keep calm and take any recommended tablets. I find PIP flecainide stops it for me. Also keep your weight down. This site is an amazing comfort to me so I read it every day! Good luck!!

[tis100]

I suffered from severe anxiety and persistent palpitations for over three years, to the point where I ended up in A&E nearly every other day. It was a terrifying and exhausting experience, and I felt stuck in a cycle of fear and frustration.

Desperate for answers, I began doing extensive research, particularly looking into the work of the late Dr Stephen Sinatra, a renowned cardiologist. Based on what I learned, I decided to try a combination of supplements and lifestyle changes, and the results were truly life-changing.

Here’s what I started taking:

1. D-Ribose – 15g daily (divided into three doses of 5g each): Known for restoring energy production in cells, particularly the heart muscle.

2. Magnesium Taurate – A highly bioavailable form of magnesium that supports heart and nervous system health.

3. CoQ10 – 200mg daily: Crucial for energy production and heart health.

4. Hawthorn – A supplement traditionally used to support cardiovascular function.

5. Vitamin C and D – For overall immune support and cardiovascular health.

Within just a few months, the palpitations stopped completely, and my anxiety significantly reduced. I also incorporated regular walking and light exercise into my routine, which further improved my mental and physical well-being.

While this approach worked wonders for me, I want to emphasise that I’m not a doctor. This is simply my personal experience, and I strongly encourage you to do your own research, especially into D-Ribose. It’s known to help heal the heart and restore energy, and for me, it was nothing short of a lifesaver.

I hope this information is helpful and offers hope to anyone struggling with similar issues. Good luck, and remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine!

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to tis100]

Thank you for sharing this information tis100, we get many recommendations from members of this forum. Sadly I've discovered that CoQ10 makes my body ache, however I've never tried the D-Ribose so will look into it.

Jean

[Tomred in reply to tis100]

Hi tis100, may i ask , exactly how do you feel d-ribose has been of help.

[tis100 in reply to Tomred]

After Covid, I faced a challenging journey with sinus tachycardia (a fast heart rate) that had a significant impact on my life. I found myself in A&E almost every other day, sometimes waiting hours to be seen. The episodes were frightening, especially when they struck in the middle of the night with intense palpitations. Some episodes lasted over two hours, and on a few occasions, I needed adenosine—a drug that stops your heart temporarily to reset its rhythm. It was an incredibly scary experience, and I was worried the arrhythmia might escalate to something more serious, like a heart attack.

Doctors advised me to consider ablation surgery if the condition didn’t improve, but I felt I needed to explore other avenues alongside the conventional pharmaceutical treatments they offered. I decided to take a more proactive approach to my health, researching ways to support my body naturally.

This is when I discovered a combination of supplements that truly changed my life: magnesium citrate, magnesium taurate, CoQ10, and D-ribose. Within 2–3 months of taking these supplements consistently, the arrhythmias began to subside. Now, two years later, I rarely experience episodes, and when I do, they last no more than a minute and resolve on their own. I feel like I’ve regained control over my health.

That said, I know how important it is to stay vigilant. I maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol, and getting regular exercise. I also focus on managing stress, which has been a big trigger for me in the past. Learning and practising deep breathing techniques, as well as mindfulness, has been a game-changer for me. These tools not only calm my mind but also seem to help stabilise my heart rhythm when I feel it becoming irregular.

If you’re going through something similar, I want to encourage you not to lose hope. It can be incredibly overwhelming and even isolating to deal with persistent heart issues, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Take the time to educate yourself, seek support from others who understand, and don’t hesitate to try different approaches (under the guidance of your doctor). Small lifestyle changes and the right supplements can make a world of difference.

You’re not alone in this, and things can get better. For me, the journey was about finding the right balance between conventional medical advice and natural remedies that worked for my body. If I could come out of this feeling stronger and more in control, I truly believe others can too. Stay positive, and keep taking steps toward healing—no matter how small they may seem!

[Tomred in reply to tis100]

Thank you for your reply, i am approximately 34-35 years with paf , i have tried various ways to get on top of the condition, from trying to find real triggers to various supplements and i have to say so far nothing has produced tangible long lasting results , but, i am still open minded enough to research and try new and potential treatments, d- ribose is something i have been looking into for quite a while now and was more or less waiting to see was anyone using and getting any positive results with it , and it doesnt seem that many people are trying it until i came across your post today, which has reawakened my interest in trying, so thank you for the reminder, i sit here now in afib which started about an hour ago and i will probably be this way for the next 24-36 hours or so, its a horrible condition especially without anticoagulation as a safety net, chads score of zero, but i would love to have anticoagulation. good luck and long may you be af free.

[Singwell]

You've had some amazing replies here so please do not give up hope! Unfortunately, when we get AF, it triggers the sympathetic nervous system- like pressing our anxiety button. In turn, this can make our AF worse. It's a vicious circle. I agree with Bob, you need a two pronged approach - improved management plan for the AF - and support for the anxiety. A forum member recommended this book to me, which I found helpful and below I'll post a breathing technique I use to slow my HR down. It might not get you out of AF but it'll give you something to do at night when it's disturbing you and will help calm your system

Image of self help book on anxiety

[Singwell]

Here's how I do the 6 breaths a minute that Bob advises. And it almost always works.

1. Sit or lie comfortably so that your stomach can move easily when you breathe in. If you're lying down, this is easier on your left side.

2. Take a breath in.slowly through your nose. I usually count a slow 2. Let your stomach relax when you do this so it moves out gently.

3. There is a natural pause for most people after the inbreath

Try to tune into it but don't force it.

4. Let the breath out again all in one go - don't worry that you'll be out of breath - there's always air in the lungs right up until our last moments

5. Don't be surprised if you feel like another pause after the outbreath but again - don't force it. Keep tuning in either to the feel of the air moving through your nostrils or the sound.

6. If you need to breathe out through your mouth purse your lips slightly as it helps to feel the breath and know we're in charge of it.

6. Repeat.

Typically your breathing rate will calm and slow down. You may even feel like you're about to drop off to sleep.

This technique is one of many used by breath practitioners to help calm our systems and regulate breathing. I have often got my HR down by 15-20 BPM using this technique and sometimes seen my AF off. Also helps me if I cannot go to sleep

[Redmakesmehappy in reply to Singwell]

Thanks for the information. I copied to save as I try to stop my AFib without medication. I tried to slow my breathing down but didn’t really know the correct way. Thanks again and Happy New Year to all

[Singwell in reply to Redmakesmehappy]

Hope it helps! Not all patterns suit everyone but quite a few friends with arrhythmia have told me it helped them so fingers crossed 😊

[oscarfox49]

I agree that your feelings are made far worse by anxiety and when my AF first started and I was repeatedly kept awake at night and couldn't work for weeks, I thought the end had come. That was in 1995 however and I am still here and more or less ok at the age of 78 and 30 years later! So do try to console yourself as this will pass and treatments other than ablations may be effective. Have you tried taking magnesium supplements yet, for example, which have helped many of us and are worth trying?

Above all keep reading the posts here on this group as there is such a wealth of experience and advice from those who have already 'been there' and you will find support and understanding.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

You seem well controlled with a heart rate under 100.

I was @ 156 heart rate @ 10mg Bisoprolol. Later a private cardiologist introduced CCB Diltiazem 180 1/2 dose and this was reduced withe the Biso.

AM 120mg CD for day rapid heart rate

PM was 2.5mg for control BP.

I have read that BBs Beta Blockers can put one into depression.

At aged 30s I had palpitations from anxiety.

It sounds like you have structural damage as you were turned down for anti-arrythmic meds like FLEC.

If you have the above you should not have a cardioversion or an ablation. Termed too risky.

What did your ECHO show?

Also ask for a 24hr heart monitor to see what Bisoprolol is doing. Do you have low or high BP.?

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

[Allwood]

Hi what a shame you are feeling this way, indeed it’s an emotional roller coaster and everything you are feeling is normal when you are having problems with the heart. Speak with your cardiologist about cardiac rehab where you can talk to someone about your thoughts. I had this and it really helps

My cardiologist also told me that afib is not life threatening so that helped me mentally that I wasn’t going to have a full blown heart attack. But it’s a process to be able to not worry all the time and it took me 6 months to stop checking and worrying

Please seek help for your suicidal thoughts as this is not helping your anxiety levels for sure

I wish you all the luck and it’s possible to find a balance where you can live a bit easier with the condition but you can’t do it on your own

Many hugs 🤗

[wbekim in reply to Allwood]

Thanks for your reply most people though refer to afib attacks but mine are constant which is what I thought persistent afib was am I wrong

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to wbekim]

Yes, your AF sounds like it's persistent. Mine has been that way for about 5 years and to be honest, for me it's better to be like that than have the more severe isolated attacks every 5-6 weeks, that I'd suffered previously for about 15 years.

I agree with the suggestion above re taking sleeping pills for a short time, please talk to your GP and tell him how you are feeling.

Once you fully accept your AF condition, hopefully you will feel better. Anxiety is almost like fuel to it, so please try hard to reduce that.

Let your body relax, tense the muscles in every part of your body bit by bit very slowly, starting with the muscles in your feet, breathe in and tense the muscles, then relax them on the out breath. Do this slowly working right up to your head tensing muscles in each part of your body on the in breath and relaxing them on the out one.

Please let us know how you get on.

Jean

[wbekim in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks jean it’s so hard to divert attention when the feeling is of someone prodding you in the chest every few seconds even subconsciously the fear of dying of heart malfunction now or shortly in the future overrides rational thought

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to wbekim]

AF isn't a killer. I know in our minds it can sometimes feel that it will and it's a hateful and worrying experience that others don't understand. We understand totally here so lean on us as much as you want. Do you live on your own and is that a worry for you?

Jean

[wbekim in reply to jeanjeannie50]

No but I tend to be obsessed with heart rate rythmn etc talking pulse every few minutes and dwelling on horrible feelings in pit of stomach it’s like heart hiccups but with intense anxiety because it’s the heart beating irregular and fearing it won’t be functioning properly or enough I don’t particularly obsess over dying but more over living in this state of mind which gives me no quality of life for any significant period of time it’s a complex situation that I don’t fear death and contemplate ending it all but do fear the feeling of fear itself if that makes sense

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to wbekim]

I do understand the fear you are experiencing. Have been there and got the t-shirt. Though when my AF first started it hit me hard when it struck and I would often end up in hospital. I can assure you there will be better times ahead. Who knows, your ablation could put a complete stop to your symptoms. Try to think positively about that happening.

Have you had an ultrasound scan of your heart to see that it's functioning correctly and that there is nothing wrong with it structurally?

I obsessed with my heart rate for many years and when I look back now I think what a waste of time that was, because I'm still here and feeling so much better. You will be the same too. It's hard for you right now as your heart thudding/twitching is scaring you. At times my heart felt as though there was a big fish in there flopping around.

Please seek help from your GP re your anxiety. Tell him/her like you've told us in your post here.

Jean

[Alphakiwi]

You gotta be thankfull if you on the list. Ive been waiting for over 3 years here in nz, i think becaause of afib pandemic.. i went on amioderone for 11 days 3 years ago and it caused me to flatline in an ambulance. I HAVE A MIRIAD OF NASTY THINGS CAUSED BY SIDE EFFECTS OF DRUGS AND AFIB ITSELF. THE SOONER I GET AV NODE ABLATION THE BETTER.COLIN.

[Allwood]

it definitely sounds like you are in persistent afib as you say but I’m wondering why your doctor hadn’t suggested a rehab for you to talk through your feelings and help ? But I live in Europe so maybe it’s different where u r? I would definitely ask if that sort of help is available to you

Have the doctors recommended cardio version? It’s quicker and maybe no waiting list?

Much prefer this to the ablation procedure but of course it’s different for everyone

[Singwell in reply to Allwood]

I don't think we get Cardiac rehab for AFib in the UK- only for heart attacks.

[Pommerania78]

If you have not already, stop ALL consumption of gluten.

[Ppiman]

I have the same as you. The feelings you describe do sound as if they are magnified by anxiety and, if so, will, eventually, lessen, as your mind comes to accept that death is never around every corner, however much it feels like it might be. The anxiety induces mild over-breathing which can lead to small changes in the pH of the blood and this to the almost impossible to control, runaway feelings "of impending doom".

Our troubles are caused by one or more patches of misbehaving cardiac cells, most often in the atrium at the top of the heart. AF itself is often the result of misbehaving cells located around the pulmonary veins in the left atrium; it is like an "over-drive" arrhythmia in which the atrium doesn't just occasionally beat out of time, but quivers constantly for varying periods of seconds to hours or longer.

These cells, when healthy, contract in response to an electrical signal arising from a specialised patch of cells called the sino-atrial (SA) node, in the top right of the atrium. This is the source of the normal and regular heartbeat impulse that causes ventricular NSR rhythm (i.e. normal sinus rhythm).

In our case, the misbehaving cells do something extra: they send off random electrical impulses that mimic pacemaker signals. The beats these cause are called "ectopic" or "premature" and they upset the natural rhythm of the ventricles. This is what we feel as “palpitations “.

The effects this “ectopy” causes depend upon a second "pacemaker" on top the ventricles, the atrio-ventricular (AV) node. This regulates which atrial electrical signals pass through to the ventricles to cause them to contract to form the heartbeat - but it's not foolproof. When the electrical activity in the atrium is coming not only from the SA node but also from other misbehaving cells, the AV node lets signals through erratically and the ventricles beat out of time. This causes palpitations. In the case of AF, the quivering atrium stops the SA node functioning for a time and the AV node then has to do the best it can to maintain a healthy flow of blood from the ventricles often though allowing an over-fast heartbeat that is also irregular.

Steve

[Singwell in reply to Ppiman]

Good detailed description.

[Ppiman in reply to Singwell]

Thank you.

A very happy new year to you when it comes! 2025 - who'd have thought?

Steve

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Ppiman]

That’s so helpful Steve.

[Pab1]

I had AF, some atrial flutter, PACs and PVCs. With 10 mg of bisoprolol they were tolerable but I asked for an ablation. They tried to talk me out of it as I have had a hole in the heart repair and so access to the left atrium would be difficult. I had the ablation but only to the right atrium, they could not do the left. Apparently they said that would only help the atrial flutter but not the AF. The result is that after a few months I have no Atrial flutter and surprisingly virtually no AF. My PVCs and PACs have also reduced from 10s of thousands per day to a few hundred. This result is contrary to all the medical opinion I was given before the ablation and to me demonstrates that the various electrical circuits in the heart are not only complex but actually not well understood. I now live happily on .25 mg of bisoprolol. So I would try the ablation and hope for the best, you never know!

[Ossie7]

Hello , I too was like you , in persistent AF for 6 months , rate controlled only , on up to 10 mgs of bisoprolol . I couldn’t tolerate it so put down to 7.5 mgs as 5 mgs didn’t control rate enough . I was 52 , and could barely walk up the stairs with a physically demanding job . I felt at times that I wouldn’t get through the night as my heart rate was so erratic and I felt so awful . Roll on almost 8 years and I’m still here !!!

Ended up having quite a few cardio versions and had my 3rd ablation in May of this year . Fingers crossed still in beautiful sinus rhythm , even since having g a few sneaky wines over the festive period ( tut tut !) . As others on this wonderful site have said , AF won’t kill you , in spite of it feeling like it will . Relaxation techniques as explained by others are really good for the anxiety that often accompanies AF , so do give them a go . Lifestyle choices are essential in trying to ward of the evil AF when you finally get back to lovely sinus rhythm . However , whilst you are in this persistent AF you won’t really be able to bring yourself out of it yourself ( I never could ) and need to see an EP who would most likely look at cardioverying you first and then look at meds to keep in you in rhythm . I had to go privately to see an EP , as many other on this site have had too . I was then transferred back to NzhS list for the cardio version. Wishing you all the best and remember that however bad you feel , the AF won’t kill you , just makes you feel bloomin rubbish

Cheers

Amanda

[wbekim in reply to Ossie7]

Thank you Amanda I hope my symptoms can be brought under some sort of control I dread to think I will have to endure the feelings of imminent death heart attack or stroke until either actually occur I just want a little peace and quiet without anxiety for some of the rest of my life

[Cavalierrubie in reply to wbekim]

Some members on here do jig-saw puzzles or read a good book to take their mind off. It’s a good idea to try and concentrate on something other than AF. and this will help you calm down. We all find different ways to cope and get us through. Try and focus on nice thoughts because the mind is very powerful and can play tricks with you.

[Ossie7 in reply to wbekim]

…. but the HA , stroke , imminent death WON’T occur . You think it will but your thoughts aren’t always fact . As others here have said , you definitely need to get a hold of your anxiety and thought processes so maybe short term anxiety medication would help , along side some form of therapy ? If of course the NHS will provide that . Until then , distraction, relaxation , breathing will all help . X

[Kimmieblue]

Hi there, I wondered if you'd spoken to your gp about how bad your anxiety is? It may be that you could be given some anxiety medication that would help while you wait for your ablation/Cardiology appointment. Feeling so worried about your symptoms will be making your AF/ectopics so much worse, I was exactly the same after going into hospital with heart rate of nearly 200. As others have said anxiety is a demon when you have AF.Best wishes to you.

K.