heart palpitations

[Sierramist]

I’ve been having very frequent heart palpitations for the past week. I’m 23 year old female 250 pounds 5 foot 6 inches. I have severe health anxiety and am freaking out. I did call the ambulance a couple days ago and they said everything seemed fine. I made a Dr appointment but they couldn’t get me in until august 9th. I’m hoping it’s just anxiety related and nothing serious. Has anyone else had very frequent heart palpitations and it just be anxiety? Do you think it will go away on its own? I’m really freaking out

[Hidden]

Hi I have had these worrying and been aware of it makes it worst doctor gave me adrenaline suppressors take as and when I've ran out but ok now if stay calm, also don't drink caffeine or too much sugar or alcohol try deep breathing if gets rapid I got a blood pressure monitor from doctors ask them at reception 🤗

[Possum7]

Box breathing can be helpful in the moment when you are trying to calm anxiety. Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds and then exhale through your mouth for four seconds. I've also found holding a cold compress to my sternum kind of confuses my body into calming down it has something to do with the vagus nerve I think. Definitely see a doctor and let them know what you're experiencing but until then finding ways to calm yourself in the moment should be helpful.

Also, definitely stay away from caffeine because it's like pouring gasoline into your anxiety's fuel tank.

[b1b1b1]

It's good that you have made a doctor appointment. I would not worry too much since you have already been checked in the emergency room. As others have said, you need to completely eliminate caffeine. That means decaf tea, decaf coffee and no chocolate, especially dark chocolate. Also, some over the counter medicines have caffeine, so if you take any, double check the ingredient list. Perhaps you can use this health scare as an opportunity to work on bringing your weight down a little. I know this is very difficult and I myself also struggle with weight issues, so this is not a criticism. Try as best as you can to relax. Your doctor appointment is really not too far away.

[Sierramist in reply to b1b1b1]

sorry I didn’t specify I had the emts coke check me out but I chose not to go to the er. They said all my vitals were fine and I didn’t need to go in but they didn’t give me an ecg. Also I haven’t had any caffeine since this started.

[b1b1b1 in reply to Sierramist]

It's great that you were able to stop having caffeine as that can be difficult. I would trust the EMTs. I think they are pretty well trained and they know what they are doing. Also, I think they deal with people having heart issues a lot, so are pretty familiar with real danger signs. Also, I have had heart palpitations. In my case they were called Premature Ventricular Contractions. They were corrected with a very mild medication. I think you will be OK, but if you continue to be very upset go to the ER. The main purpose of doing that would be to ease your anxiety. I know palpitations are scary. x

[Sierramist in reply to b1b1b1]

thank you! I have only not went to er because I have severe agoraphobia and have a hard time leaving home and hospitals are scary to me

[Tealpillow]

Same! I’ll be lying on the couch and boom out of nowhere my heart starts skipping beats and going crazy on me. It’s a very scary feeling! I had a number of Dr appts and they put a monitor on me for a few days. Said everything was normal and it was just anxiety 😟

Only recently have I started learning how to cope with and manage anxiety: box breathing, yoga, meditation, smelling something you love, watching birds etc. It helps. I’m sorry you are going through it too … it’s an unsettling feeling. Keep us updated on how you are — sending hugs from sunny AZ ☀️

[SayNOtoPanic in reply to Tealpillow]

Ditto Tealpillow. Thx for sharing this.

[Saraivhdheed]

I hope it goes away on its own, I have these symptoms too but at a very low rate. You can breathe slowly and imagine yourself in a quiet and beautiful place. That will help. It's a good idea to see a doctor to make sure it's not physical. Even if it is, it doesn't have to be a big problem.

Good luck 👍

[SayNOtoPanic]

Yes and they’re not friendly on any level. Mix it with health anxiety disorder and they’re extra loud and terrifying. Work on deep breathing exercises at least once an hour for a couple minutes. Gets you in a space to have more calm breathing and hopefully some of the adrenaline goes down and the palps get quieter. Caffeine is not my friend. Hugs.

[Jeff1943]

Heart palpitations is an ambiguous term: some use it to describe when we become conscious of strong heart beats whilst others use it to mean missed heartbeats.Both meanings are common symptoms of anxiety disorder and will pass when your high anxiety passes. Absolutely no need to freak out, they are almost certainly not harming you. But for complete reassurance and to eliminate the extremely small risk of it being a problem you were right to see your doctor and discuss it with him or her.

Do not let agoraphobia make you a prisoner in your own home: it's simply your subconscious sensing your anxiety and thinking some danger is present so it makes you want to stay within the 'safety' of your home. Your mind is trying to help you but in fact being most unhelpful.

The solution is to accept the bad feelings for the moment, accept them for the time being and leave your home. No misfortune will befall you and even 'jelly legs' will get you there and back.

[Teaching]

I had it in the past. Mine was so bad and at times, comes with a lot of pain. It was all anxiety!. Try some Breathing exercise and see if it works. Mine took a long time to stop.

[Sierramist]

thank you all it really helped me hearing your experiences🩷

[Wildflower13]

Hey Sierramist! I saw your post and knew I had to reply. I completely understand how you are feeling right now. I'm 36 and have dealt with heart palpitations since I was about 19. I used to have them frequently then they miraculously subsided greatly for about 12-ish years after pregnancy (I still had them but they were infrequent and not as concerning). Now, for the last couple years, I am back to having them frequently. I've had 6 in about the last 2 hours. Sometimes they are super strong, sometimes they feel "hot" in my chest, and sometimes they are a flutter that I swear I feel more in my throat area. I've worn Holter monitors over the years, I wore one a year ago for 7 days, I've had numerous ECGs, sonograms, you name it. Currently I feel like they are running the show of my life. I basically plan my life around them. I don't go do things because I think "what if something happens"..I have severe health anxiety too so I completely understand.

I would definitely say go get a full work up from your doctor for some peace of mind. I know how scary it is. I know this isn't much of a comfort, but people live with them daily and nothing ever comes of them - I am definitely an example of that! My mom has had them for as long as I can remember as well. They are nasty little things and I hate that you are dealing with them.

Please reach out if you ever need to talk. I understand completely how you are feeling with the palps AND health anxiety. Wishing you all the best!!