How to stop palpitations : It's been a month... - Anxiety Support

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How to stop palpitations

Amytat profile image
64 Replies

It's been a month with really bad palpitations. Last night even had to call an ambulance. Hardly sleeping. I can feel it on my chest

Please help

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Amytat profile image
Amytat
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64 Replies
kevoreally profile image
kevoreally

Change your diet, no sugar no coffee for a week you SHOULD see a difference for the better HOWEVER if you do not see an improvement after than it could be a cardiac problem and you should get tested for SVT or any other cardiac issues

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to kevoreally

I have some 2 ECGs and they r normal. I have no coffee

kevoreally profile image
kevoreally in reply to Amytat

Ekgs/ecgs wont show much especially if your not having a palpitation DURING an ecg/ekg test

I suggest going to a cardiologist they can do further examinations

Soda has caffiene so again try changing your diet

No SUGAR no CAFFIENE that would be SODA COFFEE energy drinks if you see CAFFIENE in it DONT DRINK IT lol

Sugar stay away from CARBOHYDRATES as that turns into sugar so cut back bread pasta etc

No candy etc

Again if this has been going on for months I really suggest you seek a cardiologist

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to kevoreally

Thank you. I don't really do soda.

But now I'm freaking out even more after your comment. But i do have anxiety

Plainejane profile image
Plainejane in reply to kevoreally

I agree usually when I’m over stressed or emotionally exhausted I tend to have palpitations. I have come to realize that when I exercise and eat green veggies regularly that my palpitations have gone almost completely away. I’ll have an odd ball thump I’m my chest around my period , but that’s it. This is not an instant cure it took months for my palpitations to subside. The palps I had use to be really bad it felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest! I as well went to the doctor and my blood test came back really good and so did my ekg. My doctor said stress/anxiety was more than likely the culprit for me. :)

Jamie5 profile image
Jamie5

I don’t drink coffee or eat sugar and have the same thing. My doctors also told me it was anxiety. I had an ultrasound done too and it seemed healthy too. I really wish the palpitations would stop.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to Jamie5

Does yours come and go. Mine seems like all day and night

Jamie5 profile image
Jamie5 in reply to Amytat

All day and all night, I have to take sleeping medicine most nights because the palpitations keep me awake

skyraknight profile image
skyraknight

Up your magnesium levels. Best is through skin absorption by taking 20 min baths in Epson Salt. Do it at least 3 times per week. If have no bath, soak your feet in a bucket with the Epson salt. You should see quick results.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to skyraknight

I'm taking 2 tablets per night but no luck. I will do this

skyraknight profile image
skyraknight in reply to Amytat

That's the problem. Very minimal absorbtion via tablets. Maybe 2-4% at best. Absorbtion through skin is the way to go for magnesium rebalance.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to skyraknight

Weird but doc just told me my magnesium is ok so I don't know

loglegmomma profile image
loglegmomma in reply to skyraknight

They also make magnesium gel or spray so you can more conveniently get the benefit of epsom salt baths.

skyraknight profile image
skyraknight

Just do it and see for yourself then let us know if anything changed. Soak for 3 days and see the difference. I speak from own experience. Alternatively, continue to listen to your doctor and take the tablets. But it seems you have already tried that with no effects.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to skyraknight

So just buy the epson salt

AdrianaB profile image
AdrianaB

Hi Amytat

I had the exactly same problem but now all seems to be much better, I hardly have any palpitation or if they come they do not last for long. In my opinion it is all thanks to this CBD oil drops

amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07...

If you will use it put 3-5 drops under your tongue and wait, that ghostly feeling will not last long!

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to AdrianaB

Thank you for your reply.

Wow I will order now if I know that will help

Careful1 profile image
Careful1

Unfortunately what works for some doesn't work for others, it will take some trial and error to find what works for you..

Its important to stay away from known triggers like caffeine, smoking, lack of sleep, stress and anxiety etc.

I know exactly how you feel. I have 3 heart arrhythmias diagnosed when I was 20 years old and went through years of fear thinking i was going going to drop dead at any moment.

You probably should see a specialist to have a cardiac work up done (echocardiogram, stress test and holter/event monitor) because although its more likely then not that your palpations are benign, it's better safe then sorry. It's good that you have a had a couple of normal EKGS but the problem with those is that they cant cant see into the past and so if you weren't experiencing symptoms at the moment the EKG was done, they cant know what if anything was going on prior.. A holter monitor is better as this will record your hearts activity for a full 24 hours and if you dont have palpitations every day there are event monitors that can be worn for longer.

If in the future you find the palpations are affecting your quality of life you can ask your dr for a low dose beta blocker. You can take it once a day or just have it for very bad days...

Oh and the most important thing.. Try not to think about them and try not to focus on them.. easier said then done I know but the more you think about them, focus on them and worry over them, the more they will happen.

Try to find comfort in the fact that you aren't alone.. There are TONS of us out here.. Search message boards for threads about others who suffer the same.. You can read about things they have tried and any success they have found in controlling their palpitations.. and sometimes it's just nice to know you aren't alone....

Best wishes

Mimine profile image
Mimine

Hi Amytat, if your palpitations are definitely down to anxiety, then this is the issue you need to address. A combination of: regular walking, meditation, Qigong, taking MARINE magnesium and hawthorn berry capsules have helped me. It doesn’t mean that it works for everyone but it’s worth a try. Again, if the doctor has checked you over and can’t find anything wrong from a cardiac point of view, then try not to worry and focus on all the above, particularly the breathing through meditation.

Take care 😊

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to Mimine

Thankyou. All good I just came from the ER

o

Mimine profile image
Mimine in reply to Amytat

Are your palpitations due to anxiety then?

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to Mimine

They said there is no Cardiac problem so domt know

Mimine profile image
Mimine in reply to Amytat

That’s great news! Do you think it could be down to anxiety? If so, you might want to try all or some of my and others’ suggestions... Good luck 😉

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to Mimine

Thankyou. For sure will

veganese profile image
veganese

I've had a myriad of anxiety symptoms. In my experience, they go away when you ignore them. I know - not easy to do! I had a period of palpitations, after a while of accepting them as unharmful and down to anxiety - they stopped. People have different symptoms from anxiety - the more they think about them the longer they stay. Sometimes after accepting a particular symptom your body experiences another one. Almost as if your nervous system is trying to get your attention. You've been checked out and given all clear. Please believe it is anxiety.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to veganese

Thank you so much. That's so nice. I know but it's so hard. I constantly think what if I die. What if I domt wake up ?? What if I blame anxiety and its something more serious

veganese profile image
veganese in reply to Amytat

When I first experienced anxiety - with panic, I was 18 years old. I had all the palpitation stuff, couldn't get my breath, visited the doctor several times a week, to check my heart. I worried about health and dying. I'm 66 now! Still here! I had many years anxiety free, but I've had good deal of stress over the past few years and my body is saying ' look after yourself, now'. You are experiencing and exaggerated response to thoughts that most people have now and then, but they fade into the background when we are doing the pleasurable things in life. Anxiety is caused by and creates these thoughts. Live your life. Tell your tired mind you are well, and you will be.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to veganese

Wow that's wonderful to hear. Please give me more advise

Try rubbing your wrist where your veins are it sounds weird but can work to stop or slow down the skips.and take a deep breath and cough hard

I’ve had the exact same problem. Went to cardiologist and even had a ultrasound on my heart. I’m pretty sure it’s anxiety. I would wake up out of deep sleep and be up all night because of palpitations. I was having insomnia,loss of Appetite,and crazy palpitations. The fear of dying really sucks. I went and had a health check up at my doctors. They said I’m very healthy so my anxiety has disappeared once again. Only seems to start up when I hear that someone I know has cancer or has passed away. Your definitely not alone. I hope you get through it though.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to

Oh my I know. I'm here thesame issue. Iwish there is a miracle pill

in reply to Amytat

Yes definitely wish it was that easy. Try listening to music or even going on a walk. Music would keep my mind off thinking about it.

Anxiety_Aunt_ profile image
Anxiety_Aunt_ in reply to Amytat

Are you taking any medication for this? My doctor put me on 10mg propranolol (taking 2 twice a day - I can take more if I’m habing a particularly bad day) and they are amazing. I still get my palpitations but this has helped SO much. Ive used this with a combination of sertraline and councilling. I’ve also cut out caffeine as this DEFINITELY has an effect on palpitations. The minute I drink caffeine I get it - can’t fake a decaf tea/coffee with me! Please try medication if you haven’t already. There’s no shame in it - doctors will look after your health

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to Anxiety_Aunt_

What is this medication for ?

I'm not on a medication. I try doing it naturally

SantiagoRb profile image
SantiagoRb

Pulse oximeter may help for monitoring. healthcare4home.com/oximete...

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to SantiagoRb

Nah it will drive me crazy. Iwill use it 24.7 w

SantiagoRb profile image
SantiagoRb

Anyhow, I have shared the pulse oximeter to check palpitations and oxygen level at home for asthma. Aside from stethoscope which we have already for home use (for checking my mother's bp). These tools are quite helpful for me and for the whole family as we can have a quick check at home. If it seems that the numbers seem a bit off, that's the time we go to ER or hospital. We don't hesitate to go to the doctor if we need to.

Try some acupuncture sessions. It may help anxiety and palpitations. The practitioners usually have your whole blood circulation analysed.

autumnthebrat2 profile image
autumnthebrat2

could be your nervous system is hyperstimulated. Sometimes it takes awhile for your nervous system to return to homeostasis, especially if you are constantly focusing on it, by buying meters and gadgets to keep on checking only makes it worse. If you have gone to the doctor and they said your heart is ok, then accept an occasional palpitation. Many of us deal with palpitations, skipped beats, ectopic beats. They happen occasionally due to caffeine, emotions, or just glitches in the nervous system. Exercise, meditation and anything to get your mind off of it will help. Good luck.

veganese profile image
veganese in reply to autumnthebrat2

Good advice.

Minnie87 profile image
Minnie87 in reply to autumnthebrat2

Great advice!

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to autumnthebrat2

Great advise thanks

darryl12kinvara profile image
darryl12kinvara

Hi Amytat, best thing is to try is Propranolol, its a beta blocker, talk to your doctor, i have had this for years,loads of E C G heart is fine, so after waking up in the night sweating raised heart beat 100 and over, went on to a beta blocker, great, keep cool in bed, and keep off caffine drinks, also big meals seem to set my heart racing, drink plenty of water,but see your GP for a beta blocker, you will feel like a new person, good luck.

Findingme profile image
Findingme

My personal trick is to take a deep breath then close your mouth, pinch your nose and try to blow out firmly but slowly for 20 seconds or so. This can put pressure on the Vagus nerve which controls the heart rate, and help stop palpitations. Must be done as soon as they start. Then lie with eyes closed and visualise your heart rate slowing. Will yourself to relax. Breath gently and slowly. If you nip it in the bud you can stop an attack. Letting the attack go on can get you more and more anxious which then makes the palpitations worse.

LaShell profile image
LaShell

I started on medication last year for an underactive thyroid. I tried several medications but they seemed to cause minor palpitations. I finally tried Synthroid (but had to start at a very low dose of a 1/4 of a 25mcg tablet and work my way up to a full tablet), I was doing really well for about 4 months and then I started having palpitations again, and this time they were much worse. I was told to try an increase in the medication, but this only made it even worse. So I went back to taking just the one 25mcg tablet, but the palpitations continued. My palpitation are either flutters or skipped beats and last less than a minute or two. I had an EKG, everything was fine. So I took myself back down to just taking a 1/2 of a 25mcg tablet (this time cutting up a 50mcg tablet and taking a 1/4 (12.5mcg) of it, (as the 50mcg tablets are white and have no fillers in them). I noticed some relief. My Endo. then referred me to a Heart Specialist that put me on a Holter Monitor for 2 weeks (of which I just completed and will be mailing in on Monday). I look forward to getting back the results. I have been taking the 1/4 of the 50mcg (12.5mcg) tablet now for about a month and have noticed that the palpitations now only happen once or twice a day and are somewhat lighter. I have cut out all Caffeine, and take 2 chewable (400mg) of Magnesium every night. I think I will try the Epson Salt soak and see if this helps. My Endo. really wants me to be be able to take more than 25mcg as my blood results say I need more, but I'm afraid that the palpitations will start up again and again be much worse. So I was told I may end up needing to start taking a Beta Blocker as well. So for me I believe the palpitations are caused by the medication, but I will know for sure as soon as the Holter Monitor results come back in. I will report back on those results, and wish you the best of luck getting your palpitations under control. I know that anxiety does play a big role, especially once the palpitations begin and the fear sets in. So we must try and relax, which is always easier said than done. Please keep us updated, and remember as others have said as well, you are not alone.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to LaShell

Thank you

Good luck to you :) I dont have thyroid but I have anxiety lol

LaShell profile image
LaShell in reply to Amytat

I have anxiety as well, and it sure can mess with you in many ways. I'd surely try the Epson Salt baths or soaks (I know I'm going too), and if your taking Magnesium try the chewables they adsorb into your system better. I was also doing some research on Heart issues the other night, and all the articles I read said that the #1 treatment (besides any prescribed medication) for Heart Problems is "exercise", (and eating well is always a plus as well). So you might want to try walking a short distance at first and work your way up from there. It's also great for anxiety. Again good luck, and keep us updated !

Anxiety_Aunt_ profile image
Anxiety_Aunt_

Also, look into mindfulness or meditation. I find mindfulness extremely helpful, as do many others who suffer with anxiety and palpitations, amongst other things. Feels strange at first but once you allow yourself to embrace it it’s so useful and can be used and practised at any point in the day.

QUE6T-33 profile image
QUE6T-33

Hi Amytat, as suggested above, I would agree to ask Dr about Propranolol. Think you will find it calms things down for you. Strange as it seems, breathing into a small paper bag can calm things down a bit too ! You don't say whether you have endocrine issues ? Have you had an adrenal stress test i.e. Saliva ? Your symptoms could be related to adrenal fatigue and, if so, once nutritionally supported symptoms will probably subside. On from that, are your Thyroid levels ok ? Healthy eating, rest, descent sleep, fresh air are all good. However, if by chance you have adrenal fatigue, then go easy on the exercise. I'm not a doctor, but if you haven't done so, I would certainly do a private test to check adrenal levels, relax & take things easy for a while, calm that system of yours down & build your strength up. x

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to QUE6T-33

I don't know where to check for adrenal fatigue.

Thyroid is good

QUE6T-33 profile image
QUE6T-33

Hi Amytat. Great to hear Thyroid tests out ok. Presumably you have had FT3 blood level tested ? As far as adrenal testing, I'm sure if you search this Forum there will be information to be found on that which will be helpful. I can only suggest the ones that were recommended to me. That is the Genova Disagnostic Adrenal Saliva Stress test (about £79 as I recall). It will indicate your Adrenal output over the day. Blue Horizon carry out this test too (again I believe £79). Once you have results, you can post them on the Forum if you'd like advice. Enjoy some of this beautiful weather & have a nice day.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to QUE6T-33

Thank you I will check this out

Amytat profile image
Amytat

Yap I just did the salt bath and put feet in so hopefully it will go away soon

QUE6T-33 profile image
QUE6T-33

Your welcome. Blue Horizon 0800 999 1110 I think - 4 x Saliva. Genova not sure contact number.

kama24 profile image
kama24

Hi, I can truly relate. I have dealt with PVCs and skipped beats for 44 years now. I've had several cardiac test and been to 3 different cardiologists. They all said "they will not kill you". Little does that help when you can see your heart thumping in your chest and the pulse in your neck pounding. For many many yrs I took heart medication but none stopped them. Finally the cardiologist took me off them as he said there was more worry about bad side effects than from the PVCs. I wish I could offer you a solution. Have you seen a specialist? They will tell you to avoid drinks with caffine. I imagine you've had a stress test and a cardiac ultra sound? Try to keep occupied when they are bad. Hopefully your doctor will follow up and look into your situation more.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to kama24

Thank you for your reply. I have done ECG and blood tests only. The docs at the emergency were not concerned but the feeling like it's going to stop its terrible.

I don't drink coffee or any other soft drinks or alcohol.

Dont know where to go

kama24 profile image
kama24 in reply to Amytat

I have always found with ECG's that I'd never throw the PVCs when "hooked up". I'd get off the table and they'd start. It was so annoying. They were caught when I wore a heart monitor for 3 days. That BIG thud is frightening I know. I describe it to people as "picture a fish out of water flopping around"!! If it continues I'd ask your doctor to send you for a cardiac ultrasound, non invasive and very easy. The stress test can be a challenge. It really gets my palpitations going full blast. Did the ER doctors mention PVCs to you? I too have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks for many years. The weird heart beats did start before these 2 disorders. People who don't deal with palpitations on a regular basis don't really understand how annoying and frightening they can be for long periods of time. Hang in there!

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to kama24

Thank you for that. No I domt know what PVS is .

What helped you??

kama24 profile image
kama24 in reply to Amytat

PVCz premature ventricular contractions, usually harmless unless pared with a more serious heart problem. Normally nothing taken to control them although some drs. prescribe beta blockers in minimum dose. Wearing a halter records what goes on in you rythmia and is one of the best ways I think to catch them. Nothing has ever stopped them totally in the past 42 yrs. They tend to come in episodes. If you can stay calm and try to ride it out that is about all you can do. You really should be thoroughly checked out though.

paulbleasy profile image
paulbleasy

Hi Amytat.

I have been doing some further on meditation techniques and benefits and listening also to Ekhart Tolle. He is a spiritual teacher kind of thing.

It is both relaxing and educational, I find the more sides to anxiety related issues that I can learn about, I step by step feel a bit better and have a better understanding.

There is nothing to loose after all.

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to paulbleasy

Thank you

shopgirl2007 profile image
shopgirl2007

What was the hospital diagnosis Amytat? What they said the cause? or reason?prognosis? or you needed do if no diagnosis? or did they say it was stress related? as in panic attacks? etc and not your heart?

Amytat profile image
Amytat in reply to shopgirl2007

Yes it was stress they said. Heart is healthy

shopgirl2007 profile image
shopgirl2007

Hi amytat I wouldn’t follow any of the advice on here for the following reasons.... firstly if you have any heart problem raising sodium and salt intake can cause a heart attack so can instant withdrawals of severely high levels your used to. Other herbal homeopathic remedies you may be wasting miney on right now if it’s not stress related and those claiming to be stressed day and night until knocked out asleep I don’t believe know what stress is until they have a day in my life that any dr will tell them they’d soon find their lives very much boring normal and nothing to moan about. In fact reading some of these replies is enough to give you more stress and palpitations. I’ve been having angina attacks for a week siolid tomorrow and have a bad heart and I’m in heart meds as well as 54 tablets a day for pain and thyroid anaemia vitamin d, ibs tablets, plus lot more out of dissertation like morphine fentanyl patches 75 mg, oramorph, oxycodeine, and many more prescriptive creams shampoos cling film type plasters and dressings as I’m allergic to nearly all normal shampoos dressings on prescription ones. What I would say is it would be helpful if you could trace back to the very first one or ones and try remember if possible what you may been doing or if you was stressed or anything else that could caused them. Always rely on your body telling you not on someone else or ypur mind. Thanks Claire

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