Palpitations

Does anyone out ther have to live with palpitations like me,how do u feel about it ?

[bock]

Hi Meg like you i have to put up with palpatations ,it use to scare me but im use to them now and know its just down to the meds...im new to the site and am finding it interesting

[Hidden]

It takes some getting used to doesn't it,as I live alone I get a bit scared sometimes,

[Mocarey]

Yes I do get them often, I have recently been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation and this seems to be the cause of mine!

[bock]

It can be scarey , i have my daughter living with me but when she stays out all night i find im worse just knowing i,m alone.

[downfield]

I get them occasional, they last for about 10 mins and are quite scary. I had the first one before I went onto inhaled medication, I don't get them very often thankfully .

[Hidden]

I just had 3or4 quick ones at t,time, ugh,felt a bit sick sick,I find it do scary

[downfield]

Hi Meg , when it happens to me I try to lay down and relax completely breathing slowly and steadily and thinking of something pleasant to take my attention (eg laying in a meadow of wild flowers watching a skylark soar in a clear blue sky ).

[Hidden in reply to downfield]

Thank you,I find it hardto concentrate on anything else when they happen,I get really upset

[downfield in reply to Hidden]

Meg I know it is difficult to concentrate on anything else because if like me you will be fearful,. But the more you panic the worse it is liable to get because fear = you release more adrenaline, calm is the way to go.

You should mention it to your doctor if you have not done so already

[Hidden in reply to downfield]

Ok ,thank you

[Hidden]

I'm currently on meds for labrrinthitis, u know ear stuff,off balance etc

[Hidden]

If you find you can't concentrate try doing something completely mindless, I play spider solitaire on my computer. It helps me relax and regulates my breathing. Having palpitations is really unpleasant and scary, Downfield is right the more you panic the worse it can be. Deep breaths and relax.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Jemma]

Meg I really do sympathise with you. I have suffered palpitations since I had a coronary stent put in three years ago and my heart rate can shoot up to 120 quite easily whereas before it was always around 75 - I find it so scarey and of course my breathing goes to pot when this happens.

I've had a heart scan and also worn a 7 day event monitor but nothing wrong was found. The medics say it's my meds, Spiriva, Seretide and very ocassionally Ventolin BUT I had been taking these for years before having the stent put in and I wasn't like it then.

[Hidden]

Higher heart rates and variable heart rates are quite common in COPD, particularly as it becomes more severe. Also, as Jemma above mentions, Ventolin and similar meds can temporarily raise your heart rate.

Like you, I have had my heart thoroughly checked out (a couple of times over the past 4 years) and it has been fine. My average heart rate when relaxing in the evening is around 70 - 80 bpm these days since exercising more seriously. Prior to that it was always between 92 - 110 bpm, varying with time of day and when I had taken my meds . It used to raise to around 130 bpm when on the treadmill, and once went as high as 155bpm when trying to walk a cliff path - not a good idea - ended up with oedema of my hands, arms, legs and face that day While it can still be around 110 when I do something like washing up, overall it has improved with regular exercise. Nowadays I expect 70 - 80 at rest, and when exercising I stop and rest whenever it tops 135. There will always be odd fluctuations due to my stage of copd.

[Jemma]

Parvati

Your experiences have eased my mind a little, thank you. My Respiratory Consultant prescribed 2.5 mg of Cardicor (Bisoprolol) in the morning and it really helps however my Cardiologist would prefer I didn't take it (reason lethargy). I once hit 160 and it was off to A & E with anaphylactic shock - reason two prescription drugs that didn't like each other!! I think that was why I needed a stent as the arteries "pulsed".

[Hidden in reply to Jemma]

While looking at other stuff this morning I came across an interesting article about palpitations being caused by the antibiotic Azithromycin and others from the same 'Macrolide' family of anti bio's, - apparently harmless for those with a healthy heart but have been found to cause a higher mortality rate when used in those with pre existing heart conditions. Thought I should mention it as Azithromycin is quite widely used in chest infections as it works so well. Your doc may already be aware of this, but just in case, it is always better to know these things for yourself so you can request a safer alternative if you already have heart issues.

I am pasting the relevant 'conversation' that includes a link to the journal with the latest scientific research on this in your 'Private Messages' are as I think we are barred from pasting USA links on this site (daft isn't it!). Best wishes, P.

[Jemma in reply to Hidden]

Parvati

Thanks for the info on Azithromycin. My respiratory consultant prescribed it for me AFTER I had my stent and after he prescribed Cardicor to lower my heart rate. During the winter I take 250mg Azithro Monday, Wednesday and Friday to keep my chest clear but I haven't noticed that it makes my heart rate any faster than what appears normal for me nowadays.

I see my respiratory consultant next month and will ask them about it and also to speak with my cardiologist.

Many thanks