Palpitations - meds?: Sorry, another... - British Heart Fou...

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Palpitations - meds?

Outforawalk profile image
22 Replies

Sorry, another question from me.

I had HA start of March and stents fitted, recovery going pretty well and no major side effects of the various meds.

In the last week I have had what I could best describe as a “rush” in my chest with fairly reasonable frequency. I’m not breathless, it tends to be when I’m sitting still, it doesn’t keep me awake or wake me up, it doesn’t last long - seconds if that - and I read another thread where the poster described a stomach sensation like going down a dip on a roller coaster. That sort of fits the bill but it’s more in my chest/throat, and we have a couple of meds in common... Atorvastatin and Bisoprolol.

My pulse doesn’t seem to change with this at all, and to check I have worn a chest strap heart monitor all day to see if there are any big spikes or dips but there aren’t.

Is this sensation familiar to anyone, I may call cardiac rehab or cardio pharmacist tomorrow - I’m not overly worried, I’d rather it wasn’t happening but it is new to me and being early days of recovery I’m paranoid about the niggles and unusual sensations.

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Outforawalk
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22 Replies
Prada47 profile image
Prada47

Hello

Sounds like a good idea to speak with a Professional. After having a Heart Attack a few years ago I was left with an occasional Ectopic Beat, which over the years has progressed.

No one will question you, your only looking for reassurance.

Take Care Stay Alert

If you can give an alternative description to rush and do you mean a sinking feeling?

Outforawalk profile image
Outforawalk in reply to

Yes, like going too fast over a bump in the road and “leaving your stomach behind”. Sorry it’s so hard to try and describe sensations!!

Outforawalk profile image
Outforawalk

Much appreciated Gaz, the “nothing to worry about” is the best part to read!

To explain my story a little, my HA started on a Monday afternoon, bear with me, but I didn’t go straight to hospital. I went on Tuesday morning to A&E who quickly established my troponin result was high. That continued to increase through Tuesday and I was moved on Wednesday to another local hospital with cath labs. On Wednesday evening I had angioplasty having been told “your heart attack hasn’t stopped yet”. Angiogram revealed a localised diseased area and stents were fitted in the LCx, OM1 and OM2 arteries... that’s what was written down for me before I was shipped back to the original hospital to make way for the next patient. There was evidence of some scarring but I didn’t get the chance to discuss that any further.

Not sure if that helps at all!!!

in reply to Outforawalk

He only added that if you are still under your Cardiologist might be worth contacting him/her as they will probably organise a 24hr tape quicker than your GP, if they feel it is necessary.

Gaz

Curious as to why post was removed?

Outforawalk profile image
Outforawalk in reply to

Which post was removed?

in reply to Outforawalk

The one that said what it sounds like & suggesting you speak to GP & nothing to worry about!

I have messaged admin as I would like to know for future reference.

It appears that some people report what they deem to be advice from some people but not others, also nothing in Guidelines or TOU say anything about advice!

Other than

As a member of HealthUnlocked, you agree to publish information that is true and correct to the best of your knowledge and you agree to publish information that is primarily drawn from your expert knowledge or personal experience.

Outforawalk profile image
Outforawalk in reply to

Strange... I can still see it 🤷‍♂️

in reply to Outforawalk

That is strange!

Outforawalk profile image
Outforawalk in reply to

Closed the app, refreshed and yep it’s still there. It does say it was posted “2021y ago” so something is glitched somewhere.

in reply to Outforawalk

weird, someone else also said they couldn't see it, it just says "This reply has been deleted".

See what admin say, if they reply!

Applezebra profile image
Applezebra

Sorry you’re feeling that. I’m having the exact same thing. I had HA late February with two procedures to fit stents right afterward. About a month ago I started having the same feelings you mention. I sometimes explain it like my heart is hiccuping, or burping, and it sometimes feels gassy. As well as yours, mine is not with elevated heart rate either. It happens at very relaxed rates. I wear a Fitbit and have healthy heart rate all day. Like you, I’m really in tune with every little sensation right now. I think when mine happens, it makes me short of breath. Or that could also be my anxiety doing that. I’m not sure. If I fell my pulse when this is happening, I can feel “skipped beats” and that freaks me out even though my doctor has told me not to be worried.

My cardio doctor has been aware of this and is not concerned. He asked me to just wait two weeks to see if it was getting better/worse. The two weeks ended yesterday and it’s happening more frequently now. I am going in tomorrow to get a heart monitor attached and I will wear it continuously for two days so they can look at the heart rhythm and see what it’s doing. Cardio doctor still isn’t concerned at all. He said he’s confident that this can be treated with medication. I’m on similar meds to you (Atorvistatin and Metoprolol).

This sounds almost identical to what you’re experiencing. I have major health anxiety and doc said that might play a big role in it. I’ve kind of been a mental wreck since the heart attack. Meditation every day has helped a little but I still feel like my anxiety is ruling me at times. Do you have a lot of anxiety? Has this whole thing really affected you mentally like it has me?

I’ll keep you posted on what my heart monitor shows and what the treatment is. When I talked to doctor yesterday I asked him “just tell me what the worst case is so I’m prepared for it”. He said “even worst case, there are simple procedures to correct it, but I’m not even thinking along those lines. I’m sure we can correct this with the right medication”. That made me feel better. Even the worst case isn’t that bad, according to him. My arteries are all clear now after the stents and they did an echo before I left the hospital that showed good heart function. Since you and I are both feeling it, I’m guessing maybe it’s pretty common.

Take care. I’ll report back soon.

in reply to Applezebra

Pretty much what my post said :-)

A fit-bit/apple watch etc would not pick up the occasional missed beat, hence the 24/48hrs tape

Applezebra profile image
Applezebra in reply to

Gaz,

Have you worn the heart monitor yet? If so, what did they find, and have they been able to find the right meds to get you right again?

in reply to Applezebra

No, sorry my reply was a response from a medical professional who specialises in cardiology. Simply saying it sounded like he was missing a beat and a 24hr tape would probably be needed.

Your post just confirmed what was said.

Applezebra profile image
Applezebra in reply to

Thanks. That must be the reply that was deleted because I can’t see it. I’m literally experiencing all of this firsthand right now so hope they don’t delete my response. I assume other people appreciate seeing experiences similar to their own. I always do.

in reply to Applezebra

Yes it was deleted as someone reported it! Seems you can't reassure someone, without one of the "clique" taking offence.

Hope you get it all sorted quickly, good luck.

Gaz

Outforawalk profile image
Outforawalk in reply to

Hmmm, it was hardly medical advice. I can still see it though 😂😂

in reply to Outforawalk

Sshh so can I on phone app 🤣

Outforawalk profile image
Outforawalk in reply to Applezebra

Hi Applezebra

You must take comfort from your GP and cardiologist saying not to worry, although this is all new to us it’s bread and butter for them.

I haven’t been too anxious, I was fortunate to get back to day to day activities relatively quickly and the Covid situation threw normality out of the window quickly after my HA so the whole world has adjusted with me.

I’m struggling a bit at the moment as I increase my exercise and experience some new niggles, and with a feeling that someone has stolen the rest of my “normal” life... that’s the best way I can put it. The prospect of worrying daily about cardio issues, taking loads of meds and not being able to eat and drink what I want for the rest of my life seems a pretty grim prospect at 42 with a family. But it is what it is, so I try hard with my daily diet and exercise, I allow myself treats now and again and try and adjust to a new normal. Fresh air and exercise are what keep me going but it’s a very up and down road at the moment.

Let us know how you get on with your heart monitoring, and be reassured you aren’t the only one feeling what you are.

Look after yourself.

Helen_BHF profile image
Helen_BHF

Hi all, can we please be careful about offering medical advice to others on the community as per our guidelines here: healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

Many thanks all.

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