Scared

[Davo12345]

Every time I have a few missed/Fast heart beats. It really scares me. Is this normal to feel this way. Have had them for a few years. I keep thinking I am going to die. I am on 5mg bisopol. Does anyone else feel this way. My doctor is useless. Am 68 male

[jeanjeannie50]

Oh, I know that feeling well! The one where you think you may well die because your heart is doing strange beats. I used to wonder how long it would be before my body would be discovered, as I live on my own.

Well guess what? Almost 16 years later I'm still here! Life is pretty good too and I can once more do the things I've always loved - like long distance walks.

I think it's perfectly normal to feel and think the way you are, until you become accustomed to your heart situation, but I'm going to tell the you the cure, but I'm afraid it's not an easy one!

First you have to change your diet to a more plant based one and reduce the amount of red meat you eat. Cut out all foods that contain artificial additives, if you need to lose weight, do so, it will give you more energy. Avoid alcohol, especially wine as it contains sulphides, which are a known trigger. Opt for decaf tea or coffee and up your intake of water, allowing yourself to become dehydrated is a sure trigger.

Now heart arrhythmias absolutely thrive on anxiety, so you need to try to distract your mind from those negative thoughts and not concentrate on what your heart is doing. That's not easy I know, but take it from someone who has learnt the hard way, it's a true fact! If you want me to give you my stories of how I learnt these facts I can.

Jean

[Thecyclist in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Great reply, excellent advice and I totally agree. Same for me, had them for years and they still scare the hell out of me. Anxiety is the main culprit and I find the second I get a PVC/Ectopic that is it, they keep on coming. Alcohol, stress, anxiety, some food can all be triggers. I'm on 7.5mg of Bisoprolol was on 10mg and doesn't make a huge difference. Calming techniques, meditation and good sleep go along way as well to get rid of the beggars.

[Musicl]

There can be many reasons for missed beats. It is not always serious. Have you been referred to a cardiologist?Mine are due to ectopic beats which is quite common and not life threatening. I just have to lay off caffeine. Rushes of adrenaline can also cause them.

[Arty56]

Hi there, I'm on same med plus others, every night when I lay down to try and sleep, my heart is beating very fast and sometimes misses a beat, what works for me is holding my breath off and on until it seems, to regulate and slow down, the first times it used to happen it was scary and panicked me, now I'm used to it, and it does slow down in the end. I now have to sleep with my head and top part of my trunk higher than normal otherwise chest pains, av a word with doc see what they say good luck 😊