Palpitations and when to worry

[SJ1000]

Hi all,

Really need to help and advice as my gp is really not very helpful.

In history I have a small blockage in my LAD a bigger blockage in my carotid along with high BP and cholesterol. BP is better on meds and I’ve managed to get cholesterol down to 1.5 from 6.7 with meds and diet changes. I also have an unspecified arrhythmia for which I’m taking beta blockers to control.

I’m now getting palpitations at night time which wake me up from being asleep with a very fast 100bpm+ and totally random heartbeat (skipping beats, what feels like 2 or 3 beats in succession, then a long gap and then a different pattern) which lasts for between 2-4hours bp rises to 135/95 or more and it get very distressing no chest pain though. Once everything calms down I’m totally wiped out, exhausted and feel crappy.

My gp says as I’m not having any chest pain not to worry but this is happening more and more often and the after affects are making the days after very difficult. I’ve been referred back to cardiology but it’s a 4 month wait to see anyone

Has anyone had anything similar and any suggestions around at what point I should worry?

Thanks for taking the time to read my post, I’m just struggling with how these episodes make me feel and their increased frequency/duration so would be extremely grateful for any thoughts/guidance.

[LesleyJ59]

Palpitations can be really alarming, and you can get into a spiral of worrying, which makes them worse. There's lots of reading information and advice about, and I've come to the conclusion that unless you're getting any other serious symptoms, doctors tend to tell you they're 'normal'. I comfort myself with the knowledge that my Granny had palpitations all her adult life, and lived into her nineties (I'm 62).

Mine increased in October and have hardly let up since, and I've decided to cut right back on caffiene and alcohol (can't quite cut them out altogether) but it's difficult to say how effective that has been. Stress is definitely a factor for me, and with Covid and the time of year, it's not easy to remain calm.

If you look up the treatment of palpitations you'll find there isn't a lot - beta blockers can be prescribed, which can lower your heart rate, but that's not an option for me as mine isn't high to start with. I would recommend gentle exercise like Tai Chi, Qigong or yoga, all of which have some element of meditation which can be soothing.

Wishing you luck in finding some peace of mind and a reduction in those pesky palps!

[Heythrop51]

The BHF nurses may be able to advise you. Give them a call.

[SJ1000 in reply to Heythrop51]

I didn’t realise you could call BHF. Will do. Great advice, Thank you so much

[Heyjude31]

Hello SJ1000, I do hope you are okay, I am so sorry to hear of your challenges. I too experienced little support from one of the GPs, as suggested I would definitely speak to a heart nurse if you can, or if you have access to the cardiology dept at hospital speak with them. Do take care, Judi

[SJ1000 in reply to Heyjude31]

Hey, Heyjude31, thank you for responding and giving some much needed support. I will try the heart nurse in the morning. I don’t have access to a cardiology sept as can’t get an appointment but I guess I’ll look for a private cardiologist as I need to better understand what I’m dealing with. Thank you again I’m very grateful for your reply. Take care.

[Horner88]

This cardiologist is very good on palpitations: youtu.be/8sJIjPbzHro(Not working as expected?)

[SJ1000 in reply to Horner88]

Very useful. Thank you so much.

[Frootbat]

Yes yes yes! If only we could actually talk to one another as I have so much to say on this matter. Briefly I have this problem for years and was diagnosed with CHD, badly blocked LAD so was stented in 2017. The GPs say don't worry unless you have chest pain. Insist on a 48 hour ecg (Holter) at the very least. If those symptoms you describe go on for more than 30 minutes go to hospital. I have done twice and they said it was the right thing to do. I'm on all the meds too. Also, yes ring the BHF nurses as they are very very helpful.Good luck. Am happy to give contact details although don't know whether we are allowed.

[SJ1000 in reply to Frootbat]

Hi Frootbat, Thank you so much for responding. I’m extremely grateful. I was thinking about going to the hospital next time but I know they are so busy and don’t want to waste their time but I will go next time. Hope your situation is stable and Thanks again