Palpations

[THelen]

Good evening everyone, I am new here - last week out of nowhere I started getting palpations, these lasted on and off for a couple of days. I had no other symptoms at all but was advised by 111 to go to urgent care.

I had an ECG which was 'abnormal' but 'could be normal for me' and a blood test which was clear. I was given the impression that none of it was anything to worry about but I can't help but worry!

I am now awaiting an appointment for a echo scan. The palpations are still coming and going and I am wondering if anyone can offer any advice as this is all new to me and to be honest I am feeling quite concerned.

Thank you so much.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Helen, it sounds like you may have atrial fibrillation (AF). This is an abnormal heart rate which can come and go and many people have it, including me, if so it can be controlled by tablets. Have you been prescribed any medication? Just a guess of mine, I'm not medically trained. I would have a chat with your GP as it isn't right that you have been given no information at all as to what it could be.

If you were given the impression that it's nothing to worry about I would trust that.

Jean

[Retirement65]

Hi THelen they can be an absolute nuisance I’ve had them off and on for years had a spell of them this year ecg’s normal echocardiogram normal but mine are ectopics tbh not sure if they are pacs or pvc’s not really got to the bottom of it but although if your like me you dont feel great with them they are still classed as normal so it could be this or as Jean has mentioned AF I would ask your GP what the findings were so you at least know where your up to if it’s the case and it’s AF they are more than likely to start you on medication or if like me I’m on beta blockers they control it most of the time but I still get breakthrough episodes hope it resolves itself soon and you start to feel better I only wanted to let you know I know how your feeling take care let us know how your are doing 😊xx

[JonathanH]

I don't see any reason to suppose that you were found to have atrial fibrillation. To the contrary, I think that you would have been told so and prescribed drugs if you had been found to have AF.

It is very unsettling when things go wrong with your heart but it seems that your ECG showed nothing dangerous, which is a cause of reassurance. What I don't understand is why the potential abnormality was not discussed with you and concur that you should ask your GP what is going on.

[Aud152]

Hi Helen , I wander if it’s to do with the menopause? I know many women who have had heart palpitations and severe anxiety like symptoms during the menopause. Caffeine can really effect the symptoms ?

Hope you feel better soon

[THelen in reply to Aud152]

Funnily enough this is something I have talked about with my doctor, I had no idea that palpations could be a symptom. I am seeing him soon obviously so going to have a chat about it. Thank you.

[linnielizzie]

Hi - The echo will give you some answers Helen so try to relax while waiting. Been through the testing stage so remember it well and it's hard not to be stressed and worried which makes the palpitations worse !!! Big thing for me was driving caffeine out of my system which helped overall while I was waiting for tests. Good luck and try and chill - you are being looked at which is the main thing Lyn

[Hidden]

Dear THelen

Just a warm welcome from me , as I feel you have had a great mixed bag of answers on here already for your question.

I will also add that I’m so sorry that you are worrying over unknown tests at the moment.

Everything will become a lot clearer soon and we can help you with all your findings

Your feelings are all normal { stupid line but true }

I’d worry about you more if you weren’t experiencing them.

Good luck with it all and please keep us informed

[Qualipop]

Palpitations happen to hundreds of people and in many cases are caused by anxiety or are harmless. However they do need checking. It took almosta year to find out where mine were coming from. ECG never showed hem; I had none during a holter monitor, Then I had a stress test- still nothing showed. It just didn't happen while theywe re testing but then after I sat down to recover, they left he electrodes attached and the machine on and I had a long run of ectopic beats so finally they we re able to find out where they came from and reassured me they were totally harmless. That was over 30 years ago. I still get them occasionally but they are worse when I'm stressed or anxious.

[DaveSpice]

When it comes to the heart, 111 wil always air on the safe side incase it is serious. Palpitations are normally associated with stress, though occasionally it is something more serious, if indeed stress is not serious. So whatever else you are doing try to find some relaxation techniques, tell youself that this feeling will pass and when it does you will know you have done the right thing.

You have to know that all parts of the body have a knock on effect to all other parts, epecially the heart which is very sensitve. So begin by eating correctively (slowly) and eating unprocessed food. Once you stomach is settled, work on stress management, stess is a major cause of all heart problems.

When you are doing everything right, put no smoking, moderate drinking and keeping away for life's stesses, find some good company, people with good news. Things will imrove.

[isobelhannah18]

I get awful palpitations if I have too much caffeine. I like strong coffee and 90% chocolate so I have to be careful. Once I've got them they can last for months despite omitting caffeine. If you've been told not to worry try and relax even though it's easier said than done.

[THelen]

Thank you all so much for your replies, they have been helpful and reassuring.

I am a natural worrier anyway so that has not helped! Although the palpations have decreased I am still having the occasional flutter and now have awful back ache which I am putting down to muscle tension from being so anxious for days. No other symptoms at the moment, breathing rate fine, no temperature etc.

I have an echocardiogram next Tuesday and another blood test to check iron, thyroid etc then the following week I am going to have a 24 HR monitor.

Just got to try and get on with it for now and not to worry.

Thank you everyone.