ECG/Heart Monitor at Home

[Lilyrosemarie]

Good afternoon,

I had an ECG today at my doctor's surgery and they are referring me to Cardiology to have a 24 hour monitor which the surgery say will be posted to me and I stick it on my chest myself. Has anyone had one of these please?

I am experiencing palpitations most of the day (I have been very anxious of late, so could be that, but I have a family history of heart problems so I am concerned. I have high blood pressure and am taking 5mg Ramipril.

Has anyone experienced persistent palpitations? Or have any suggestions on what I can do?

Thankyou.

[jeanjeannie50]

Yes, I've had those monitors to wear many times. They will show how your heart is beating.

I've had atrial fibrillation (AF) for 18 years, this is where the heart beats in an abnormal rhythm. I am now in persistent AF and manage to lead a fairly normal life with medication.

AF is highly unlikely to kill anyone and is common as we grow older, mine started at age 55. First attacks were a few times a year and then they came more and more. You really must try to halt your anxiety as that appears to feed the attacks and make them much worse. Hard to do I know!

I'm not saying that you have AF, the monitor will show if that is happening or not.

Changing your diet to a more plant based one, avoiding any foods containing artificial additives, not allowing yourself to become dehydrated, cutting back on sugar, alcohol and caffeine, also losing weight (if it's needed) will all have a beneficial effect. Artificial sweeteners were a sure trigger for my attacks.

Make sure you don't slouch, or unwittingly do shallow breathing while watching tv or online. If you do your heart will protest. Also avoid tight clothing around your body.

Hope this will help you.

Jean

[Lilyrosemarie in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you JeanJeannie,

I am 61. My brother had AF and sadly passed away 2 years ago (he was overweight and diabetic, had 2 heart attacks & 2 strokes sadly) so obviously this is what I'm afraid of. I am underweight if anything, have never smoked, nor drank alcohol but do have a sweet tooth, love my lattes and don't drink enough water. Will try to drink more water.

Thank you and I hope you remain well.

[Yumz199725]

Yeah I have had monitors you have to attach yourself they send step by step instructions and you can shower wearing it. I had non stop palpitations for a week before I had it investigated now I'm on verapamil for VT. Sorry I don't have any advice on how to calm it it got to the point where it was affecting my sleep I would be trying to sleep and I would have palpitations and it felt like my heart was jumping around in mu chest really sucked. Now though if I'm really anxious I get them but other then that hardly ever.

[Lilyrosemarie]

Thankyou,

Yes its horrible, my heart feels like its punching its way out