constant palpitations

[lucydiamond1]

Hello everyone

I am having 48hr holter monitor as for months I have the feeling of palpitations that seem 24hr , Ive had these in the past but seemed linked to emotional feelings and were self-limiting also I feel tired more than usual and sighing. I obviously need to look at what the monitor says ,plus i take medication that I cant rule out as a factor , I would be interested in others opinion. Thanks.

[Tos92]

Hi   lucydiamond1

I have had a couple of holters of varying degrees over the years. The holter monitor is a good test to have which can help determine abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. It is a very straight forward test.

On the day of the test, an ECG is usually conducted first, and then a small device fitted. Depending on what type of a device the hospital are using, you may, or may not be able to get it wet. The device will stay attached to you for 48 hours, and you will be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms. They will explain to you how to use the device which is really easy. It is just a case of pressing the button on the device which will be explained to you, every time you experience a symptom such as a heart palpitation or chest pain. Once the test is complete, you will return it back to the hospital or requesting physician. They will review the results and will be able to inform you of the outcome.

Stress can cause heart palpitations for me. Strong emotions also do the same.

What medication are you on? The patient information leaflet which comes with the medication should tell you whether your symptoms might be as a result of that. It might be worthwhile to have a read.

Good luck for the test.

Tos

[lucydiamond1 in reply to Tos92]

Thank you for your reply , I appreciate the time and effort you took.

[AmatureKnitter]

Hi Lucy,

The word "Palpitations" is misleading and often understates what's going on. It simply means that you're conscious of your heart beat, and that can just mean normal sinus rhythm amongst other things. It's a symptom, not a pathology. It's not very descriptive.

Best to get the result from your monitor, it'll tell you if you have an arrythmia that is making you feel your heart beat, as well as the type and burden.

If you do have an arrythmia, then a conversation with your doctor to decide on treatment is best in the context of existing conditions and medication.

As for what you can do for yourself. Nutritional deficiencies can cause arrythmia and tiredness. Check ferritin, folate, D3, B12, electrolytes, calcium and magnesium, they are the main culprits. Just being "within range" is not sufficient, there are optimal levels appropriate to you depending on any existing conditions. Both hypo and hyperactive thyroid causes arrythmia too

If you haven't already, cut caffeine, alcohol and sugar. MSG (flavour enhancer) is troublesome too. Stay hydrated. Keep your stomach happy, GERD, Hiatal Hernia, indigestion, IBS can irritate your vagus nerve and upset your heart. Search for a chap called Dr. Sanjay Gupta at York Cardiology, on YT. He discusses most of this.

Good luck. Let us know how you get on. X

[lucydiamond1]

Thank you for full reply you posted, it would have taken me ages at my speed at typing. I will post results, they can take up to 6 weeks.