Irregular heart rate and palpitations

[AndyTay30]

about 3 weeks ago I started with palpitations in my chest that initially came and went. After only a few days they stayed around longer; I also noted that my heart beat had become irregular. It came to a point that I took myself to A&E where an ECG, BP and blood tests showed nothing too unusual; I was referred back to my GP. The palpitations and irregular beats remained until I was prescribed with 1.25mg of beta blocker and wait the wearing of a device to monitor my heart rate and BP.

I am a 54 male who is relatively fit but could do with losing some weight. I’ve never had this before and it’s not in the family.

My anxiety is making me restless and quite honestly, terrified at times. How do you cope with these new symptoms? Am I over worrying and there is a simple explanation?

Any advice would be helpful. Many thanks. Andy

[Creativemiss]

I began AF last April. It’s something you have to learn to live with. AF won’t kill you but it’s scary at times. My heart rate would jump up to 214bm then dive to 46. I’m on beta blockers now so it’s controlled a bit better.

[AndyTay30 in reply to Creativemiss]

Thanks for the response.

I’ve not had a diagnosis as yet, with the A&E doctor saying not AF, but I shall await for a cardiologist to make that decision.

[Chiphill]

Hi Andy. Welcome to the group. I don’t have any magic answers for you unfortunately, but completely understand how you feel. I too have regular episodes of an irregular heartbeat. I’ve been told these are benign ectopic beats which they try to reassure me are harmless. Unfortunately this doesn’t help be being anxious about them, which in turn can exacerbate them. Feels like a vicious circle. I try to myself busy and distracted, and if they flare up I try to go for a walk, have a shower, sing etc. to take my mind off them. It’s a battle of mind over matter. Also try to avoid going down the google rabbit hole. Fingers crossed you don’t have to wait too long for your holter monitor.

[AndyTay30 in reply to Chiphill]

Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. You read my mind…Google is a hole I should stay out of, my smart watch sends messages I’d rather not see and my anxiety is counter productive! It’s the not knowing whether it is something or nothing.

Best wishes

[Jewelgirl]

Hi Andy, hope you’re doing ok. What you have sounds very similar to me. I’m 59 and I started having episodes of palpitations and irregular heartbeat together with fatigue and sometimes low blood pressure about 3 years ago. I had ECGs and an echocardiogram which came back normal and the diagnosis was benign ectopic heartbeats which they told me were harmless. They are unpredictable and can come at least once a month lasting between 4-48 hrs. I find them debilitating and everything is an effort. When they pass I’m absolutely fine and lots of energy. My cardiologist told me I will have to live with them or he could prescribe a beta blocker which I haven’t tried as I hate being on any meds. I thought I had AF but they didn’t diagnose that even though I have similar symptoms. It is scary when you don’t know what’s going on, I was very anxious like you, but now I’m learning to live with it. Who knows it may just go away altogether one day. Distraction is a great technique and try not to dwell on it, there are many people who live with this so it’s very common. Take good care

[AndyTay30 in reply to Jewelgirl]

Thank you, I replay appreciate you taking the time to respond.

I had an episode last night that lasted until about teatime today. As I write this, I feel absolutely fine again now but the last 20 hours has been heavy. I am on a very low dose BB, more for anxiety than anything; I’m like you about meds, not a fan but felt I had to do something. I do overthink things and I am sure I am contributing to the symptoms.

Once I have had further consultation and maybe a diagnosis, I am sure I will feel a little better. Best Wishes.

[Jewelgirl]

Sorry you’ve had another episode that has made you feel rotten again. I know what it’s like when the episodes come. Hope you get a diagnosis soon. My mind was put at rest when I had the echocardiogram which showed a structurally normal heart, so at least I know that much which was reassuring. Take care

[AndyTay30 in reply to Jewelgirl]

Thank you; it’s the not knowing whether to exercise through it or to let the episode pass. I really need to find some mindfulness to help shut it out and normalise a little. Thank you.