worrying palpitations

[moorgate7]

For the past 3days I have been experiencing palpitations constantly and they are particularly bad when exercising normally doing housework etc. I often feel lightheaded and anxious when experiencing these symptoms.

I have stable angina and I’m aged 80yrs but in normally good health. I also have Rheumatoid arthritis.

I don’t want to take the precious time of doctors etc but I am becoming quite concerned. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Blearyeyed]

Do contact the GP tomorrow, or if the symptoms get more persistent or worse and you current angina medication is not helping call 111 for advice.If any cardiac symptoms change it get worse or new symptoms occur it may mean that there is another health reason for your symptoms, you do need to get that assessed , particularly as you become older.

It could be that your angina status has changed and you require other medication.

Or you could have another cardiovascular cause ,not even an infection or flare up of RA causing the symptoms.

Whatever is happening the doctor will prefer to see you and test you before the symptoms get worse when treatment could be much less complex.

Take care , Bee

[moorgate7 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks Bee for your advice. I will try to talk with my doctor because sitting here worrying about it won’t solve anything.

[FinickyPlum in reply to moorgate7]

Please DO 'worry' your doctor as Bee said. That's what they are there for. And they can put your mind at rest and/or treat as necessary. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

[moorgate7 in reply to Blearyeyed]

I managed to get a telephone appointment with my doctor and he advised going directly to A &E. After spending the day there and having two ecg plus blood tests and a chest X-ray the doctor arranged for me to have a heart monitor reading in the near future. Neither ECGs showed palpitations but as I was being examined the doctor did capture them. Seems that I may have AF but the monitor may help confirm this.

I am grateful to this community for the advice given and I do feel more at ease now that I’ve been seen by the doctors and am getting the attention to confirm any problems with my heart.

[Blearyeyed in reply to moorgate7]

So glad that you are getting assessed properly.I know it seems negative to find out that something else is happening, but it still gives you peace of mind to know what it is and that it can be managed in the end like your angina has been.

Just take things at a relaxed pace for the time being until you get more advice.

There is a Atrial Fibrillation Support group on HU as well , so when you know your results it might be worth you joining that group as well as the BHF to ask questions and get support about things specifically AF related.

Take care , Bee

[fishonabike]

You have a problem which is affecting your normal daily activities, doctors are there to help with that - as others have said, please make an appointment to see your GP about this new problem You might find it helpful to keep more of how often this happens, what you were doing, how it makes you feel and what you do to make it better - this will help you give the doctor clear info and you may spot a pattern

[moorgate7 in reply to fishonabike]

Thanks for your reply and I’ll definitely take your advice about collecting information to share with my doctor. I’m currently trying to get an appointment.

[Qualipop]

Any new symptoms like that, you MUST see your doctor.

[Pundit999]

Yes please see the GP/Cardiologist.

I had palpitations a few weeks before they found my LAD blocked.