Heartbeats

[Marley]

I'm having a flare at the moment and one weird experience is of being very aware of my heart beating. It's not going fast or palpitating - I literally am sitting quietly and can feel/hear my heartbeat. Anyone else had this?

[MrsMouseSJ]

Hi Marley. I go through periods of my heartbeat being very noticeable - such that I can count the beats just by sitting and feeling in my torso or my ears. It can be very disconcerting but, as I am under the care of a cardiologist (having had heart surgery), I know that all is ok with my heart and it is just an odd thing that happens to me, without it being sinister. It is not, in my case, flare related. However perhaps it is worth running this by your GP in the near future if this is a new symptom and asking them to have a listen whilst they are at it.

[Marley in reply to MrsMouseSJ]

Thanks - I'm not worried about my heart as such but it is a good idea to mention it to the doctor. Do you think this symptom is related to your Lupus at all?

[MrsMouseSJ in reply to Marley]

I really don't know; the cardiologist thinks probably not. For me, I've just had to learn to live with it.

Good wishes to you.

[whisperit]

Hello Marley,

Yes, this is very much a thing for me. I'm afraid I can't offer much useful information about it, though, as I'm being investigated by cardiology atm. I've been reassured that there is no sign of heart disease, but I am on B blockers for a persistent tachycardia and have referrals for neurology and tilt table tests to see whether there is an element of dysautonomia about it.

One thing that is very frustrating about it is that medics (and others) try to persuade me that nothing is actually happening other than I have got a bit anxious and "tuned in" to my heartbeat because of this. In reality, I *know* that something has changed, and its forced its way into my consciousness....and yes, like you, it does seem to be linked to periods when I feel "flares"

Good luck with it, whatever the explanation!

Mx

[Marley]

Thanks. I'll let you know if anything interesting ever emerges from it.