Palpitations

[greenbexy]

Just wondering if anyone else gets these palpitations? I thought they would go after iron tablets and B12 injections but they seem to have got worse! They still frighten me, after years of them. I've been to cardiology but nothing was found. Does anyone know if they will go with more frequent B12? Thanks.

[greenbexy]

Thanks for responding, what were the supplements that you tried? I've been looking up causes such as low potassium so I eat an avocado on most days. I don't feel like I'm a stressful person, but these palpitations do stress me though! Maybe not worrying about them is the answer, a vicious circle, so to speak lol!

[greenbexy]

I get them lay in bed at night too, think it maybe to do with noticing them more when at rest and not busy through out the day. I first felt them about 6or 7 years ago whilst driving, although I was following my husband in a van with our worldly possessions in it, ie moving house! So even though I don't think that I'm stressed, I probably am!

I have never had a panic attack thankfully, but my husband has had a few, so I can understand how frightening they can be. So you believe that the palpitations are psychological? Maybe coming to terms with the fact that I'm not as 'laid back' as I thought is something that I need to consider! Thanks again for your insight, it is much appreciated and learning that someone else has had these frightening episodes and overcome them is reassuring.

[Foggyme Administrator]

Just a quick comment...potassium supplements should only be taken under direct medical supervision. Potassium level are very finely balanced in the. Key and there is a. Wry fine line between too much and too little, and too much or too little can cause problems with the heart (cardiac arrest).

I see that you get potassium from diet greenbexy and if you think you may be low in potassium (or indeed, high), then it would be best to get your GP to test your potassium levels and then prescribe potassium, if required (your GP would then keep an eye on your levels).

👍

[Tpuntney26]

Have you checked your thyroid? I had them really bad for 2 years then finally got diagnosed with hypothyroidism and the media made them for away for the most part. In those 2 years I went to numerous drs. With no answer because I was borderline hypo they were not going to treat me. Made a huge difference once treated but now I just had a baby and everything is out of wack again and I'm having the palpitations. They said in the past when I was going to all of the drs. They are pvc and pacs that I am having which are harmless even though they don't feel like they are.

[greenbexy in reply to Tpuntney26]

Thanks for replying, yes I have had my Thyroid checked, it's also in the family, but came back 'normal' although it was the bog standard test. Posted results on TUK. when I can afford it I will have the full Thyroid test. Maybe I should push for the full test at my GP's, but it's one step at a time as I want to get more frequent B12 jabs first!

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Greenbexy. Yes, I get palpitations...they're very unpleasant and frightening 😖.

Mine were defiantly linked to,iron deficiency anaemia - it took four months of iron supplements before they receded to occasionally as opposed to all the time - six months on and I only get them occasionally. (Also,investigated by cardiologist - all okay there).

Palpitations can also be a symptoms of B12 deficiency - to do with the functions (or malfunction) of the autonomic nervous system, so might be a connection there.

So...if,your palpitations are due to B12 deficency or iron decency anaemia (the most likely cause since other investigations were normal), then these should subside as treatment for both progresses - though might take some time.

Good luck, hope they become less frightening and lessen soon 👍

[greenbexy in reply to Foggyme]

Looks like I'm going to have to 'bite the bullet' and ask my GP for the correct treatment that I should have received when originally diagnosed. Pins and needles really bad today, as well as the palpitations, I really can't wait until June for my next injection. My husband has also witnessed the difference in me in the last few days, so he is going to be dragged along with me! Thanks Foggyme , I think it is B12 or iron deficiency as it was this bad before loading doses.

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to greenbexy]

Yes greenbexy , think you're right...sounds like you need the neurological regime (every other day until no further improvements - for some, this can take many months). Oh how I wish GP's knew this 😖.

It's late now, so I haven't time to look through your previous posts but if you want some evidence (or help with ideas on how to approach your GP), let me know and I'll post you some links (annotated so you can find things more easily) and tips that might help (not looking back means no idea what you have already 😀).

It's sometimes really difficult to sort out what symptoms are due to iron deficency anaemia and what are due to B12 deficiency...but I really wouldn't want to wait for three or four months to see if the iron makes a difference...and then discover that the neurological symptoms are still present - and likley due to the B12 deficency after all.

June is far too long to wait for your next jab...and not should,you have to!

Good luck and shout if you want more help 👍

[potter5 in reply to greenbexy]

Hello Greenberg, I was having palpitations over several years ending up in hospital suspected stroke or heart attack. Very frightening. This was before I had bloods taken confirming b12 deficiency, 164. Also developed neurological issues , pins and needles and my toes and feet feeling like they are stuffed with cotton wool and tight banding round ankles which has never gone away even though I have been having 3 x b12 injections weekly for around 6 months now, self injecting. I am now worried my symptoms will never get better, I think I was was left too long. Please do not hesitate going back to your doctor and try to get adequate treatment. Also eating plenty of potassium rich food is important, bananas, kiwi, avocado, many more. I wish you well.

[greenbexy]

Even though I do believe that I am under treated for B12 deficiency, it's just occurred to me that yes, I probably am stressed too. I am having an endoscopy etc on Friday! So weird how it has only just dawned on me! Thanks again!

[Hidden]

I had a 24 hr monitor following palpitations and they said my heart rhythm was basically normal but I had ectopic heartbeats. Having only heard of ectopic pregnancy I was a little confused, but it appears to mean 'in the wrong place', and not to worry about it. My travel insurance described it as benign arrhythmia. I still get it, but don't worry about it now.

[Jane01]

Have you been considered as having Micro Vascular Disease? My Specialst dxed me after all five cardios were puzzled and had put me through the wringer so to speak with tests, Echos, angios, Right Heart catheter test, VQ and CT scans etc MVD does not show on tests ...so it's one of those 'Test everything else and see what it isn't 'diagnosis. I felt better in days on the new tablets.

[Jane01]

myheartsisters.org/tag/coro...

[Jane01]

myheartsisters.org/2015/05/...

[greenbexy in reply to Jane01]

Thanks for the link, scary diagnosis, but not one to ignore. Both my grandads died of heart problems, one at 39 years old, so I will read the info intently.

[Jane01 in reply to greenbexy]

As far as I k now MVD does not cause that type of heart attack as it is small vessel disease... I know my arteries are brilliantly clear so when I get angina now - I was told I don;t have concerns. Apparently MVD affects women more than men and has been a forgotten disease ( prob due to this)

[greenbexy in reply to Jane01]

Yes, I realised that when reading more closely. GP did want to send me back to the cardiologist, but wanted to wait until after my loading doses, but thinking back the palpitations weren't bothering me as much after them. Only had a few a week rather than a few a day as I am now. I will bear it in mind, though, thank you again.

[Josieposie]

I've had palpitations for years ever since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia but I'm also aware of a racing heart now (for about 6 months) and have only had the first of 6 'loading' B12 injections, the rest due over the next two weeks, then every three months. Whenever I have palpitations or the feeling that my heart's racing, I check my heart rate now and it's always high (over 120). It happened last night and I happened to be with my daughter. She'd read that if you breathe in very slowly over 8 or 9 seconds, hold your breath for about 5 seconds and then breathe out as slowly as possible, that helps to bring heart rate down. I did it twice; my heart rate came down to 90, and the palpitations stopped. I had awful chest pains with the same symptoms and very high blood pressure, out of the blue, 3 months ago - the paramedic I saw called for an ambulance crew immediately, gave me aspirin etc and I had the night in A&E. They did tests through the night, including ECGs; they said that everything was OK, I just have a heart murmur which isn't a worry apparently. I'm still not convinced but at least if I can control symptoms it's something!

[greenbexy in reply to Josieposie]

That must have been a very scary episode for you! I don't have chest pains, luckily, the racing heart beat is frightening enough! I have had ECGs too and showed nothing, also had a heart monitor on for a few days, but I kept missing them (push a button to record the heart rate when racing) or pressed the button by accident! Lol

Telling you it's 'just' a heart murmur doesn't really help much when they are quite frightening!

[Jane01 in reply to Josieposie]

Have they checked you for MVD ? My ECGs were perfect, the angio, the CT scan. Heart Rate over 70 feels awful... Once I was dxed and HR was kept <70 - my angina got better. MVD is a common problem but so many Drs do not seem up to date with it. There is no test to show it.

[Debbiscott16]

Hello just been diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia and High Monocysteine and get pulps , don't know whether I am being a help or a hindrance I don't know much about PA just a thought.......

[greenbexy in reply to Debbiscott16]

No, it's a help, it shows that it's not just me and others are experiencing palpitations too probably due to deficiencies, so thanks.

[kmalbasich]

Yes I suffered palpitations especially when my illness was at its most severe.

And yes can be very worrying at night

I can only say now I don't have any issues since I found what works for my body and B12 is at a level that suits me.