palpitations?

[CavalierKC3]

I’ve probably asked this before but I feel so frightened. Do others get, fluttering , & a feeling heart has stopped then a thud before it restarts. Started 50 mg prednisolone last august now down to 9. Also have to take leothyroxine & metformin, and atorvastatin. Have had ECG which was ok & done blood pressure for week which was ok. Might be anxiety but I don’t know how to control it

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you think it's anxiety then you probably need to speak to your doctor... there is plenty of help out there, but others will be along to give advice.

This was produced just after covid - and is in FAQs - but it covers anxiety so might be worth looking at -

nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/m...

[Amanda_iona]

I have a similar problem, my heart is fine during the day but at night likes to do some disco dancing! Bisoprolol keeps it under control, not necessarily right for you but worth discussing with Dr or pharmacist.

Good luck, I know how horrible it is and we have enough sleep problems already!

[EdithWales]

Try not to be frightened, in the main only normal hearts palpitation. Dorset Lady has given you good advice. You have had an ECG and BP however it’s worth going back to the GP. I used to have it and saw a Cardiologist, had an Echo and ECG. He concluded the only problem with my heart was it was connected to my head! Always a worrier. I note you are on thyroxine, that would be worth checking, mine has gone astray after 30 years of behaving itself. Take care

🥂

[CavalierKC3 in reply to EdithWales]

yes, I’m a worrier. But how do you overcome it. Can’t sleep much as soon as my eyes open my mind goes to my heart, as if I’m waiting for the palpitations to start, & I’m like that all day. Wasn’t too bad until diagnosed withGCA. Been a nightmare since being on prednisolone. Had terrible skin reaction, it’s caused diabetes, high cholesterol, and hair falling out badly

[EdithWales in reply to CavalierKC3]

I am so sorry and I know it’s not easy. Firstly go back to the GP once you know it’s nothing to worry about you can concentrate on relaxing. I had GCA and have been on prednisolone for over 8 years, I have high cholesterol, had both cataracts removed ( can see better than ever ), hypertension, low magnesium and recently diagnosed atrial fibrillation and my thyroid is playing up. However, I have a good life, I didn’t go blind and you will read about so many friends on this forum who are much worse than us. Try to concentrate on the good things, you will get better, keep posting, we are all here for you.

Take care

🥂

[PMRpro Ambassador]

An ECG is only meaningful if whatever it is happens during the ECG and since most only last a few minutes at most they often miss irregular and occasional events. Most of them are not serious but a 24 hour at least and preferably several day long recording is the only thing that identifies such things. If you don't feel unwell at the time, it probably isn't anything to worry about. However - make it clear to your doctor how concerned you are, Because fear makes it worse and blows it out of proportion.

[SheffieldJane]

I wore a 24 hour heart monitor for this symptom which turned out to be a common phenomenon and quite harmless. I hope you are the same. It is disconcerting and still affects me now and then. I take a beta blocker Atenalol and Doxysosin for my slightly raised blood pressure.

[Gimme]

Could be lots of reasons. I suffered palpitations in my 40s, thought it was linked to being perimenopausal. Then I found out that I have a wheat intolerance, within 48hrs of giving up wheat, no more palpitations. Then I started pred, and wahey, the palpitations are back! Though it has eased a lot as the dose is coming down.