Question about heart palpitations

[Steph]

Hello everyone

I have heart palpitations 24/7 and always, always, always have a ball of anxiety in my stomach (if that makes any sense). What I wanted to know is, is it normal (for an anxiety sufferer) to constantly have heart palpitations? I am trying to avoid caffeine and anything sugary as these seem to exacerbate the anxiety, but even without either of these it seems to be a constant thing.

Can anyone tell me if a) you experience the same thing and/or b) what you can do to stop the heart palpitations.

Many thanks in advance

Steph

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Steph,

Fellow anxiety sufferer here!

What I can tell you is that yes, it's not uncommon for people with anxiety to have consistent heart palpitations. Often people find that once they can manage their anxiety, the physical symptoms tend to lessen. Things like slowing our breathing can make a big impact on how our body reacts to stress. Other things might be muscle tension and release exercises, yoga or drawing/colouring. It can take a while for people to find what works for them.

Having said that though, I should also mention that sometimes there other other causes to heart palpitations - things like caffeine, like you said, or even a vitamin deficiency. So best to get it checked out by your GP if you're worried.

[pipsy]

Hi Steph. Can I ask if there's anything besides the heart palpitations that you notice? If you're experiencing sweating, hot/cold feelings? Perhaps as romantic suggested a visit to your Dr for a check up. I quite often get heart palpitations when I'm uncomfortable about something or somewhere where I'm out of my ' comfort zone'. You mentioned this is 24/7, can I ask if you've recently had a bad experience which has triggered a previous bad experience? Maybe take notes of how you're feeling before your heart starts racing, I would definitely suggest a trip to your Dr. Give him as much info as possible to enable him to help you. You may need a course of short term AD's to help relax you.

Lynda

[Steph]

Thank you romantic and pipsy for your responses.

I have noticed that as well as the heart palpitations I tend to feel hot...a bit flushed maybe. My anxiety has been worse lately which may be why it is 24/7. I am going back to my GP this week to have my meds reviewed so will discuss the heart palpitations as well.

Steph

[caitie0]

Hi Steph,

I also have this problem, had ECG done came back fine, had a holter moniter as well, ( find out about that tomorrow ) but I feel it is my stress, mine was almost constant then last week I had a good few days were I felt myself again, but then Sunday night I got upset again and they came back, today they are up and down, not quiet sure what it is seems to be stress but is fustrating.
The doctor prescribed me beta blockers I have yet to try too them as if there is nothing wrong I don't really want to but might give in.

I would go get checked for sure, but you're not alone.

[Steph]

Hey caitie0

Thanks for your reply. It is incredibly frustrating hey. And I think when your heart is going faster it makes you think about it and then you get more anxious...it's like a never ending cycle. I can understand your hesitation in using the beta blockers. When I feel better, I always (naively) think that that's it, it's not going to happen anymore....so I always hope that I don't need the medication.

If you do take the beta blockers I hope they give you some relief 🙂

[pipsy]

Hi Steph. I was thinking, perhaps your blood pressure could be slightly elevated. Often when we feel anxious or upset our blood pressure elevates due to the tension caused by anxiety. This can bring on palpitations, sweating, flushes etc. Also cholesterol can cause elevation with blood pressure. Ask your Dr to check these too. Better check than worry.

Lynda

[caitie0]

I just got back my holter moniter results all normal, but my resting heart rate is high, doctor thinks it is my anxiety ( I am in my 20's and not overweight, had my thyroid checked, blood pressure is normal ) he said I am over thinking, but this doesn't make me feel better at all, I am fustrated to say the least.

I am going to join the gym and try and eat better, see if this helps me out a lil at all.

[Steph]

Being told that you are just overthinking really would not help at all...I hope the gym and good food helps 😕

[blondguy]

Hey Steph.

Heart palps are a pain and a classic symptom of anxiety. Once the adrenaline starts pumping the palps can start.

My first mega anxiety attack was in 1983. The palpitations do lessen as any anxiety symptom does with regular visits to your doc.

As caitie0 mentioned the Beta Blockers do work well. They are a basic medication that work well with some of the anxiety symptoms.

Good post Steph

Kind Thoughts

Paul