Are heart flutters and palpitations driving you crazy?
Thursday September 20, 2007
Do you experience heart flutters and palpitations regularly as a result your anxiety and panic? Diana does. She writes, "My heart flutters constantly, skipping beats and palpitating. I've had all the tests, monitors, echoes, etc, and they have so far turned out OK. But lately I can't turn off that little voice that says this crazy heart might just kill me any minute now."
Have you had all the tests and everything is OK, but you're still worried? What has worked for you to help you manage or even eliminate heart palpitations? Share your thoughts and experiences here or on the forum.
Comments
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.. MY HEART FLUTTERS EVERY BLESSED DAY.. I AM ALSO CURRENTLY WEARING A MONITOR, AND THE DOCTORS REVIEW THE STRIP.. BUT THEY HAVE NOT GIVEN ME ANY CONCRETE NEWS ON WHY I AM HAVING IT.. IT IS ALSO DRIVING ME NUTS.. I CANNOT DO ANYTHING WITHOUT MY HEART FLUTTERING.. IT IS SCARY THOUGH..!
hi it sometimes hapens when i have a beer.at the moment i have no anxiety so what is it!?
i suffered the same problems for about ten years and had many tests and a few years ago, i was told i had an under active thyriod, please get blood tests for this. i hope this information has been helpful.
It can happen sometimes depending on how much stress you are under and also what type of anxiety you have. I have never had any flutters as such but have heard of others who have. They advised me that they really hate taking medication that was prescribed by their doctor. I agree with them and prefer natural ways.
this link may be helpful.
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/mitral-valve-prolapse.htm
I have palpitations too. Lately they have been worse. Doctors never find anything wrong. Last week I had a long palpitation and thought I was going to pass out. Terribly frightening to live with. I have had this since I was nine and now I am 31.
I have been suffering from Panic Disorder for 20 years and still to this day, I cannot tell the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack. I can’t count the number of times I have either brought myself, someone has brought me, or I was brought via ambulance to the ER. The nurses hooked me up to several different machines, and they would start an IV just in case. Every single time I left the ER, I left with the diagnosis of a “Panic Attack.” This has been very embarassing, but different doctors and nurses over the years have told me not to worry about it, that I’m better off “safer than sorry.” I just hope that one day I can tell on my own the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack. My husband and I have been together for the past 6 years, so there have been less ER trips, since my husband is really good at knowing the difference for me - most of the time, between a heart attack and a panic attack, since he has already, unfortunately suffered a mild heart attack (years ago, before we met) and knows the signs of one. I wouldn’t wish Panic Disorder on my worst enemy. I think it’s one of the worst feelings in the world to feel…
You are so right.. anxiety/panic attacks are very scary.. im 30 and have been suffering for about 15 years.. im only doing something about it now.. i want to feel normal again.. finding where the root of it is i guess.. any feed back from people that have beaten it would be great…
I’m 22 years old and recently started having these heart flutters about 3 years ago. They have gotten for frequent now and I’m always worried that it will stop everytime it does it. Im sick of not doing things because of it and would like advice. I have had all the tests done ekg, holter moniter, blood tests, etc. and nothing. Just “axiety and panic” I have a hard time believing that and still worry about it everyday.
I have anxiety proveked heart palpitations all the time…If I get nervous my heart bangs in my throat and then in my chest..It scares me so bad that I feel it will stop…It eventually feels like one big beat in my throat..That is usually when I am in the throws of a major panic attack…Does anyone relate to this because it scares me so much it causes me to not model or do other stage work that I normally enjoy………Can anyone help
I amterribly familiar with all of this I have had panic attacks since I was about 13 and i’m now 24 I’m on paxil and it has worked but i’m getting weened off.I think the only thing we can do is have faith and try and relax it’s so hard I know but having almost lost my life I can tell you lifes to short too spend it worrying about the things you have no cantrol over.
There are times when my heart palpitates It feels like its skipped a beat or something. I have had panic disorder for 12 years. Most of the time this happens at non stressful times like while lying in bed going to sleep or just out of the blue at work.
any feedback is appreciated..this si scary stuff.
I think alot of it has to do with stress. I have been on Atenenol for about 10yrs now and it has worked great, I used to get palpations that would last up until an hour at over 150 beats per min, I went to the hospital one time and it was 210 beats per min. Since the medication I haven’t had any full episodes but for the last two weeks I have had flutters, it is more annoying than anything. I have had tests done and everything comes back fine. I have been under alot of stress lately and the doctor said that definatley plays a part. I had blood taken the other day to test my thyroid and am waiting for the results on that. Try not to worry it only makes it worse. The more anxiety the more palpatations.
Has anyone had hot flushlike feelings in their face. That along with nausea and headaches are my prominent signs of what they are calling anxiety. I am having a hard time believing thats is what it is. Thanks. Maria
Right now, Im reqding on heart papitaions this or that, blood pressure, systolic, diastolic readings. It gets me all worked up, diagnosing my-self. I get very scared alone, and stressed out with my kids. I get sad when I have heart flutters around my children, because I need to do breathing techniques and they see that Im sufferring. I, too, have gotten tested (many EKG’s, 2-3stress test, 2-3 holter moniters, 2 Echocardiograms, blood work ect…) It drives me and my family NUTS TOO! I want to go back to the doctor, but my hubby says “No” in a loving way. It has been about 6-8 months since i have gone to the cardiologist. I just felt one looking out the window for intruders. i get scared by my self that anything can happen. I pray alot. Fighting with anybody gives me guilt at the end of the day, and I feel that God is mad at me for wasting my time on earth. I pray for forgiveness, but still suffer from guilt.
Hi all,
Thank you very much for sharing your experiences and support.
Since several of you are seeking additional support and guidance, I want to encourage you to visit our Anxiety Support Forum. You may come and read as a guest (there are several threads on heart flutters and palpitations, as well as other panic/anxiety symptoms). And, if you’d like to post responses or start your own posts, it’s free to join.
So, I hope you’ll join us, as I think it’s a very supportive and helpful community. You’re definitely not alone!
I’ve also suffered heart flutters for sometime now. The first time it was so scary I thought I was dying and had to rush to hospital. ECG and Echo, Thyroid function tests etc… all turned out normal! I never stop worrying over all manner of things, like am going to die and leave my kids and hubby, like something awful happened to hubby or my dear twins at home, like am about to have a stroke/heart attack!! name it. It feels so bad, esp. the flutters and it still makes me scared even if I know it is JUST ANXIETY……..any help? someone??????????????????
I too suffer severe anxiety symptoms, ranging from heart palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, and sharp pains in my head!!! This has been going on for yrs. I used to take paxil, but it makes heart palpitations worse now. Trying to do this without meds, but i think i may have to go back on them. Anyone have similar symptoms?
Yesterday i drove myself to the ER @ 4am, I had been having chest pain, headache and heart throbbing, fast, like it was struggling, my heart actually ached. Worst of all I felt I couldn’t breath & I would pass out. My husband refused to take me, I had been complaining of thses symptoms all day long along with nausea, and feverish flashes, I felt I was dying. After a couple hours in the ER and all different tests, everything was “normal” except my blood pressure was very high. I felt Totally embarrassed like I had wasted their time. I have never done something so drastic but it seems no one, even family, beleives my syptoms are really or just how aweful I feel. Sometimes I can’t sleep for nights on end, cause me heart palpititions are so strong when I’m lying down. I feel so exhausted. The hosptial gave me an adivan and told me to sleep (yes - gladly!) so I went home and slept but when I woke up I still have the same syptoms, just milder right now. Am I supposed to live with this then?
I’ve had heart flutter for 8 months now sometimes I have a heart rate over 100 it really scares me but I went the docter about it and they said I need to go get a anxiety test done because they did’ent see anything wrong with my heart they say I have a healty heart but it still scares me every time it does it sometime It flutters when I am not even feeling axious. I am on blood presure pills They also told me it could be my blood pressure medicine the changed my blood pressure medicine I was on I am hoping that helps a nurse told me you can have these symtoms with any kind of blood pressure medicine. hope this information helps someone.
Hannah, are you sure your symptoms are not a med reaction to the combination of medications that you take? Also, does the headache tend to throb more on one side of your head like a migraine? Some types of migraines have auras like the ones you describe. You might want to check into it. Either way, don’t give up- no one should have to live with the symptoms you describe.
Meditation helps. Try it.
Hello, I am 56 years old and I have been having panic attacks for 25 yrs. but I did not have heart flutters. In the past year my house was foreclosed on and 2wks ago my husband died. My heart flutters so badly it scares me to death and since it is a new symptom I am really scared. I need help[!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vicki honey, I think your flutters are cause by stress and anxiety brought on by the the loss of your husband. You should see your Doctor for help with this. And Relax, God Will Bless You. Your never alone.
i also have had tests, passed off as weight, or acid reflux. although a hienal hernia causes flutters too!!lots of stuff does!! im a little bit of a hypocondriac who isnt
Thanks for all these comments.It’s a relief not to be alone with these conditions.I also get heart burn as well.I think all the symptoms are related to some sort of reflux.It gets worse for me after drinking hot drinks or coca cola.Im sure stress is a big part of the problem.
It was very helpful to read your comments and know that I to aren’t alone when experiencing the same symptoms that are making my life miserable. I had tests done some years ago, and yes there was reason to check my ECG further, but I was told that I would be fine if I didn’t sress so much, more exercise and stopped smoking. I was in a very stressful situation at the time so this was hard to achieve. Since then my symptoms had improved and life seemed bearable, but now things are real bad again with heart flutters that make me feel as if I’m about to die. Sometimes these flutters don’t stop for a while, like 12 in one go one after another. Or the flutters last longer than usual. Does anyone else experience these longer times of heart flutters. It can be when I’m over tired which is often, or just at any random time. Thanks for reading my comment and would really appreciate some feed back.
I to have had flutters for years. I have a very stressful job, have been hospitalized twice, have had eye surgery because of retina bleeding and have lost some vision because of high blood pressure problems, and I’m only 53. I notice that when I exercise, meditate and actually relax the flutters go away, though these options are not always available. I’ve done the testing like most of you have had. I’ve had panic disorders for 30 years and was told back then that it will catch up to me unless I learn how to relax. Yes the felling is annoying and scarey but what also helps are massages. Thank God for my wife for her patience and help.
3 more years to retirement. Can’t wait.
I have had these things for thirty years. Started when I was l8 or l9. At first the ‘bumpity, bumping in my chest’ felt weird, that’s all. Now it can go on for hours. My Doctor has me on Toprol XL. All I know is, that I am taking a stronger dose of Toprol than my sister’s father in law, he’s had 3 heart attacks.
My Doctor did slip one day and say’ take it easy I don’t want you to drop dead’. Well anyway I’m still a very young 48 and I stay active. The only thing is I get these episodes every month for a few minutes where I get nausiated and mildly shakey. They only last about ten minutes. It’s like my body has to adjust to something, I don’t know. Any ideas?
I am glad to hear this is not unusual. I have been having what feels like flutters or my heart not beating properly for several months. It is always a little scary–esp since I have a child and can’t bear the thought of something suddenly happening to me.
I am not a traditional heart risk-39yr old, thin, eat relatively well and exercise. I have also had for the last several months problems with reflux–so from reading above this may be the culprit. I am going to resolve this issue first and then if goes on, I will have some tests done.
I have been dealing with health anxiety since I strained my chest in october 2005. I am 21 now and still get symptoms sometimes. Mine range from lightheadedness, headaches, sharp head pains, and fast heartrate as well. I have had the same tests as most of you multiple times and nothing is wrong with me. I am very physically active and find that staying busy helps a lot. It is nice to know I’m not alone
Hi, I am 19 years old i have been suffering with panic/ anxiety attacks for a year and a half now. I almost didnt graduate high school because of it. I can NEVER breathe, i wake up every morning feeling like crap. I always feel tired, and i have headaches almost everyday. Ive been to the doctor and they said there is nothing wrong with me. But i keep insisting that I have all these diseases. Its ruining my life, and i have a boyfriend who I Love with all my heart, im scared its goin to drive him away. I Never feel well, its making me depressed. I dont know what to do, its taking over my life. My heart is always beating fast.
I am so glad I found this message board. I have had anxiety issues for over 2 years now. My first panic attack made me think I was having a heart attack and I thought I was going to die. Every panic attack since then is the same. I can handle the racing heart, the dizziness, the fatigue, and all that other stuff, but the heart flutters are what really send me over the edge. Sometimes they happen randomly, but I can almost guarantee I’ll get them right before or after my period, when I ovulate, when I lie down to read or go to bed, and for some reason if I eat popcorn.
I am always convinced I am going to die from my heart stopping or being overworked. My doctor has almost gotten to the point where he laughs when I tell him about my symptoms.
I refuse to take any drugs except Xanax, and I wish I could wean off it. People are always telling me that if I take something it will fix everything, but I know there will always be side affects. I have done some online research and I use an Excel spreadsheet to monitor my daily anxiety level to determine patterns. I feel like my hormonal cycle has a huge influence on my anxiety level and I have learned that they can test your hormones for imbalances through saliva tests. If you’re a woman, go to www.womantowoman.com and see if there’s any helpful information for you there.
My last advice for you other sufferers out there is that I turned to God and my Faith to help me through the pain and suffering of this condition, and it has helped more than any other drug, doctor or therapist I’ve had!
Also I forgot to tell you that I have tried nutrition to help my symptoms, and it seems to improve my overall wellbeing. I eat a lot of fruit and lean protien, I never drink any caffiene, I try to avoid sugar (unless it’s chocolate), and I try to eat a lot of fiber. Mostly I do all of this because I’m convinced I have a heart problem, so by eating all the foods associated with improving your blood pressure and heart health I trick my brain into believing that it can’t be a heart attack because I have no reason to have one.
I’m only 33, I don’t smoke, don’t drink, and I no one in my family has ever had a heart attack.
If anyone out there wants to share more, feel free to email me at sandinafh@cox.net
im glad to find out that plenty other people suffer from heart flutters ive been having them alot lately i’m only 38 and im very concerned i wont have insurance for 6months due to new job not sure if i should go to doctor anyway…..????
I do not recall where I read this but when you have a heart palpitaion just start coughing. It will stop. Try it let me know. It has worked great for me! I get a lot of flutters and palps. I went to Cardiologist and did a stress test and it came out ok. I am under a lot of stress and usually have trouble getting asleep. Once I am asleep all is good. Well the flutter start and I feel I cannot breathe and I get a little dizzy. Scares the hell out of me. The doctor gave me a lowest dose of klonopin just so I can get to sleep. I took my first dose last night. Worked great. I had panic attacks years ago and it was horrible. So now when i get fast flutters and pounding I start coughing and it stops.
As far as sleeping at night I beleive it is all stress related. I start thinking about things and get all worked up. I am fine all day but at night it is bad.
If you have been examined by a doctor and have been given a clean bill of health, but you still suffer from anxiety/panic and all the
symptoms, think about this!
Unfortunately, one of the worst traps people fall into when suffering the symptoms of anxiety or panic, is the “poor little me syndrome”! I do not use that term lightly, but if it’s one thing we absolutely do not need is that poor little me no one knows how I’m suffering mindset. Now I’m quite sure, no matter what I say, most people who view this text will do it with disbelief! In simple terms, this disorder can become a
thing of the past if one considers these facts. With the exception of any medical problems, This is the big reason why we suffer or have suffered with this life changing disorder. This illness is nothing more than a very bad habit that has become compulsive! Think about this, without the fearful thoughts that we dwell on day or night and continually produce in our minds obsessively,
There is absolutely no disorder!! It’s nothing more than a big joke on us that we keep repeating like a bad dream!
With Complete Understanding
Christos
This is to Suzy of Jan.23 2007. Sorry for the late response! Many of us have been through the emergency room experience and is a repeat of what most of us encounter there. Let me add that the answer you have received from the doctors or nurses after your tests, is exactly what I was told years ago. Let me add that this came to be the reason that I was ill for so many years, I like many was never told why we suffered only that we had an anxiety or panic attack. The simple question of why was never answered keeping me in the dark for so many years. What I’m going to say can be the end of your problem with anxiety and panic! To begin with, Many of the symptoms of a heart attack are replicated by anxiety or panic attack, however you have been examined a number of times so you should know this is not your problem. If you try what I suggest you may end your problem rather quickly. This may be hard for you to digest, but I assure you if you try and understand what I’m about to say you may may be shocked at the speed in which you can recover. Every single time you made a visit to an emergency room, you can be sure it was precipitated by yourself. The only time you have these attacks is when the anxiety or apprehension you felt spiraled out of control and became the attack you experience. You mentioned
that your symptoms eased after you met your husband, this is called a COGNITIVE SHIFT, where simply changing the way you think can eliminate anxiety and panic disorder immediately. Now before you ask how that is possible, It is exactly the way I recovered after many extremely bad years with this disorder. A COGNITIVE SWITCH can happen through an emotional crisis or by meeting someone or something that changes the way you think, and gets your compulsive thoughts off yourself. It’s that simple, and a proven fact!!! I promise you I recovered in less than three days without any medication or any type of therapy!!! Suzy Get Better Fast!
An open letter to anxiety/panic sufferers at large:
After reading the entire page of people who are experiencing various symptoms of these disorders, I know that all must feel some sense of relief on being able to express the different symptoms caused by these disorders.
With due respect to all in light of the suffering that is being experienced,all seem to know a great deal about their own personal problems.
I HATE TO RAIN ON YOUR PARADES “BUT”, let me start by saying, provided all who have written in have been examined by a doctor and found to be in good health. These comments are strictly for those experiencing the symptoms of anxiety and panic, including, breathing, heart palpitations, fear of driving, avoidance etc, or any other symptom of anxiety/panic! There has been some reference to God, Thats wonderful, but sometimes God needs a little help! If your using medication as one lady wrote it’s not a good idea to use alcohol as she did. The most prominent theme in the comments, no one seems to know why they are suffering? Many have included other problems they may be experiencing, my comments are directed to those suffering from anxiety or panic! The predominant cause of each ones symptoms is the compulsive or obsessive nature, (take your pick) of their own state of health. Without the fearful thoughts we generate, and by dwelling on them night and day, we trigger our attacks with anticipatory thoughts of something fearful happening,(Like a Heart attack)
or something else life threatening. There is no disorder!!! It’s a bad habit
that has become compulsive! Thats the facts! Change the way you think and end your suffering! Feel Better Now!
I’ve read all the notes and I want to say something. I have had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for forty five years. I have been on medication for twenty years. I went through panic attacks, depression and gave up a really good job. I’ve been hospitalized. None of this is “HABIT” It needs to be taken seriously because it cause physical problems, high blood pressure, palpitations, etc. as well. Some of the drugs out there help, but cognitive thereapy also helps. Behavior Modification Thereapy helps too. If this helps anybody, let me leave you with the knowledge that my Panic Attacks finally did disappear. I look back and think “how did I live in so much fear?” It’s all real and I belive all of it hase a biological origin. Hang on and keep busy. The worst thing you can do is nothing. Love Mary
Yes I keep busy durning the day and never have an attack but what do i do when i try to go to sleep and toss and turn and deal with rapid heart beats and skips and feel smothered and get dizzy. I am laying in bed not doing anything just thinking and anticipating the next attack. Thats where the problem arises. Not during the day when i am busy.
I am 33 and in great health and have panic attacks / heart flutters..my father is a board cert. Cardiologist. He has ran a batter of test and holter monitors and found nothing..I actually started taking prozac and it has helped me calm down and my flutters are gone..however..I dont want to be dependent on prozac..I have a good and life and good job and very little stress in my life..however I just freak out for no reason and when it starts to kick in I think I am going to pass out and die..Normally I would sit down take deep breaths and try to occupy my mind with other things and they eventually go away. I agree with Mary the worst thing you can do is nothing..Try everything you can, never sit an accept life for what it is. Make life what you want.
Has anyone ever suffered flutters or skipped beast while exercising or walking? I know it’s common at rest, but I’m really scared that it is happening upon exertion.
Wow, I am so happy to have found this board. I am 41, and have been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder for about six years. I’m actually going to the doctor in an hour because I can’t stand having the flutters. I have tried everything under the sun to try and beat this problem. Like most of you, I have had numerous tests, and they have all come back normal. I’ve tried taking all of the antidepressants, but I get all of those lovely side effects. I’m happily married, but if I kept taking those I wouldn’t be since my libido goes out the door! I now rely on Xanax for those bad times. I’ve come to understand what triggers my attacks since I’ve suffered through a really few difficult years. The problem is that even though I try to face my aniexty head-on something will happen, like the flutters, and then I fall victim to it all over again. It doesn’t help that my mother had a heart attack at my age, and then died at 58. I’m always afraid of that happening to me, so I try and be healthy with exercise, eating right, no smoking, an occasional glass of wine, and basically no fun. I just live in this state of fear. On top of that, my husband and I have lost four pregnancies. I’m in the middle of “medical” help in trying to get pregnant again. None of the doctors that I have seen can tell me why I have lost the pregnancies except for this last one. I have been through so many test with no definitive answer as to why. All I get told is to try again. So I am trying, and I guess I’m having more anxiety about loosing another pregnancy. I know it seems crazy that someone with panic disorder shouldn’t be trying to get pregnant, but I have hope that I can somehow beat this and live a normal life. I am glad to have read your experiences on this board…it’s very comforting to me to not feel alone with this condition. I think someone asked about this happening while exercising, and yes, it happens to me when I exercise which is a major scary thing for me. Like I said, I’m going to the doctor again today to try and get some answers. I don’t want to be on a bunch of medicine, but I need something to get me through while I look for a cognitive behavior specialist in my area that I will feel comfortable with. I wish all of you the best of luck!
Theresa
It is comforting to hear others have the same symtoms as I do. I really thought I was crazy. I have the heart flutters, dizziness, nausea and overwhelming fear that I’m about to pass out and die. I’m now 28 and it started for me when I was about 23. I have may therioes of what began these attacks, one being all the substances I put in my body while in college. I abused my body badly in my early twenties and feel it affected my mind. I believe my first panic attack was a result of caffine…the night before I was out with my friends drinking one red bull vodka after the next. The next morning I had a horrible hangover, so I had coffee, a couple diet cokes and a couple exederine migranes (which I’m told are equal to 4 Mountain Dews). That evening my boyfriend and I started driving up the mountains for a ski weekend with his parents when my body started shaking and getting cold flashes and hot flashes and my heart started to pound out of my chest. My hands were sweating and I felt very naseaus. This extreme nervousness took over me. I made my boyfriend, now husband, take me to the ER because I was sure I was dying of a heart attack. As a result of my first panic attack, I became a bit of a hypocondriac. Every time some part of my body doesn’t feel good I obsess about it and think the worst. The fear of having a panic attack can send me into one and I have to breath deep and calm myself down. I too start praying to God to let this stop. For a few days after I’ve had one my mind stays fearful and I feel at risk for another. Also, when I’m over tired (which is often) I start getting short of breath which makes me fearful and start panicing. I recently cancelled my trip to Spain in fear I could have an attack in the middle of my 12 hour flight and no one I know on the plane to help me. It is now starting to affect my life. I love to travel and have traveled overseas alone many many times before these attacks started. I can’t take medication that makes me feel “funny” because that is also a trigger for me. I’ve heard that panic attacks can actually cause cardiac arrest. Is this true? What can I do?
Alot of the heart flutters are caused by reflux.Stay away from hot drinks,especially coffee and you might find an improvement.It works fine for me.
Hi there everyone. I,m happy to find out that I am not alone. I too have been experiencing heart flutters/palpitations for the last 8 or so months. For me it all starts when I find myself under any degree of stress/pressure. In the last 8 months I have stopped smoking cigarettes. For a long time I was dependant on smoking to help me calm down when under stress/pressure. Having ceased smoking after 22 years has made my levels of anxiety escalate. I do not want to smoke again. I also do not want to depend on any kind of medication. When ever I do experience the palps and other symptoms of discomfort I slow myself down to relax. At home I have a massage chair which helps me out. I am nearly 40 and happily married with 2 young children. I,m at the prime of my life where I want to enjoy my family and be around for a long time. I will be consulting my doctor to ask questions and find out more information. Also at the age of 40 it is important for me to know my heart.
Wow, i was rushed to the Er here in florida last night. I thought i was having a heart attack. My heart skipped twice and i started shaking and could not breathe. While there they kept assuming i was on cocaine seeing how i am 26 and living in florida until they ran my tests and finally gave me some help. I guess theve never seen someone who doesnt do drugs… They did a few ekg’s and kept me monitered, then they gave me a shot of STRONG muscle relaxer. Once it kicked in i fell asleep but my girlfriend said my vitals A.k.a heart rate, b/p , 02 and such stabilized perfectly. I want to know if any of you know of a muscle relaxer that is both legal and safe. Say over the counter. P.s i am having another one now but am finding if i play some ambiant/calming music it takes my mind off of it.
All of these comments I can realte to. I’m 66 years old and have had heart palpitations, skips, rapid beating, you name it since I was 30 years old in graduate school. I’ve been in the hospital twice for tachicardia and have had every test run on me probably more than you want to know. Last night I experienced three hours of heart arythmia because I was worried about something. I finally found relief by meditating, breathing and relaxing. I got up this morning went to the gym, exercised my legs, taught a yoga class and then biked for 30 minutes. I am still strong and “healthy” the doctors say, so what’s the deal here? The deal is, it’s all in the head. In people like us, whatever the mind thinks the heart reacts. In other people it might be cancer, ulcers, mouth sores, you name it. With us it’s the heart. Even though I know it’s in my mind I still get wrapped up in focusing of my problems and my worries. Like some have said on the site, the best thing to do is stay active and keep the mind off of the self. It’s easy to say and one of the hardest things to do. Medications can help but they aren’t the total answer. People with anxiety disorders have to learn to meditate, relax and get their mind off of the self, the I, the me and on something or someone else. The bottom line is; keep active, learn to relax, volunteer your time to a good cause and most of all remember that you are not alone.
I’ve had panic attacks since 1995. At first I thought I was going to die. The first one I had was so bad I couldnt moved my arms legs or hands. I was rushed to the hospital where it was concluded I was having a panic attack. The doc explained It was so severe that my body was protecting my vital organs by shutting down non essentials ie. legs going numb arms etc. After years of diff docs putting me on prozac, paxil, efexer, zoloft etc with no relief. I decided to take myself off all the meds because all it would do was make me dizzy and spaced out. They kept saying it takes time to work etc. I went to a new doctor at my friends suggestion who specializes in mens health. The doctor ran all the usual tests and then asked if I ever had my testosterone tested. I hadnt, so he did and said he believed my panic attacks and anxiety are most likely caused by lack of testosterone..Sure enough my body was not producing any at age 40..It was at 180 when for my age it should have been between 500 and 800..He said he sees it in men quite frequently. He put me on a testosterone gel and a few xanax (15 .50 mg per month) and I havent had one single panic attatck in over a year. I used to get them 2 times a week on average. Maybe this will help some men. I dont know if the womens hormone deficiency’s have anything to do with their panic attatcks.
Try using herbal treatment. Try “Passion Flower” which is a relaxant herb. Very good at treating insomnia. Easy to find @ Good Herbalists and Drug stores. Google it for yourself. You got nothing to lose except your anxiety.
I have had the heart flutters for 18 yrs off and on,i’ve had all the tests for my heart and thre saying anxiety.now he wants to put me on Lexapro..does anyone know about this drug? Dr. says it is better for me then xanex,I am a bit concerned about taking it.but I guess anythings better then all the pain I go througn with the flutters…
I had Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome when I was in my teens. I had Radio Frequency Ablation to correct the problem, but I still get reasonably frequent jumps and flutters. Everyone needs to know that they are usually not dangerous at all…..very annoying, yes, but dangerous no. I have to say that one thing that REALLY helps my palpitations is taking a Magnesium supplement….it really seems to stop them, and even helps with my anxiety. I recommend that everyone with flutters tries it.
Hi,
I watched my mum suffer anxiety or panic attacks when i was about 17, never really knew what it was. However,i thought that i would get them too. I was really into my sport, One day i was trialing out for a top prem netball team, and all of a sudden i got this fluttering in my chest, it was like a bird i can last a minute or so and then i feel a bang and its back to normal. I checked my pulse and it was definately out of sink and ever since that day, every time i got angry/nerbous playing on court i would get this fluttering. If i knew an ambulance was near by or someone i trusted i would never get it. It only seemed to come on playing sport.
The doctors could not find anything wrong, yet after a couple of years playing netball i could no longer bring myself to play as i was to scared to get this fluttering. Nearly 10 years on and i still get them playing sport or dancing. But once i have an episode of the flutters it wont come back for the rest of the night.its as tho its a big build up of adrenalin that needs to come out.
Not so long ago they found a mumur on my heart…very mild they said it may aswell not be there (last test doc said had gone) they did a heart scan and everything normal. On top of that i get eptopic heart beats.If i am having the eptopic heart beats, that seems to bring on the fluttering really easy. I constantly think something is wrong with my heart, however, i have been checked over soooo many times and there is nothing wrong. I dont understand why this had to happen to me… it restricts me from playing with my son at times.. im only 25 and its just sucks horribly.
Does anyone experience this kind of flutters?
Thank you ALL - it is good to here that there are other people with the same symptoms. I now know that I am not crazy and that I just need to re-route my thinking. I do know that I am tried of feeling crappy.
Melissa
since I was a child,I’ve had panic attacks and had to breathe in a bag at night, I’ve had my trips to the er, it got worse in my teens..My mom bought me the tapes from lucinda Basset and it changed my life, it’s a really good program..It’s been years since I had a panic attack, until about three weeks ago, I couldn’t believe it..But I realize once you are prone to this type of condition you can reverse back into the same way you handled problems before and end up with the worry anxiety until your having regular panic attacks again..I still kept the tapes and just going through them to remind myself what I learned, I’m ok now, but once a month I’m going to re-listen to these tapes, and never forget what I know..There is hope, YOU can teach yourself how to change, I know it feels as if you will never be able to change and control your life, that this runs your life, but I promise that is not true! My heart goes out to all of you, and I will bookmark this site, it’s great to know there is support out there and people who understand..
I actually found this site by accident while looking up what could be wrong with me. I am glad to know that I am not a freak case. I have had heart flutters for over a year now and tightness in my left arm that spreads across to my right arm. I also suffer from palpitations, most of the times when I exert energy but sometimes when I am relaxing. The scariest thing is that for the last 4 months I have had light tracers, usually accompanied with lightheadness and some of the others symptoms. Went to the doctor and they said all was okay, even my thyroid. They said that the tracers were probably the onset of migraines. My eye doctor said my eyes were okay. Does anyone else suffer from migraines? What about the other symptoms - there are too many to count anymore. I am trying not to stress because I am sure it plays a part. God has been my help and I have been trying to eat better and exercise. Well you are all in my thoughts now. I, too will bookmark this sight to see if any of you are better.
Hello everyone. My name is Aaron and I am 25 years old. I too developed heart palpitations (fast heart rates, skipped beats, weird chest sensations)and at times they are still scary. Here’s the thing……….I have been to cardiologists and even had an electrophysiology study just to be told I have a perfectley healthy heart.
Interestingly enough, I do have GERD and the palpitations started around the exact same time. There is days where I can ignore them and days that I literally feel Im focusing on every heartbeat. Truth is…..reading this webpage has really helped and it should help all of us. None of us are dying!!! Why is it, even after our hearts are checked, we continue to dwell on this. I feel that I just need to release the anxiety and when you just breath out and know your okay, its like a huge weight coming off your chest. Best advice: IGNORE THEM because by focusing on them, your actually causing them. Also, they are not life threatning!!!
Thank you Aaron!!!!!
I was having short periods (10 to 20 seconds) when my heart would skip beats and flutter. I would feel like fainting. This would start a panic attack at times. I thought I would die any moment. Two things that worked for me are:
I would let loose with a couple of good coughs. This would stop the irregular heart beats.
I went on a Beta Blocker medicine that stopped the irregular heart beats from ever starting. The beta blocker is a blood pressure medicine but is also helpful to keep the heart beating right in stressful situations such as getting woke up from a deep sleep or talking in front of a large crowd of people. It curbs the “fight or flight” adrenalin rush that can make your heart beat fast and irregular.
I still have panic attacks now and then but with the beta blocker, my heart always feels normal. That eliminates one big scary feeling from my life.
Does anyone experience that after heart flutters, or after exertion or sexual excitement that your heart rate stays up, you feel tense ane unable to sleep? I have had anxiety disorders for over 30 years.
To say I’m glad that I found this site is an understatment. I started having panic attacks about 3 1/2 yrs. ago. I also started having heart flutters about 8 months ago. I am 23 yrs. old and I am in good shape except for my heart fluttering. I do believe that it is all in our head, just reading some of cristo’s statement’s stopped my heart from fluttering. I also just got back from the doctor 2 hrs ago who did an ekg. She told me to take atenolol. I think that if a doctor would tell me that it was all in my head I would probly get upset with them and find another doctor, but since I hear it from the people that experience the same thing it makes alot more since. I really hope that we can all get the right help because people don’t realize that this mind disorder is really taking away from what could be a great life. I will try meditating and let everyone know how it works:)
This site has helped me. I just started having heart flutters 2 weeks ago, and like most people went to the E.R. thinking i was having a heart attack. The thing is I m not a stressed out person and i only have panic attacks after my heart does the fluttering. Im only 21 and i was scared till i found this site . I m glad im not the only one with this odd problem.
i have suffered anxiety on and off for 30 years (now 40 yrs old) most of the time i can control it but lately i have been getting flutters as im going to sleep, i can feel my heart slowing down and flutters in my chest, i never have chest pain just an unsettling feeling. I also have low blood pressure, even during an attack 100/55 sometimes lower, i think my flutters are hormonal.
hi folks, thank god for all your thoughts on this subject. lately i have been experiencing skipping/fluttering beatsto the point where i landed in the e.r of my local hospital. hey took tests ans stated that all was well but that stll does not stop me from worrying. everyone tells me its anxiety but i just dont know. reading all your thoughts does relax and help me..thank you and good luck to you all
omg i am so happy there are other people out there who feel the same as me. no one can undestand what we are going through until they are in our position.. when i had my first panic attack, i thought i had a heart attack. when i realised i was still alive, day after day i am stuck with this weird feeling i am going crazy. i am only 18 an after hearing how long some of you had has this i deeply feel for you all. anyone out there if u hav been in my position is there help? will i ever get over this????
Hi melissa, I am very sorry that you have experienced a panic attack. I can tell you from my experience that it took me 1 full year to stop having panic attacks. The only way I got over them is by telling myself that it was something that I used to do that I don’t do any more. Goodluck! Just remember that you are in control of yoour own thoughts.
EVERYONE READ……..Hi there, Like yourselves i to thought when i had my first panic attack i had a heart attack. i to felt that day after day i was stuck with this weird feeling i am going crazy, heart pounding, missing a beat, skipping, slowing down thinking the doctor’s kept missing things ( well i had still all these feelings, i know my body and the symtom’s just were’nt happening when i went to ER, All the test must be wrong bloodtests, monitors for 48 hrs, stress test ,echo’s even though i had been in ER over a hundred times) yes everyone Panic attacks/stress caffeine smoking, alchol, and worring about your symptons, all can cause THESE SYMPTOMS…. Then i found Cognititve Behavioural Therapy and Tapping I am know a trained cognitive therapist and counsellor and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) counsellor These thing’s work with effort from you ( there is no magic cure) a little time YOU WILL get over this…… Me today….. little flutters here and there but i know it’s when i have done to much, smoked to much.. But most of all i am well happy and helping people to understand what’s happening to them There is help.. go find it and work at it Best wishes to you all Heather X
OH by the way… If i can give any of you advice i will…..ONE peace of advice i would like to give to you all is ….STOP reading,researching and checking on your symptons….if you must, stick only to this forum , and only one confidant/e …NOTHING ELSE…get rid of all those books you’ve gathered Best wishes Heather X
I find these comments interesting. I have been having palpitations and flutters for a few years. I have had all the tests taken with nothing ever discovered until I was finally diagnosed as having an extra electrical pathway which reqires an ablation. I am an easily stressed out type of guy yet anxiety or panic attacks where never mentioned.I am very apprehensive about the ablation but if it cures these palpitations and flutters I should really go through with it.
Cut out any drinks containing caffeine, eat meals that are rich in protein, stop drinking alcoholic drinks, take a few moments whenever possible to take a deep breath.
If none of these work, ask your doctor if you can get on a light dosage of some beta blocker.
I have heart flutters or palpitations commenly everyday. Nothing seems to trigger them I could just be watching tv or walking around my office. I have cut our all caffine, stopped eating salt, everything that I thought was contributing to the fluttering palpitations, and still I get them. I don’t want to sound bizzare but they will sometime’s occur prior to bowel movements or that time of the month. I am going to be 42 here soon, could this be my age. LOL I just can’t take it, I went from nothing to this all the time. Any advice, had all the test. Starting to think I am a little wacko.
I’m not sure if we’re all talking about the same thing, but I am 45 and 7 or 8 years ago I started having heart flutters and irregular palpitations also. I went to my family doctor and he prescribed PROPRANOLOL, a beta-blocker, for me and it works great. I also had severe panic attacks from the age of 26 to about 38. It was terrible, but for myself anyway, age has made them subside. Believe me, the brain is a powerful organ. You can have very real physical symptoms of serious medical problems and yet not have that ailment. Although it is best to have medical checkups - alot of the time it is total psycho-symatic.
For about four years, I was misdiagnosed by doctors when I was having heart palpitations. Even relaxing, my heart would start pounding away and would continue pounding for an hour or more at times. A couple of doctors told me that I was having “panic attacks,” and even though I wasn’t feeling panicky about anything, I thought the doctors must’ve known what they were talking about. I was wrong. I was finally correctly diagnosed at a military hospital emergency room. I was hooked up to an EKG at the time (my pulse was about 200), and a young doctor walked up to the monitor and said “You’ve got P.S.V.T.” I had never heard the term before! After that E.R. visit, I was immediately referred to a cardiologist, who confirmed that I did, in fact, have P.S.V.T. He explained that it is a congenital problem(which, in my case, didn’t show up until I was in my 40’s), and that the condition is “fixable.” He said that it is an electrical problem with my heart but is not heart disease. He referred me to Dr. Kopelman at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta. He is one of the few specialists in the U.S. who deals with this condition. To sum things up, Dr. Kopelman did a “catheter ablation” procedure on my heart (as an outpatient–and I was also conscious)back in 1998, and I have not had a single recurrence of that problem. No fluttering, no palpitations…no medications!! If you doubt that the cause of your palpitations/fluttering is stress/panic attacks, you may want to talk to your doctor about this. For more information on P.S.V.T., please “Google” it. This abbreviation stands for a longggg medical term which I can’t remember. I hope this information helps someone.
P.S. to my earlier message about P.S.V.T. Folks, I tried all the stuff you recommend — cut out caffeine, prayed/meditated, took meds, etc., etc. My symptoms did mimick the symptoms of anxiety/panic disorder, which is why I was misdiagnosed for years. It is such a relief, such a free feeling to have finally been properly diagnosed and fixed!
So tell me someone, I get a feeling that my heart stops for a brief second and I can feel the change. I have been having them on a daily basic for the past few days.If you put your fist between your breasts, that is where I feel it. I have had heart palpatations and this seems different. Dr. says I am fine.Does anyone else experience this sensation?
Helena
Could allergies cause this heart flutter?
I was diagnosed with WPW syndrome in 2004. I gave birth to a baby on July 2nd and on July 4th my heart tracked at 256BPMs and wouldnt stop. I was taken to the hospital and that weds I had an ablation. I have had those same attacks since. Last year I started experiencing dizzy spells. They call them panic attacks. My life is just full of flutters and panic. I finally said enough and had another ablation June 28th of this year. I now have one to two flutters each day and I panic because of it. I can not figure out which comes first the flutter or the panic which causes flutters. It is an ugly way to live.
I also wanted to add that I do get more flutters right before that time of the month and as just an FYI when you pass your bowels you do get a change in blood pressure. I just had a huge flutter on friday that had me feeling the double racing heart beat that comes with WPW. Fortunatly it stopped itself, I used to have to be flat-lined in the ER.
my life has been since 2005 from a overdose on cociane to anxiety to now palpatations i cant stand it all day they happen i wish it would just stop or at least kill me already i dont know wahts worse haveing palpatations all day or having a panic attack wid palpatations at the same time this is no life to live with this condition doctors done test and said my heart is fine but some other cause has the palpatations active .my life has gone down hill since thanks……..
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has left comments on this page. It feels so good to read that i am not the only one obsessed by these awful palpitations. I get flutters and missed beats, not a fast or slow heart rate, although after a flutter, my heart rate does go up, as does my anxiety.
I have suffered from anxiety relating to my health all my life. I started having panic attacks 1 week after my 11 birthday and had my first flutter/missed beat when I was 19.
I am now 28 and since that day, I have worried constantly about my heart.
Ive had 2 echocardiograms done (one when i was pregnant this year) and have a very very minor murmour, which the Cardiologist says is not even worth a mention. I had a great pregnancy and had normal BP throughout, I keep telling myself that if I had a heart problem then i wouldn’t have had such a great pregnancy and birth.
It seems that when it comes to this problem we have, we just don’t seem to be able to reason. i think its mainly due to the fact that the symptoms we feel are REAL - we really do feel our heart palpitate.
Just reading these posts has made me feel better.
Once again, thanx
Hello everyone!
Lately I’ve been feeling like crap I get palps flutters (you name it) I haven’t got it checked out yet mainly because It’s only started to bother me over the past few days and as you know already that it’s a 3 day weekend and I can’t to the docs office until Tue
My mom won’t take me to the hospital because she says that she’s embarrassed to bring me in there when I was just in there almost 3 months ago that any financial reasons. So yea I’m hopin that I can get a good night sleep tonight because last night I had constant flutterin goin on which kept making me feel anxious and wanting to pace around the house. So I’m gonna need some luck in getting through this whole ordeal. email me at firehazard17@gmail.com if you’re having similar problems or you’d like to give me any advise on what I could do to relieve these blasted palps/flutters. Thanks a ton to everyone!
I started getting the odd missed beat when i was approx 19. Since then they have increased in severity and frequency, i have had tests and have been told they are ectopic beats and happen to lots of people. The cause of which is not clear but supposedly harmless. I have had them every so many seconds every day for the last 6 weeks and they are driving me crazy. I find they can be brought on by bending down suddenly and other postural changes, when i am stood under the air conditioning or near someone who is smoking, there are many triggers that at sometimes dont provoke a reaction but others my heart is very sensitive. I hope that this run of missed beats is going to stop soon as it is disrupting my quality of life, as it happened whilst i was on holiday and during the flights!.
p.s. i am now 36 and they havent killed me off yet!! but they feel like they will!!.
I can relate, and my heart goes out to each of you. It is good to know that there are others who have felt the same way. I was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome due to a near-death experience a few years ago. I too have been to the emergency room many times and even had an angiogram which showed a normal heart. Stress and anxiety are very powerful - even when you don’t know you are stressed, you can be. Your body gets used to “holding” the stress that it forgets how to relax. These things build up. I do get the flutters, I am in my 40s, have noticed many of the same things as other women. Out of all of the panic symptoms, I don’t care for the flutters at all. However, I have gone through Christian counseling, and that has really, really helped. The counselor had experienced the same thing in her younger life and was doing very well now… encouragement! Also practicing a relaxing technique, staying away from caffiene and other stimulants, exercise and time telling myself the truth - that God really, really loves me (the whole package) helps me get back to the life He blessed me with - 2 awesome young boys! As one Christian contemp song I listen to says “God has promised good to me” - which certainly doesn’t mean that it will be smooth or easy, but He is there for every step. DO get help, do NOT feel guilty about getting help (going to doctors, counselors, ER, whatever it takes) and DO start to feed yourself the truth - not the fears, but the truth. All any of us have is the very moment we are in, so don’t try to precipitate disaster. As my husband and one doc said, “You can choose to live or choose to die.” That really brought reality to me about how I was thinking. I also found out that I was one of those “performace-based” folks. If you find yourself feeling like you have failed much, much more than succeeded, than you could be that too. God did not create us to be anxious or to look for the acceptance of men. For me personally, I had to get a full grip on the truth of God’s love and grace toward me before I could begin to make progress in the panic/anxiety/heart flutters. It’s still a journey, and I still catch myself becoming afraid if I think I feel a flutter, but I am trying to immediately remind myself of the truth and it does go away. Blessings and encouragement to each of you! Today is a great day to be alive!
I am 60 years old, and have had anxiety issues all of my life. I used to call it “nervousness”. While raising my children and working full time, it became much worse. On many occasions I ended up in the ER, believing I was having a heart attack. About 10 years ago, a doctor prescribed Buspar (buspirone), and it has eliminated the attacks completely. I take 2 at bedtime (when my kids were teenage, I also took 2 in the morning). If I forget to take it, I wake up in the night with chest pain. I also take Wellbutrin (buproprion)and Doxepin, which is a tricyclic antidepressant. My life is completely normal, and nobody would guess that I need these meds. The Buspar has a few side effects - some ringing in the ears, you cannot eat grapefruit, and one of my meds causes sun sensitivity. Also, it apparently conflicts with Valium (diazepam), so I take Ativan (lorazepam)when I have trouble sleeping.
hi
was diagnosed with panic disorder 2 yrs ago when my heart rate went throught the roof, and left arm went numb. hopspital did an EKG, and echocardiagram - all normal. was sent home hours later w/a diagnosed of panic. However it is two years since that episode and I am getting these weird heart flutters. Not everyday but every few weeks. THe only thing is I get them when I dont seem anxious at all. For example, I was out to dinner and started feeling like my heart was really loud and noticable and skipping beats. It went away after taking a clonopin, but is this something I should worry about??
OK….is it anxiety or is it my heart or maybe something else.
I have a history of stomach issues = gas and bloat. But I can never associate flutters with gas. I somtimes get a fluttering in my upper stomach that takes my breath away to the point that I pant. This usually happens for 10 seconds or so and then its’s gone. I get totally freaked to the point that (as I’m doing right now) drive myself to the nearest coffee shop near our local hospital so I can check myself in if my heart gives out. I have seen my family doctor and a gastro doc. They have checked me over and give me a good bill of health. I am sooooo tired of being afraid of this flutter.
As I mentioned before Ive had two ablations to stop my constant flutters and SVTs. Ive since had about 6 episodes of SVT. The last was 2 nights ago. Thankfully I can cough really hard and the rate comes back down. Usually when I SVT my heart is at a rate of 187BPM. I have noticed that I am more likley to SVT or have early heart beats or even flutter like a fish the week before my period. So for three weeks a month I feel fine and then all of a sudden PPFFTTT! HA HA HA My doctor thiks I am too sensitive and maybe I need a third ablation! Well we will see about that.!
I hear you all. I’m a 48 year old retired police officer trying to deal with the same symptoms. Right after returning from a tour of duty in Bosnia (Army reserves) I began experiencing the same, rapid heart beats,sweating, difficulty breathing and a sudden fear of dying. I’ve been through every medical test possible and always get the same result, I’m normal. So my question remains why if I’ve always been healthy, extremely athletic, never been to a hospital before, why is this happening. Doctors keep telling me that I’m still healthy, however I’ve been diagnosed with panic disorder. I experience heart fluttering at least three times a week, the feeling of having butterflies in your chest and sometimes even knocking the wind out of me. I have difficulties dealing with large crowds, but the biggest problem is the constant fear of dropping dead. I’ve learned to deal with it and accept the explanation of “panic” or “anxiety” attacks. I finally understood that I’ve joined a hugh club and it’s OK! I just try to reduce stress, Just keep getting yearly physicals, refuse to stop living and enjoying life!
I just turned 30 years old and I have been having these heart palpitations now for about a week. Sometimes I get so scared becasuse I feel like I am dying from these palpitations. I think I have a real problem with anxiety and maybe even a touch of acid reflux. The bottom line is i am terrified that I have a real problem with my heart. I haven’t been great at taking care of myself lately, but Im not ready to die. What makes it worse is that I don’t have any health insurance right now (I just started a new job). Last night, I woke up and could feel my heart beating as if I were sitting inside my own heart. This morning I woke up feeling the same way. Now, as I sit here at my desk writing this I have this sense of panic and fear and as I read these posts, my heart starts racing and I get faint. I am so tired of this feeling, I am so tired of feeling afraid of dying. It isn’t death that I fear, its missing out on life that I fear. I pray every night that someone will help me. That someone who cares will find me, take me to some doctor and say “Here is he doc…run every test and figure out what’s wrong with him”…Im afraid that i will spend my entire life worring that tomorrow i might die and then someday I will and it will be all over.
I suffered from that problem and like everyone else went through all the test. Found nothing until I realized it was food. I can not have caffine, paprica, or cinnamon or ANY food containing them. e.g. coffee, chocolate etc. read the labels, you will be surprised how much paprica is used. Decafe coffee at a restaurat is no good, they do not wash out the pots well enough to remove the build up of the caffine even from decafe coffee. They rushed me to the hospital with a “heart attact” but test could not fine anything until I stopped putting cinnamon on my ceral every morning and not getting coffee in restaurants. Good luck. These items cause the upper chambers of the heart to beat against the lower chambers of the heart causing the palpatations etc.
HMM interesting about the spices I will have to look into that! I started drinking a tea called tension tamer and it has a lot of that stuff in it. It is not caffinated but has a lot of spices because I hate regular tea. I wonder if that is the reason why I had so many attack this month alone! HA HA HA interesting.
Ozzie……… sorry you are having panic attacks. That is def. what it sounds like hon! I feel for you. Im sure you are learning breathing techniques. I know this sounds a little strange but try upping your B vitamins. It seems to help me a bit. When my heart races to 100bpm I get very light headed but it seems the B vitamins have worked for me. B-12 in particular. The more you dont stress about panics the less they will bother you. There is a workbook called mastery of your anxiety and panic from David H Barlow and Michelle G Craske. It is part of “Treatmets that Work” series. I recomend buying it. It is a purple cover but it helps so much! My therapist worked with my anxiety using this book together.
Good luck
1
To Michael,
Heart flutters and palpitations are commonly caused by stress. You mentioned that you started a new job. This could very well be the cause of additional stress and your heart palpitations. I’m 37 and have had palpitations and flutters for 18 years. I’ve had all the checks and they are benign, like most cases. But, my palpitations come back from time to time and usually, it is in times of stress. Sometimes you don’t necessarily realize that you are stressed but life events, such as moving, changing jobs, getting married, could very easily cause stress and palpitations. Please do not worry. If it makes you feel better, see a doctor once you have insurance.
Hi I hope someone can help with this - Can you feel physically ill ALL OF THE TIME with anxiety? Since last August I’ve been having palpitations, feeling faint & an awful feeling thhat my throat has spasms. Sometimes the throat thing is just a weird feeling there all of the time & I am aware of my heart beat constantly. Some days I feel so ill with no energy. I’ve had what I think are a couple of panic attacks where I felt I was dying. Now I’m obsessed with thinking my heart is gonna give up on me cos it flutters ALL DAY LONG! Is this anxiety? Can you feel so ill with anxiety that you really think that u may drop dead at any moment & that docs have missed something & that u really have some disease? I’m only 27! Suffer with insomnia also & feel as I’m drifting to sleep that I stop breathing, heart pounds & I think I may die in my sleep. Anyone else has this?
I started having heart palpitations in July of 07. I am 37 years old and have been very healthy. After going to the emergency room a couple of times I was told to begin taking Lexapro for anxiety along with Clonazepam - a fast acting drug for anxiety that was to be used until the Lexapro kicked in. I was amazed that the palpitations seemed to melt away. I still have them from time to time, but they are not as severe. I highly recommend you see your doctor and ask about Lexapro and Clonazepam. Also, my doc gave me some Propanolol - a beta blocker for occassions when I feel like I’m going to have an episode of palpitations. Good luck - I know how scary it can be.
Hey guys, I am actually quite glad I found this forum of debate. I am 22year old male, would say a very healthy individual yet I have suffered these palpitations, skipping heart beats, abnormality etc for around 16 months. At first I would try and ignore the abnormal beats etc but as it become more frequent I realised that I had to do something about it. I’ve given up playing sports for a while until I get all the tests done. I would say, anxiety is a trigger, as unfortunately I was attacked a couple of times in a space of around 2 weeks which really stressed me out. Worrying about the situation is possibly the worst thing you can do. In addition to this, thinking about your heart all the time, will ultimately effect it negatively. I find this sometimes, extremely hard. I study Psychology with great in-depth and even with this I find it difficult to set your mind aside from the situation. One doctor, recommended I try propranolol, which I have been taking for around a month now. I take one with my first meal of the day and I find it very effective. My palpitations are much less frequent now but still sometimes occur. The side effects that I have experienced with propranolol have been quite minimal. Sometimes I do feel drowsy etc, cold feet, but its nothing to panic about. I would emphasise to people not to look into side effects too much, because I really believe that your mind plays a huge part in determining what we are actually feeling. Reading through most forums, its quite unbelievable about how we each seem to have the same symptoms etc. I am really not trying to preach to anyone, I just want to try and help as best I can so I want to try and get across all my views. Relaxing is so important, meditation etc, all help to calm the body and try and not focus on the beating of your heart. A couple of books I recommend, none of these books are directly linked to heart palpitations or anxiety but they help understand yourself and emphasise positive thinking. Jack Cranfild - The success principles is one I really recommend. I really believe that talking with each other will also help each other. I am not speaking on behalf of everyone, but I did get the impression that my family thought I was overreacting etc. Anyway guys, I really wish you all good luck. I hope I hear from you all,
Hello-
I am a sufferer too of nasty PVC’s-the skipped beats. I have been going thru this since May of 07 and am on a beta blocker-metoprolol. They have gotten better since May, but they still rule my life. I have been at my wits end for sometime now. I have worn two event monitors, one for two weeks, then I changed cardios and wore another event montitor for 30 days. I have had a nuclear stress test, echo, CAT scan, MRI (headaches), numerous ekg’s…need I go on. I lost over 30 pounds when this first started and I am a person who LOVES food
I couldn’t eat, would sleep on the couch with the tv on, wouldn’t speak above a whisper, moved real slow…..it was quite awful! I have learend to lean on Jesus more and more because I don’t have the answers and neither do my doctors.
I know that I am a highly anxious person and have been for most of my life. I have had a lot of stressful events in my life over the past three years sooooo….I assume that is what fuled my skpped beats. The doctor keeps telling me it is all stress/anxiety, but it’s so hard to accept that!
How do we correspond on this board? I am a frequent poster on the forum but this looks a lot different. I am wondering how I can come back and read the messages that come after mine?
I hope everyone has a great week!
I have heart palpitations everyday of my life. I am 43 years old and have been experiencing H.P. since I was 27 years old. Doctor’s can’t find anything wrong and told me to ignore them…yeah right. From past experience I can tell you that mine are made worse by me constantly worrying about them and God forbid I have a few of them in a row…then it’s on my mind all day long and I probably have about 100 palpitations a day. They will only stop when I am extremely busy or mentally engaged in something…meaning…when my mind is distracted. Here are some tricks I’ve learned to do and things to avoid doing to prevent the palpitations.
Don’t wear anything too tight around your waist or upper chest area, sometimes rocking in a chair or glider will bring them on, take a deep breath when you’re having them and try to relax, lay down for a few minutes during an episode, keep very busy to distract yourself, eating grapes (something in the skins of the grapes is good for regulating the heart) I also drink something called Magnesium Calm and I also drink Pedialite (spelling???) it’s the drink you give to children when they’ve been sick to replenish their electrolytes. You should drink the unflavored kind for best results but they do come in different flavors. Also, take a liguid whole food supplement (found in health food stores) with tons of vitamins and minerals. Sometimes when our bodies are lacking a nutrient or two, that can throw our heart rhythm off. Above all, after you’ve been seen by a doctor and reassured that nothing is wrong, try to ignore the annoying palpitations. You have to learn to control them….not the other way around. Harder said than done but if you can master it, you’ll feel so much better. I’m still in the process of learning this myself. Good Luck!
Wow! I started having skipped beats a few months back, had tests done, everything OK. One day they just went away. About a week ago they came back and I have been having them everyday since. My chest feels tight, like I am nervous about something, I am tired all the time and those darn heart flutters make everything much worse. Last night I took a xanax and it calmed me down. I went to Dr this a.m and they prescribed me zoloft. My DR also advised me that if your body is low on potassium, it can make youe heart flutter. She told me to eat bananas cause they are high in that. I hope this all works. Living life like this really isn’t fair.
My 39 year old husband says his flutters happen every 3-5 minutes. When he began to cry, I had to take him to the ER, but like I am reading, he too was “normal” He has been on 50mg of Toprol XL for the last 5 or so years. I am praying for him, but I do not know how to reassure him. He works as a principal and a teacher, so I know there has to be some sort of stress. His older brother passed away at 22 from “defibralation”? We have an appointment with the cardio dr. in a couple of weeks. Please help me pray as I will pray for all of you. Thanks
I have been experiencing heart flutters for some months. Panic attacks can be ruled out. I have had to stop taking blood thinning Cartia tablets during this period due to occasional bleeding resulting from a urological procedure. Hoping that my non- use of blood thinning tablets may be the cause of these flutters I recommenced using Cartia tabs and within 10 days the flutters have almost totally disappeared. I later found out a friends brother was in hospital with flutters and they placed a stent in his heart and are treating him with Warfarin. I wonder is there a connection between blood thickness and flutters.?
Well I am really glad I came across this forum. I have been experiencing heart palpatations for a few weeks now and have been very scared that I was having a heart attack. I haven’t been seen by a doctor yet and I am planning on getting checked out for a piece of mind. I have been going through a really stressfull year and definitly think that contributes to these palpatations. Just wanted to say that I already feel a little better knowing I am not alone.
I’m 23 and I actually remember the first time I had what I call an “attack” I was doing laundry when I was 17 and all of a sudden my heart was racing and pounding in my throat. I went to lay down and my body was shaking and my heart was beating like crazy, but my breathing was slow and steady. Scary stuff. Since then I’ve only had two attacks like that, but palpitations & flutters a couple times a week. It happens when I’m really stressed, or not stressed at all. I travel for my job and while I have no fear of flying (I actually enjoy it), I’ve developed an intense fear of it because I’m afraid of having an “attack” and not being able to get medical attention. It really does have an impact on my life…I find myself not doing certain things or activities I used to really enjoy (rollercoasters, boat trips, haunted houses, etc) because I’m afraid its going to trigger it. I went to a cardiologist a few years ago and they did every test under the sun, but came up with nothing…his best idea was that I could possible have SVT and he put me on Toprol (a beta blocker)…it kind of helped with the severity of the palpitations, but it didnt make my anxiety or the flutters stop. I got tired of paying $50 a month for Toprol and $300 a visit to see him, so I went to my family practice doc who classified my condition as “Anxiety Disorder” and has me on Xanax. I dont take it on a daily basis, she tells me to take it “as needed” which I feel more comfortable with because I feel like I’m in control. The xanax is actually a tranquilizer…which sounds scary, but believe me (coming from a person who isnt big on taking even tylonol for a headache), when your having bad enough palpitations or an “attack” taking a medicine to “knock you the ____ out” sounds great! haha. But seriously, the are more annoying than anything, so I dont take Xanax unless I feel like I’m going to pass out from them or have that feeling like I’m going to die if I dont do something quick.
Best of luck to all of you….know you dont suffer alone.
But make sure to get checked for Thyroid first! Its way to easy to diagnose people with panic, anxiety or depression these days! Xanax, Paxil and such drugs can be harmful if they’re used to treat a condition you dont have.
What I find strange is that no one says their doctor diagnosed them with mitral valve prolapse..which for those of you with flutters or you feel like your heart is skipping, this is probably what it is. And 99% of the time it is harmless. Hopefully this will reassure someone.
I was so gald to find this page!!! I have ben having these fluuters, extra beats or whatver for four months now. Sometimes it is day and night biht, I do have a heart valve problem and a heart murmur but I am not sick or anything like that. But these palpitationsa re so snnoying and I cannot get anythingodne for them. I go to bed at night and as soon as I lay down they start. I if get up and wal around they will eventually go away. Anyway the doctor wants me to go and have this monitor put on for two weeks and see if it can tell them anything. I had some problems about three years back and they put a holter monitor in me for about 72 hours and they said it never dhowed that anyting was wrong from my heart problems. so I am won dering if this one will show up anything!!! I get os scared when these happena nd I feel like ,y whole life is being run by thesse attacks!!! It was so good to see how many other people are having the same problems!!\\Hope I can find out if there is areallya provlem of if it is all anxietya nd my nerves. I am a very vervous persona nd do worry about a lot of things!!
i have
I too have suffered from panic disorder. My first attack was 16 years ago at 21. I was obsessed with being ill or becoming ill. This fear escalated and caused full-blown panic attacks. After every test imaginable, I learned that I was fine, physically. I then focused on my panic disorder and obsessive thinking and recovered. Recently, the thoughts are creaping up on me. I know the signs but am unable to control the obsessive thinking. If I have the slightest symptom of a disease, I begin to worry and create new symptoms. I recently had cosmetic surgery. I was aware of the risks, including a blood clot. I was convinced I was having a blood clot for weeks. Six weeks later my fear is that I am having a heart attack. I have been experiencing heart flutters. The flutters were not part of my anxiety 16 years ago, so I am worried that they are symptoms of a “real” problem this time. I too experience them randomly, but mostly when I am relaxed and falling to sleep. My husband has no patience for me anymore. It is good to know that others understand this true fear I am experiencing.
For those of you who feel helpless, don’t worry. At 21 I thought I would never be normal again. After therapy and 6 months of medication, I was back to normal. Since, I’ve had a teaching career and 3 beautiful kids. My life is wonderful. Just be aware, as I am, that you have anxiety and keep it in check. Good luck to all.
I too suffer from anxiety (undiagnosed but I know IT IS) as a result from having epilepsy. For the last 3 months, I’ve experienced heart palpitations at random times. I also have a habit of “overbreathing” which can be very distracting to me, but eventually it goes away.
About 2 months ago, I started getting these heart palpitations. When I would lie down, I would all of a sudden get this “RUSH” feeling from my chest to my head. This occured just before I started falling asleep. This has continued, and it usually happens only when I am lying down. I really don’t know what it is, since its such a hard feeling to describe.
Hey everybody, I’ve read all these comments. I’m 35 and have the flutters. I’ve been physical my whole life and am in decent shape for my age. I worry like most of you guys and do not like taking meds like some. I’ve had a couple of episodes bad enough to go to the ER and like most of you, ECG turns up nothing.
It is interesting about the coffee, chocolate thing being a culprit. I do like chocolate and drink coffee now-a-days. Never bothered me before, but people change with age and nothing stays the same.
I did have a tilt table test done, but I do not think it will show anything. I did not pass out. I was uncomfortable a couple of times — I think due to the stress of having to do the test.
I think worrying is the X multiplier to whatever you may be feeling and definitely aggravates the condition. So it is probably best if we all make up our mind that it is not good for us period and find more constructive ways to deal with it.
I had an episode the other day when I ate a late breakfast/lunch and sucked down a large Sweet Tea. It started and had after effects for about an hour afterwards. Usually, if I can get outside, where the wind is blowing and take some deep breaths or to an air conditioner, it will subside faster than normal.
I already exercise and stay active.
Hopefully it is not PSVT or mitrial valve prolapse. If it is — I will deal with it. If it is something like worrying myself to death I will eventually get aggravated enough to shut it out and not think of it again.
One thing I learned from being in the Army for so many years though, is when it comes to your health — no one is going to take it as seriously as you do. So, don’t worry about the buttheads who dismiss you as being a whack.
On another note; if you have had all sorts of tests ran on you and you consistently come up negative at what point would you stop and say, “I need to find something more fulfilling to do with my life than to spend my time at places were people like to congregate and generally feel ill.”
I am a Christian and naturally do not do yoga. I do not have anything against stretching though.
I’ll keep my faith in the Lord of my life, Jesus Christ, and try to place more of the burden on Him like he asked me to do. I will not let stress and worrying run my life. There is only so much time I can afford to wondering what’s next.
Good luck to all of you gentle souls and I will pray that you find what will fix you.
Don’t let it run your life.
Hi, I’ve had heart flutters all my life, and now that I’m on Cymbalta, I am having racing heart problems everyday. I have tried to go off anti-depressants five times now, but after about a month, the side-effects of withdrawal are so bad I have to go back. I remember reading somewhere that it is suspected that depression and mitral-valve prolapse are associated. Wish someone would confirm and report more about this. Take care.
Hi Everyone…I to have heart flutters..and or palpitations…have hard these for about 28 years …on and off…I am taking Propananol..was taking Inderal..I was first told I had a rapid heart beat mitral valve prolapse not sure that is true…but I do suffer from panic attacks and anxiety…the one thing that is annoying is that the medication I am on I was told I would never be able to go off from it…or would have to be wined off…not happy with that…pray without ceasing and trust God…He is the only thing true and faithful to trust in…If Jesus were not living in me..I would not be abel to get through these flutters or the panic attacks…Believe In…Trust In…Rely On…JESUS…Philippians 4:6-7
hi people!
..)………..the panic attacks i dont always get, but notice i am more prone the wk before my period. My palpitaions started about a yr ago..came maybe 1wk…over time they became more frequent…went to the ER a cple times…they put some machine on me…everything was fine…i havent had anymore tests done. Mostly i get them when im stressed or WORRYING..which was daily for awhile…now i can go about 3 days at the most without palpitations….i think b/c i am trying to remain more calm, worry less, and i meditate…trying to change my eating, and exercise…and of course praying to god..but ive been praying till i turn blue…i think its god’s way of saying, i can do this on my own..and that i need to slow down and enjoy life, and have patience with myself and trust him.
I am sorry that you all experience this, its nothing i would wish on anyone. I deal with anxiety and panic attacks, and mostly my symptons are the palpitations (great lil buggars arent they
I hope this helps, everyone
god bless