[nick4321]

Hi guys. Im a 24yr old male from the UK! I Thought i would make a post as i'm now a member of the palpitations club! Not only do i need some some support but i hope to help others dealing with this too as i know how frustrating it is!
Basically i guess what i would call palpitations started on a regular basis (i.e almost every day) about a year ago now.. and yes, its hard to accept them, but i am trying to understand what's going on, its peace of mind i'm seeking more than anything else.
So, ive visited the Doctors, around 4 months ago now and they took blood samples, ECG test, and a 24hr heart monitor, however as i have heard many people say, the doctor really didn't tell me anything i didnt already know - all the results came back ok. So i'm making another appointment next week with a different doctor and see what they say.. last time they didn't diagnose it, I'm not sure why, maybe they were unsure..
So to clarify, i have this random sort of thump in my chest, it happens just once every now and again, and i am sure there is a link with anxiety as it does happen more-so in situations i find uncomfortable (i.e sitting in the doctors waiting room). Also, at the exact time i feel some sort of adrenaline, however i cant work out if this is a result of the thump, or this IS what is causing the thump as the two happen at the same moment.. can anyone clear this up? I don't experience any dizziness or pain when this happens
Also, is it hereditary? because my mother also has suffered from these for over 25yrs..! my poor mum! I showed her the article on palpitations and the menstrual cycle because she mentioned that hers increase, and her beliefs were correct! I'm so glad i found this website!
Also, i have experience the speeding up of my heart on various occasions where it starts beating very fast, and this does give me a shortness of breath, but no pain, and then stops just around 10 - 20 mins after it started, I have experienced this sensation around 4 times a year for the past 3 years or so.. usually it is brought on during some sort of exercise, and I'm sure it is when i sort of hold my breath and jump, it seems to shock my heart or something, im not sure, but then i try to remain calm and it does pass. It is a steady, regular heartbeat when happens but its just too fast and feels out of my control.. Is this a panic attack? or is this something else? I would love for someone to clear this up.
I have read some of the other posts, and i am just thankful mine isn't as bad as some of the ones i have read. I really do sympathize with all you guys who experience similar things. I look forward to hearing any responses!

Thanks, your new palpitations pal, Nick.

[DaniRae]

Hi there!

Very nice to meet you and glad you are going to get the answers you need

To me (and I am NOT a doctor) it sounds like you are having PVCs and SVT. Same thing as I have. The thump is after a PVC, the heart resets. The speeding up I get as well. It will last for 30 mins or so with my HR around 125BPM, then it will settle back down.

Both of these things I have been told NOT to worry about. Especially once they do a heart work up and your heart is healthy and strong. They just annoy and scare us lol.

I do find that many times funky beats run in a family. Whether there is an actual link, I don't know.

Great to have you here and please keep us updated on your appointment!

[dr461]

Hey Nick,
Welcome to the club. Sounds like routine stuff for here--PVCs, and as Dani said maybe some PACs. If you are concerned, read what many of us say--the results come back ok, you don't have heart disease issues. The holter and echo can easily tell if it is a significant issue almost immediately, so believe them, and try not to worry about it.

[jkfrench]

Welcome Nick
I agree with the others. SVT starts up and ends abruptly. That is what it sounds like. Plus PVCs. Better to get everything checked out with this other doctor. Peace of mind really helps keep these things in check.

[nick4321]

Thanks for such quick responses! Just what i needed to hear! Knowing that they wont harm you helps so much. I think this is probably the major concern for most people (and myself), when experiencing these things, you know, whether they are damaging the heart etc. I'll keep you all posted on any new info the doc gives me or the results of any new tests.
Can i just ask if anyone would share the ways they have learned to cope with what they experience? Do you just remember to keep calm and try to not make a big deal out of them?
Thanks again.

[DaniRae]

time and acceptance is all you can do.I just kind of got used to them... they can still be un-nerving but I just refuse to let them run my life.
Like last night I had a really funky skip... and it freaked me out for a sec,then I went back to normal lol

[nick4321]

I think thats what i need to force myself to understand! Im sure they happen when you sort of think about it happening aswell - it really does mess with your head, trying to work out if its something i'm eating or doing etc! Anyway, when it happens im just going to think of these posts so i feel better lol!

[tom]

Hi Nick,

I agree with the other posts and offer a couple of additional thoughts. I assume your Dr. did blood work testing for Serum Magnesium, and calcium levels and thyroid tests. If not be sure to ask.. all can explain your symptoms. Also a treadmill stress test will be beneficial.. To me this seems more anxiety related than anything serous. After the treadmill stress test, ask the Dr. about an exercise program. Be reassured that the echo and 24hr holter eliminated any serous issues. The thump you feel is the compensatory beat after a PVC and is a good sign that the natural bult in pacemaker is working just fine... The post thump period of a rapid heart beat of 125 didn't concern the Dr. becuase of two reasons. (1) it returns to normal and (2) the rate of 125 is well below the dangerous 200+ that we see in people with a more serious problem. I think the "thump" sends you into an anxiety episode. I do have one or four questions.. what is your resting heart rate, your height and weight, level of exercise, and alcohol intake.? I would insist on a treadmill stress test.

I am 66 years old and had similar problems at your age.

[DaniRae]

Originally Posted by tom

Hi Nick,

I agree with the other posts and offer a couple of additional thoughts. I assume your Dr. did blood work testing for Serum Magnesium, and calcium levels and thyroid tests. If not be sure to ask.. all can explain your symptoms. Also a treadmill stress test will be beneficial.. To me this seems more anxiety related than anything serous. After the treadmill stress test, ask the Dr. about an exercise program. Be reassured that the echo and 24hr holter eliminated any serous issues. The thump you feel is the compensatory beat after a PVC and is a good sign that the natural bult in pacemaker is working just fine... The post thump period of a rapid heart beat of 125 didn't concern the Dr. becuase of two reasons. (1) it returns to normal and (2) the rate of 125 is well below the dangerous 200+ that we see in people with a more serious problem. I think the "thump" sends you into an anxiety episode. I do have one or four questions.. what is your resting heart rate, your height and weight, level of exercise, and alcohol intake.? I would insist on a treadmill stress test.

I am 66 years old and had similar problems at your age.

They never did a stress test on me either. Because all 5 EKGs, blood work, echo and monitor came back ok, it was not deemed necessary and my insurance would not cover it......

Crazy huh? But I am ok with that..... The PVC thump can be super scary. I have grown used to them but the funky beats and flutters can bother me.

[nick4321]

Hi Tom, I think your pretty spot on. Im sure there is a link with anxiety as it happens almost definitely if i think i 'should' be anxious, like in the doctor waiting room. I know the blood test checked for thyroid problems but that came back ok, however, I am not sure about any other results, but i'll get bac to you on that. My resting heartbeat is around 80-85 a min. I'm not sure exactly but i'm roughly 5ft 9" and about 11 stone (155 lbs). I'm not an athlete but i work like one so I cant afford to be unfit so to speak! My alcohol inatake is practically 0, apart from a birthday here or there. Smoking may be the issue though.. although I don't smoke to excess (10 a day) I understand any smoking in not good...but if this is anxiety linked I don't want to aggravate it!?
I also wonder if anxiety can kick in when you exercise, maybe reading the fast heart beat as an indication of danger? or maybe thats a horribly uneducated guess. The problem I have at the moment is identifying the cause, It making me paranoid! Any advice you have would be appreciated!
thanks, Nick.