[trina78]

I am a 31 y/o female, I have been having heart palpitations and bouts of tachycardia (heart rate at 86-140bpm) resting. When I had this I would feel hot and I couldn't sleep. Dr. sent me for a thyroid scan and found I have 3 cysts on my thyroid but none of the cysts were causing a problem so nothing was done about that. Next I was sent to a cardiologist who did an EKG, holter monitor and echocardiogram on me. All of them came back with what they call normal (even though the doctors put me on a beta blocker for the time being.)

I was taken off my birth control pills in the case it may be hormonal, and I've been off them for just about a week now, and I am still having the palpitations, mainly, along with occasional trouble sleeping and tachycardia. I don't know what could be causing it, it varies every day what time it happens, but usually is mostly after dinner. I am starting to just become annoyed with this and would really like some suggestions of new routes to take on this issue.

I'm only 31 and I don't want to be on a medication for the rest of my life, I am not overweight and I like to exercise. This is really hindering things right now. They keep telling me it's anxiety, but when was the last time someone had anxiety 24/7 for over a month???

Any suggestions or thoughts would be VERY appreciated
Thank you

[Jeff]

Hi Trina,

Sorry it took so long for me to get to your post. Not sure how I missed it.

I think that it's often the case the doctors will write off palpitations to anxiety because there are so many of us out there that have some level of anxiety and that it can be a causing factor. And sure, it's possible to be anxious 24/7. I've done it.

I think it's great that you've had the important tests and that they've all come back clean. If I had to guess, they put you on the beta blocker because the palps were bothering you, and it was affecting your quality of life. You may find that once you have the courage to ease back into your exercise regimen, and cutting out as much stress as you can, that those palps will start going away, and you'll no longer need the beta blockers.

Please keep us updated as to how you're doing.

[jkfrench]

This is exactly what I dealt with in my 20's. My doctor called it inappropriate sinus tach. The beta blocker (atenolol) worked so well that I am still on it in my 40's. I notice if I forget to take it, my heart will beat faster so for some reason, my system likes the atenolol. I only take 1/4 of a 25mg. My doctor said that is like a holistic dose. Just around 6mg's keeps my heart slow and steady most of the time. It is such a small amount that I don't worry about taking it. Your tests all came back great so no need to worry. It is amazing how just thinking about it every day, even if it isn't really stressing you out, will release those hormones that continue to keep your heart beating faster or skipping.
Also, I am on birth control and have been for 20 years so that wasn't the problem for me. Maybe you should ask your doctor about atenolol or ask him if you can split whatever pill you are taking now in half.
Then you don't need to worry if you have to take it for a while.
Visit us often!!
Jodie

[Susie]

Hi~I have anxiety some days that is 24/7 and it is no fun. I noticed the more anxious I am the more PAC's I will get, it is a vicious circle. You said that you get them sometimes after you eat, well, that is when mine are at their worst. I am fine until I eat, then, the rest of the day, I can have them. My one doc thinks they are due to my hiatal hernia and the other says food allergies. I don't know, all I know is that if I drink a lot of water or slouch in a chair after I eat, they can come on, it could also be gas causing them, I know I fill up with lots of gas during the day and after I eat, and in a book I have called "Hope and Help for your nerves" the author talks about "air around the heart" causing these darn things.

[postpartumillness.com]

I am a 31 female also who has been dealing with heart issues for over a year now. Have you had children yet?

I was having the same issues plus PVC's after delivering last year. My heart would jump to 160 just walking. I would have palpatations sitting on the couch at a party. No anxiety just having a great time.

I think the docs call it anxiety when they dont know what is causing the issue. I was put on propranolol for 6 months and then was able to go off. Slowly by the end of the year the palps went away and the spikes in heart rate are almost gone.

All these issues will cause some mild form of anxiety on the other hand because you dont know what is happening to you. It will mess with your sleep. As I got used to the symptoms and started to chart them I could see a pattern and it calmed my nerves. I was able to sleep better through all the thumps and bumps.

I think hormones play a huge role sometimes as I could clock my heart issues with ovulation and my period. Things became really predicatable once I started charting my symptoms.

Like JK I have been prescribed Atenolol but I only take it as needed because of my situation. Atenolol also helps my migraines. You have to specifically ask your doctor if it is ok for you to take it as needed. Our heart situation may not be the same but I know how you feel about taking medication all the time. I do know people that have been on Atenolol for years and are fine on the other hand. Im just weird about things like that.

By the way when I was pulled off of birth control my body went a little hay wire for a month or two and then it got back on track.

Lucy