Heart Palpitations-updated-went to Dr.

[liznboys]

I've been having lots of these lately, and I wonder if I should go see my Dr. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason as to when they happen, just whenever. I had them years ago and they did an EKG, and said it was nothing.

Anyone have any experience with them? It freaks me out...wondering if somethings wrong with my heart!

(update on page 2)

 

[auntpolly]

Can I ask your age? This just happened to my sister -- age 44 -- and it was due to the onset of menopause!

 

[dizneenut]

I have them all the time. I have a heart murmor--MVP. I notice I have them the most after drinking anything with caffeine in it.

You should get it checked out.

 

[luvwinnie]

Definitely! They should do an echocardiogram I think. I have mvp also.

 

[liznboys]

Well I'm 28 so I sure hope that's not it!

But you bring up something that has crossed my mind... I had my 3rd baby in March (so I'm 5 months post-partum) and I am excusively nursing him. My hormones are still not "normal". My point is that I wonder if hormones can cause them?

 

[auntpolly]

Well it's hormones that are causing them for my sister, so it makes sense that it could do the same for you. Have it checked out but don't worry about it -- it's a pretty common thing and usually nothing.

 

[Tinks]

You should see your doctor. Most likely it is nothing. They should check your thyroid hormone level. It may be high and that would be expected following a pregnancy, but you don't want it to remain elevated as that would cause problems. Also, at this age (~30) it is possible that palpitations can be a sign of a heart defect, namely a hole between the heart's chambers. Sometimes the symptoms of this defect don't show up until you hit your thirties. Remember, it is probably nothing to worry about, but see your doctor if it continues.

 

[Blondie]

I have palpitations and Premature Atrial Contractions and I started to worry so I saw my PCP who scheduled a Nuclear Stress Test with a cardiologist of my choosing. He also ordered blood work, being anemic can bring on palpitations, so can being dehydrated. An abnormal thyroid can also do it.

I got the all clear, I just have what is referred to as benign palpitations and PAC's. Lots of people have them and don't notice them, some people are just more in tune to their bodies than others.

Definitely get yourself checked out.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

As the mom of a daughter with a corrected heart defect, I will tell you that it is advisable to pinpoint the cause of the palpitations while they are happening.

Go see a cardiologist. A regular Doctor does not have a trained ear to "hear". Plus a couple of tests are in order.

It may be nothing but you need a diagnoses. I won't go into details but it is important.

 

[Snow Dog Mom]

I am not a doctor but I really believe that hormones play a big part in PVC's(it sounds like what you are having). I have had them for years and they are much worse when it is time for my cycle.

If you are only nursing a 5 mth old I bet that your cycle is getting ready to gear up again. I didn't get mine back until my DD was 9 mths old but kept feeling like it for a few months before it came back.

My advice is to ask your doctor but I bet they tell you no caffine and get plenty of rest (yeah right huh!!!).

Good luck and enjoy those little ones!

Kim

 

[elgerber]

I would go see a doctor, but most likely they are normal. I am 34 and I have been having them for many years. I have had and EKG and and Echo and both show nothing wrong. They call them Benign PVC's and say they are nothing at all to worry about. I am used to them, but when they are really acting up I still don't like them. I do occasionally take Beta Blockers for them, but they never seem to help much so I don't always take them.

Erika

 

[liznboys]

Thank you all so much for the advice. I will call my Dr. today! I hope it turns out to be something normal, maybe caused by something temporary (like hormones...) Heart issues are so scary!!

 

[Deb in IA]

Good to hear you are calling your doctor. Hope everything turns out well.

 

[browneyes]

Good luck with the dr. Liz.

 

[liznboys]

I'm going to my primary care physician at 2pm today. I didn't expect to get an appt. so soon! I don't know if they'll just want to refer me to a cardiologist though...

Anyway, thanks again all.

 

[WeluvDisney2]

I had heart palpatations after the birth of my second son. It was brought on by hormones which also triggered postpartum anxiety. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

 

[tassie42]

glad you are going to the dr tell us what he said when you get back.

 

[liznboys]

Just got back from my Dr. Which is always a fun experience... I think I've only seen my actual primary care physician once in the past 6 years, and today was no different...saw a "physicians assistant" who I'd never met before. She was nice and all, but still... I simply need to get a new pcp! Ok, sorry for the vent!!

She did an EKG, and surprise, surprise I didn't have a palp. while laying there. So that was pretty much useless. So, she ordered 5 or 6 blood tests (I have to go to a lab for them, will try to do that in the next few days), and she gave me a referral for a cardiologist to get a halter thingy to monitor my heart. So I need to make an appt. with him and we'll go from there.

Fun fun fun!

 

[Jenn]

My sister faints easily and gets heart palpitations from anxiety. It tends to happen more frequently when she is stressed, over-tired, and hasn't eaten any thing that day. Most recently, she had a appt after work to have some fluid drained from her knuckle (ouch), and she was so nervous she didn't eat anything all day. Got to the appt and passed out cold. They sent her to the hospital in an ambulance, where she was told she has a sensitivity to fainting. Duh....

 

[liznboys]

Originally posted by Jenn
My sister faints easily and gets heart palpitations from anxiety. It tends to happen more frequently when she is stressed, over-tired, and hasn't eaten any thing that day. Most recently, she had a appt after work to have some fluid drained from her knuckle (ouch), and she was so nervous she didn't eat anything all day. Got to the appt and passed out cold. They sent her to the hospital in an ambulance, where she was told she has a sensitivity to fainting. Duh....

Yikes, sorry to hear that!