Palpitations

[pinklady266]

I'm completely new to this forum so just hope I'm posting my query in the right place.  For past couple of days have suddently been experiencing quite extreme palpitations.  They go from my heart feeling like its going to jump outof my chest, to me feeling that I can't get enough air in, resulting in me feeling weak I presume through lack of oxygen. Went to see Dr and she did the usual tests - I've been experiencing some bad headaches at teh back of my head too and she thinks that these are tension headaches so probably connected with the palpitations. I've also had bloods taken to check my thyroid.  I've been prescribed beta blockers and praying that they work because I don't want another night last the last one - really thought I was going to have to get myself to A&E at one point they were so bad.  I know that palpitations are caused by anxiety and the answer is to address the root cause - my problem is I really don't think I have any anxiety  - there is nothing worrying me or has been worrying me so I'm at a loss as to what to do.  My last onset however did come on after I'd had a night out been drinking alcohol - does anyone know of any connection with these two things? I eat a healthy balanced diet, and exercise regularly and don't smoke, so find it very frustrating not knowing what the cause of my palpitations are. Any advice/comment would be appreciated.

[pinklady266]

Thanks to you all for your comments they are very much appreciated.  I'm seeing GP next week which will show results if the my blood tests.  I'm having a few weeks of no alcohol which will do me good either way. Usually just have a drnk at the weekends but not going to for a while and see how that affects by body generally.

[kenkeith]

QUOTE: "My last onset however did come on after I'd had a night out been drinking alcohol - does anyone know of any connection with these two things? I eat a healthy balanced diet, and exercise regularly and don't smoke, so find it very frustrating not knowing what the cause of my palpitations are. Any advice/comment would be appreciated".

Palpitations can be the result of caffeine and alcohol. I don't read you have had an EKG for arrhythmia.  Most people that have palpitations have some type of cardiac arrhythmia and virtually any arrhythmia can trigger palpitations....you may not be aware of arrhythmia until the palpitations.

Caffeine, smoking (secondhand) and alcohol can/will change the heart rate that may trigger the palpitations.




What Kinds of Arrhythmias Produce Palpitations?
Most people with palpitations have some type of cardiac arrhythmia. Virtually any arrhythmia can cause palpitations, but the most common causes of palpitations are premature atrial complexes (PACs), premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), episodes of atrial fibrillation, and episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Click here for a quick and easy review of heart arrhythmias..

[ChatterAlly]

Sorry, that wasn't meant to scare you, but rather give you an inside look at how alcohol affects the body.  I know I worry for myself because I so enjoy my wine in the evening. I just have to keep it to the minimum 2 drinks.

Ally

[ChatterAlly]

Hey there.  I found this on the internet and thought you might want to read this:

"Alcohol reduces blood flow to the muscles, including the heart, causing muscle weakness and deterioration. One outcome is cardiomyopathy (sluggish heart) which is common in alcoholics. Another outcome, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), or "holiday heart,"is often treated in emergency wards after several days of party drinking. Muscle aches are a common symptom of excessive-drinking "hangovers.""

Take care, Ally