Continuous palpitations

[justsomeguy137]

I really only have one symptom and it doesn't bother me much (well, I've gotten used to it), but I am a little concerned. To be honest, it's been with me for 6 or 7 years now... it's been a while since my last physical. I have continuous (as in, 24/7/365) heart palpitations. My blood pressure is generally normal to slightly low (120/75, usually), and my resting heart rate is about 55-60 bpm. I'm otherwise healthy, male, 23 years old, active, 6', 165 lbs. The palpitations are always there but vary in degree (mostly depending on my degree of relaxation). They can be pretty intense... to the point where you can see the left side of my chest beating. What might this be? (Yes, I realize I should see my GP, but I have an intense fear of doctors/bad news/surgery. I'd like to have some idea of what I might have). I should note that I have mild anxiety (not officially diagnosed), and that I don't take any medications.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Palpitations may be normally felt if you are overexerted. Chemicals like adrenaline, alcohol, caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, and other drugs all cause palpitations. Disease (such as hyperthyroidism and pheochromocytoma) or mitral stenosis, panic disorder all cause this. Palpitations may be associated with heart problems, anemias, low blood sugar and low blood pressure. If you have cough and are taking medicines that contain asthalin or terbutaline then the palpitations can be a side effect of the drugs. Do discuss with your doctor and get this investigated.  Hope this helps. Take care!

[whatsthematterwithme]

Actually, these days, a BP of 120 (top number) is considered slightly high. Just thought I'd pass it on.

[caribworried]

Entirely likely that it is from anxiety, but a quick trip to the doctor and EKG can show if there's an underlying heart condition. It's not likely that there's something wrong with your heart if your only symptom is palpitations. If it is anxiety, it is also treatable with medication and therapy. Definitely share your concerns with a doctor and hopefully he/she will be able to put them to rest quickly and painlessly.

[trish676]

The palpitations could be a result of the anxiety or the slightly lower heart rate.  Is your heart rate regular or irregular? You could be having a chronic arrhythmia. I would suggest seeing your gp to start with. He could do an ekg which would give a better picture of what your heart is doing. Your bp is good and you did not mention any other symptoms therefore it seems as though your heart is pumping adequately. I would difinetly suggest seeing your gp to rule out an arrhythmia, left untreated could cause serious complications. Best of luck to you. Hope this helped.