Palpitations

[Redbel]

Hi all. Can I just ask a bit of advice before I book a doctors appointment as I don't want to waste their time. When I'm dozing on the couch usually around the time that Corrie and Eastenders are on, everytime I go to drop off I seem to wake myself up in a bit of a panic and my heart seems to be beating irregularly, it's a quite frightening feeling, It's the sort of feeling that you say to yourself, I'm going to have a heart attack. I know that sounds stupid to some people but my mum died from a cardiac arrest and my brother died from a heart attack 11 years ago. I used to drink quite alot of diet coke but have cut that out now and it has calmed down. I know caffeine does affect the hearbeat, I think I'm just looking for some reassurance that I'm not going to have a heart attack.

Thanks

[Ethel]

You are not going to have a heart attack, or rather this is not a symptom of an impending heart attack.

This is quite common, but if you are worried see your gp and get your mind put at rest.

I bet it disappears then.

[Redbel]

Thanks Ethel, I think because of my family background I think this is going to happen to me.......I know alot of this is stress, I mean, I keep thinking that this happened to my mum and brother as soon as the palpitations started I though..OMG...that's going to happen to me.... But thank you for reassuring me....xx

[KittyGlitter]

I think waking up suddenly from dozing can be quite startling and this could affect your heartbeat. Quite understandably, you are worried about your heart because of what happened to your mum and brother. This could make you focus on every flutter that seems out of the norm! Palpitations can be caused by anxiety, which is a vicious circle, as the palpitations then cause more anxiety! As Ethel says, have a word with a sympathetic doctor, explaining about your mum and brother. I bet they'll help you put things into perspective.

[redmug100]

The gas in coke/fizzy drinks or trapped wind around the diaphram can cause ectoptic beats as can lying down on your left side after a meal.

[andy-hughes]

It may be that your heart literally skips a beat as you doze, and then it automatically speeds up to 'catch up'.

This is quite common, and I am sure it's not a symptom of any serious heart problem, but, as advised, see your GP to put your mind at rest.

[honkytonkgal]

Hi Bez, i have the same problem, the best thing to do is when you get these palpatations is to go to A&E for a ECG. Drink de-caffe coffee, tea and cola.

[Redbel]

Thanks to all for your reassuring replies, I don't feel quite as anxious now.

xx