racing heartbeat - Heart Disorders Message Board

kk123 · 06-18-2004, 06:11 PM

I have been having troubles with my heartbeat for about the past 10 years. (I am a 31 yr. old female.) I read many postings about others who have fast heartbeats and palpitations, but haven't found any that sound similiar to my episodes. When my heart races, it instantly kicks in to a beat that is twice as fast as normal. This lasts about ten minutes, and then it instantly goes back to the normal speed - no gradual slowing at all. When it races, it pounds incredibly hard. It is so unnerving, because I keep wondering how it can take that abuse, and feel certain I will die at any minute! My doctor says I have a type of tachycardia, but by his questioning, I know he also thinks I might be dealing with panic attacks. I find it hard to believe that they are panic attacks - I am never feeling fearful or afraid when the episodes strike. So, I am at a loss what to call these episodes.

The only other symptom that I have noticed the past few times is a sickening cold rush through my body, which I attribute to being an adrenline rush. Occassionally I have had only the rush, and no racing heart.

Can anyone identify with any of these symptoms? I'd be very interested to compare notes with you, if you do. I would really like to find out what is going on with me!

L-Town · 06-18-2004, 06:21 PM

My daughter is 19 and gets the racing heartbeats. They come out of nowhere but don't last as long as yours. Hers only last about a minute. She says it feels like her heart is going to stop when it's done. I can't get her to see a doctor about this as she can be hardheaded. I get the extra beats that many say feel like skipped beats.

Has your doctor suggested you get a echo test done? This test takes a picture of your heart much like a sonogram does. It will show any heart edefects if any and show how the blood is flowing in and out of your heart as it pumps. Also, has he recommended a beta-blocker to help with the palps?

hummingbirdkiss · 06-18-2004, 07:05 PM

message deleted

kk123 · 06-18-2004, 08:38 PM

Well, it feels a little reassuring to know that someone else suffers from this, and is still alive and kicking! Have you noticed the adreneline rushes that I mentioned? Also, do you notice that your heart will often kind of skip a beat, and then the next hearbeat is extra vigorous, like it is trying to catch up? Mine has been doing that alot since my last major episode, which was in late April. (I usually get three or four nasty episodes a year, how about you?) Also, you mention seeing a cardiologist. Have you been given any good tips on how to prevent these episodes, and probably more importantly to me, how to stop them when they start?

kk123 · 06-18-2004, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the reply, L-Town. I haven't had an echo test done. I have worn a heartbeat monitor on more than one occassion - once for a whole month, and of course I didn't have any trouble with racing heartbeats at all! That is probably my soloution - wear a monitor for the rest of my life, and I'll never have another episode!

No one has mention beta-blockers to me before. Have you or your daughter had luck with these?