sensation of strong heartbeat, racing, palpitations - Menopause Message Board

squirrelgirl55 · 01-03-2005, 11:43 PM

I have had a thorough cardiac work up but I am still having a lot of sleep disturbance due to the increased awareness of my heart seeming to pound when I try to rest or sleep--especially if lying on my left side. This is really disrupting sleep- I am 49 and I think in peri menopause....no hot flashes yet, but irregular, and now more frequent, heavy periods( I also have adenomyosis). Also have had a history through my adult years of palpitations on and off and no reason being found. IT is just so much worse now with "the change" coming on. I just wondered if anyone out there is having a similar problem. It improved for a while and I think I need to cut back(eliminate) caffeine again. ALso feel "hyped and jittery" with this. I need a good night's sleep! Any suggestions? Thanks!--by the way....had a full workup and stress test, etc. recently....my family practice Dr. has suggested perhaps a low dose beta blocker....but I have been trying to avoid starting that....any ideas would be very appreciated.

BeckyW · 01-04-2005, 07:13 AM

Hi there,

I've had similar symptoms as you, started a few years ago with just fluttery palpitations once in a while. No regular pattern but gradually they got more significant.
For the last few months I've had exactly what you describe,and also had a cardiac workup that was fine. My heartrate/blood pressure would elevate with very little activity or excitement. BP had been hovering around borderline for a while though, and started elevating when these symptoms would make me anxious. Doc put me on a lose dose BP diuretic (HCT) ,and it's normal now but has not really done anything for the palps/heartrate.

Since then I began a lot more insomnia and being very aware of my heart beat when laying down, also having 'jitters', or trembling and muscle twitches. This began to wear me down physically and mentally after several weeks, so I started taking Rx for anxiety, and it's helping, along with exercising regularly every day.
I've heard the beta blockers are good for countering palpitations. I can't offer you any more info than that but please let us know if you try it and how it works.
Take Care,
BeckyW.

mgraylorn · 01-04-2005, 12:27 PM

I took a beta blocker for high blood pressure for a bit and had a lot of trouble with that drug class. I think you are wise to avoid it. It also can produce severe side effects if you suddenly stop taking it.

Ask your doctor about clonidine, either in pill form or as a patch. This is a really old drug and is sometimes used to help ease hot flash symptoms. It is used to lower blood pressure, and heart rate. It also can make you drowsy. This drug can also be hard to get off of, but not as bad as beta blockers. I also think that at very low doses, like .1 mg at bed time would not be a problem to quit.

squirrelgirl55 · 01-04-2005, 02:46 PM

Thanks so very much for the responses. I will take it in consideration. I do feel it is related to perhaps a new heightened sensitivity to caffeine, erratic hormones( surely oges with the territory!) and anxiety/worry/stress.

SO glad to find this board and to have this input! Thanks again. I will be around!

ozzieone · 01-23-2005, 04:43 PM

Hi, have you had a thyroid function test?Good luck ,Ozzieone