Need help! Has anyone experienced palpitations? - Panic Disorders Message Board

ckellym · 06-28-2004, 08:17 AM

I have some anxiety/panic issues and I can deal with the physical symptoms of a panic attack EXCEPT the palpitations! I hate them! I've had every test done under the sun because they scared me so much and doctor says Im fine!
I get them at the most random times and I dont get many of them. It could happen when I a watching tv or sitting at my computer. Maybe 2 or 3 in a row and then wont have another "episode " of them for possibly a few hours or even days after. Feels like my heart is stuck in my throat and just waiting for another beat and then all of a sudden.. THUD... thats what bothers me!!
I need assurance that I am not alone here. Im young and healthy and Im planning a wedding now, so this may be the cause of my anxiety.
I never had these until about a year ago (hmm, ironically whenI started planning the wedding!) and I want them to go away!!!!
Does anyone have any cures? Ive stopped drinking ALL caffeine, dont smoke or drink. - fun life huh? just kidding.

Looking forward to your responses!

dragonballwizard · 06-28-2004, 08:51 AM

I get those to...I feel like I am going to die right then and there of a heart attack! I don't have any cures for you. I have heard people say that these attacks won't hurt you and I know they are right because nothing has happened to me yet. However, that is not what you believe at the time it is happening.
DBW

judypatootie · 06-28-2004, 09:50 AM

ckellym:
I have those same exact types of palpitations when I have anxiety and panic attacks. Once, when I was still working, it happened so bad that my co-workers thot I was having a heart attack and took me down to the ER. (I worked in a hospital).. turned out the cardiologist, my PCP, and my psychiatrist all agreed that I did 'not' have any kind of heart problems, but the palpitations, and the "stopping and "THUD" " that you describe were all attributed to the anxiety & Panic attacks, being neurotic didn't help either!! They told me that until the attacks were under control, the wierd heart things would probably continue, and they have.
Good luck...and try, try, try to calm down and enjoy planning your wedding.

ckellym · 06-28-2004, 10:55 AM

Thanks for your responses! It definitly makes me feel better knowing other people are experiencing the same wierd feeling. Its the worst. I know I need to calm down, and get my anxiety under control too.
I once went to the ER thinking something was wrong because I got a really bad one where I felt like I was going to pass out- and it was just 1 - and didnt happen again after that - yet i had to rest my memory and still went to the ER.
ugh.
..willing to hear more stories though!

Thanks!
CKellyM

tgrose · 06-28-2004, 09:42 PM

HI there. What you're experiencing are called PVC's, and they're very common. When you have high levels of stress, caffeine or alcohol, they can happen. Caffeine is terrible for them.

If you get them again, or if you think they're going to happen a lot, start excercising. My cardiologist says that physical exercise actually helps to stop them when they are happening. But they are harmless, just devastating to experience.!