How do your palpitations feel? - Panic Disorders Message Board

chriscwharris · 11-08-2004, 03:09 AM

I've had episodes of palpitations on and off for the last couple of years. They're not pleasant at all and even after all this time they still concern me. I've also had ecg's done, blood work and a stress test which concluded I have a normal heart function.

Normally mine feel like a fluttery feeling in my chest, accompanied by a sudden feeling of lightheadedness, chest tightness and sometimes left arm pain and tingling.

Last night when I went to bed, no sooner had I laid down then my heart gave a big thud! Of course this paniced me as it's never happened before. I suddenly felt very weird, my body was shaking a bit and of course my mind was racing.

I woke up this morning feeling awfull, my left arm was in pain, my chest on the left side was in pain, like an extreme dull ache. I didn't feel right, you know what I mean? I think only another person with anxiety and PA's can understand the term "not feeling right" because it's almost impossible to explain the feeling to anyone else.

How do you palpitations feel?
Do you get the fluttery type?
Do you ever get "thuds" in your chest?

tooanxious · 11-08-2004, 11:37 AM

My palpitations feel horrible too. It feels like my heart stops and then starts up again. I keep thinking that soemthing is really wrong even though the doctors dont think so. I hate the heart racing too beauce I cant seem to control it at times. Im trying to get in shape so maybe it will lessen some of the probs. I know what you mean about that feeling. Its the darkest feeling in the world. Like you are totally trapped in depressing fear that you cant get out of and you are about to die any second from that fear. Its like it has a mind of its own. Still I think with lots of time and the right spirit and commitment to feeling better it can be overcome. Thats what Im betting on.

468LC · 11-08-2004, 05:30 PM

Can somebody explain the exact definition of a heart palp and it symptoms?

I've thought I have had them before but I am not sure.

chriscwharris · 11-12-2004, 11:04 AM

simply...

Palpitations are the sensation of a rapidly or irregularly beating heart

They can be caused by many things, including heavy exercise, too many stimulants like tea/coffee and of course anxiety. There are medical causes aswell which is why you should always get your heart checked out if you start getting palpitations.

Jupiters008 · 11-12-2004, 03:56 PM

I also get palpitations, and have been to the ER with them, they say they are harmless and many people get them, most people dont feel them or ignore them but sensitive people like us, can feel them, then we cant stop thinking about them and are really tuned in to our body..they say its best to ignore them and they will go away, i know thats hard, but lately ive been able to ignore them to a point. Though last night i had my first panic attack in about 3 months and feel im right back to where i started. If they really bother you , you can get it checked out by doctors again. Hang in there!