Many things can trigger heart palps, but the only way you will know for certain what is causing them is to see a cardiologist. He/she will first determine if what you're feeling is actually a palpitation. These can also be known as PVC's or PAC's and it will take the doctor to explain the difference and what they may mean. Everybody experiences palps/PVC's or PAC's from time to time. Many people are not even aware of them. I was aware of a "flip-floppy" feeling in my chest every once in awhile starting as a teenager. In my 50's they became far more frequent and the flip-flop feeling changed to a continuous rapid and irregular heart rate. I was diagnosed with AFIB and my story goes on from there, but that is for another time. You don't say how old you are and that can make a big difference. If these palps are really upsetting you, or causing you to feel stress, then see your doctor. Just know that the VAST majority of these heart "things" are totally benign and aside from being annoying, present no danger to your heart nor do they indicate underlying heart disease. But.....the ONLY one who can tell you what is going on for sure is a cardiologist. (Stress can trigger these, so keep that in mind) I'm sure you'll be fine! Welcome to the "Wonky Heart Club!"
I had non-serious palpitations for many years (wore 24 to 48 hrs holter monitors). Then, about three years ago, in my early 60's the palpitations were much more frequent and much more troublesome. A 72 hr holter monitor picked up both atrial tachycardia (annoying but not life threatening) and the concerning and must be treated non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. That is now under control with 12.5mg of metoprolol twice a day.
Never good to assume palpitations are nothing to worry about.
I had non-serious palpitations for many years (wore 24 to 48 hrs holter monitors). Then, about three years ago, in my early 60's the palpitations were much more frequent and much more troublesome. A 72 hr holter monitor picked up both atrial tachycardia (annoying but not life threatening) and the concerning and must be treated non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. That is now under control with 12.5mg of metoprolol twice a day.
Never good to assume palpitations are nothing to worry about.
I had non-serious palpitations for many years (wore 24 to 48 hrs holter monitors). Then, about three years ago, in my early 60's the palpitations were much more frequent and much more troublesome. A 72 hr holter monitor picked up both atrial tachycardia (annoying but not life threatening) and the concerning and must be treated non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. That is now under control with 12.5mg of metoprolol twice a day.
Never good to assume palpitations are nothing to worry about.
During my first pregnancy, if I drank anything hot or cold, my heart would race and I would be out of breath...sitting still. And it was a vagal nerve issue. I was afraid not enough O2 was getting to the baby but the doctor didn't seem concerned at all. I found that strange at the time...and still today.
Lot's of good advice and support, as usual, from the folks on this forum. I would like to especially point out the advice of Sue225, who I believe was offering the same advice I gave in my post. And that is, quite simply, this: If you feel there is "something" going on with your heart, either for the first time or if, like me, something you've learned to live with for 30 years, do not waste any time bringing this to the attention of a cardiologist. Even if your cardiologist told you 5 or 10 years ago it was "nothing to worry about." IF IT HAS CHANGED YOU NEED TO LET YOUR CARDIOLOGIST KNOW! When my palpitations changed after 30+ years, I immediately saw my cardio, which lead to stress tests, Holter and ZIO monitors, medications, a cardiac catheterization, more medications and eventually, just this past March, to a cardiac ablation. I am definitely NOT saying that if you've been diagnosed with palpitations, that MY experience is what you have to look forward to. My doctor made it clear to me that even my 30+ years of palps was NOT the cause of me developing AFIB in my 60's. I realize this is redundant, but my experience taught me that when, OR IF, any cardiac issues you have changes, let your cardiologist know as soon as possible. I want to end this on a really positive note......it has been almost 6 months since my ablation and aside from the first week post surgery, I have had ZERO episodes of AFIB, no palps and no PVC's. For the first time in 30 years and at the age of 68, the only time my heart "goes wonky" is when one of those monstrous spiders runs across my rug! I wish you all the very best and try not to stress...….what "modern" medicine can do these days is nothing short of miraculous.
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Usually the doctor will suggest a holter monitor.
I've had a heart monitor
I had non-serious palpitations for many years (wore 24 to 48 hrs holter monitors). Then, about three years ago, in my early 60's the palpitations were much more frequent and much more troublesome. A 72 hr holter monitor picked up both atrial tachycardia (annoying but not life threatening) and the concerning and must be treated non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. That is now under control with 12.5mg of metoprolol twice a day.
Never good to assume palpitations are nothing to worry about.
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1 ReactionTrue I wore monitor for 14 days
It wasn't a holter monitor though
During my first pregnancy, if I drank anything hot or cold, my heart would race and I would be out of breath...sitting still. And it was a vagal nerve issue. I was afraid not enough O2 was getting to the baby but the doctor didn't seem concerned at all. I found that strange at the time...and still today.
Lot's of good advice and support, as usual, from the folks on this forum. I would like to especially point out the advice of Sue225, who I believe was offering the same advice I gave in my post. And that is, quite simply, this: If you feel there is "something" going on with your heart, either for the first time or if, like me, something you've learned to live with for 30 years, do not waste any time bringing this to the attention of a cardiologist. Even if your cardiologist told you 5 or 10 years ago it was "nothing to worry about." IF IT HAS CHANGED YOU NEED TO LET YOUR CARDIOLOGIST KNOW! When my palpitations changed after 30+ years, I immediately saw my cardio, which lead to stress tests, Holter and ZIO monitors, medications, a cardiac catheterization, more medications and eventually, just this past March, to a cardiac ablation. I am definitely NOT saying that if you've been diagnosed with palpitations, that MY experience is what you have to look forward to. My doctor made it clear to me that even my 30+ years of palps was NOT the cause of me developing AFIB in my 60's. I realize this is redundant, but my experience taught me that when, OR IF, any cardiac issues you have changes, let your cardiologist know as soon as possible. I want to end this on a really positive note......it has been almost 6 months since my ablation and aside from the first week post surgery, I have had ZERO episodes of AFIB, no palps and no PVC's. For the first time in 30 years and at the age of 68, the only time my heart "goes wonky" is when one of those monstrous spiders runs across my rug! I wish you all the very best and try not to stress...….what "modern" medicine can do these days is nothing short of miraculous.
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