Posted by JenStar on October 13, 2005, at 0:17:14
In reply to Ok, im having extreme heart papations, posted by rjlockhart98 on October 12, 2005, at 19:18:20
You're a young person, and extreme heart palpitations are not that common in panic attacks in someone so young. I'd go to the doctor or ER and get it checked out right away. Hopefully it's nothing, but it's good to get the peace of mind and KNOW it's nothing. I guess it depends on what "extreme" means to you. Do you mean it to be 'skipped beat' where the heart seems to add one extra "lub" or seems to hang for few seconds before continuing? Or does it seem to be a period, maybe a few seconds, of very erratic beats?
Stress CAN cause palpitations, as can certain medications. In people who are prone to palpitations (which are usually benign, even though they feel scary), caffeine, alcohol and certain foods can even set it off!
However, I really do think this is something you should check out. The kinds of tests they do are not painful -- they'll usually do an EKG, a stress test, or an echocardiogram. These tests will let the doctor know whether you have any rhythm issues or blockages in your heart or arteries. If you DO have issues, they can fix it! :)
If it's just stress, that can be fixed, too. Klonopin or Xanax can help with general anxiety, but won't "cure" heart palpitations.
Have you had a lot of caffeine, alcohol or new medications lately?
If you think you're having a heart attack, they recommend taking a full strength uncoated aspirin on the way to the ER or after calling 911. But I'm just throwing that in b/c I'm a worrywart and suffer from periodic palpitations myself. My palpitations, my doctor assures me, are benign and usually caused by stress. But just because I'm "me" I always carry aspirin anyway.
I hope you're feeling better. PLEASE keep us updated on how you're doing and what happens!
take care,
jenstar
poster:JenStar
thread:566176
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051010/msgs/566301.html