Heart Palpitations Forum

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Heart Palpitations Forum >> Symptoms and other concerns >> Increased frequency of irregular beats
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Message started by Beat on May 2^nd, 2010, 9:52am

Title: Increased frequency of irregular beats
Post by Beat on May 2^nd, 2010, 9:52am

This forum and advice offered by RLR and shared comments are most reassuring to me, one who suffers from extra beats, two episodes of atrial fibrillation and the worrisome trend that extra beats have come about with greater frequency after turning 50 or so.

My heart history in nutshell:
Age 12 rheumatic fever
Age 18 atrial fibrillation, preceded by flat-out drunkenness
Age 30 atrial fibrillation, preceded by too much alcohol
Age 40 swore off alcohol
Thought to have mitral valve prolapse, but was cleared by echocardiogram at age 40

Off and on, since age 18, I have put up with extra beats, sometimes tachycardia and heart flutter, at times, daily for weeks, and then less frequently, only for the cycle to start anew. I jog, thrice weekly, am 6’ and 140 pounds and take baby aspirin and vitamins.

To this day, it produces in me great anxiety, not so much over fear of sudden death, but feeling of accompanying depression, as in fear to commit to activities or to other people and is complete spoiler for any joie de vivre. Thanks for your kind and thoughtful guidance.

Title: Re: Increased frequency of irregular beats
Post by RLR on May 2^nd, 2010, 10:16am

Well, the atrial fibrillation in the presence of excessive alcohol consumption is known as holiday heart and occurs somewhat frequently in otherwise healthy persons. The name is derived from the typical excessive intake of alcohol during the holiday season.

It's important not to let your apprehensions alter your lifestyle. Nothing is going to happen to you as a consequence of participating in life.

The joy of living is experienced by what you do in spite of the circumstances, not in response to the circumstances.

While rheumatic fever can scar the valves of the heart, the fact that your echocardiogram essentially turned up negative is sufficient evidence to indicate that the condition is non-contributory to the issues now being experienced.

My suggestion is to do what you wish and not be concerned about your symptoms. They cannot actually harm you.

I'll share with you a story that is suitable to the discussion; A warrior leader stood among a handful of his soldiers, with the enemy having slaughtered all others. He said to his men, "we must continue to pursue the same cause which has brought us to this ground where we now hold our stand." In protest, his soldiers asked "but why should we take such an impossible chance?" Their leader promptly replied "because it's the only chance we have."

Life affords you one and only one chance to live it as you choose. Never let your fears alter its course.

You'll be just fine. Nothing's going to happen to you.

Best regards and Good Health

Title: Re: Increased frequency of irregular beats
Post by Beat on May 2^nd, 2010, 1:35pm

Thank you, kind sir, for your sage advice, I do feel much better having read your post and will endeavor to make that warrior-leader my inner guide for living life with less fear and seeking enjoyment in my one chance at life.

Title: Re: return of palps
Post by bexy1984 on May 6^th, 2010, 11:42am

can you please help rr, 5 years ago i had investigations into palpitations, like flip flops and flutters, i was in hospital on a cardiac ward for 1 week on a constant monitor, i also had 2 24hr ecgs . they showed ectopic beats occasionally but apart from that i was discharged and sent on my way, they gradually faded away to a few flutters every now and again .... anyway since then i have had 2 children 3 and 9mths, since the birth of my second child my palps have returned again. i have had a 24hr tape and an echo and both were normal. my question is, could my palps have returned as something more sinister or are they likly to be the same as before? do the palps u have tend to be the ones that will come and go during stress maybe??? thanks i worry about leaving my babies incase my heart stops or something :-[

Title: Re: return of palps
Post by emma09 on May 7^th, 2010, 2:25am

[quote author=585F4243020E3A0 link=1272819148/0#3 date=1273171340]can you please help rr, 5 years ago i had investigations into palpitations, like flip flops and flutters, i was in hospital on a cardiac ward for 1 week on a constant monitor, i also had 2 24hr ecgs . they showed ectopic beats occasionally but apart from that i was discharged and sent on my way, they gradually faded away to a few flutters every now and again .... anyway since then i have had 2 children 3 and 9mths, since the birth of my second child my palps have returned again. i have had a 24hr tape and an echo and both were normal. my question is, could my palps have returned as something more sinister or are they likly to be the same as before? do the palps u have tend to be the ones that will come and go during stress maybe??? thanks i worry about leaving my babies incase my heart stops or something :-[/quote]

bexi i am in the same postion as you i have a nine month old and ever since having my little girl my palps have increased dramaticly ! i really do think its either hormone or stomach related! ur not alone hun :)

Title: Re: Increased frequency of irregular beats
Post by RLR on May 7^th, 2010, 9:18pm

bexy1984

Okay, please always post a new topic for questions rather than interject into an existing thread. It is difficult for me to detect questions laced into other threads and it doesn't allow for members and guests to follow the topic clearly.

To answer your question, all of the characterizations of the palpitations constitute the same underlying factors. Their change in presentation does not qualify them as having a different origin or one more "sinister."

Your palpitations likely have more to do with the fact that you're afraid something will happen to you and leave your new family in a state of abandonment. This is a common fear, but highly irrational. Nothing's going to happen to you and your heart is fine. You have a long journey yet, so try and relax. Everything will turn out fine and you'll be attending their graduation ceremonies and collecting grandchildren almost before you know it.

You'll be just fine.

Best regards and Good Health

Title: Re: Increased frequency of irregular beats
Post by RLR on May 9^th, 2010, 11:03am

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