Hi Stu,

Benign palpitations are actually just as common during periods of rest as they are during exertion. Many patients claim that they can sense palpitations more at rest and this is likely due to the lack of movement that accentuates detection.

For clarification, "arrhythmias" experienced during exercise are of concern in that they indicate difficulty by the heart subsequent to increased demand. The presence of benign palpitations, however, are of no greater concern during periods of exertion as they are during rest.

Generally, depending upon your age and family risk factors, it's wise to undergo a treadmill or chemical stress test beyond age 40 to determine a baseline. This is usually accompanied by an echocardiogram to determine how structurally sound the heart is and how its components are functioning in real time from a general standpoint. A 12-lead ECG is usually standard as well to look at the electoconductive architecture.  

As for worrying about the onset of a "heart attack," try not to let your predisposed notions of symptoms be associated with actual symptomatology where this is concerned. From a general standpoint during the onset of actual cardiac insufficiency, you'll not be contemplating "oh no im having a heart attack" but rather be suffering the actual gripping effects of a cardiac event, which are far more of an impact than you might realize. Remember that in the instance of underlying cardiopathology, arrythmias are a consequence of the disease, whereas benign palpitations are merely a superimposition of electrical activity by the Vagus nerve upon the normal sinus rhythm of the heart and are considered extra-cardial as they originate outside the cardiac corridor.  

To set you on the proper course, I recommend that you establish an appointment through your primary care physician with a cardiologist to undergo a stress test and echocardiogram, together with having your primary care physician draw labs for cholesterol differentials, CRP and general health panel. This will establish whether you're at risk for cardio-vascular disease and will also put your mind to rest about your relative state of health. Many patients institute self-guided restrictions because of what they "fear" rather than what they actually know as fact about their healthcare status.

You're going to be just fine. My suspicion is that you're dealing with benign palpitations associated with anxiety and the reason is that if you've been suffering with palpitations for roughly 5 years, true disease would have always elevated to more severe signs and symptoms by this time. It's a progressive disease process, not one that spontaneously recedes in the absence of treatment. It's always important to rule out your personal concerns, then establish grounds for treating the underlying problem, in this case anxiety disorder would be a likely candidate.

Best regards and Good Health  

okay, with the additional information provided, I'm more convinced that your symptoms are the consequence of anxiety disorder.

At 37, it's okay to contemplate a stress test for peace of mind, but I can almost guarantee you that the results will be negative for heart disease. You've had no previous markers that would indicate familial heart disease, which is what would have to be present for you to be experiencing symptoms at such an early age.

Try your best to relax and change your focus. If it's any comfort, and as I've stated many times on this forum, in all my years of practice I've never even heard of a single individual experiencing a cardiac event as a result of benign palpitations. You'll be fine.

Best regards and Good Health

Thanks for the responses,

I guess I know exercise is good thing, and I will continue with enthusiasm    And try to ignore these skipped beats, even if they are so uncomfortable.

I am learning slowly to try and ignore them, but its difficult whilst your exercising in my opinion, but hey If exercise may make them better, Im going all out to see if it works.

Thanks again.

Stu

Just one more thing if anybody knows where I can go private for exercise/stress heart tests in the uk, preferable in the midlands, Im based in Nothamptonshire I would be vary grateful. PM me if you like, Thnx Stu.

Thanks for the info saab, I have spoken to them before, but will give them another call.

Cheers

Stu

okay, getting ahead of yourself again. Arrhythmias "produced" by exertion on the heart are an indicator of failure in one regard or another of cardiac sufficiency. Benign palpitations that occur during exercise are in no way associated with the former.

you're fine.

Best regards and Good Health

Dangerous arrhythmias during exertion do not arise in isolation from other symptoms. Simply because you experience benign palpitations in the presence of exercise, does not place the experience in the realm of not knowing whether it's of a harmless or potentially harmful variety. As I've explained previously, the requisites for true cardiovascular disease arise over a period of years and upon diagnostic testing, the characteristic evidence is quite remarkable. These patterns do not escape detection and do not arise with any type of serendipity whatsoever. It's analagous to making an oranges and apples comparison.

The other point that you have to realize is specifically what is taking place when arrhythmias occur during exertion. It is actually causing electroconductive failure and subsequently, other symptoms materialize as well.

Best regards and Good Health

Cardiac arrest is more essentially "asystole" which means the heart has stopped beating. A "heart attack" by comparison is a more broad term that can encompass many factors which lead to heart damage of an acute nature, hence the term "attack." While cardiac arrest can at times be associated with a heart attack in terms of consequence, it is merely a physiological state.

The best part of this analogy is that you in particular, don't have to worry about either prospect because you have a healthy heart.

Best regards and Good Health