Firstly I came across this website quite by chance and am extremely glad I did.
I am 44 years of age and based in the UK. Over the last six months I have been suffering from daily heart palpitations which seem to be getting worse. I have been investigated by a cardiologist who can find the occasional ectopic beat but not much else. He suggests that the heart seems to be fine other than my heart rate being slightly raised and has put me on propanolol to control the palpitations and lower the heart rate. I thought I was starting to get them under control with the help of the medication but tonight came home from work, had some candy and bang. Off they went again.
My symptoms tend to be a raised heartbeat which I feel in the top half of my chest and either fluttering (if lucky) or thumping in the centre or as per tonight the top half of my chest (sometimes it will also be under my left breast). This lasts approximately 2-3 seconds. I will then sometimes feel very tired leaving me fatigued for several hours. A good day would see a couple of mild flutters but like tonight a bad day would be some heavy thumps that may take place on a couple of occasions. I should add they seem to be worse on going to bed, waking and also after food. I have cut out all caffeine from my diet including sodas, teas and chocolate etc. The candy I had tonight was not chocolate.
I have recently been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and understand that palpitations can be associated with this. However, I am extremely concerned that the palpitations suddenly appear to be so bad tonight. Today I have felt very tired and dizzy so this may not have helped.
Are you able to put my mind at rest - perhaps I need to change my medication as well? I am seeing my cardiologist again next week but all I can currently see is a lifetime of this and it really is starting to get me down. Prior to this I had experienced no problems with my heart and was an active golfer each weekend.
Thank you for your understanding and support
A very concerned lady from the UK