Hi All

I am new to this forum and pleased to have found it.  I have had the usual tests to discover the cause of my symptoms (including palps) and, as they were all negative, my doctor has advised ignoring the symptoms.  The various posts and advice here confirms this and that is reassuring.  

I am interested to know what the link is between vagal nerve stimulation and stress/anxiety.

My problems started three years ago when, after playing my favourite sport of table tennis (inexpertly but very intensely) on a full stomach, I sat down and realised that my heart was beating fast and I felt slightly dizzy though I had not felt any problems during the exercise.  This happened a few times and my doctor put it down to hyperventilation together with the stress (excitement) of the game.

Over the next year the problems increased whenever I played table tennis; I began to get palpitations and then skipped beats which would take up to 30 minutes to stop.  I was always burping.  I had to stop playing.  Other exercise caused no similar effect.

In the last year, with increasing stress in my life, I have had frequent bouts of palpitations and missing beats, mainly at times of relative inactivity, but ALWAYS associated with a "bubbling" stomach or trapped wind requiring a good burp to relieve it.

Following the negative tests and my doctor's reassurance, I am trying to return to normal life.  I have stopped the anti-depressants that he prescribed and am trying to control my over-breathing with exercises.  I have even started playing table tennis again.

I understand that stress can cause hyperventilation (and excess adrenaline) which can cause swallowed air which can stimulate the vagal nerve which can cause palpitations etc. but this seems too simple and I have not found this in any threads here or elsewhere.  This seems to explain my particular problems but am I missing another link.  Does stress/anxiety predispose some people to vagal nerve stimulation?

I look forward to hearing if others have had similar experiences.

Many Thanks

Jonp; I have the exact same thing, always accompanied by trapped air and goes completely away after burping (lovely I know)  

I have been told by multiple doctors that when we're anxious we gulp/swallow air, and anxious people also tend to breath shallow.

I have been working on my breathing with breathing exercises. You could try a guided meditation, or Dr. Weil has a breathing exercise for relaxation:

"Exercise 2:
The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise
This exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.
Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply.

This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass.

Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you. Use it whenever anything upsetting happens - before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep. This exercise cannot be recommended too highly. Everyone can benefit from it."

Thank you all.  Leesamarie, I am trying breathing exercises and these seem to help.  The method I am using is based on Buteyko breathing which reduces and slows the breath.  I also tape my mouth closed to sleep and when I play table tennis!  That causes some amusement at my club but it is helping to stop me swallowing air. If it does not work long-term I will try your deep, slow breathing advice.  

George, I particularly like your idea of "rogue" nerve impulses.  That's just what it feels like.  Just need to get the blighters under control.