OpenHealth Q&A

Concern About Persistent Heart Palpitations: Should I Be Alarmed?

At 24 years old, standing 5'9" and weighing 160 lbs, I've been experiencing a barrage of heart palpitations—primarily premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)—for the past week. These occurrences are relentless, averaging about one every one to two minutes, occasionally becoming more frequent, with brief intervals of relief. The longest I've gone without experiencing a PVC is around 10 hours, and during the most intense moments, I counted approximately ten PVCs occurring within a two-minute span. Although the palpitations aren't overly severe, I do feel a slight discomfort in my throat when they happen, which adds to my anxiety since I notice every single one. I previously dealt with a similar issue in February, which resolved in about three days, but it returned more intensely on March 14. The PVCs are typically isolated incidents, though I’ve experienced them back-to-back a handful of times; I can recall only three or four instances. My heart rate spikes occasionally, particularly upon waking—often averaging between 110 to 120 BPM, with a peak reaching 144 BPM. While it usually stays close to my normal resting heart rate of around 80 BPM, I've noticed it around 100 BPM since I got up roughly an hour and a half ago, though it has started to settle as I write this. I occasionally deal with shortness of breath and lightheadedness, sensations I’m not entirely unfamiliar with. Generally, lying down alleviates most symptoms, but my sleep has been plagued with interruptions since this started. Fatigue has crept in as well, although I can't rule out that I've often felt a bit fatigued prior to all of this. It seems that symptoms intensify at night, with episodes of night sweats that have been less frequent lately. Three days into these palpitations, I sought emergency care where doctors performed an ECG, ran blood tests, and conducted an X-ray—all of which yielded normal results. Throughout this ordeal, my blood pressure has remained stable at around 105/73, and my blood oxygen levels have been holding steady at 99%. The medical team assured me the results did not indicate a life-threatening condition, but with a cardiologist appointment scheduled in two weeks and a Holter monitor to be fitted, the wait feels interminable. The wealth of information online about palpitations has exacerbated my worries, and I cannot shake the fear that this could hint at possible atrial fibrillation (Afib). I do struggle with anxiety and stress, as well as occasional gastrointestinal issues, which could contribute to these symptoms. I do not indulge in alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs. My health regimen includes taking vitamin C, D, and a multivitamin, as well as allergy medication, with no prior complications from these over the years. My appetite has diminished, mainly out of concern that a large meal would set off the palpitations. There is no family history of heart issues, and my own cardiac experiences have been rare and mild, aside from one short PVC episode that lasted about 30 minutes back in mid-2021. I admit that my exercise routine is minimal, and while I own an Apple Watch (SE model) with Afib detection capabilities, I don’t wear it continually, nor have I received any notifications regarding my heart health. The fear of something drastic occurring before my appointment with the cardiologist is troubling, and I would prefer to avoid another ER visit. I’m hopeful this episode will resolve as swiftly as the last one did. It’s possible that my anxiety and the recent ER experience are amplifying these symptoms that might otherwise have subsided already. What’s your perspective? Am I being overly worried about this, or is there cause for real concern? Any advice on what I might do during this waiting period? I'm open to any questions you might have.

Answers (1)

3/20/2025, 7:10:51 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel anxious about persistent heart palpitations, especially when they are frequent and accompanied by discomfort. However, you’ve already taken commendable steps by seeking emergency care, undergoing testing, and planning to follow up with a cardiologist. It's important to prioritize your well-being during this waiting period.

Key Points to Consider

1. Nature of PVCs: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common and often benign, especially in young, healthy individuals without structural heart disease.
2. Anxiety and Stress Impact: Anxiety can significantly influence your perception of these palpitations, making them feel more intense or frequent.
3. Monitoring Symptoms: Keeping track of your symptoms can help you and your healthcare provider understand patterns and triggers.

Next Steps for Relief and Management

Here are prioritized actions you can take in the meantime:

1. Focus on Relaxation Techniques: Engage in deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga to help reduce anxiety and stress, which may alleviate your symptoms. Consider guided relaxation apps or online videos.

2. Maintain Regular Sleep Patterns: Try establishing a calming bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality. This can include reducing screen time before bed and creating a restful environment. Good sleep can help reduce fatigue and symptoms.

3. Monitor Your Diet: Opt for smaller, more frequent meals to minimize discomfort. Avoid caffeine and high-sugar foods, as these can aggravate palpitations in some people.

4. Stay Hydrated: Ensure adequate hydration throughout the day. Dehydration can sometimes lead to increased heart rate and palpitations.

5. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a log of when palpitations occur, their frequency, duration, and associated feelings (e.g., anxiety, fatigue). This can aid your cardiologist in assessing your condition in your upcoming appointment.

6. Limit Stimuli: Engage in light physical activity, such as walking, but avoid overexertion. This can help manage anxiety and improve overall cardiovascular health.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Although your previous tests were normal, if you have any concerning symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or persistent dizziness/lightheadedness, do not hesitate to seek further medical assistance.

Conclusion

Your symptoms can be distressing, but it’s reassuring that your recent tests are normal. The combination of anxiety, potential lifestyle factors, and stress may contribute to your experience. Focus on the steps above while awaiting your appointment with the cardiologist, and remember that many people deal with similar palpitations without serious underlying conditions. You're not alone in this, and there are effective coping strategies available.