Could anyone explain why I only get palpitations/flutters in certain situations?

[Jarofflies]

I've been having them on and off all day and can't stop thinking about my heart now

But I never have them when I take my dog out, or go to bed or even just talking to my wife mostly

On my own though I keep getting them and finding out hard to concentrate

It's definitely not in my head, I'm 100% having palpitations. Wish it was phantom though!

I've always had palpitations on and off, but it's really been heightened since that player collapsed at Euro 2020

 

[bin_tenn]

Simplest answer is anxiety. It's fine that you experience palpitations, unless you have a known heart condition or something along those lines. The problem isn't so much that you *have* palpitations, the problem is that you're hyperaware of them. Anxiety disorder is defined, in part, as having hyperawareness of normal bodily sensations, including the heartbeat.

You most likely do experience them at various times, but you're less likely to notice them if you're busy / occupied. If you haven't been evaluated by a doctor for palpitations before, please don't hesitate see your doctor for peace of mind and to ensure they're not caused by an underlying issue. If you have been cleared in recent years, I think it's safe to assume that they're still normal.

 

[Jarofflies]

Simplest answer is anxiety. It's fine that you experience palpitations, unless you have a known heart condition or something along those lines. The problem isn't so much that you *have* palpitations, the problem is that you're hyperaware of them. Anxiety disorder is defined, in part, as having hyperawareness of normal bodily sensations, including the heartbeat.

You most likely do experience them at various times, but you're less likely to notice them if you're busy / occupied. If you haven't been evaluated by a doctor for palpitations before, please don't hesitate see your doctor for peace of mind and to ensure they're not caused by an underlying issue. If you have been cleared in recent years, I think it's safe to assume that they're still normal.

I haven't been checked for palpitations, but I had my blood pressure/heart rate/pulse and a cholesterol blood test a couple months back and got the all clear

 

[EMJ]

Oh boy.... I could write a book on irregular heart beat.... just thinking about it causes me to skip beats ... anxiety is the root of so many physical symptoms ....I have had many tests ... everything normal.... it’s my anxiety

 

[bin_tenn]

I haven't been checked for palpitations, but I had my blood pressure/heart rate/pulse and a cholesterol blood test a couple months back and got the all clear

No harm in asking your doctor about it (not urgently, IMO, but do what you think needs to be done). Tell them of the palpitations and that they tend to worry you. See about an EKG, as they're extremely simple and noninvasive. Or perhaps wear a Holter monitor for about a week. If they can detect the palpitations on the EKG / Holter, it will give them a much better idea of what they look like (in terms of the electrical disruptions during the abnormal beats) and they can tell you if it's entirely normal, such as PACs or PVCs.

 

[Jarofflies]

No harm in asking your doctor about it (not urgently, IMO, but do what you think needs to be done). Tell them of the palpitations and that they tend to worry you. See about an EKG, as they're extremely simple and noninvasive. Or perhaps wear a Holter monitor for about a week. If they can detect the palpitations on the EKG / Holter, it will give them a much better idea of what they look like (in terms of the electrical disruptions during the abnormal beats) and they can tell you if it's entirely normal, such as PACs or PVCs.

I'll look into that thanks!

Now I just need to get over my fear of sleeping with it going on

 

[bin_tenn]

I'll look into that thanks!

Now I just need to get over my fear of sleeping with it going on

They don't cause me to not be able to sleep anymore, but they did at one time so I understand! The body is an absolutely amazing and complex machine, but it isn't perfect. There are always minor imperfections which are harmless, and perhaps a nuisance from time to time. Palpitations would be one of those things, in most cases.

Do you know any good grounding / calming techniques? If not, I recommend searching Google for something like "popular grounding techniques for anxiety". There are tons of things worth trying, including things to help you fall asleep. I personally recommend (due to lots of personal success) the "full body scan" grounding technique when trying to sleep, it works wonders!

 

[Cuchculan]

Just reading your original post. When you take your dog out or talk to your wife you are distracted. Your mind has something else to think about. At other times that distraction is not there. So you can become more focused on the body. Thus more aware of your heart. As for the player who collasped during the Euros? That was a cardiac arrest. Which meant he already had heart problems. I also think the demand put on players due to Covid was a key factor in what happened to him. Some teams were been made play up to 4 games a week. League and European games. That is a lot of games. Is asking a lot of the players.

 

[Jarofflies]

Just reading your original post. When you take your dog out or talk to your wife you are distracted. Your mind has something else to think about. At other times that distraction is not there. So you can become more focused on the body. Thus more aware of your heart. As for the player who collasped during the Euros? That was a cardiac arrest. Which meant he already had heart problems. I also think the demand put on players due to Covid was a key factor in what happened to him. Some teams were been made play up to 4 games a week. League and European games. That is a lot of games. Is asking a lot of the players.

Yeah it's weird

Last two days I've had heart palpitations for most of the day. But they start at the exact same time and I don't get any when I go to bed or walk my dog.

 

[Doug97]

I had the doc give me a 24hr heart monitor, the results were that what I thought was a heart problem was actually perfectly normal.