heart palpitations

babybatax2 · #1 April 16th, 2008, 05:01 AM

I went to the doctor on Mon. because a few times a day for the last 2 months I have been having sudden rapid heartbeats and then it settles. Sometimes, I get dizzy from this. So I went in and she was checking my heartbeat as normal and she says, "did anyone ever tell you you have a floppy valve?"....WHAT?! I told her no. Then she wanted me to get bloodwork an EKG right then. The EKG turned out to be fine. I have to go to get an echocardiogram next week. She said it could be a floppy valve, thyroid, or anxiety....I highly doubt it is thyroid related.

I am totally freaking out about this...has anyone else had this?

Celry · #2 April 16th, 2008, 05:11 AM

I have heart palpitations too. I know that caffeine really triggers mine, so I avoid most caffeinated drinks. My dad has a heart defect that wasn't found until he was in his mid 60's. I suspect I have the same small defect, but haven't been checked for it. They couldn't find his until he was older and his heart was having problems often enough that they could find it by hooking him up to a portable monitor for 24 hours. I suspect they wouldn't find anything wrong with me right now if I have the same thing as I can go weeks or months without a problem.

I hope they're able to determine what it is and it's easily fixable.

Carmela · #3 April 16th, 2008, 05:22 AM

I would assume by floppy valve they mean mitral valve regurgitation. That is the most common heart defect in women (and small breed dogs, if you are interested). My mom has one, and so does her dad. Most women that have it have little to no problem from it long term. Typically you should always tell various doctors about it, when you know you have it. Dentists like to do a run of antibiotics before cleanings, so bacteria does not collect on the abnormal valve.

I would assume if you are having palpitations you may have some kinda conduction problem (would show up on an EKG, but only while you are actually having the palpitations). Of course I don't know too much about the human version of these problems (I just had to learn enough to be able to explain what their dogs has, and explain how it is different from what they have. Plus a heart is a heart.) I have seen on TV medical shows on discovery health and such that they sometimes want to do valve replacements and stuff before a woman gets pg to prevent her heart from getting stressed and overworked through pregnancy. I don't know if that relates to you or not.

Good Luck with the echo and I hope they are able to find the cause, and if it needs to be fixed, it is an easy fix. I know some people just have palpitations from stress without an actual underlying problem causing it.

Mum2three · #4 April 16th, 2008, 12:36 PM

I have heard of it, but i dont have it. Im not to sure about it all.

I hope you dont have it!! Stay healthy...

Good Luck!

jeanbean · #5 April 16th, 2008, 03:00 PM

A woman I work with had heart palpatations and they found that caffeine and anxiety/stress was the cause. She has been watching her diet and taking more time for herself. That has seemed to help.

babybatax2 · #6 April 16th, 2008, 06:25 PM

thanks girls...it makes me feel better. i have been trying to relax as much as i can, and am trying to eat healthier and what not. we will see what happens next week at my echo.

snsgirl336 · #7 April 16th, 2008, 09:06 PM

My former boss had heart palpitations. Her's too was caused by stress, anxiety as well as caffiene. Once she started yoga, and cut the caffiene out of her diet, things seemed to go much better and she hasn't had many issues since. I hope that everything turns out alright with you! Please keep us posted!

Hoosier Kitty · #8 April 17th, 2008, 10:10 AM

I had pulmonary stenosis and atrial septal defect, heart murmur, heart palpitations. I had EKG done last June to make sure my heart was ok and I got good results. AT first I was worried cuz I explained to the doctor my heart would beat fast out of blue. I remember when I was growing up, my heart would beat racy and I'd hyperventilate. My doc told me it was due to stress or anxiety.
Ever since I was little, Before a dentist appointment, I'm required to take 4 HORSE antibiotic pills prior to teeth cleaning. I HATE it!!!

Good luck with your EKG. It's really neat to see the U/S on your heart!!!!

babybatax2 · #9 May 24th, 2008, 06:09 PM

Ok so here's the update one month later.

My tests came back ok, but my thyroid was a little off. The doctor said she would retest my blood in three months. Then I went to my gyno. told him all of this, so he wanted to take more blood. Turns out I have Hypothyroidism and need to go on hormones... AHH! Anyone else have this?