Hi there,

I ended up with quite bad palpitations when  my daughter was about 10 months old ( I think a combination of exhaustion and illness led to it) I saw the local doctor who said it wasn't much to worry about unless they persisted for more than half an hour. He suggested the following - massaging the carotid artery in the neck, hold your nose with your fingers and blow hard, cough very hard 5 or 6 times...seemed to work most of the time! One evening after I had a bout of gastro following the cherub being ill for 5 days with it ( hubby away as usual!) I was completely wrecked. I got bad palpitations that didn't stop and in fact got really severe. Went to the clinic and they told me yes I was having palpitations and if they didn't stop within another half hour or so to go back. I ended up stressing out about the fact my heart was racing, which of course doesn't help. I felt dizzy and nauseous and went back to the clinic where the nurse then really freaked me out as after my third ECG for the day he thought I was having a heart attack.......I really freaked out then. The second nurse came in and calmed me down and they gave me some medication ( no idea what!) and I was driven by ambulance the 3 hours to the hospital. I stayed there for 4 days and had ultrasounds done etc... then before I could go home had to have a Halter monitor attached etc.... All tests came back FINE. I then was referred for a stress test...( another 7 hours drive each way!) no problems at all. I saw a cardiologist who said it was just one of those things and if I had another persistant episode ( ie: one that lasted for more than an hour) they would do further tests. I still get the odd episode, but with the things I mentioned above- massaging carotid artery etc...they pass quickly. I think not stressing about it also really helped. I think for your own peace of mind, ask for a referral to a cardiologist. that way you can get examined properly which will reduce your stress.

This is very common nowadays. I have had it for years before and after having my boy. I have seen heart specialist but he said nothing can be done about it. Exercise could just make the heart beat even faster. Some days it bother me but most days it dont. I have learnt to live with it ok. I do realise caffinated stuff such as coffee and chocolate and tea and coke make it worse. So i have cut down on most of these except a bit of coffee and tea sometimes. I havent heard of anyone dying from it and doctor says i most likely wont die of it and get a heart attack...they are kind of unrelated. But i reckon if you are having really sharp or persistent chest pain then it could be dangerous.  Seeing a general practioner may not be helpful if you are really concerned. See a heart specialist would be better to give you peace of mind.

Yes I had heart palpitations.  I went and saw my doctor. Turns out I had a thyroid condition.  It's just a simple blood test, might be worth looking into.

Minti mail me if you want more info.

My Mum and I both get a form of heart palpitation, which is very common and isn't dangerous.  It's like my heart misses a beat, and then races to catch up.  For a short second I almost feel out of breath or slightly on an adrenaline rush, then it goes away.

It happens more when I'm pregnant, but also when I'm not.

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Heart_arrhythmia_and_palpitations

Have a look at the info above - it might help.

It is common to have hear palpitations after having a baby, especially if you are running around after older children, neglecting your diet and rest, or have been sick.

Your body still has to cope with getting rid of the excess blood created during pregnancy, and this can take a while to settle down.

Try deep breathing exercises and spending time outside in the sun.  both will be good for your anxiety.