Palpitations

[sharjen]

I guys- I have trouble eating due to being scared of allergies and anaphelectic shock- but I've noticed lately im getting really strong palpitations every time I eat- anyone else get this??

[dazza]

Possible affects are:

1/ you clearly worry about what you're eating... the worry triggers transient responses in your body, including palpitations
(I.e. it's a phsychological trigger)

2/ our heart rate increases a little when we're eating anyway

3/ trapped gas (& acid) in the upper digestion system can aggitate the heart

from the above, it's likely 1) that's the main culprit.

Can you feel a little tension when you eat? if so - this is the problem

[sharjen]

Hi dazza- yes I feel tension when I eat- I really try to stay calm and think happy thoughts but it's not working- I've irradicated so many foods I can't afford to take any more out of my diet:(

[dazza]

DING! There's the issue then.

Trust me - I've had 7 months of palpitations and i'm now a master of them :-D

At least you can rest assured with the cause, however, you're gonna need to find a method to stop that pesky worrying me old love.

[sharjen]

That's not going to be easy!! It's driving me nuts!!- any ideas??

[dazza]

That's not going to be easy!! It's driving me nuts!!- any ideas??

Doctor, doctor! I feel like i've got a steering wheel in my pants... it's driving me nuts! :-D

Ermmmm... well, in order to stop the symptoms one has to suppress the fears/anxieties that trigger them.

I'm betting you get all worked up as meal time approaches?

Distractions (e.g. TV) might help?

Sipping cold water after each mouthful?

Eat smaller mouthfuls?

Suppressing our fears is unique to each of us. You really need a specialist therapist to find & passify your root anxieties poppet.

[sharjen]

Thanks dazza- yes I'm anxious already and it's only 3.20!!im on the waiting list for therapy trouble is I need it asap- ill try those things you said and see if It helps xx

[hiitsmekatie]

I have palpitations all the time, especially before I do something that triggers my panic attacks...,like eating in public. I always tell myself that it's just anxiety, but it still scares me. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[dmc1974]

I'm not sure I agree with supressing the fear asbi would recommend facin it. The key with panic is not try to control it but let it ride out. The more we attempt to control the worse and
More out of control it becomes and that's what u don't want. U already understand the fear u have and u already know how ur body reacts to that fear so now the next step is to slowly become ok with knowing that reaction may happen and not harm u. Because dear
One. That reaction will not harm you. It will dare u but won't hurt you. I am a sufferer of 25 years and to this day still suffer with different symptoms like all of u and everyday I have to continue to let go of the controlling a little more

[freakingoutnow]

I just started getting this symptom and get very anxious when eating because of the same fears. Heart Palps are a result of this fear. Lately I have so many fears :(

[sharjen]

Thanks for replying to my post guys- I'm so glad it's not just me- even though I wouldn't wish it on anyone - that was a selfish comment- anyway had dinner last night and palpitations started- I just ignored it and carried on eating and chatting- didn't last half as long as when I worry about it - thank god - anyone else have any more ideas on dealing with this would be great as it looks like a few people get it

[dazza]

Are you SURE you're getting palpitations as opposed to just an increased heart rate? (they're two different things!)

A palpitation is an abnormal rythmn / skipping beats / fluttering... where the heart beat goes briefly out of control.

[JaneB]

I get those any time something triggers my really INTENSE fears. Like when I'm driving somewhere and realize I left the stove on. OH! Stuff like that happens toooo often.

[dazza]

Hi Jane

Can I ask, have you ever been able to pre-empt a palpitation? (i.e. KNOW it's about to happen)

Or, can you remember your state of mind the second before they occur?

The reason I ask is because; given 7 months experience of anxiety disorder and my fair share of palpitations, I seem to feel a distinctive, brief disconnection or distraction (kind of... in my own world) the split second before they occur.
I'm guessing that this brief distraction is the sensation of "a" fear which triggers my brain, which in turn triggers a palp.

Kinda hard to explain as it's so quick and somewhat subliminal, but my point is that palps. are mostly caused by a cognitive trigger.