It seems like my heart is beating really hard???

[jjs]

I have this issue that I am not sure what it is or what to do about it. I notice it in the afternoon but maybe it happens at other times and I just don't realize it then? I eat lunch, clean up, and then lay down. Upon laying down it seems like my heart is just beating crazy hard and I can hear every beat loud and clear in my head. Sometimes it beats so hard (or 'seems'[??] to beat so hard) that I think surely my whole body is moving! This continues on even after I get up from my nap. Right now for example, I have been up for about an hour and it still seems like my heart is beating hard and I can hear it in my head (each beat). And sometimes it even seems like it's jumping up into my throat. Maybe this is an irregular beat??

I have done experiments thinking maybe it's food related. However I cannot seem to find a connection.

I tried to do an internet search to see if I could find some answers but it just gets more frustrating ... and then I thought that maybe it's an MS symptom??? So now I'm posting here.

Does anyone else have issues with their heart like this?

[palmtree]

I've experienced that, too. Maybe not to the extent that you describe. It has never occurred to me to research it. It would be interesting to find out.

[marti]

I can completely sympathize with you on this. Although my experience isn't exactly the same.

There are times all I do is walk a couple feet across the room or shake out laundry.. little things.. and it feels like my heart is out of control.

I got a finger oximeter and check it when this happens or I take my blood pressure. Usually.. it's ok. Sometimes my h/r is up a little. Some meds cause this for me too.

I've had the usual heart tests and seem to be ok. I think I am getting adrenaline rushes from time to time. Used to happen more often. But since we lowered my thyroid medicine it has slowed down. Maybe you should start there.. get your thyroid checked.. simple blood test.

I know how awful this feels. Your anxiety level goes through the roof and you start to worry about every little change in your body.

I guess it could be your MS meds (if you take any), not sure of that. Or some other medicine. It's something you will have to plow through one step at a time. First of all, call your neuro. Your PCP might refer you to a cardio doc. All I know is I have been to a host of specialists.

Thinking of you.

[22cyclist]

It could be that your hemoglobin or the heme molecule in your blood is a little low. This reduces how much oxygen can be carried around as it is carried on the heme molecule and the heart speeds up the try and get more oxygen to the body. Lots of MS medications decrease hemoglobin concentration in the body (low RBC).

You should check with your doctor about whether or not your RB cell count is low and what can be done about it, if anything.

Take care
Lisa

[KatieAgain]

Do you take NSAIDS? If so...it could be ulcers.

Yes, I know crazy. I had to go through an entire cardiac work up years ago because of heart issues...it was doing pretty much what you are saying. Long story short...I got scoped to only to find numerous ulcers in my stomach.

The Vagus Nerve runs along your stomach and ulcers can cause the heart to act up. I take Nexium to help prevent and heal ulcers and after this last round of ulcers I am trying to avoid NSAIDs at all costs.

Like Lisa said...you need to go to the doc to find out exactly what is causing it...be prepared for tests...but it is worth finding out what is causing it, because 99 out of 100 times it is an easy fix.

[jjs]

I should have specified right from the start that I do not take any meds nor have I ever. Every time my bp and o2 are checked, both are excellent. It's a mystery to me. I'll bring it up to the neuro on my next appt, which will be within a few months.

Thanks to all!