[~*Twilight~Zone*...]

Morning

I'm taking my 12 yr old DS to the Drs this morning because he has complained a couple of times that it feels like his heart is pounding in his chest. He doesn't think it's going any faster just harder if you know what I mean. I can feel it beating when I put my hand on his chest but he is thin and I can feel his heartbeat any time I do this so to me it doesn't feel any different.

The first time was on Sunday. I rang Health Direct when it happened but as it didn't last long and his pulse seemed fine they said just keep an eye on him.

When it happens he is otherwise okay, a bit apprehensive, but otherwise okay. No rapid breathing or shortness of breath and no pain. He is always worried that something will happen to him the next time it happens.

Anyone experience anything like this before?

[Oriental lily]

Pounding heart andirregular heartbeat are signs of my anxiety. I got a ECG though just to be sure that nothing sinister was going on. Nothing showed up to warrant further investigation.

They can however put a 24 hr monitor on to make sure.

Hope it's nothing to worry about.

[*Spikey*]

I was forced to give up caffeine because of this symptom recurring.

Check out what he's been eating and drinking, it might have a bearing on it. Definitely see the GP though, don't mess with the heart and circulation.

[~*Twilight~Zone*...]

I think he does have anxiety issues but would you wake up like this?

This morning he called out to me as soon as he woke up.

[zingy]

I can't drink caffeine either because it gives me this every time.

The other thing that gives it to me is eating anything with 621 or 635 or 637 (MSG or flavour enhancer).
And eating too much white crusty bread.

It can also happen if I am anxious about something or have a panic attack.

Different types of medication can bring it on too.

Good luck and hope it all checks out OK.

[minimae]

I think he does have anxiety issues but would you wake up like this?

This morning he called out to me as soon as he woke up.

I've had anxiety problems in the past (fairly under control now) and I used to wake up with a pounding heart quite often.

Poor little guy, it can be so frightening. I can totally relate to your sons fear of something happening 'next time'. It's like you feel like you've lost control of your body, I lost all trust in my own body and this just fuelled the problem. Everytime I felt the tiniest twinge, or heard the 'thump' of my heart it would trigger the pounding again. Hope the GP can help. What really helped for me was a healthy lifestyle, learning to understand anxiety and mindfulness techniques.

[zingy]

When I went through my anxiety issues, I was very aware of my own heart beat. I was most aware of it when I was lying down trying to rest. When you become aware of it, you can induce panic within yourself and this makes it even worse.

I had mine properly checked with ECG etc too, just to put my mind at ease. I know what to expect now and how to breathe through a panic attack.

I remember waking up during the night when I was a kid, feeling my heart pounding, thinking I was going somewhere, it is very scary.

I had acupuncture to help me but basically my anxiety came about because I went through a very traumatic event and at the time I had to be brave and strong so I pushed it all down and then 2 years later it came back in the form of severe anxiety and panic attacks.

[Mamabug]

I have an irregular hearbeat and there are times when it really 'thumps'. It is nothing serious, but you are doing the right thing by going to the GP to get it checked out.

If it is the same for your son, just knowing what it is can be very reassuring.

Oh, and I notice mine most when I am in bed - I think it is because there are no other distractions. Perhaps this is why your son noticed it when he first woke up?

[Oriental lily]

I agree with minimae.

My most anxious times are first thing in the morning.

I have a ridiculous feeling of dread and doom with every little big or small concern piling on top of me.
Pounding head and pounding heart.


Horrible.

I get it in the middle of the night.

During the day I can put relaxation and different techniques in place to manage it.

But the ghastly thing sneaks up on me in the morning.....

This post has been edited by Oriental lily: 21/11/2012, 10:25 AM

[erypmaV]

The other thing that gives it to me is eating anything with 621 or 635 or 637 (MSG or flavour enhancer).

I have this too, although it generally causes an elevated heart rate as well.
Apparently ibuprofen (nurofen etc) can cause similar side effects to MSG, so that might be something to watch as a potential trigger.

This post has been edited by erypmaV: 21/11/2012, 10:27 AM