Hi Carol, I just wondered if you had considered acid reflux as a possible cause of your palpitations?
I had palpitations when I was in my mid 50s. (I was not taking any oestrogen at the time as my GP refused to prescribe any more due to the HRT scares that were prevalent in the early 2000s.) I had an ECG which was clear and was sent to a cardiologist. He prescribed a beta blocker but this did not help the palpitations in my case.
While waiting for the follow-up appointment I did my own research and discovered that excess stomach acid and acid reflux could result in palpitations because of irritation to the vagus nerve which supplies the heart. So I cut out anything obviously acid (orange juice, tomatoes, coffee etc) and took 2 X 5ml spoons Gaviscon Advance after each meal and before bed. Hey presto, the palpitations started to reduce. I told the cardiologist what I had been doing and he was delighted to get a patient off his books with so little effort! I've rarely had the dreaded palps since (am 67 now).
I just thought my experience was worth mentioning as you could give the Gaviscon Advance and the low acid diet a try; it can do no harm. (You will probably need to ask the pharmacist for Gav. Advance, I only ever see the ordinary on the shelves.)
Just to add that I do take beta blockers now for other reasons and get on fine with it.
Whatever the cause of your palpitations, I hope you find a solution soon, it is a very unpleasant thing to have.
JP
