NUMBER ONE REASON I used to get heart palpitations was panic and anxiety. I do still get them the ODD time but it's mostly when I'm feeling really stressed. You are also focusing really hard on your body right now so you're going to be noticing every single little thing I think. I would probably get a second doctor opinion if it keeps happening and especially if it's bugging you.

I have had heart palpitations for years, being obese. I did have a full workup including a heart monitor and they said it was "benign."

However, as I lose weight they go away almost completely. And if I eat greasy, fatty foods they come back.

A cardiologist told me the following. She said the most common triggers are heavy meals and caffeine, so I avoid those. She told me almost NONE of the US population gets enough potassium which is essential for heart health, so she told me to eat a banana, a whole potato (with skin) or a glass of OJ every day. She also said that people who eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day often report their palpitations disappearing.

HTH

have you been tested for sleep apnea? That was my reason for having palpitations.

Every time I start a diet I get more noticeable paps.

I have MVP with mild regurgitation and episodes of PSVT.
I'm 55 now & have lived with MVP my whole life.
Doc's & Cardio's tell me my heart is healthy. So far I've manage to avoid the meds but do have a prescription for beta blockers if the paps get too bad.

From what I've been able to gather 2 or 3 things are probably going on:

1. People with MVP have ultra sensitive nervous systems and sometimes suffer from dysautonomia. Once it gets started it can take months for it to straighten out.
In some people any hemodynamic change can set off the annoying & sometimes frightening symptoms of MVP.
If blood volume or fluid decreases too fast in the body you can get symptomatic - paps & maybe an episode of breathlessness or pain. Sometimes that happens when you lose weight and is one of the reasons why it is important to drink lots of water.

2. Believe it or not an empty stomach or low blood sugar can start paps in some people. The stomach & heart share the vagus nerve and sometimes what goes on in the stomach affects the heart.
6 small high protein meals a day are recommended for people who get paps while dieting.
If you don't know about the Alabama MVP center here's a link. They have lots of good info. It wasn't until I followed ALL of their advice that I felt better.
http://www.mvprolapse.com/

3. ANY kind of caffeine, white sugar, chocolate and MSG is a big no no. If it were me I'd ditch the artificial sweeter.

What helps me once the MVP thing gets going is to drink lots of water, walk EVERYDAY and not be afraid.
Sometimes I will use a heat pad on my chest.
Believe it or not it seems to help.

And just so you know there is a MVP support forum
http://www.mvpsupport.com/newbb/
Good luck

wow Susie ... you really know your stuff thanks so much for all of the info .. they seem to disappear when I'm exercising .. so I'm starting to get over that fear .. I just wish i didn't notice them .. they are more annoying then anything .. grr .. and thanks to everyone else for your advice .. this is why i love this site .. there's always someone willing to help ya out

I have heart palpitations related to my stress level. My mother (a nurse) equates them with getting a eyelid tic/twitch that drives you nuts for a few days (but in your heart) It was very true for me. I notice that they go away when I exercise on a regular basis or when work isn't trying to kill me.

I thought I was having heart palpitations a few years ago, I always felt like my heart was racing... mine ended up being a stomach issue. But I also get anxiety, its pretty darn scary! Meditation helped me with that. I can now relax and get rid of an anxiety attack pretty much everywhere! If this is the case, what about doing something to help with it? Yoga, slower paced, and really focuses on breathing.

It's weird how this all comes out with dieting.. about 5 weeks ago I started watching my diet, exercising consistently, after 2 weeks I started getting some pains in my side(around when I started calorie counting). Long story short, since I started dieting I've had to deal with a thin stomach lining (possible ulcer, doctor wouldn't test me), UTI (first one), kidney pains, resulting in my first kidney stone. Sooo painful btw.

-Aimee

I have these from time to time, even when I'm not on a diet, so I have no idea.

A good hearty cough when you start having them should make it stop. But if it persists I would get a second opinion from another doctor. Especially if the cough doesn't clear them up or they last more than a minute.