Hello,

I have posted this question in both the Palpitations Forum and the Internal Shaking Forum--- because I am getting desperate and frustrated…

About me: I am 50, menopausal, had hysterectomy 3 yrs ago, kept both ovaries, have arthritis in shoulder, take Premarin, Xanax for anxiety, Lisonopril/HCTZ for High BP, Protonix for GERD

I have been wondering about something for some time – could there be a connection between the internal shaking/vibrating thing and a condition called Atrial Fibrillation? I ask this because I have read where a symptom of AF is the heart vibrating in the chest-- would that be the same sensation?

I have had palpitations since last September, had all the heart tests (EKG, Echo/Stress, 24-hr Holter) last October and everything came out fine with my cardiologist saying I did exceptionally well especially on the stress test and my heart is fine. He also said the palpitations were benign and most definitely hormone related. However, lately I have had some really weird feelings, and although my pulse always feels fine, strong, and regular, it is almost like I am quivering inside, especially in my back, chest, and arms. I have always felt this was due to the internal shaking/vibrating thing. But could this feeling ever be confused with Atrial Fibrillation? I actually asked my cardiologist in January about this and he said that most likely I do not have AF since my pulse is steady and not very fast. I have lots anxiety (mostly health related, which should be obvious from this post!) and do get just a bit ‘light-headed’ from time to time, but mostly because I am stressed. Some days I feel fine and other times I just can’t get a handle on the anxiety, and it is getting worse. Other than that, I feel OK, except for the other crazy, "standard", menopausal symptoms. But now I am wondering if I should go have more tests, and I cannot stand the thought of going to another doctor right now. I appreciate anyone’s insight on the AF thing and if this might be my problem, especially if there is anyone out there with AF. I know very little about it, just when I’ve read websites and of course, scared myself into wondering…

Love and thanks ever so much and bless everyone out there!

My uncle had a-fib for years after his heart attack. His pulse was always irregular with a-fib. I would think you could feel a change in your pulse if you were in a-fib and it would stay irregular for long periods of time. Even on meds to regulate his heartbeat, his pulse stayed irregular. Once in a great while it would convert back to a normal beat, but it never lasted for long. He just got used to the funny way his heart was beating. Wish I could do that when my palps get bad! He really never noticed his heart shaking or quivering, just the beat was irregular. You can check with your doctor, but my guess would be that your not in a-fib. It is so hard to live with the palps. I am always trying to find reasons why some days even weeks are so bad, others are ok. Hope you get to feeling better.

Cakh,
Thank you so very much for your reply. I really do appreciate you sharing your uncle's experience. Gosh how hard it would be to just get used to an irregular beat! When I saw my cardiologist back in January, he didn't think that a-f was my problem, so I should just accept that and go on. I wish I didn't read things on the internet and get all worried. I just have to break that habit! I really do think it is the internal shaking (plus anxiety) that is causing these feelings and boy, doctors sure don't seem to know what it is! Thank goodness there is Power Surge and ladies like you to help! I hope your palps get better soon-- hang in there! Best regards to you!

bluewillow i get exactly what you have and it is really worrying time.
please feel free to send me private message then we can share our symptoms
jayne