Ok, so I don’t actually want my beating heart to stop. But maybe just settle down with the palpitations for a while.

I’ve always been fit and healthy.

Participating in sports, a keen martial artist and an avid gym goer with a personal trainer.

I never thought there would be a day I wouldn’t be able to work out.

Even as I aged because I just thought I would keep going. I can’t imagine a time when my heart would stop beating.

So what changed?

Suddenly, I was in my mid 40’s!

My body ached every day, I was finding it difficult to work out the way I used to because I didn’t have the energy I used to have.

 And then things got worse when I started getting very strong palpitations.

They were so powerful, I felt like my heart was beating so hard, it would leap out of my mouth.

On my worst days, I was dizzy and often afraid to stand up in case I passed out, or had a heart attack.

Genuinely it felt like this was it, I was going to die from a heart attack. My heart would finally stop beating.

The pain in my chest was often unbearable. I stopped exercising and I was worried about doing normal, every day things like walking the dogs and going shopping.

Some days were better than others, sometimes the palpitations were not that strong, but other days they were incapacitating.

What did I discover?

It was a relief to learn that this is not uncommon during menopause. On the whole, palpitations are usually harmless. I had my blood pressure checked and that was fine. My heart was beating strong but steady.

My doctor gave me some words of advice to reduce the amount of tea I was drinking! (Yes, I drink a lot of tea!) because caffeine can exacerbate the palpitations.

I’d heard the usual things about menopause symptoms….hot flushes, sleepless nights, frequently getting up during the night for the toilet, emotional outbursts……

But I hadn’t heard about these palpitations.

What I am aware of is the drop in oestrogen levels during this time of life means there can be increase in cholesterol levels.

This can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Palpitations can be a precursor to this, but often it is not. You should not ignore strong heart beats and should get these checked out by a doctor if you are concerned.

However, if these palpitations happen when you see that person you fancy walking passed, sitting in the café at work, or on the tv in your favourite programme, chances are they are pretty safe palpitations! Be still my beating heart!

Sexual arousal doesn’t stop just because your hormones haven’t got a clue what they are doing from one moment to the next!

This is why looking after your health, particularly as you age is important. For your heart I mean!

Here’s how!

Eating a healthy diet, keeping active and reducing your exposure to stress can all have a positive impact on your heart and your general wellbeing.

I’ve always been pretty good at leading a healthy lifestyle, so changing some of my habits hasn’t been that difficult. The hardest bit has been sticking to them, particularly on days when I don’t feel quite so good. It’s hard when you haven’t got someone keeping you accountable.

Using breathing techniques, listening to meditations and staying away from as much negativity as possible, helps reduce my stress levels. Also avoiding the news, negative people and situations where helps too.

I eat healthy food, most of which is organic and I avoid faddy diets.

It doesn’t mean I don’t eat junk food or snacks, I just make a point of not eating them all the time.

I only work out if I feel up to it and only for as long as is comfortable. I vary my workouts, sometimes it’s yoga, sometimes it’s dancing like no-one is watching. Some days I just rest and relax, as resting is also important.

Lessons I’ve learnt and how I can help you!

What this has taught me is, I am not invincible. (What? You’re kidding, right?) No, apparently I am not.

I’ve learnt that I need to adapt my habits to accommodate my changing body.

I’m still continue to learn new ways to improve my wellbeing.

I am passionate about aging healthily and naturally. I can help you with this, because I am doing this every day.

Changing your habits can be challenging, but by working together, I can help you look after your heart.

For more information on how to look after your heart, check out The British Heart Foundation at https://bhf.org.uk

Karen Raistrick has been in the business of wellbeing for over 7 years. She has a lot of experience in managing stress, adapting to change and dealing with life’s challenges. Mainly done with a smile on her face, usually positive, often grumpy if she hasn’t had a cup of tea!

To book your consultation and to learn more about The Phoenix Method, check out the website at https://www.the-phoenix-method.com/

Join my group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/holisticwellbeingforwomenover40/

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For more information on how to look after your heart, check out The British Heart Foundation at https://www.bhf.org.uk/

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