Ive recently (over the last week or so) began experiencing heart palpitations. My initial doctor visit resulted in all normal test results (EKG, BP, thyroid) and Im currently waiting to have a Holter monitor fitted. Today Im quite achey from a bad cold and was wondering what I could safely take to relieve my discomfort. Acetaminophen? Ibuprofen? Something else? Thank you.
Hello! Thank you for asking on Chat Doctor! Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that acetaminophen and ibuprofen are just painkillers with an anti-inflammatory effect. They have no effect on cardiac arrhythmia and palpitation. I recommend to closely monitor your heart rate and your blood pressure. If you feel chest pain and your chest pain is modulated by respiratory movements or body movements, your symptoms may be related to musculoskeletal pain. In such a case ibuprofen and acetaminophen would help to relieve your discomfort. If you have tachycardia or ectopic heart beats, you should go to the ER for a resting ECG and a careful physical examination. In that case acetaminophen or ibuprofen wouldn't help. I strongly recommend performing a 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring to exclude possible arrhythmia. Hope to have been of help! Best regards,