Sue
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        Hi Rose,    I had similar experiences in my early 40s, and for me it was the beginning of perimenopause.  When my doctor put me on a low dose of estrogen, the episodes of rapid heartbeat stopped.      It may be something other than perimenopause, like panic attacks too.  I hope you can get the help you need.  I'm sorry that you are having a rough time, and I know it can be scary when the heart beats so strongly, that you notice it.  Sometimes, they call those palpitations and they often are associated with menopause.    God bless!  Sue