Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: Heart Palpitations I've been having heart palpitations for the past year. They seem to be getting worse every month. My symptoms with the palpitations are shortness of breath along with a wheezing feeling but I don't have asthma. Also, they are worse during my menstrual cycle. I'm at the point now that I can't even roll over while I'm sleeping or the palpitations will start up again. My doctor diagnosed me with something called "bigeming". Has anyone had my symptoms or heard of bigeming? Any information would be helpful. ___ Dear Bonnie, Bigeminy is two consecutive premature ventricular beats or two in a row. Of course some medications and foods can makee them occur more frequently such as appetite suppressants, coffee, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and any stress at all. The shortness of breath and wheezing are of some concern and should be investigated further as there may simply be some stimulus that appears only while your menstruating. An event monitor can be used during one of your episodes to better define that it is simply extra heart beats such as PVCs, PACs, occurring in singles or doubles(bigeminy). If your diagnosis is simply extra heart beats in singles or doubles and you have had an echocardiogram (because you are short of breath, not having a fews skipped beats) that shows normal heart structure, then your prognosis is excellent. In people who's palpitations cause great hinderance to their daily activities and such that they are literally suffering, then a medication can be started usually from the class called beta-blockers. Of course there are potential side effects to all medications and this should be taken in to consideration when starting any medication for a non life-threatening problem. Good Luck. Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your physician(s). | |
