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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
pvcs/fluttering
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pvcs/fluttering
by cookie2, Oct 01, 2004 12:00AM
Hi,and Thank you for taking my question. 46 female, Mvp pvcs alot of them, but consideered healthy otherwise. I have had pvcs since I was 20 needless to say I have had most test done, all normal, Just went to er this past fri, normal ecg. My question is do pvcs sometimes feel like the heart is fluttering, it feels aratic yet no other symptoms but panick. How does v tach vs a fib feel? If it was v tach would I beable to walk around with a atack? When this did happen I was walking in the store and did not feel faint or dizzy, just a rush of panick. I am not usally a panicky person but these pvcs do scare the heck out of me. Does anyone here have the flutter feeling with pvcs/ afib
Thanks so much
Darlene
Thanks so much
Darlene
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Oct 01, 2004 12:00AM
Hi Darlene,
Yes many people experience a fluttering feeling or a rush of panic, especially with multiple PVCs over a short period of time. Certainly A fib and VT can feel similar. If you haven't had coronary disease, have a normal heart structure (ie normal echo), the odds of VT are very, very low, although it does happen. I am sure you have had a holter monitor or event monitor in the past. If it all feels the same as it used to, it is very likely the same thing....PVCs.
Again it could be A fib, but this is USUALLY a sustained rhythm with an irregularly irregular pulse. The only way to tell for sure is to capture the rhythm on EKG or holter.
Trust me, you are not alone with the feelings of fluttering with PVCs.
I hope this helps.
Yes many people experience a fluttering feeling or a rush of panic, especially with multiple PVCs over a short period of time. Certainly A fib and VT can feel similar. If you haven't had coronary disease, have a normal heart structure (ie normal echo), the odds of VT are very, very low, although it does happen. I am sure you have had a holter monitor or event monitor in the past. If it all feels the same as it used to, it is very likely the same thing....PVCs.
Again it could be A fib, but this is USUALLY a sustained rhythm with an irregularly irregular pulse. The only way to tell for sure is to capture the rhythm on EKG or holter.
Trust me, you are not alone with the feelings of fluttering with PVCs.
I hope this helps.
I always wonder if its afib??? But my dad says my pulse would feel jumpy, he has dealt with afib for 30 years.
Pvc's scare me too, just want to feel normal. Do you get tachachardyia?? I use to get that a lot with panic attacks which I have had for 9 years but that has been really calm since the pvc's started....Yet last week I had a run of sinus tach, but otherwise okay. I see my regular doctor today....he is finally sending me to a cardiologist. I have had all the normal tests. But just think its wise for me to get a second opinion. Take care and I hope you get some helpful advice.
Hope everyone has a good day
Darlene
I've had heart palpitations for almost a year now. Most of the times I just get this fast, strong but regular heartbeat, some PVCs(I think)but not a lot. From time to time however my heart goes crazy and starts beating fast and completely out of sync. The episodes are infrequent and don't last long - a few seconds or so. Last week however, after climbing a flight of stairs at work, I had one which was longer than usual. I felt breathless and very weak. Needless to say it SCARED me. Does anybody have an idea what it might have been?
I was interested to know what degree of prolapse your MVP is? Is it mild and is your heart otherwise structurally normal? I believe that has some implication as to the possible incidence of A-fib.
I'm not a physician of course (my profession is teaching). I have moderate prolapse of the mitral valve and trace to mild MR. Recently I went through a 30 day monitering period, mostly, to appease concerned physicians. At the end I never was in A-fib, even though I had periodic episodes of tachycardia and assorted PVC's. It was a helpful diagnostic tool because my physicians prescribed a couple meds that are extremely effective.
Hope this is encouraging, and perhaps you could concur with a cardiologist for some monitering. Just a thought.
All the Best,
Uptown
Darlene
Thanks for your replie. The last I knew the mvp wasnt bad, so It is mild. I have had the monitor test, never caught it. Do you get the flutter feeling?
Thanks
Darlene
I get that fast heartbeat (I've clocked it at 220) that is totally out of sync. It feels like it has pvc along with the fast rate. Fortunally I only get those episodes about three times a year. The longest one has lasted was about 15 minutes. Most of the time they last about 2 minutes. I think I have had this one documented and was told it was PAT. It is so scary to feel your heart beat that fast AND irregular.
I have been pvc free for years. I say this because I was only getting about 1 or 2 a month. Now, out of the blue, on Tuesday they decided to come back. And, they feel horrible. They also seem to come on more after I eat (even though I'm not full), when I bend over, or if I sit down quickly after running around the house. I just hope they are not here to stay!
Don't know if the heartbeat I get is as fast as yours. I've never taken my pulse during the episode. As I said they don't last long and anyway I'm too scared to do anything then.
I was sorry to hear about your PVCs and I hope you'll feel better soon. Take care.
PS: I also get PVCs when I bend over.
Yes, I have experienced the fluttery feeling at times, but hardly at all anymore.
The event monitor captured them and physicians documented them as "atrial flutter" on the report. He also said they were too random to be of concern.
Hope that helps.
Uptown
How can I tell if I have SVT and not VT?
Two months ago, I had a few NSVT eposides, never lasted more than 8 beats tho. Scared the hell out of me. Never experienced such a sudden start and stop rate before.
-jeff
Best Wishes
Marilyn
You have cardiologists that are plumbers and cardiologists that are electricians. Normally these docs are called EP docs.. They are worth every penny and don't settle for anything less - its your LIFE.. If your appt is with a plumber - I would cancel it and see an electrician.. These guys are the 'experts' when it comes to the hearts electrical system.
Also, its best to go to a 'high' volume hospital - as they have more experience due to a higher volume. Cleveland Clinic is an excellent place. But if you can't get there then try a large medical center its very important. I've heard less than adequate care given in the smaller centers.. One person told me when they got their stress test they only had a technician in the room !!! That's awful and it could possibly be illegal.. I'm sure the insurance companies would put a stop to that... Make sure you get the top docs.. The electrical system is very complicated and very deadly.. You want a 'qualified' expert..
Oh, by the way - I have one suggestion - I wouldn't talk about 'anxiety' or 'stress