Is my heart OK

[blan3556]

A little over a year ago while I was excercising my heart started beating funny, over and over again.  I went to the ER and they monitored me for awhile and sent me home.I went to my doc and had a 24 hour done it said that I had PVC's and sinus tach and recommended a low dose beta blocker for the tach and PVCs.Because my sisters have mitral valve prolaspe I also had an echo done that show everything normal and it was at 68%.I have been on beta blockers for over a year and the PVC's and tach get worse sometimes other times it is better.I went to a cardiologist one year after all those tests and he read the tests from a year ago and did a short ECG and listened to my heart.said I was fine and to wean off the atenenol(25mg) because I do not need it.He did not run any new test all he did was read the reports not the strips.I am 33 years old female,5'9" 160 lbs.I exercise 30 minutes a day, cholesterol 147, blood pressure between 106/62 and 120/82,I do not smoke, drink alcohol or caffiene.My parents or grandparents did not die of heart problems but have an aunt with a pacemaker and 2 uncles that had heart attacks in their 50's. question 1: How can a doctor tell between a fatal arrythmia and just PVC's?
2:Why does my heart go up to like 160 then slow back down?
3:What are my chances of having sudden cardiac death?Do I really have that risk?
4.Should I have all those tests redone since it has been a year?
5. Can I ride roller coasters and excercise or should I worry because of the PVC's and sinus tach?
6.Is an aunt with heart problems a worry?
Am I gonna drop dead? Thanks

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Blan,

1: How can a doctor tell between a fatal arrythmia and just PVC's?

There aren't too many fatal arrhythmia's in 33 year olds with structurally normal hearts.  With a normal physical exam, normal EKG, holter and echo, there isn't much to worry about.

2:Why does my heart go up to like 160 then slow back down?

There are many things that can do it from arrhythmia's to panic attacks, inappropriate sinus tachycardia.  Without seeing the studies, it is impossible for me to say.

3:What are my chances of having sudden cardiac death?Do I really have that risk?

If your studies are indeed normal, your risk of sudden death is less than being struck by lightning.  It does not sound like this should be your concern.

4.Should I have all those tests redone since it has been a year?

Unless something has changed, I would not reorder the tests.  I would consider a holter monitor if your symptoms have changed, but nothing else.

5. Can I ride roller coasters and excercise or should I worry because of the PVC's and sinus tach?

I recommend the Tower of Terror at Disney World.  You do not need to worry about roller coasters based on what you have written.

6.Is an aunt with heart problems a worry?

It depends on the heart problem and the age when she had it. Pacemakers are put in for many reasons.  I doublt this is a serious concern.

I am bit worried that your fear of sudden death is affected your life.  You have a normal heart with some PVCs.  Do your best to move on and if you cannot, consider getting counseling.  Based on your email you do not sound high risk.  If you are unsure, get a second opinion, but only if you promise yourself that if they say you are normal too that you will accept it and move on.

Good luck.

[Jeff-67]

I am sure the doctor will tell you that you are absolutely normal based upon what you have presented.

[PikaPika88]

Blan, sometime you need to alert yourself. As my local Dr said, "the body is yours and you know the best."  I believe most of the Dr will have the very kind hearted.  Sometime your heart condition hasn't shown up the worse side on the spot, they did not catch it then they don't believe what you said.
From 6 years old and waited until 15 yrs old then get find out I have WPW.  When I had palp even my mum told me go to sleep; that was the end.  I'd the irregular pulse, saw at least 4 GP. They told me nothing wrong. One of them said, "You've the pacemaker what you worry about?"  End up one week waiting appointment turn up with my family Dr, ECG show I'd a complete heart block (Pacemaker Failed).  Recently, September 04 attended ER for chest tightness.  Dr said it normals, compare the ECG with 2002 it looks pretty the same. It should be all right.  End up in Feb 05, regular cardiac check up show A Fib. Oral medication for the rest of my life.  What comments do you all want to make? Pika.

[blan3556]

Thank you for your comments.  I have health anxiety, I used to think I had aids, now it is heart problems.  Now that I have convinced myself palps are normal I am having chest pain...my mind is a funny thing.  I am healthy, I should be thanking God, not questioning...when it's my time, it's my time...but thanks for all your help...God Bless

[Jeff-67]

What do you all find most concerning, the pauses or the strange sensations (pain, kick, etc) that you get with the ectopic beats?

[blan3556]

I find it all disturbing!!!  I don't know what is worse honestly, I guess when it seems to just stop for minute then that hard, painful beat...they drive me nuts, then waiting for them to happen...uugghhh  GOD BLESS

[Momto3]

Definitely the pauses for me.  YUK!!  When I was having a lot of ectopics, I never really felt like I was gonna die from the irregular beats.  However, the anxiety that would get triggered just from feeling so out of it, would make me wonder if dying wouldn't be more peaceful.  It took 15-20 years to overcome the awful anxiety and only with the help of a compassionat doctor.  Up until then, I was told they were benign and finally believed everyone, but it didn't help me to FEEL better.

[blan3556]

I also find help on The Health Anxiety Forum, alot of people with the same things you know.  I know what you mean about psychologist too.  I have OCD so I obsess and obsess about my health, its bad.  I rely on prayer and church for help.

[Jeff-67]

Do many of you actually get the sharp pain or kick or other weird sensations with the premature beat itself?

[blan3556]

Sometimes it is painful, most times it is not, but it is kind of a kick, are you having problems with these too??

[Momto3]

No pain, no kick for me.  Wonder why some feel that and others don't. My ectopics are like a rolling and rollicking river....rumble, rumble.  How does your doctor explain the pain you are feeling?

[blan3556]

Doctor says I am fine, I think its in my head mostly, I don't know about anybody else, now to accept the docs advice to live

[Jeff-67]

For over 20 years I have had the pain and other weird sensations with the premature beat.  All started after a GA for wisdom teeth extraction. Sometimes feels like someone is sticking a knife into your chest but only lasts a second (although sometimes the pain tapers off over a minute or so). If the pauses concern you, I can sure you the pain scares you like nothing else!

[Momto3]

The pauses are enough to set me on edge.  The pain would send me into orbit with anxiety.  Kudos to you for the courage and perseverance you must have!!  Hope you find some relief soon.

[Pete-Man]

Hi Momto3,

I wanted to ask you something.  You had mentioned the other day that you used to have NSVT?  I just wanted to be sure I understood you correctly when you said this.  So you actually had non-sustained v-tac for much of the day?  We are not talking about just PVC's right - we are talking about actual v-tac?

I just wanted to be sure I understood because I may have had a short run of v-tac and my doctor and cardiologist are downplaying it - especially now that my stress test came out fine.  Anyway, please let me know.

Thanks.

[salis110]

hi blan
just tell me how do u feel when pvc's happen?

thnx

[salis110]

hi blan
just tell me how do u feel when pvc's happen?

thnx

[Momto3]

Yes, I had NSVT, but not all day.  Most of the day, I was only had singles, couplets, bigeminial episodes.  Interspersed, were the runs (nsvt).  When I went for stress echo, the technician said, "Oh, you're the one with V-tac," to which I responded, "No, I don't think so."  Later, when I asked my EP if I had V-tac, she said, "No, not 'technically.'"  There is a very distince difference between NSVT and actual VT.  NSVT is "non sustained" while VT is considered "sustained" and more noteable.  

I've had two EP studies and 2 RFAs. I don't have a copy of the first report, but the 2nd one states, "patient presents with NSVT....."  During the study, it appears they may have induced VT, but I think only with a lot of medication.  Apparently, they try to induce VT to see what your limitations are.  

Prior to the RFAs I had lots of ectopics, but only ventricular.  Like the others, my pvcs (bigeminy, couplets, runs) would wax and wane over the years.  Even when my holters documented tens of thousands of ectopics, the doctor considered them "benign." As long as they had no residual effect on my heart or its function, they were medically considered a BIG, benign nuisance.

I can honestly say that my doctor was NOT at all concerned until the pvcs were found to be the cause of a cardiomyopathy. That's why I ended up having the ablations.  Up until then (20+ years) I just dealt with them and and the anxiety!  If your doctor does not seem concerned, but you are still worried, you might want to get a second opinion.  I found that having a good patient-doctor relationship is best for help with the anxiety.

I feel bad for all of you that are going through this. I really, really do understand.  I can tell you that finding a doctor you trust and like, and believing him/her is the best medicine.  It took me a long time.  Even though the doctor dispensed the same "the are benign scenario" it was delivered in a much more understanding, compassionate manner.  Good luck!!

[Rooster!]

I too suffer with PVC's and PAC's.The frequency ranges from a couple a day to several in a minute.I've heard from several docs that they are not life threatning.That's wonderful news but I still want them gone.Eventually I'll find a solution but hopefully,real soon,somebody beats me to it.

Discoveries so far:

1.)When in PVC mode lay on your right side(not left,back,or stomach).

2.)Caffene definately amplifys them;I don't feel that chocolate has enogh to do so.

3.)Smoking doesn't seem to cause any problems for me.

4.)The difference between a PAC and PVC is the roller coaster feeling.A PAC seems to lack that feeling.

5.)Too much liquid somehow seems to trigger them.

6.)I am certain there is a correlation with the stomach.

7.)A really bad combo for me would be to drink a ton of water and go play tennis.

8)Anything really exciting........

9)Don't mistake several PAC'S in a row for several PVC's in a row(V-TACH).I did at first.

I personally feel that some people can reduce them by adjusting their diet(not restricting it).I'm currently carefully increasing my potassium and magnesium.I've been doing so by drinking Ensure everyday.Honest to God I think it's working.

[454]

I am a 31 y/o male, non smoker, social drinker.  I'm on 50mg of atenolol once a day for HBP(hereditary).  Back in December I felt a flutter in my chest that would happen every couple of minutes for about a 1/2 hour.  With the flutter when i took my pulse it felt like my heart skipped a beat.  They stopped but then the worrying began.  It obsessed me for the next several weeks.  I thought my heart was doing somersaults in my chest.  This went on and eventually I wound up in the ER with an anxiety attack.  Was given an ekg and was on a heart monitor for a few hours.  Everything normal.  Was given adavan and sent home.  Followed up with my Dr. who put me on a cardionet monitor for 3 weeks.  Everything came back normal from the monitor. I thought I was having that feeling while being monitored but I guess I wasn't. That really eased my mind and I haven't had that feeling since.  Then a few days ago that feeling returned.  Now I'm back to square one again constantly thinking about it.  I exercise almost everyday by walking at least a mile and have two small children and a stressful job.  Am I experiencing PVCs or PACs?  I have no chest pain or abnormally high pulse rate, no shortness of breath or anything like that.  I do drink a ton of water.  I was told that too much water can sometimes induce pvcs, is this true?  Someone please help, this really is affecting my life.   Thanks.

[Pete-Man]

Hi momto3,

Thanks for responding and telling me more about your situation.  It makes me feel better knowing that there are some others out there with similar situations.

If there is anyone else out there who has had v-tac which has been determined to be non-serious, I'd like to hear from you either in this thread or future discussions.

Take care everybody....

[jan]

Rooster, a lot of what you wrote sounds like my younger sis and her cause was GERD.  With that treated it made a world of difference.  Have you been checked?  My husband and a friend, both, went to the ER with what we thought were heart attacks and it turned out to be GERD.  I am not saying that is what you have as I am not a dr. and never even played one on tv. ;oP

I have IST and assorted arrhythmias (PAT's, PVC's, PAC's, and such) the only one that bothers me is whatever one makes my heart feel like it is just quivering.  I think I had that feel'g when I used the event monitor and the record'g showed PAT.  The IST used to give me symptoms (overwhelming fatigue and feeling faint (but I NCS, too), but I never had palps with it, not even when they recorded it at 170 bpm.

(I have mild MVP, MR; and TR, too).

[Wackybody]

I noticed that a lot of the things I am reading here, I mean most of us seem to have other health issues involved as well as the heart arrythmias.  I have GERD, anxiety disorder (but heck, who can have these awful arrythmias and not have it? I think they started this in me), and am cardiac conscious.  Does anyone notice any pattern?  I notice some positional triggers.  Also, some things I've read about stomach problems, caffeine, but in all honesty...I've taken care of myself like everyone else living with this problem seems to do and when they feel like ruining my life, they do.  Nothing really works.  I though Vitamin B was helping...CoQ10, lots of things.  I think, though, it is a mental thing.  If I think something is working, I don't get as many.  Probably because I feel less worried.  Then they come back, I know whatever I am doing isn't really working, and my body takes off again.  While I am sitting here, I have had at least 20 "whatevers".  Ain't life grand?  I seem to get very jealous of people who do not get these.  I also am starting to feel useless, and that I cannot possibly be normal anymore.  What can we do?

[454]

I have to agree that it is a mental thing.  My whatevers started last night, had them most of the day at work and now they're gone.  I just have to think that if there was something radically wrong with my heart that these things would not disappear for months at a time and then come back.  I really feel anxiety is the cause.