More ?'s about pac's pvc's

I would like to say how much I admire your willingness to take time out of your day to answer questions.
I can say how grateful I am to have this outlet.I have gained much insight.My fear is still there but it helps to know I am not alone.
  I have panic disorder& I had a terrible bout of pac's pvc's after a day of dehydration.exhertion.
I am deconditioned but am active and losing steadily.
I am 28 years old,do not drink,no drugs,never ever coffee have not drank soda since 1987,no chocolate.Mother of 5.
have had numerous ekgs,countless blood tests,my numbers are 160& 71 & the doc says I need to get my one number down.My fatty blood tests have been 200- 230 since age18.
I am currently battling a bout of bronchitis, 2 weeks which I think is caused from allergies/gerd.
questions?
can improper sleeping/anxiety cause muscle smasms in the left chest above the breast?I get scared because it feels like my heart when in good sense I know its muscular?
Can bronchitis cause&increase in pvc's when you are not rested&even though I am staying very hydrated I am just not hungry/ am afraid to eat for fear of triggering  skips.
I notice more pvc's when I have eaten a banana-conincidence or something more?What causes muscle spasms in the chest(never no pain just see the skin)?
Is it possible that I have had pvc's for most of my life&not know until I became hypervigilant to my body?
My holter recorded more pac's then pvc's. any signifigance?
why do I get chest pains when I have gas,belching?
one day I ate barley,broccoli,salmon&20 mins I was in pain&loose stools,then ok

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Q: can improper sleeping/anxiety cause muscle smasms in the left chest above the breast?I get scared because it feels
     like my heart when in good sense I know its muscular?
A: Yes, muscle spasms could be increased with anxiety and poor sleep.  
    

Q: Can bronchitis cause&increase in pvc's when you are not rested&even though I am staying very hydrated I am
     just not hungry/ am afraid to eat for fear of triggering skips.
A: Bronchitis in general does not increase PVCs although the stress of the illness may.  Eating should not affect the PVCs.

Q: I notice more pvc's when I have eaten a banana-conincidence or something more?
A: Coincidence.

Q: What causes muscle spasms in
     the chest(never no pain just see the skin)?
A: A variety of different things can cause spasms including electrolyte imbalance, stress or injury to the muscle.

Q:   Is it possible that I have had pvc's for most of my life

[Mommyplus6]

anyone else who copes with this..
does anyone recognize how posture especially while seated has any effects on pvc's?

[phord]

I was diagnosed with PAC or PVC (I don't remember which) about 10 years ago.  It has gone away for months at a time, but lately it has been with me daily, mostly after dinner in the evening.

I have noticed that it seems to hit me when I'm slouching slightly in bed a couple of hours after dinner.  I don't think it's really posture-related, though, because a change in posture or position almost never has a lessening effect.  

Have you found that when you stand up it gets better?  Perhaps you, like me, are experience the flutters at a particular time of day, and you coincidentally are sitting down then...?

[CLM]

Just wanted to offer some words of assurance:  I have a bzillion pvc and occasional psvt.  I remember very well when they started and how frightened I would get with just a few!  The fear then can cause the chest pains and digestive troubles.  I have been through all of these questions (and once thought bananas brought them on but now think maybe they help -- ha ha!).  I only have two children and that is a lot to deal with, so I imagine that the stress of parenting (and catching everything they get plus worse) is what is really going on. Anxiety has a way of taking over and causing a LOT of symptoms so if you can get that under control you can deal with the pvcs better.

As to postural:  I do think slouching or bedtime can bring them on and/or make them more noticable, and once they "kick in" then changing posture can't get rid of them.  For me, slouching at the computer is often a trigger!  But mostly, it is related to the level of adrenaline in my system, generally socially/emotionally stressful times make the pvcs really frequent.  PSVT for me can be triggered by other things (like only one glass of wine!)  but good old pvcs seem to be a stress thing.

[Mommyplus6]

It is so reassuring to have come here tonight to see the responses..
I had been doing so well with ignoring them..meaning not letting them trigger off my panic..but last night I had some really hard beats and it scared me..
and they are often harder at times of quiet/inactive..
and it is so weird that I seem to get an increase of pvc's when I eat a banana..I know it seems weird but..well you know..
I could not believe you felt that way too..
and I notice them more when I am at the computer so I have been very careful for not sitting for prolonged periods of time....I do not think that standing helps but I do know I have them more often while sitting/slouching..
after a heavy meal..and not drinking enough water..and I definatley have some sort of stomach thing that triggers them...
I have read articles on improper positon of the stomach..here is the link..
http://www.energybalancing.com/stomup.html
I think it is a good article and if your not allowed to post links then I apologize...
It helps me to talk to others that experience this..

[AmosDoyle]

With all due respect to everyone, I believe that what happens in the digestive system does have something to do with triggering benign PVCs and PACs.  Whether its a banana or something else, food and the amount and/or kind of foods has an effect on the occurrance of my PVCs.  Maybe it has something to do with GERD (reflux of stomach acid and digestive enzymes into the esophagus) or perhaps certain foods irrate the nervous system in some way but in my case, food is absolutely definitely positively correlated with the occurrance of palpitations.  Although I can have PVCs at any time of the day or night, they are especially troublesome for me in the late afternoon or more commonly in the evening after eating.  Lying down after a meal will most likely certainly bring them on.  However, by turning over on my stomach and propping myself up on my elbows will usually stop them and if I turn over on my back, they start up again.

Some remedies that help me are beta blockers, antacids, and psillium seed.  I take Inderal at 10mg when the palpitations start.  If I relax for a while and don't get fearful about the PVCs usually they stop.  If they don't I take another 10 mg of Inderal and that usually helps. In especially bad times I take a Xanax and that can help to stop them.  Prophylacticly I eat smaller meals, and try to eliminate strong spices, pepper, and chemical food additives. Alcohol seems to precipitate a spell of PVCs so I avoid it.  I like the antacid Gaviscon in pill form which I chew.  That form of Gaviscon has alginate in it which forms a protective layer on top of the stomach contents and helps to protect the lining of the esophagus from erosive action of acid and enzymes. And lastly, I take a spoonful of Metamucil once a day to help move things through my digestive system.  A good night's sleep helps my nervous system and thereby helps to keep the PVCs at a  minimal level. Most importantly I find that calming my nervous system calms my palpitations.  I think, that a sensitived nervous system is easily triggered to set off PVC,s so anything that desensitives one's nerves and calms the brain will probably help to stop benign palpitations.

[norge]

I couldn't agree with you more. I've been severely bothered by PVC's and PAC's for many years but I'm learning to realise more and more that stress and anxiety is the MAIN trigger in my case. There is absolutely no doubt about it. Some time ago, I too thaught that eating would bring them on, but I have learned that it is anticipation anxiety. If you think or is sceared that eating will bring them on this can start the anxiety cycle which can give you acid stomach and release adrenalin and so on. Let me give another example. I used to get most palps at certain times and places. And why, because I was afraid it would happen. May sound strange if you haven't thought this way before but believe me it's true. One more example: I used to be afraid to run stairs and exercise vigorously. Everytime I did I got an awful lot of palps. It was very depressing and debilitating and I was scared to death many times. It didn't matter at all if I took Inderal. When I finally came to a doctor that understood my underlying anxiety problem things changed. He started me on 150 mg Effexor for anxiety and guess what happened. Right, they more or less went away, and no I can run hundreds of stairs with no PVC's at all! Coincidence, of course not! Yes I still have some every day, but I don't care about them and they keep getting less frequent. I know for sure that many of you have a hard time with these bloody things, but if you believe that anxiety may be involved, don't try to resolve the problem with betablockers cause it probably won't help. You have to get rid of the anxiety. I remain convinced that in many cases that is the bottom problem.

[VALERIA]

CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW TO POST A QUESTION HERE?
I HAVE BEEN COMING TO THIS WEBSITE FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS, AND EACH DAY I TRY TO POST A QUESTION, BUT I KEEP GETTING THE SAME PAGE THAT COMES UP THAT SAYS, NO LONGER TAKING QUESTIONS.

I'M 41 AND HAVE BEEN HAVING ARRYTHMIAS SINCE I WAS 32.
I FIRST STARTED GETTING THE RAPID HEART RATE, WHEN I GET UP IN THE MORNING, AFTER EATING, AROUND THE TIME OF MY MENSES, REALLY JUST ABOUT EVERYDAY. THEN IN FEB. 1998 IT STARTED UP LIKE ALWAYS, BUT THIS DAY IT DIDN'T SLOW DOWN. GETTING UP AND GOING FROM ONE ROOM TO ANOTHER IT IT WOULD REALLY TAKE OFF. THAT NIGHT I WENT TO THE E.R. AND HAD ALL THE TESTS AND WENT HOME. SINCE I HAVE BEEN SEEING A CARDIOLOGIST AND HAD ALL THE TESTS AND NOW I TAKE TOPROL 150 MG DAILY. HAS HELPED, BUT STILL GET FAST RATE ON AND OFF, AND I ALSO GET THIS OTHER EPISODE, ABOUT ONCE EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS. THIS EPISODE I FIRST NOTICE IN 1996. THIS SCARES THE HELL OUT OF ME, YOU THINK BY HAVING IT PERIODOCALLY FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, I BE USED TO IT, NEVER. WHAT HAPPENS IS, I CAN BE FINE, DOING WHATEVER, THEN MY HEART GOES INTO A SLOW, OUT OF RYTHYM BEAT, THEN SOMETIMES I START TO FEEL LIKE I MAY PASS OUT, THEN I IMMEDIATELY COUGH ON PURPOSE AND WALK OR DO SOMETHING WITH A QUICK MOTION, THEN IT SNAPS BACK INTO A FAST BUT NORMAL RYTHYM, THEN SLOWS DOWN TO THE NORMAL PACE, I GET A HOT FLUSH IN MY FACE AND I FEEL WARM ALL OVER, AND THE EPISODE IS OVER.

IF ANYONE ELSE THAT READS THIS FORUM, AND READS THIS POST, HAS A SIMULAR EPISODE OR HAS AN IDEA WHAT THIS MAY BE, PLEASE POST HERE.
I HAVE NEVER CAUGHT IT ON THE MONITORS THAT I HAVE HAD.
IT'S THE PITS TO LIVE WITH THESE STINKING ARRYTHMIAS, AND I TAKE THE MEDICINE, HAVE TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE SIDE EFFECTS, BUT I WOULDN'T CARE IF THE MEDICINE AT LEAST KEEP THE ARRYTHMIAS MOSTLY AWAY.
I KNOW IT NOT A CURE, I JUST WISH IT WOULD HELP A LITTLE MORE.

[VALERIA]

I WANTED TO ADD SOMETHING TO MY ABOVE POST. I AM DO FOR MY MENSES, AND THAT ALWAYS SEEMS TO PLAY A PART. I WONDER IF A WOMANS HORMONES GO UP OR DOWN AT THIS TIME? AND IF THAT WOULD CAUSE ARRYTHMIAS MORE.
IS NON SUSTAINED V TACH SOMETHING LIKE THIS?

[Blessedx4]

hi valeria,
read your post and it read like my story. i too have pvcs that drive me crazy. they are difinetly worse before my period. i mentioned this to my new cardiologist and he says hormones play a big part in the nature of pvcs. at least i know i am not crazy. 17 yrs ago i experienced my first tachycardic episode. i never knew my heart could beat so fast. after 1 yr or so it suddenly stopped. then 8 months after i gave birth to my first child(13 yrs ago) the symptoms returned only this time not only was my heart beating too fast it was also felt like it was beating pausing then beating hard. over and over again i felt this horrible senstation. a dr put me on inderal which didn't help then i was put on sectral which helped for 7 yrs. then it started all over again. after the birth of my son 3 yrs ago my symptoms became so much worse that i was certain i was at deaths door. my dr tried me on calcuim channel blocker then a beta blocker but neither helped. after a holter monitor test, he said i had an arrithymia and put me on quinidine. that helped tremondously and for the first time in yrs i felt "normal". then 9 months after my son was born i found out i was pregnant with my last child. of course i had to get of the quinidine and during the pregnancy i was pretty much bed ridden. after her birth i said my prayers diligently every night because i thought i was going to die. i then saw an electrophysiologist who put me sototal but that made things worse. then he tried verapimil and that did not help one bit. finally, i went back to my original cardiologist who put me back on quinidine. now things have quieted down a bit except before my period or when i am tired or stressed. i too felt my face flush and a host of other wierd symptoms. anyway, we moved to a different city because my husband was accepted to medical school and i had to find new drs. basically, what all the drs i have seen have told me is that i will not die from these relentless pvcs and they treat the symptoms if the tachycardia and pvcs are bothersome. my new electrophysiologist wants to perform ablation on me. i don't have health insurance so that's out of the question.

i wanted to let you know about this wonderful website called
National Dysautonomia Research foundation. check it out. you will be surprised at how many people share your symptoms. i was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse with moderate reguritation 13 years ago and i appear to have a kink in my autonomic nervous system too.

valeria, you are not alone. i pray you get some answers. keep me posted. by the way, i can't seem to be able to post a new topic either. i get that same page you do.

Blessedx4

[Harriet C]

I respectfully disagree with the comment that what you eat does not affect the PVC's.  I have had palps for years and while we believe them benign, my doctor is sending me to a cardiologist and I will wear a Holter next week for 24 hours.  I disagree re: eating because I have seen a DIRECT correlation between eating either 1) too much sugar, or 2) too many carbohydrates (which turn into sugars upon digestion).  

I also have noticed direct relief in frequency during times of high occurance when I have had my chiropractor adjust my back just about at the bra line.  That happened just today.  My youngest child is 8; no longer a babe in arms.  But my back was really killing me and I was thinking to myself last night "gee, I haven't had this particular pain since the children were infan.......OH!"  I held a friend's 2 mo old baby all during church services last Sunday!   The hours before my chiro appt today my heart did flips and palps every few minutes.  It was quite disturbing.  It has now been 11 1/2 hours since the adjustment.  To my knowledge I had one 'flip' about an hour afterwards, and one or two later in the day.  Not nearly the flipping and palping that had been going on every few minutes!

HELP IT GO AWAY...I read about this on the website for menopausal women: powersurge.com...
When having palpitations bear down really hard as if having a bowel movement.  It short circuits the nerve responses making the palps happen.  Works about 50% of the time for me.  My urologists nurse confirmed that it was logical saying "Of course!  When we do a colonoscopy on patients known to have heart rythym problems we must be very careful to not set them off during the procedure!"  

Hope this is helpful to you.  Cut back on your carbs and cut out sugar, honey, any of the natural sugars (fruits are very high!), make sure you are getting appropriate amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C.  I am not a doctor, but I read alot.  USRDA for supplements is LOW...WAY LOW.  Get yourself a good book on supplements, perhaps by a low carb proponent such as Dr. ATkins or the Protein Power authors.  Oh yes, if you are sick and taking OTC things like cold meds or nasal decongestant sprays you will have more episodes.  Same goes for diet aids (darn near anything with the words 'metabo' or thermogenic) containing Ma Huang (Ephedra, Ephedrine).  Even some prescription drugs (Rinatuss?) contain ephedrine,or will affect you negatively (Steroids) so do research before taking ANYTHING.

Best wishes!

[jimmyb]

I have had PVC's PAC's for more than 30 years and it seems they have gotten worse over the past year or so. In fact, it got to the point where when I would lie down in bed they would really start up, and I had several sleepless nights. I believe posture is definitely a culprit, as sometimes when I get into my car to drive home they start up. I recently started taking a magnesium and potassium supplement, and it has helped GREATLY reduce the number of skipped beats. You might want to give that a try. I don't like meds, so this seems like a much better solution. I also have problems with eating too much at meals, especially when I overload on carbs. They are a nuissance, but are harmless and shouldn't stop you from living your life... easier said than done! Hang in there.

[AmosDoyle]

I think there is some validity to what you say.  At one time I had a theory that benign palpitations were nothing more than a conditioned reflex.  At the time I proposed this theory most people laughed me off of the forum I was on at that time, but I really do think that it should be given some thought.

Anything could be conditioned to act as a trigger for benign PVCs or PACs including both external and internal triggers.  Examples of external triggers might include exercising, eating, lying down, sex, various locations such as in an elevator, on bridge, at the mall, or even certain people such as spouse, police, teachers and events like funerals, parties, public speaking  or relgious services.  Internal triggers could be thoughts, hormones, or chemical states.  Anything experienced at the same time that one experiences fear or other strong emotions in response to a PVC symptom could become a trigger for the reoccurrence of increasingly more and more PVCs or PACs whenever the same event is experienced by the nervous system again.  A second part of my theory included the concept of "kindling" which is a theory related to the development of epilepsy. In simple terms I think the theory means that the more times an epileptic seizure occurs, the more likely it will occur in the future.  The nervous pathway is facilitated each time that the pathway is used.  Eventually, the nervous reflex becomes habituated.  Kindling is also applied to other brain and nervous system problems including depression.  Kindling applied to PVCs and PACs may provide an understanding of why the frequency of PVCs and PACs tends to get worse over time in some people .

PVCs and PACs are commonly associated with disorders of the brain and nervous system and described in diseases of the anxiety spectrum including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, hypochondriasis, obsessive compulsive disorder and somatization disorder.  Medications which treat those disorders including SSRIs, tranquilizers, and beta blockers as well as other therapies including psychoanalysis, biofeedback, hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy have also been effective in reducing the symptoms of those disorders including PVCs and PACs.  The elimination of caffeine, a nervous system stimulant, from the diet has also been effective in stopping palpitations in some people.  

What happens in the mind affects the brain and nervous system and subsequently the rest of the body including the heart.  There are studies that show that as one changes one's thoughts that the functionality of the brain actually changes.  One must de-condition the conditioned reflex that triggers palpitations and stop kindling to be free of benign palpitations.  By addressing fear generating thought patterns and negative fear provoking beliefs, one might be able to stop providing the nervous energy necessary to keep benign PVCs and PACs going.

[VALERIA]

I DO HAVE SINUS TACH. BUT I WAS TOLD I DON'T HAVE MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE OR WOLF PARKINSON WHITE SYNDROME. I GUESS THEY CAN TELL IF YOU HAVE THEM THROUGH EKG, AND A ECHOE CARDIOGRAM. TODAY UPON GETIING UP, MY HEART WAS REALLY RACING, AND IT DOES THAT FOR AWHILE, WHEN I FIRST GET UP IN THE MORNING. NOTHING NEW, BUT IF IT IS AROUND THAT TIME OF THE MONTH, THEN ALL MY SYMPTONS ARE MUCH WORSE. I HAVE BEEN TAKING TOPROL SINCE SEPT. 1999, AT FIRST NOTICE IMMEDIATE RELIEF, THEN LITTLE BY LITTLE THE DOSAGE WAS INCREASE BECAUSE OF SYMPTONS RETURNING TOO MUCH BEFORE I COULD TAKE MY NEXT DOSE. I NOW TAKE A TABLET AND A HALF TWICE A DAY. (150 MG.) MY MOTHER HAS THIS HEART THING TOO, AND SHE HAS BEEN ON INDERAL SINCE SHE WAS IN HER 40'S, NOW SHE IS 74. MY SISER TOO HAS HAD PROBLEMS, THOUGH SHE HAS AN ABLATION DONE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, SHE HAS MITRAL VALVE AND WOLF PARKINSON WHITE, SHE IS A RN THAT WORKS IN POST ANTHESIA, AND FOR YEARS WHEN SHE WAS HAVING ALL THE PROBLEMS, SHE WAS ON SO MUCH MEDICINE, IT WOULD DRAG DOWN AN ELEPHANT. MY NEPHEW AT 15 HAD AN ABLATION DONE, HIS HEART WAS SOMETIMES RECORDED AT 245 A MINUTE. THOUGH MY CARDIOLOGIST SAYS I DON'T HAVE MVP OR WPW, AND I'M NOT A CANDIDATE FOR AN ABLATION. I THOUGHT THE ONLY WAY THEY COULD TELL IF YOU HAVE AN EXTRA ACCESORY PATHWAY, IS BY GOING IN AND TRYING TO STIMULATE THE ARRYTHMIA, AND SEE IF IT COULD BE ABLATED.

[sara25]

I am 24 years old with high blood pressure.  My doctor put me on vasotec and since then I have started having the ectopic beats.  Does anyone know if I should be concerned It is usually one or two a day but the more I worry the more I get.

[norge]

I don't know about seizure problems, but I totally agree on your analysis of the relationship between PVC's, PAC's and anxiety/stress. I'm not saying that this is the reason why everybody get these extra beats. I'm simply telling people about my experience. However,I'm sure of one thing, with so many people out there suffering from anxiety, stress and panic, I'm not the only one with the anxiety/PVC connection.
I know from experience that this is hard to do, but the best thing is to ignore the extra beats and not panic. If you cannot manage that, it means that you are highly anxious and afraid that the PVC's will kill you or harm your heart. This will give you more extra beats and you can in fact be spiralling into bigeminy, tirgeminy and even atrial fibrillation (yes it happened to me twice). If so psychotherapy combined with a SSRI like Effexor can be extremely helpful. In my case, betablockers didn't do any good whatsoever, but Effexor did magic. From experience I also discourage people from using benzodiazepines like Xanax, valium and rivotril (klonopin I think in the US). They only give short-term relief, and solve no problem. If used long-term they are horrible to get of.

[AmosDoyle]

Norge, I agree that long term use of benzodiazapines should be avoided if possible but for fast reduction in anxiety when I don't have time or energy to wait it out, short-acting Xanax attenuates the anxiety quickly for me and lets me go with life.  As with all drugs, dosage is important, however with the benzodiazapines even a very small dose, e.g., 0.25 mg taken over a long time will cause an addiction in some people and result in uncomfortable withdrawal or rebound symptoms when the drug is stopped abruptly.  That is why it is necessary to slowly taper withdrawal from the benzodiazapines regardless of the dosage, if the drug has been taken regularly for a period of time.  Even with tapering I experienced withdrawal and rebound symptoms but I had taken the drug for several years on a daily basis.   I have  also taken Klonopin which is a longer-acting benzo but withdrawal wasn't any easier than withdrawing from the short-acting benzo.

Beta blockers do help many people with benign palpitations as they block the effects of adrenaline.  Here again dosage is important depending upon the amount of nervous "tone" experienced by the person with anxiety.  Not all people react in a similar manner to the same dose.

I see in the Physician's Desk Reference that Effexor not only inhibits the reuptake of serotonin but also inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and a little bit of dopamine.  Techically I think, Effexor is not an SSRI since SSRI's are selective reuptake inhibitors effecting primarily serotonin.

[VALERIA]

WHAT WOULD BE THE SYMPTONS IF SOMEONE GOES INTO A-FIB. I WAS JUST WANDERING IF THAT COULD BE WHAT HAPPENS TO ME WHEN I GET THIS SCARY EPISODE OR EVENT I POSTED ABOVE. I CAN BE FINE, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY HEART STARTS TO BEAT VERY SLOW AND OUT OF RYTHYM, THEN I PURPOSELY COUGH AND DO SOMETHING WITH A FAST MOTION, THEN MY HEART STARTS TO BEAT FAST, BUT IN RYTHYM, THEN BACK DOWN TO THE NORMAL PACE, AND THE EPISODE IS OVER. SOMETIMES AT THE END OF THIS EVENT, I GET A WARM OR HOT FEELING. MY OTHER ARRYTHMIA I ALWAYS GET IS THE FAST BEATING, SINUS TACHCARDIA.

[norge]

Valeria,
I experienced a brief period of atrial fibrillation in connection with a panic attack at work I think 4 years ago. What started the whole thing was that I was anxious and suddenly got a PVC. I felt that my heart didn't restart and doomsday thinking filled my head. I thus panicked, my heart started racing and I got frequent PVC's. I had basically all the other bodily sensations for a full blown panic attack (trembling, dizziness, feeling of unreality). I was completely paralyzed. That time I was unable to calm down and the PVC's got worse and worse. The PVC's came more and more frequent and finally I felt my heart was beating kind of fast and erratically. It was a frightening sensation. I really cannot tell you how fast my heart was beating cause I was scared to death. I was rushed to the ER, and the doctor said he could see on the EKG that I probably had experienced a-fib.

[kat1929]

I feel it is important to clarify that PVCs or PACs do not lead to Atrial Fibrillation.   Also, Atrial Fibrillation cannot be caused by anxiety.  It is well known that anxiety can exacerbate PVCs, however, atrial fibrillation is a different story.

[norge]

kat1929

According to my cardiologist it can in fact in some cases lead to a-fib. As I recall it I think he said that it is PAC's and not PVC's that in some cases can escalate into a-fib. Any other knows anything about this?

[JR]

kats right, anxiety cannot trigger a-fib....you need to have some kind of structural abnormality for a-fib to occur.

[JR]

they will not be able to tell if you have WPW unless they catch you with a recording during an "episode" or induce the arrythmia....

[norge]

peco,
If you look through the postings on atrial fibrillation in this very forum you will se that the cardio doctors reply that a-fib can occur in structurally normal hearts and that such episodes may be triggered by coffeine, alcohol, stress etc......I still believe that I and the doctors are right

[kat1929]

I stand corrected....I found this on a med site...."Lone atrial fibrillation" is what you are probably talking about norge...
kat1929


Chronic atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance and is usually due to some underlying cardiovascular condition such as mitral valve prolapse or stenosis, coronary artery disease or hypertension. "Lone atrial fibrillation" refers to an episode of fibrillation that lasts for a few hours or days, rarely recurs more than three times a year, and is not associated with any cardiac abnormalities. Both forms of atrial fibrillation can be triggered by caffeine, nicotine, an overactive thyroid and other influences that increase sympathetic nervous system activity.

Stress is the most powerful sympathetic nervous system stimulant The associated release of adrenaline and similar hormones accelerates heart rate and promotes not only atrial, but also ventricular fibrillation, which can be fatal. In addition, stress can also lead to increased hyperactivity of the thyroid, cigarette smoking caffeine consumption, hypertension and other risk factors for fibrillation.

[norge]

Yes, I certainly remember that my cardiologist told me that stress and extreme anxiety can cause a-fib. However, I had no clue it could also cause fatal v-fib, nasty. However I can tell you people that there was a case in Oslo some time ago were police said a man was actually scared to death by a criminal. The guy I recall was owing a substantial amount of money, and because he couldn't pay he was threatened in the most grotesque way. According to police his heart had stopped beating because of the extreme fear and anxiety that he experienced. Maybe because he went into v-fib?

Just imagine how much suffering could be avoided could we just learn to lower over stress levels and calm down!

[Mommyplus6]

I just wanted to say thank you for all your responses...
even though some of things I do not like to read but it is ever so true that thought of mind can trigger just as certain foods..our mind is a very powerful thing...
I am beginning to take small steps..it is difficult but we all got to start somewhere...
for me all the physical symptoms keep me in the what if thinking pattern..and my thoughts are what I must control..
I have intrusive thoughts which probably rule the panic most..
who knows..
thinking outloud..I have been sick and was in the er the other night for vertigo..so now because of the virus I developed an inner ear infection..so to say the least it has not helped..but all in all..I actually feel calmer then usual..after I got over the fact..that this spinning was not a stroke..
talk about scared..the body can throw off some nasty symptoms to make us think other...

[arthur]

PACs in particular are caused by cardiac tissue foci...an established fact.  They will cause PACs and lone AFib...an established fact.  They are postural in their behavior, with slouching a typical pro-PAC position.  They turn on with adrenaline.  They are controlled to some degree with meds and diet.  End of story.  Can't live with them, then get rid of them.
Understand the basics and you've got them controlled.  Ignore the basics and live with anxiety.

These buggers can be modified to some degree with hard exercise, meds and unusual diets (herbs, vitamins, minerals)...but you can only get rid of them with an ablation...which is becomming more popular as the techniques and hardware advance...discuss this option with an EP and see if it's feasible in your case.  I had lone AFib, cured it with ablation, live with 0-5 PACs/min every day, exercise violently and enjoy life thoroughly.  Only got past that anxiety tunnel after about one year of learning what I have and what it means.

[giga72]

I can relate to what everyone is saying, calming some of my fears.  I am a 30 year old woman with recently diagnosed pvc's.
No caffeine,nicotene or stress that i know of. I was wondering if anyone knows of a relation to pvc's and depo provera (progesterone). I heard that high levels of progesterone can cause pvc's

[Mommyplus6]

Would you be interested in elaborating more information to me...?
I would love to hear more...

[kat1929]

Hey Arthur:  

What do you mean by slouching being a pro-PAC position?  Also, do you know why people cough when they feel PVCs?  I do this sometimes and I've read that other people do it as well?  Should I slow down if I'm exercising and I get PVCs?  thanks!

[dodgybeats]

My cardiologist believes strongly that there is relationship between arrythmias and progesterone, my pacs/pvcs and tachy are always worse the week before my period when the progesterone levels are high.  I have been on the combined contraceptive pill for 6 months now and must admit that my arrythmias have been better for it, perhaps my hormone levels were a bit skew and the pill has evened them out.

[arthur]

Slouching is not necessarily the only pro-PAC posture...this appears to vary with the individual.  The general trends I have seen in commentaries herein, elsewhere, and in myself, and in discussions with EPs, are that PACs which stem from foci are apt to show up under certain postures, typically postures wherein the result of that posture is a little pressure against the area where the foci live.  As most (not all) foci live in the back of the heart where the pulmonary veins are attached, PACs can even show up in a specific part of the breathing cycle (again, typically on the intake, when the lungs fill up and press against the PVs).  As this whole thing varies between individuals, one can only figure that some postures will bring on PACs more often than others.  The reverse logic would be that, if you are noticing posture-driven PACs, then it's likely foci are responsible (at least in my case it's true).  I need to put the conditional phrase in here, since this web site is quite sensitive to folks making statements which sound like fact and not opinion, which, in fact, they are.

In my case, most PACs disappear when I am prone, and on my side. Lying on my back, is not quite as effective (probably due to the pressure on the PVs).  Lying on my stomach seems to be better.
Slouching seems to force the abdomen up into the cardiac region.

As far as my history is concerned...I am an avid athlete, and got really freaked out when I got PAF, and subsequently, loads of PACs.  After going to 4 cardios, I was referred to an excellent EP who diagnosed the situation as PV foci generated PACs and PAF.
An rf ablation was conducted with no complications in the summer of 2000.  No repeat PAF since.  Some PACs remain since the EP was  careful not to ablate anymore tissue than necessary in order to minimize risks.  Since the ablation, I have continued to play competitive sports and PACs have diminished somewhat.

To those who exercise, if all else is fine with your heart, then PACs/PVCs generally are of no concern.  In my case, they show up a little at the beginning of exercise, disappear during exercise (unless I suddenly push myself...adrenaline is a great spark), and sometimes show up for a short time directly after strong exercise (leftover adrenaline), and they stay away for hours after exercising.

[norge]

Very interesting to read your story and share your knowledge of ectopic beats, Arthur

Just wanted to share with everybody that I have it exactly the same way as you when exercising. I bike every day, some days for 30-40 miles so I do pretty hard cardiovascular workouts. I also do some jogging and a little weights. When doing a long bike ride, I too often have some PVC's or PAC's in the beginning, then they go away. And as you say, if I push myself very hard, I can get some. After exercise they often return, but go fairly quickly away, IF I DO NOT CONCERN MYSELF ABOUT IT. Previously as I have said, the extra beats made me exercise much less because I became very afraid. My doctors, and they have been many, have all said to me that as long as my heart has no structural defects and I don't feel like passing out or get chest pain I do not have to worry. They can't all be wrong!
I can also add as comfort that I was told by one of my doctors that several of the world-class athletes in my country have PVC's and they too experience spikes in the PVC frequency after having competed.

I have also started to appreciate what one doctor said to me some time ago. "The important thing is to understand that these things cannot harm you. After all, you have more heartbeats than those not having PVC's so tell me how that can make your heart stop" I guess it makes sense!

I encourage everybody with benign PVS's and PAC's to exercise vigorously. Try not to let them stop you, drink plenty of fluids and remember to add electrolytes if exercising long and hard. If you can do this your heart get stronger, you feel better physically AND mentally, and importantly you see that your heart works pretty well after all.

[Kevin Bozzi]

AMOS, Thank you so much for your contributions...you really seem to have covered all areas and have made me feel sooo much better!!  You have opened my eyes to a wide spectrum of possibilities that may be the cause of my PVC's and helped me realize that in all probibility, my PVC's are caused by anxiety.

[jjill]

I am interested about the anxiety idea....I have always had some PVC/PAC's  but lately they are driving me crazy-- all the tests say I am "normal" and they are benign.  I am on an increased dose (50 mg now) of atenolol and slowly, it is not working anymore.  I have a TON of stresses right now and will for the next 6-9 months while we move, change jobs, schools, etc.  My fam prac Dr. has never  mentioned/suggested anxiety or panic meds. I know I am high strung now with all that is changing in our lives. Any insight?  I have ambien when they are so bad I can't sleep, but that is just a short acting sleeping med.  I am afraid to go on a anti-anxiety drug... scared about the side effects. It causes me to have anxiety thinking about it!!  However, I really could relate to what was said earlier about what we think can be an adrenaline trigger and cause them. I am so glad to have this forum.  thanks for any insight anyone...

[AmosDoyle]

I read your post with interest.  You are not alone in your reluctance to take tranquilizers or other anti-anxiety medications.  Even though many people with anxiety may be miserable with many uncomfortable symptoms caused by stress, they often resist taking a medication that might help them. They fear becomming addicted to the drug or more importantly they hate admitting that they have failed to cure themselves of anxiety without medications.  You are caught between a rock and a hard place because you readily recognize that stress is playing a big-time role in your life right now and will play a big role in the future, but you like to think that you should be able to cure yourself of anxiety related symptoms without medications.  You know that some people say that they have found relief in medication but you think that you are different.  You are afraid!  You should be able to do it without drugs.  Right?  Well, maybe.

There are some non-drug things you CAN do which may reduce the negative symptoms of stress.  Most of them take time to be effective and much consistent effort to make them work.  Regular gentle repetitive exercises like walking for an hour or so a day helps some people to relax.  Swimming is good.  Daily meditation or prayer also may be effective as are yoga exercises.  There are reports that hypnosis is effective in removing the symptoms of stress and if you are so inclined, regression to so-called past lives may be effective.  More intensive things include psychoanalysis, biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy.  A more drastic approach might include quitting a stressful job, getting a divorce or running off to the south seas.  You probably already know all of these things.

Well, I guess that I have tried most of them myself except running off to the south seas.  All of the above things have helped me somewhat to relieve my stress and anxiety, but sad to say, here I am after a lifetime of trying various remedies, still with a few residual symptoms of stress including PVCs and PACs.

I don't know what really causes my palpitations. There are many theories, but I do know that if I didn't have access to medications throughout my life I probably would be a basket case by now.  First of all, beta blockers have helped my PVCs and PACs.  I have tried Atenolol, Toprol XL and Inderal.  Most important is correct dosage.  Not everyone needs the same dose.  Some people need a much higher dose of beta blockers to get relief of palpitations because their nervous tone is so much higher.  I like Inderal best because it affects my whole nervous system, not just the nerves of my heart.  I think that Inderal is very safe and has been used for many years for hypertension, migraine headaches and for performance anxiety as well as arrthythmias.  I like it and I feel comfortable with it.  I am not afraid to take it.  And THAT is perhaps the most important thing with the effectiveness of any medication.  If you fear the medication it will be less likely to help you than if you think positively about it.  There is much truth to the placebo effect and if one thinks that something will help then maybe it will.  Conversely, if you are afraid of a medication or think that it will not help, then perhaps it will be less likely to help and may even cause unwanted side effects due primarily to fear generating thoughts, not the medication itself.

Probably many people are reluctant to take anti-anxiety medications or tranquilizers but there are newer ones now that are not as addicting as benzodiazapines.  Some of the antidepressants like the SSRI's have anti-anxiety properties.  Some are stimulating however so it is important to have a knowledgeable physician, preferably a psychiatrist prescribe an SSRI for anxiety.  Come people take an SSRI and become more anxious so it is important to work with your physician until you find the one that works best for you.  SSRI's do sometimes have some minor withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms but usually they are mild and can be tolerated.  In contrast benzodiazapines, like Xanax, have serious withdrawal and rebound effects if stopped abruptly and even when tapered off slowly, the withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable.

I am not afraid to take Xanax because it provides help with anxiety when I really need it.  I just don't take it regularly, that is, every day.  I only take it when I don't have time or energy to try all of those other things.  I have experienced the withdrawal effects of Xanax and I surely don't want to do that again.  But with due caution and common sense, a so-called tranquilizer like Xanax can be life saving.

[Mommyplus6]

What is your best advice to one who gets anxiety after exercise?
I can exercise with no problems but sometimes I get attacks right after exercise..its like my heart rate drops fairly quick but then I get a trigger and then boom I am in anxiety..
I have been very careful not to overdo it but it effects me..

[Goodgal]

Thank you for posting the url for the stomach info. I had been researching this area for a while and had suggested this possibility to my Doc on numerous occasions, only to be met with a definite shake of the head and a 'not possible"!--Its great to see ones theory written in black and white AND to be able to rub my docs face in it. (YES anger management is probably my better option at the moment--haha, only kidding)

"When the stomach is popped up it has a tendency to lay up against the heart causing it to lose rhythm and beat irregularly. This situation is the great mimic because it can express symptoms anywhere there is blood"

The comment received here from the site docs and you people has given me more of an idea of what the problem might be then 9 months of visiting doctors who  are more interested in treatin easy problems like common colds and bleeding noses.Some of us are suffering from a lot of anxiety,some of us just want to find out where the problem lies without being labelled panic disorders or hysterical menopausal women(if you are female and in that age group) and yes the docs may be right in assuming we are not all going to drop dead tomorrow, but that still does not mean the majority of us should be fobbed off as hypochondriacs and told to swallow any kind of rotten pill to make us go away more then anything.A human being basically knows when there is a problem--after all--it is our body and we can feel if there is a change or if there is something that doesnt feel quite right.Too often the mistakes made by the medical profession are kept quiet and hidden-in my circle alone i have had a woman with leukemia misdiagnosed, Ms and several cancers misdiagnosed and umpteen heart probs totally screwed up.DOCS are only human--they make plenty of mistakes.Its up to you and me to find out as much as we can without letting it make us go crazy, and then looking at every finding objectively. Food cant cause problems???? B$##@@#t

In the past 2 weeks i have given up eating wheat and grains--as a test and guess what--no palpatations at all, the bloating is minimised and the choking feeling hasnt returned.I am taking Magnesium for muscle cramping(fantastic) St Johns Wort for any anxiety(PLEASE TRY THIS- it should be the first thing you try for anxiety problems)) and Omega fishoil as a good all over antioxident.Vitamin B12 and a standard B and some co enzyme Q10--also take some swedish bitters to clean the liver. I am using natural transdermal progestrone cream to fix any hormonal problems and having a good remedial massage once a week to fix any possible referred pain from back and neck problems.It is all truly working-unbelievable. Now all i need to do is make sure i have no autoimmune problems as suggested by the good doc on this site and Im on my way to feeling better! Good Luck to you all!

[jjill]

thanks so much!  I have not been on this forum comment place before.  You were so right about it al doyle.  I do not want to divorce but a move to the south seas would be great!! ha ha  I will ask my dr. about inderol.  I had not even thought of a different drug or the idea that I may need a high dose for my body.  have you used st.john's wort?  goodgal, would you rec. I try this before an anti-anxiety medication?  have either of you taken this and a beta blocker at the same time?  My friend told me yesterday that if I am already taking a heart med to manage the PVC's then what is the difference if I take a different drug? I am still taking meds to cope with this. thanks again I really appreciate your insight. Jill

[Goodgal]

jill,be careful mixing St Johns Wort with any drugs you may be on--it may be a herbal medicine, but it is quite potent and can cause serious side effects if taken with the wrong combination,or even for some conditions. Go to a naturapath or ask your doc. If its ok for you to use it it can be pretty damn good. I take it 3 times a day, because I refuse to take anti anxiety tablets. The other things my naturapath put me on also worked pretty good--the only trouble is it takes a few days to kick in.It's a Bio-mineral formula with calcium phosphate, Magnesium,Potaaium, Zinc,Manganese, Chromium,Molybdenum and Silicon-specifically for palpatations.that combined with the trial and error food allergy self-test, and the progesterone cream(hormones have HEAPS to do with female palpatations)and Im keeping the heart fluuterproblems in control--its just finding the damn reason for the rest of the troubles and how it all connects thats fazing me at the moment.But I'll get there.

[jjill]

I am confused!  I read by a Dr. on this forum that hormones do not effect PVC/PAC's!  I have always thought they must.  I went off the pill recently, at the same time as all this stress, so now I wonder if I should go on again??? I KNOW that my progesterone is lower than normal-- which was one reason I went on the pill to begin with.  Do you ever think that the FR's discount any "female" correlation?  NOw I wonder if I have them because of a combo of stress and the hormone fluctuations.  It's worth a call the my Dr.  thanks for the st.John's advice. Aren't these just a pain???

[Goodgal]

jill--pick up a book by Dr Jophn Lee or visit the site www.sandracabot.com..Hormones definitely do affect heart palpatations , especially if there are imbalances in your endocrine system. Homones can create huge adrenaline surges, and anxiety,lack of estrogen and/or progersterone can cause muscle spasms, change in BP etc etc. Dont dispel any of these possibilities if they cant find a reason for your heart probs-I mean-obviously for all the people who have diagnosed problems, AND if you are male, this is of no use. I write every episode in my journal and over the weeks I am more and more convinced that my heart palpatations are from hormone surges, mainly adrenaline--i have insisted on hormone tests and was told my estrogen level was 100 which was "normal"-further investigations showed it was NOT normal and after a lot of badgering and investigation I am now getting a hormone study and treatment..NAtural hormones---NOT synthetic ones, like natural progesterone creams--Not wildyam extracts and natural oestrogen--not synthetic made of mares urine!! (very important as synthetic hormones can actually CAUSE more problems)And I have also been testing myself rearding food alleries and have been discovering a full on allery to wheat and yeast--as soon as i eat bread, cereal etc my stomach goes crazy for a day or more until it is illiminates and the gas it creates causes strange palpatations depending on position and whether i am standing or lying down, and sometimes it even thows my heart ofbeat in a string of about 10 betas at a time( LAST night --it was scary. i ate toast for breakfast on purpose)Maybe you could try to see a possibilty of the cause in your diet??Its all worth a try.

[evesme]

HI,
Just Dx with "Hyperdynamic Heart Syndrome". Can't find it anywhere.  Anyone heard of it?

Symtoms (symptoms)....

Unexpected heart rate from 80 to 150 and unable to lower it. Low bp.  Always exhausted. Dizzy, cold sweat, etc. Stress-echo normal except heart rate just races up and wears me out.  Internal and external triggers both cause it but situation that some would think stressful don't affect me, yet watching an action movie with make me head for the nitro.
Cardio Doc said it not my heart but he never talks so went to my internist.

My internist Doc. made Dx of HHS and prescribed combo of SSRI's (Zoloft 100mg) and beta blocker's (Toprol-XL 100mg.)  It already seems to be helping and I have had symtoms (symptoms) for 5+ years and 3 angiograms and 2 angioplasties in last 12 months and they didn't affect my heart rate a bit.

[papabear1954]

Amos, you write very well. I always enjoy reading your posts. Now with that said, may I ask you what your current dosage of Inderal is? Myself, I think I must of been one of the first people ever to take Inderal. A cardiologist started me on it back in 1974 because it was effective for treating PAT's and sinus tach. The PVC's came on a little later and have at times been so troublesome to me that the doctors have just kept me on the Inderal, so here I sit 28 years later, and still taking Inderal. My initial dosage was something like 40 mgs a day, but over the years has had to be raised, I guess in order to remain effective. I would imagine that my body, which is also about 60 pounds heavier then it was at the age of 19, has somewhat built up some tolerance to this drug. But I know that it's working to some degree because I can sure feel the difference if I miss a dose - I can feel my pulse in every part of my body. I'm currently taking 120 mgs a day. I have not had any PAT's in years but man oh man, as I get older these PAC's and PVC's on some days, just about drive me up the wall. Naturally, I would not take it on my own to change the dosage of my medication, but I am curious to know how long that you have taken it and also what your dosage is. I did have an emergency room Dr. tell me fairly recently that about half of the skips that I was feeling during a particularly bad episode, were in fact PAC's and she thought that it would be a good idea if I talked to my regular Dr. about increasing my Inderal dosage because it might help to cut down on the number of PAC's, even if not the PVC's. But looking at the PDR, it looks to me like I'm already on a pretty high dosage for what it's supposed to be treating. Anyway, just curious to know about your experience with this drug. Thank you!

[AmosDoyle]

I have been taking Inderal for about 10 years.  I started out taking it at 25mg four times a day for a total of 100mg per day.  At the time I had a lot of internal anxiety, (still do)  and PACs.  I also took Xanax at the same time.

Over the years I have stopped and started Inderal so that now I only take it if I am having a bad bout of palpitations. (My doctor tells me that this is not a good way to take a beta blocker.)  I tried the cardio-specific beta blockers, Tenormin and Toprol but I think I needed the more general beta blocker Inderal so I don't take the cardio-specific ones anymore.  I have them in the refrigerator so if I run out of Inderal, I would still have a beta blocker to take in an emergency.  I think that the cardio-specific beta blockers are fine but I just think that, for me, since my entire nervous system seems to be sensitized, a general beta blocker is best.

In my PDR (1999) I see that "The usual maintenance dosage (for hypertension) is 120 mg to 240 mg per day.  In some instances a dosage of 640 mg a day may be required." For arrhythmias, 10 mg to 30 mg three or four times daily is recommended. There is a long-acting form of Inderal called Inderal LA which only has to be taken once a day.

Inderal has a long history of safe usage and as you know it is used to attenuate various symptoms and conditions.  One must remember that the recommendations in the PDR are just that --- recommendations and are given primarily to protect the drug company from legal claims.  Many doctors use the PDR recommendations as a starting point and often prescribe at levels above the recommendations and for uses for which the drug was not originally approved.

Currently I take Inderal as needed at 25 mg.  Usually 1 pill helps me to decrease the PVCs and PACs but only if I cooperate with the medication. If one 25 mg pill doesn't seem to work I take another.  Usually I need them in the afternoon or in the evening.  Rarely do I ever need them in the morning or early afternoon.  Admittedly, there are times when nothing works to stop the palpitations.  Then I try some breathing exercises, drinking water through a handkerchief, progressive relaxation, creative visualization or I just lie on my stomach propped up on my elbows. Now in an emotional crisis however, when I'm squirting adrenaline into my system by the gallons, nothing helps!

I have found that stopping the beta blockers abruptly seems to cause more palpitations for a while for me, so if I start taking Inderal every day for a while, I try to wean myself off of it so I won't be bothered my more palpitations.

[evening]

I have been reading through all your comments and was wondering if you could please help me determine whether what I have is a PVC.  I have been experiencing abnormal pulsations/palpitations in my chest which when acute bring on sudden coughing.  I also get chest pains (not directly from the irregular beats - they do not hurt) and dyspnoea on occasions which led the doctor to dismiss it as anxiety.  But after reading all of your stories I am inclined to believe I too have PVC.

[squeala7]

Hi! I just wanted to throw in a quick note that I dont think banana's are a coincidence when it comes to PVC's. Banana's are one of the highest foods that turn into glucose the fastest in the body. I get the same thing when I drink orange juice, eat simple sugars, or a banana. It shouldnt affect you if you don't have a glucose or insulin problem. My estrogen to insulin is not the way it should be, so I experience the same thing you do.  Maybe a coincidence, but if it happens everytime you eat the banana, it cant be a coincidence. Maybe your eating it on an empty stomach and the sugar is hitting you too fast. Especially if your deconditioned - could all run hand in hand. insulin is a HUGE factor.  Good luck!

[squeala7]

Hi Valeria. With your age, go have your hormones checked. If the drs wont do them - go online and order your own saliva hormone tests. You are in the perimenopause stage and a SURE trigger to your heart problems! 60% of women going into menopause experience them - even years before - your body begins to decrease estrogen and that causes heart fluctuations. If you can keep a diary, write down the days during the month you notice them. If it seems cyclic....its probably hormones and you can get relief by getting the proper NATURAL estrogen or progesterone supplments. (The reason I say make sure its natural is because synthetic hormones are known causers of 'vasospasms' which causes your heart to do all sorts of funky things. Believe me - Ive been through all of that and Im only 37! Anyway - check the hormones! Mine always occurs around ovulation and up through my period. If you have one good week during the month - then its cyclic! Good luck!

[angelapple]

Hi all, just wondering can you tell the difference between a pvC and a pac?  I feel skipped-extra beats once in a while.  Last week I had 3 episodes, all lasting hours of a bloop, and then it started.  I was diagnosed 15 years ago with MVP and last year dr. said I had pvc's.  What is the difference between pvc and pac?  Thanks

[debbiedeb]

i was wondering where you got you natural progesterone cream? i am currently awaiting lab results to see if my progesterone level is low. i truly believe there is a connection. i am 45 years old and think i may be entering into perimenopause. my pvc's have increased over the last six months and all of the tests i have had were ok. i just started taking st. johns wort today as i am also having alot of anxiety. i take coq 10 , vit c, magnesium and vit e along with a multi vit. i really hope the st. johns wort helps. thanks,deb

[debbiedeb]

hi goodgal, sorry i posted my previous comment to giga72 instead of you. probably because ive been on this site for about two hours and i think its time to call it a night. thanks will be waiting to hear from you debbie