Aa
Need Help
Hello there!!!
I must say i have read, many articles sent by the forums users, and it has helped me through many troubled times!!!
4 & half years ago i was at work, and experianced a fluttering effect in my chest area, this totally freaked me out!!
I went straight to ER and was realeased 1 hour later, the doctors said it was anxiety, i am a smoker so you can imagine when i got in the car, through the packet out and stopped smoking for 10 weeks, but picked the habbit up again, for about 6 months i could not figure out what was going on, i went to numerous doctors, but they said panic attacks, obvisously this didn't help me enough, i was getting this weird feelings in my chest, i finally went to a Cardiologist who is very renowed in the country, he did numerous tests eg.. stress,ekg, ultrasound, thallium and holter tests, he could only find that i was having pvc's and pacs, with bigemy and trigemny , but my problem here is that i get another feeling which is not a pvc or pac, but what i noticed the other day was when i get this strange feeling is that my rythym would speeden up slightly for a few seconds, and go away , my doctor says unless he can catch it on the ecg he can't pin point it, i have been on 50mg atenonol and 150 mg of avapro for 8 months now, i can't notice any pvc or pacs but still get this quicken beat which i can't figure it out what it is, i am 35 mildly over weight smoke half a pack of ciggarettes a day , non drinker use to have hypertension , overwise in very good shape, my question is would you have any idea what it could be???
and thank you!!!!!!!
I must say i have read, many articles sent by the forums users, and it has helped me through many troubled times!!!
4 & half years ago i was at work, and experianced a fluttering effect in my chest area, this totally freaked me out!!
I went straight to ER and was realeased 1 hour later, the doctors said it was anxiety, i am a smoker so you can imagine when i got in the car, through the packet out and stopped smoking for 10 weeks, but picked the habbit up again, for about 6 months i could not figure out what was going on, i went to numerous doctors, but they said panic attacks, obvisously this didn't help me enough, i was getting this weird feelings in my chest, i finally went to a Cardiologist who is very renowed in the country, he did numerous tests eg.. stress,ekg, ultrasound, thallium and holter tests, he could only find that i was having pvc's and pacs, with bigemy and trigemny , but my problem here is that i get another feeling which is not a pvc or pac, but what i noticed the other day was when i get this strange feeling is that my rythym would speeden up slightly for a few seconds, and go away , my doctor says unless he can catch it on the ecg he can't pin point it, i have been on 50mg atenonol and 150 mg of avapro for 8 months now, i can't notice any pvc or pacs but still get this quicken beat which i can't figure it out what it is, i am 35 mildly over weight smoke half a pack of ciggarettes a day , non drinker use to have hypertension , overwise in very good shape, my question is would you have any idea what it could be???
and thank you!!!!!!!
robizak,
Thanks for the post.
After a PVC, the blood pressure drops slightly. This blood pressure drop is sensed by pressure receptors (called baro-receptors) which respond by withdrawing vagal output. The withdrawal of vagal output leads to a slight quickening of the heart rate. Perhaps this is what you are sensing.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for the post.
After a PVC, the blood pressure drops slightly. This blood pressure drop is sensed by pressure receptors (called baro-receptors) which respond by withdrawing vagal output. The withdrawal of vagal output leads to a slight quickening of the heart rate. Perhaps this is what you are sensing.
Hope that helps.
Has your doctor suggested an "event" monitor? That might be a good way to capture the "weird feeling" on tape.
Hi there again!!
Wow quick response!!!
actually i get a feeling in my throat area, i can feel the feeling creeping on!!!
my question is does this sound like something serious or life threatning to you????
Wow quick response!!!
actually i get a feeling in my throat area, i can feel the feeling creeping on!!!
my question is does this sound like something serious or life threatning to you????
I get the same wierd feeling. My heart will speed up beat kind of irregularly and then go back to normal within seconds. I hate it. I also have pvcs and pacs. I try to ignore it but it's hard to. I also was told it was due to anxiety. If I were you I'd try to stop smoking for good and get on a exercise program. Exercise I have heard helps the skipped beats. I hope I have helped a little.
thanks for interest Regan, if i could ask you do you get that feeling reguarly???
mine are so unpredictable i get the feeling like i'm gonna die!!!
Its forums like this that give me some comfort, atleast i know i'm not alone, the thing for me is, i do alot of traveling and i always worry something catastrophic is going to happen like my heart will give in!!!
mine are so unpredictable i get the feeling like i'm gonna die!!!
Its forums like this that give me some comfort, atleast i know i'm not alone, the thing for me is, i do alot of traveling and i always worry something catastrophic is going to happen like my heart will give in!!!
wow this is what I get often. I can feel this odd sensation in my neck and throat, upper chest area. It I cant really describe it but then right after I get that flush feeling with the big thud/thump heart beat then the anxiety kicks in and my pulse takes off. Several times I have reached over to check my pulse as this feeling was comming on and it was slow as usual but normal then it stoped for 1 or 2 seconds then takes off with several fater beats. That when I feel the flushness and panic set in. It is really way to scarry to feel your pulse stop. I usually never notice anything else but the full throat/thud/thump then a few rapid beats. But the aniexty is killing me. I try not to focus on it but I had a history of generalized anxiety before I had NSVT and now its get me freaked out. The most scarriest happened a few weeks ago. I had noticed it had been weeks since I was really bothered by the PAC/PVS's I noticed they were few and far between but the one afternoon at this very desk typing away I felt my chest feel like a ballon where my heart is filling up. I have never been so scared in my life. I thought my heart had stopped without thinking I smacked my self on the chest stood-up coughed and reached to check my pulse. Slow but normal then it took off.. I went tachy from the aniexity and it took awhile to settle down even after some Xanax. Anyone else get this too? I called my Dr. unless I was still having problems not to worry...lol. But I have been plauged with PVC's/PAC's for the last week now Iam losing my mind.
I have experienced that "balloon" feeling a few times. It is horrible. It always surprises me when I live through it.
Man you guys we are a mess. i too experience many of these same sypmtoms. Especially the weird sensation in my throat and upper chest. I remember my doctor telling me that some people describe it as a sucking feeling as if the air is being suck out of their throat. At the time I had no idea but after sometime I started to feel what he mentioned. WEIRD! Anxiety and panic are ones that I too have had to begin dealing with since my PVC's first began. It is a constant battle and it takes enormous effort to keep it in check. Hey does anyone out there remember Hankstar's email address? I went and checked back through the threads and it is no longer there. I would really like to get in touch and pick his brain about something. Thanks
I'm not sure but it might be ***@****. What happened to the threads?
Hey there guys!!!
I have spent alot of time digging my head in books and on the net, I'm no doctor but i am starting to see that many of us who suffer these ill affects, nine times out of ten, have some sort of gastric trouble, there is alot of corillation between the stomach and the heart, espeacilly that they run of the same nerve system (vagal) i notice that after heavy meals and when i am tired, i am more prone to getting this weird feeling, the bad part of all this is, when i get these episodes my natural instinct kicks in ands starts to panic, its only the last few months , that i am conditioning myself not to freak out, probably you's guys would know, no matter how many doctors we visit, we are never content with there opinions, they look at me like a retard!!!!!
i hope that they will find a breakthrough for all of us, cheers!!!
I have spent alot of time digging my head in books and on the net, I'm no doctor but i am starting to see that many of us who suffer these ill affects, nine times out of ten, have some sort of gastric trouble, there is alot of corillation between the stomach and the heart, espeacilly that they run of the same nerve system (vagal) i notice that after heavy meals and when i am tired, i am more prone to getting this weird feeling, the bad part of all this is, when i get these episodes my natural instinct kicks in ands starts to panic, its only the last few months , that i am conditioning myself not to freak out, probably you's guys would know, no matter how many doctors we visit, we are never content with there opinions, they look at me like a retard!!!!!
i hope that they will find a breakthrough for all of us, cheers!!!
I'm glad to hear that someone else suspects PVCs related to gastric problems. I have GERD (acid reflux) and also have gotten PVCs after meals and always a sure thing after eating a high acid meal. One of the many symptoms of acid reflux is the feel of being "breathless." When I approach the doctors that I can get relief of PVCs taking Pepto Bismuth, I usually get a raised eyebrow. This does help me most of the time, but like others, we all have different ways of coping with them and no one has a real answer.
HEY,IM POSTING FOR THE IST TIME. IV'E HAD PVC'S FOR 8 YRS. THEY'VE BECOME VERY FREQUENT IN THE PAST 5 YR'S. I GET BIGEMINY,TRIGEMINY ETC. I GET HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF PVC'S SOME DAYS. EVEN ON A GOOD DAY I STILL GET ALOT. IM 31 YRS' OLD. THIS HAS CHANGED MY LIFE COMPLETELY. I AM NOW BORDER LINE AGORAPHOBIC, HAVE INTENSE PANIC ATTACKS. AND IF I GET SCARED AT ALL I INSTANTLY GO INTO BIGEMINY AND GET A RACING HEART. I HAVE BEEN ON ATENOLOL FOR 3 YRS. AND RECENTLY ADDED TAMBICOR/FLECANIDE WHICH SCARES ME TO DEATH TO TAKE. I WENT TO THE ER 2 TIMES THIS WEEKEND WITH FREQ. PVCS. WAS TOLD I WOULDN'T DIE AND WAS SENT HOME. MY DR. A ELECTROCARDIOLOGIST SAYS THE FEAR WILL DRIVE ME TO INSANITY. HE SAYS HE SEES IT HAPPEN IN ALL HIS PVC PATIENTS. HE ALSO SAID I'D PROBABLY LIVE TO 100 AND STILL BE COMPLAINING ABOUT PVC'S...I GET SCARED WHEN I HAVE LIKE 10 A MINUTE. I SURE FEEL LIKE I'LL DIE WITH THEM THAT FREQUENT. MY DR. WONT DO A ABLATION BECAUSE HE SAID HE PROBABLY COULD'T FIND THE FOCI TO ABLATE. ITS SCARY AND FRUSTRATING ,IM GLAD TO KNOW IM NOT ALONE IN THIS THOUGH. TAKE CARE
There *is* a connection between digestion and PVCs. One day there will be randomized controlled studies that support that. Until then, I already know not to eat many refined carbohydrates, corn, or onions. Excess gas is my PVCs' best friend.
I am a 45 female and have 18000.00 to 20000.00 pvcs trigemy and bigemy every day all the time. I do also have gas pains and alot going on with my stomach these days. I just had gall bladder removed and I think alot of the chest pain was related to that. I did not know that onions or corn caused gas.....what refined carbs do you mean? specify please. Thanks Lisa
It sounds as though your pvcs have taken over your life. I started getting pvcs in my early 20's and had them for 25 years. Tests indicated "bening ectopics," but doctors were comfortable treating me since I was so symptomatic. Sounds like you are going through the same thing as I went through. Although I was not agoraphobic, every decision to "go out" was an ordeal. It became a vicous cycle of pvcs, anxiety, indigestion, IBS, you name it...my whole system would go into a frenzy.
Finally with the help of a very compassionate EP, I learned to manage the pvcs (not entirely, but to some degree). Last year, during an annual exam, the doctors picked up on a cardiomyopathy and determined it was a result of very frequent pvcs. To get the CM under control, my options were 1) try flecainide in the hospital; 2) try other anti-arrythmics; 3) ablation. I could no longer "live with it." Tried the flecainide and it really helped the pvcs, but the side effects were nasty. Tried rhythmol, and finally decided to give the ablation a try. For me, it worked miracles. If your doctor has determined that flecainide is safe for you, try to set aside your fears (I really do know that is easier said than done) and take "baby steps" to getting your life back. Does the flecainide help? If you trust your doctor and feel safe under his, talk with him about your anxiety. Over the years, I heard it a million times..."It won't hurt you," "They're benign," "Don't worry" and so on. I'm sure you can relate. It wasn't until I started seeing my current EP that I really, really trusted what I was hearing. It's not that she said anything differently, it's just that she let me know she understood and cared. If you feel comfortable with your physician, you will be more likely able to relax (even if it's just a little). Take care! Connie
Finally with the help of a very compassionate EP, I learned to manage the pvcs (not entirely, but to some degree). Last year, during an annual exam, the doctors picked up on a cardiomyopathy and determined it was a result of very frequent pvcs. To get the CM under control, my options were 1) try flecainide in the hospital; 2) try other anti-arrythmics; 3) ablation. I could no longer "live with it." Tried the flecainide and it really helped the pvcs, but the side effects were nasty. Tried rhythmol, and finally decided to give the ablation a try. For me, it worked miracles. If your doctor has determined that flecainide is safe for you, try to set aside your fears (I really do know that is easier said than done) and take "baby steps" to getting your life back. Does the flecainide help? If you trust your doctor and feel safe under his, talk with him about your anxiety. Over the years, I heard it a million times..."It won't hurt you," "They're benign," "Don't worry" and so on. I'm sure you can relate. It wasn't until I started seeing my current EP that I really, really trusted what I was hearing. It's not that she said anything differently, it's just that she let me know she understood and cared. If you feel comfortable with your physician, you will be more likely able to relax (even if it's just a little). Take care! Connie
What is a cardiomyopathy? Just out of curiosity did your symptoms change? Did you have any idea this had happend?
What is a cardiomyopathy? Just out of curiosity did your symptoms change? Did you have any idea this had happend?
THANKS "MOMTO3" FOR YOUR COMMENT.FLECANIDE HELPS SOMETIMES.BUT LIKE TODAY EVERY SKIP I GET ,I FEEL THAT MY HEART WILL STOP.AND I GET SO MANY PVCS ITS EXHAUSTING. MY EP DR. IS AWARE OF HOW FRIGHTENED I AM OF THESE THINGS, SO I SEE A THERAPIST FOR STRESS RELIEF ,TAKE ZOLOFT AND TRY TO REPEAT MY EP DRS. REASSURING WORDS THROUGHOUT THE DAY.I JUST WISH THEIR WAS A QUICK FIX. ALL MY 20 AND 30 YR. OLD FRIENDS ARE CAMPING AND TRAVELING AND IM AFRAID TO GO 20 MILES AWAY FROM WHERE I KNOW A HOSPITAL IS "JUST INCASE".IF WE TRAVEL I PLAN THE WHOLE TRIP AROUND WHERE THE FIRE STATION/HOSP. IS.I KNOW THIS IS A RIDICULOUS WAY TO LIVE, BUT I AM SO AFRAID OF THE WEIRD RHYTMS I GET AND THE HIGH #'S OF THEM.IM SO YOUNG I DON'T WANT TO WASTE MY LIFE IN FEAR OF A SUPPOSED BENIGN THING, BUT I AM VERY SCARED. THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT.
usar13b,
Cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart muscle's ability to pump blood is usually weakened. The damage to the heart walls inhibits the ability of the heart to function effectively, which commonly results in heart failure.
About a year before I developed the CM, I was very short of breath and tired easily. Had a bunch of tests, and everything was fine. Kindof accepted it as a matter of fact. Still have thousands of pvcs....A year later, I was still tired and dragging a bit, but not NEARLY as short of breath. This time, my echo showed a drop in my ejection fraction (heart's pumping capability). That's when the CM showed up....So, because of the CM, my EP opted to treat the pvcs aggressively. I'm told that it is very rare for pvcs to lead to this condition. But, in my case...MANY docs and technicians concurred that is indeed what happened. The EP said I would have to be on antiarrythmics for life unless I wanted to give the ablation(s) a try. I was pretty chicken, so I opted to take the meds. Stayed on them for awhile and got up the courage to have the ablation(s)...and I'm so glad I did. Subsequent echos have shown steady improvement.
Cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart muscle's ability to pump blood is usually weakened. The damage to the heart walls inhibits the ability of the heart to function effectively, which commonly results in heart failure.
About a year before I developed the CM, I was very short of breath and tired easily. Had a bunch of tests, and everything was fine. Kindof accepted it as a matter of fact. Still have thousands of pvcs....A year later, I was still tired and dragging a bit, but not NEARLY as short of breath. This time, my echo showed a drop in my ejection fraction (heart's pumping capability). That's when the CM showed up....So, because of the CM, my EP opted to treat the pvcs aggressively. I'm told that it is very rare for pvcs to lead to this condition. But, in my case...MANY docs and technicians concurred that is indeed what happened. The EP said I would have to be on antiarrythmics for life unless I wanted to give the ablation(s) a try. I was pretty chicken, so I opted to take the meds. Stayed on them for awhile and got up the courage to have the ablation(s)...and I'm so glad I did. Subsequent echos have shown steady improvement.
oops, sorry...I accidently directed my question to Connie. Should have looked a little closer huh? Thanks for the insight.
PS Thanks for Hank's email address. I'm going to give it a try. I don't know what happened to those threads but if you look back thru you will notice several of his last entries are gone. I for one miss his opinions. Thanks again!
PS Thanks for Hank's email address. I'm going to give it a try. I don't know what happened to those threads but if you look back thru you will notice several of his last entries are gone. I for one miss his opinions. Thanks again!
ok, ok I got it. You are Connie. I wish I had paid even more attention now :)
Hi, I believe Hank would be of great help to you. His e-mail is ***@****
Computer wowwww!!
i used get into the scenario as you, i couldnt go anywhere, when i first got these feelings, i had a world vaction organized with my gf, one stop we were supposed to go to was to climb Mt kilamanjaro, well as you all guessed that was "Totally" abandoned, and i only went to Europe instead, i tell you it was a "Nightmare" i had skipped beats, anxiety you name it, i was in places that if something happened they wouldnt find me for weeks, so you can imagine what was going through my head, i also still toady take Zoloft, i find it really helps me, but it takes time for the body to get used to, but it takes the edge off things, also i found that gaining knowledge about the problem, helps to deal with the situations, it gives me reasurance that i know i mostly over react, i was the same i could not go anyway unless there was paramedics near by, i now look at skipped beats and all over feelings like kind of a hiccup and when its done it will go away, i have had so tests, with some of the best doctors in this country, and they all comment that not to worry, i guess you really have to take the bull by its horns, or it will ruin you, you have to condition yourself, that you have nothing that is life threatning , and not to let instinct take over, i know this is easier said than done, but just remember there are people who are so sick on this planet that, they would "swap" places with you in a "HEARTBEAT" lol, so the point i am trying to make is, do you waste your life at home, or do you enjoy it?
I know you know the answer to that question!!!!
i used get into the scenario as you, i couldnt go anywhere, when i first got these feelings, i had a world vaction organized with my gf, one stop we were supposed to go to was to climb Mt kilamanjaro, well as you all guessed that was "Totally" abandoned, and i only went to Europe instead, i tell you it was a "Nightmare" i had skipped beats, anxiety you name it, i was in places that if something happened they wouldnt find me for weeks, so you can imagine what was going through my head, i also still toady take Zoloft, i find it really helps me, but it takes time for the body to get used to, but it takes the edge off things, also i found that gaining knowledge about the problem, helps to deal with the situations, it gives me reasurance that i know i mostly over react, i was the same i could not go anyway unless there was paramedics near by, i now look at skipped beats and all over feelings like kind of a hiccup and when its done it will go away, i have had so tests, with some of the best doctors in this country, and they all comment that not to worry, i guess you really have to take the bull by its horns, or it will ruin you, you have to condition yourself, that you have nothing that is life threatning , and not to let instinct take over, i know this is easier said than done, but just remember there are people who are so sick on this planet that, they would "swap" places with you in a "HEARTBEAT" lol, so the point i am trying to make is, do you waste your life at home, or do you enjoy it?
I know you know the answer to that question!!!!
usarab13: LOL!! No problem.....Connie works just as well as "momto3." I don't know what happened to the previous threads...maybe Hank asked that they be removed?? It's strange.
jobob52ford: Thanks for Hank's correct email address. I couldn't remember the "89" in the middle...
Has anyone talked to Hank? How is he doing? Please let him know he is missed on the boards. Notice the disclaimer that pops up now. Maybe that will quiet things down. Here's hoping.
jobob52ford: Thanks for Hank's correct email address. I couldn't remember the "89" in the middle...
Has anyone talked to Hank? How is he doing? Please let him know he is missed on the boards. Notice the disclaimer that pops up now. Maybe that will quiet things down. Here's hoping.
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