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New to PVC's
Hi! I am a 45 year old female with no health problems, no medications, non smoker and have recently started having PVC's daily. I had a 24 hour monitor that showed 1500 PVC but nothing else. My doctor says no other testing is needed. I am wondering if the 24 hr monitor is all the investigation I need. I am also wondering why out of the blue I would start getting these? My husband had bypass surgery in Feb but is doing great- could it be just stress, or maybe nearing menopause?? It just seems so strange for these to start up so randomly. How oftern do these develope into something else more serious? Thank you very much.
Ok, I'm on Inderal for my SVT, and I also have pac's and pvc's too. I'm on day 10 for my Inderal, but in the last three days I've been getting my stupid pac's and pvc's again, not a lot, but very HARD ones. I thought beta blockers were supposed to help with them? Any ideas or suggestions? I hate them worst than the SVT. Thanks, Michelle
One thing I can say as a fellow anxiety sufferer is that it can take months of work to get to where you're at and only seconds, as in the case of your palpitations, to knock you all the way back.
Feeling the sense of doom was probably your adrenaline going up. Thing about anxiety disorder is that it is a disorder, which means it isn't going to be reasonable or make any sense. The adrenaline can go up out of nowhere at all, produce the sense of impending doom, which in turn boosts more adrenaline...which almost invariably leads to palpitations for me.
Have your doctors ever told you to try bearing down when you get a run of these? The 15 in a row sounds like my PSVT...which is basically like a ton of PACs in a row. If I cough very hard or bear down like I am going to cough hard, it will break it. My doctor (GP) has the palpitations too, and he told me a few years back how to break a run of them by doing that vagal maneuver.
The flush you talk about (red hot face) happens to me sometimes. Occasionally, without palpitations too. It's all adrenaline for me.
If your heart workups looked good, I'll bet this is exactly what is going on. Important thing then is to make sure you nip it before it takes control. *IF* however you are getting new symptoms or ones which are bothersome, it's wise to mention this to your doctor. My cardiologist says he wants to know about any changes.
Hang in there. I know what it's like to deal with palpitations and anxiety. Many many of us do. You can get through it though, you have a lot of understanding people here!
Feeling the sense of doom was probably your adrenaline going up. Thing about anxiety disorder is that it is a disorder, which means it isn't going to be reasonable or make any sense. The adrenaline can go up out of nowhere at all, produce the sense of impending doom, which in turn boosts more adrenaline...which almost invariably leads to palpitations for me.
Have your doctors ever told you to try bearing down when you get a run of these? The 15 in a row sounds like my PSVT...which is basically like a ton of PACs in a row. If I cough very hard or bear down like I am going to cough hard, it will break it. My doctor (GP) has the palpitations too, and he told me a few years back how to break a run of them by doing that vagal maneuver.
The flush you talk about (red hot face) happens to me sometimes. Occasionally, without palpitations too. It's all adrenaline for me.
If your heart workups looked good, I'll bet this is exactly what is going on. Important thing then is to make sure you nip it before it takes control. *IF* however you are getting new symptoms or ones which are bothersome, it's wise to mention this to your doctor. My cardiologist says he wants to know about any changes.
Hang in there. I know what it's like to deal with palpitations and anxiety. Many many of us do. You can get through it though, you have a lot of understanding people here!
i have been feeling great since seeing a councellor but the unmistakeable scare and gut feelign of doom that something is wrong is one i can't seem to ignore and i dont' think i should. i dunno, woodruff you are right but when i have those symptoms i cna't see past it....what to do...?
Hey, youse guys, if your hearts have gotten their workups and passed for normal a couple of times, and if you don't have real, disabling symptoms like profuse cold sweats, true shortness of breath that keeps you from doing your normal activities, and crushing pain in the chest or arm, then it may be time to talk to a shrink about panic, which sounds to me (a victim of panic attacks myself) like what you're experiencing.
I do not wish to encourage you to rush into psychotherapy at the risk of your physical health, but for the most part, people with real cardiac disease are very, very sick. It is unmistakable: They simply cannot do the things that are part of ordinary life.
I would recommend seeing a psychiatrist; that is, an MD who can prescribe appropriate therapy and medications after interviewing you. The sooner you take this step, the sooner you will feel better. I know this from personal experience.
I do not wish to encourage you to rush into psychotherapy at the risk of your physical health, but for the most part, people with real cardiac disease are very, very sick. It is unmistakable: They simply cannot do the things that are part of ordinary life.
I would recommend seeing a psychiatrist; that is, an MD who can prescribe appropriate therapy and medications after interviewing you. The sooner you take this step, the sooner you will feel better. I know this from personal experience.
It is both reassuring and unnerving how common this is. I've been a "lurker" here for awhile, I have PVCs, tachycardia, anxiety which as stated many times before turns it all into a vicous cycle. I am a nurse which seems to fuel the fire, because I know all about what "could" be wrong, and what rhythms I "could" slip into if the PVCs get out of hand. Now, as for the anxiety, I am having difficulty returning to the mainstream after my latest scare last week. I was at work, busy busy day, and when things slowed down, my heart when wacko......PVCs that made me dizzy, nausea, no pain but tingling in my hands, and I went downhill from there. I went to the ER, PVCs about 10-12 per minute for about the first 30 minutes there, then slowed to about 4-6. I could feel EVERY ONE!! I felt like any minute I was going to die, anxiety took over, HR in the 150-160s, and it took Ativan to help me get a handle on things. Now, if thats not a slap in the face. I will say that for whatever reason my potassium was only 3.0, and the ER doc thinks thats why the PVCs got so out of hand, now taking supplements for that, follow up Wednesday. But everytime I leave the house now, I get that tickly nervous feeling in my stomach, some SOB, and tachycardia........occas dizzyness, that feeling of doom. Part of me is positive its anxiety, but that part of me can't talk the other part of me down.......I am 36 with an 8 yr old and 5 yr old, and can NOT let this consume me. This happened about 3 yrs ago, ran the gammet of tests, EKG, stress test, echo, wore monitor, given the clear and told it is probably anxiety.......now what, gone until now. I am scared, both of the fact that something was missed, and that I am going crazy. These came out of nowhere about 3 weeks ago, but nothing as sustained as in the ER. Went to cardio today, echo and EKG with stress test (to 210bpm)seemed okay, no PVCs until I sat down afterward to let HR settle back down, even then, only 4 in 10 minutes. Now wearing holter......feeling helpless by the minute.
oh and i also got a quick hard heart beat that felt like pvcs like 15 times in a row. it was so weird, afterwards I got a head rush. but that was it. sooooooooooooooooooo werid...arg...anyone out there with any ideas what could be happeneing?
hey everyone,
i experienced something last night that was outta the ordinary for me so i am looking for some responces of similar experiences or just general feedback and thoughts since i know many of you know alot about these sorta things.
i was in my bedroom last night going to brush my teeth and go to bed when i was hit with a bombard of some sort of funny heart flips and pauses and such. i do get this but these felt very different and made my face turn bright red, as well i had gotten dizzy and a feeling of doom. what is stranger is that i had this terrible feeling of fear just mins before that were for no aparent reason. i got the fear (i mean crazy scared feeling for no reason) and then the nuts dysrhytimia stuff that took my breath away. boy it's not great for stuff like that to happen.
i went to the doctor the other day and he told me off about worrying and that i was 100% fine nothing to worry about go and live my life without restrictions. so i am...and i am seeing a councellor which is great. i have been not worring and feeling chipper for three weeks now. then this last night. i mean, whats the possiblity that it was something really bad? i hate to worry but i am again today because of last night. i truely felt more so than any other time in my life, that i would die from it. plz comments i need. help me out here ppl. any feedback would really save me from going back to the anxiety place for too long. :(
if anyone would like to e-mail me it's nurse_kagome***@**** ok? thanks!
i experienced something last night that was outta the ordinary for me so i am looking for some responces of similar experiences or just general feedback and thoughts since i know many of you know alot about these sorta things.
i was in my bedroom last night going to brush my teeth and go to bed when i was hit with a bombard of some sort of funny heart flips and pauses and such. i do get this but these felt very different and made my face turn bright red, as well i had gotten dizzy and a feeling of doom. what is stranger is that i had this terrible feeling of fear just mins before that were for no aparent reason. i got the fear (i mean crazy scared feeling for no reason) and then the nuts dysrhytimia stuff that took my breath away. boy it's not great for stuff like that to happen.
i went to the doctor the other day and he told me off about worrying and that i was 100% fine nothing to worry about go and live my life without restrictions. so i am...and i am seeing a councellor which is great. i have been not worring and feeling chipper for three weeks now. then this last night. i mean, whats the possiblity that it was something really bad? i hate to worry but i am again today because of last night. i truely felt more so than any other time in my life, that i would die from it. plz comments i need. help me out here ppl. any feedback would really save me from going back to the anxiety place for too long. :(
if anyone would like to e-mail me it's nurse_kagome***@**** ok? thanks!
Got dusted with snow this morning. ::gag:: Dress warm!!! :D
beanzz - I think dramatic weather shifts contribute, but I think it's more because dramatic weather shifts cause me pain and pain raises my adrenaline and adrenaline increases the palpitations.
momto3 - Kids grow fast huh? He turns 1 on December 26th (my little Christmas present, hehe). It's bittersweet watching him grow. I'm so proud of him, but yet I'm sad I can't have any more babies. He makes up for it though, he's of the extra cute and snuggly variety :)
momto3 - Kids grow fast huh? He turns 1 on December 26th (my little Christmas present, hehe). It's bittersweet watching him grow. I'm so proud of him, but yet I'm sad I can't have any more babies. He makes up for it though, he's of the extra cute and snuggly variety :)
Thanks for all your thoughts. My babies are 14 and 18!! Enjoy everyday with the little ones. Some days may go slow but the years goes fast. Have a good day all!
I'm headed for Cleveland this weekend....Looks like I should plan on packing some warm clothes!! Fortunately, Ohio has a lot more going for it than the weather : ) I really miss lots of things about Cleveland (Indians, Cavs, zoo, beautiful summers and falls, the lake, Cedar Point, great medicine, and lots more).
Anacyde,
Can't believe your little one is nearing his first birthday! Seems like only yesterday you were posting about counting down the weeks....
Stay warm! Looks like our temps are gonna take a dip this weekend too.....
connie
beanzz,
Glad you got some added reassurance from your cardio. Anytime you need to vent or ask questions, there are lots of great folks around here who can help.
Anacyde,
Can't believe your little one is nearing his first birthday! Seems like only yesterday you were posting about counting down the weeks....
Stay warm! Looks like our temps are gonna take a dip this weekend too.....
connie
beanzz,
Glad you got some added reassurance from your cardio. Anytime you need to vent or ask questions, there are lots of great folks around here who can help.
How about stress and anxiety? Many people seem to fall into that category too. I feel like I could be any of those three. I have very minor Gerd, but have noticed since this started I have small burps throught the day that I don't recall having before. Very fustrating but good to know I am not alone.
Hi Beanzz, I just recently began having PVCs also and wondered why all of a sudden I should start having them. There seems to be no explanation for why you have them. I understand that as long as your heart is normal otherwise there is no reason to worry about them though. If you are having symptoms that bother you a beta blocker is usually recommended (and very helpful). I recently saw an arrythmia specialist and he told me that if you are having less than 20,000 PVC's per day the doctors don't really worry about it. If, however, you are having over 20,000 they want you to have treatment to reduce them as this can lead to heart weakness. Unfortunately he told me my last holter showed me having over 25,000 a day and I will need treatment. I am currently on Toprol 50 mgs which helps significantly but if that does not reduce them enough I will have to have an ablation (I don't tolerate medicines well so the anti-arrythmic drugs are not a good choice for me). Hang in there and as the others stated this is a very good forum for information and support for PVCs. Good luck
Thanks again for your input. I saw the cardio today just for a second opinion and she agreed with all we have been saying here. Thinks stress or hormones may definitley be playing a part and to just hang in there. Doing an echo for my peace of mind. Also here in Cleveland!! Maybe it is the weather that causes these!!
beanzz: I just started having a crazy amount of PACs (same thing basically, just that mine come from the atria instead of the ventricles) out of the blue and they come and go. They just literally appeared one day and it was frightening even though I've had them here and there in the past. They all checked out okay though. But I can relate, and just wanted to say you are not alone! I'm glad to hear your husband is doing well following his bypass.
fearfactor: I'm so jealous, lol ;) I'm finishing my last college class now and I would LOVE to be in Texas - but I'm stuck in the rust/snow belt up north, Cleveland area. Ick. Hope you're enjoying that little bundle of joy! My "little" guy is 10 months old already. This year...I have no idea where it went! Let us know if the BC pills work...my doctor had recommended that for me too.
fearfactor: I'm so jealous, lol ;) I'm finishing my last college class now and I would LOVE to be in Texas - but I'm stuck in the rust/snow belt up north, Cleveland area. Ick. Hope you're enjoying that little bundle of joy! My "little" guy is 10 months old already. This year...I have no idea where it went! Let us know if the BC pills work...my doctor had recommended that for me too.
People knock themselves out looking for a cause of pvcs. It is human nature to look for a pattern, a reason for why things are they way they are, but people almost never--and I mean never--find a solid, reliable explanation for their pvcs. After much experience and reading, I am inclined to think there is in fact an association between hormones and pvcs, and between acid reflux or GERD and pvcs, but for the rest of it--hah!
Basically, every muscle cell in the heart is naturally contractile, and has its own rate of beating. During early fetal development, all these cells get very polite and agree to beat at the rate of the fastest cell, the "pacemaker." However, during a person's life, sometimes a rogue cell or a few of them decide to fire off at their own timing, and bingo--you've got pvcs. I don't think anyone knows why, or can come up with even a halfway satisfying explanation.
Basically, every muscle cell in the heart is naturally contractile, and has its own rate of beating. During early fetal development, all these cells get very polite and agree to beat at the rate of the fastest cell, the "pacemaker." However, during a person's life, sometimes a rogue cell or a few of them decide to fire off at their own timing, and bingo--you've got pvcs. I don't think anyone knows why, or can come up with even a halfway satisfying explanation.
Thanks for all your comments. I am going to see a cardiologist tomorrow just to check these Holter monitor results and ask about having an echo for peace of mind. Mine also, are almost felt exclusively in my throat below the adams apple. Sometimes a flip flop, sometimes a thump and sometimes a vibration. I just can't understand why 6 weeks ago I did not have these and now I do. What has changed?? Thanks again
Right now I am having a bad month with PVCs where I feel about 100-200 or so a day. (feels like my throat is bulging outward for 1 second. Then at times I can go for weeks without feeling a single thing.
I have learned that after an Echo and 4 EKGs that I am healthy. If you want get a through cardiac workup if onyl for peace of mind. Also have cardiac studies done when you are healthy can be beneficial down the road because your doctor will have some other results to go with.
I have learned that after an Echo and 4 EKGs that I am healthy. If you want get a through cardiac workup if onyl for peace of mind. Also have cardiac studies done when you are healthy can be beneficial down the road because your doctor will have some other results to go with.
OMYGOSH!! Double congratulations.....or triple if you're happy to be in Dallas : )
I moved to NC last year and it was great not having 120+ inches of snow!!
Good luck at the new job!
Connie
I moved to NC last year and it was great not having 120+ inches of snow!!
Good luck at the new job!
Connie
Hi, Connie! I graduated from school last May - I'm now living in the Dallas, TX area! I haven't taken the bar yet so I'm not practicing as an attorney but I am working with an accounting firm (actually, I start tomorrow!). I hope you are doing great!
Yep, I really hope this every 4 months thing works - I KNOW there's a hormonal connection with my palps. If I could only solve that, I think life would be much better for me!
Take care,
Stacy
Yep, I really hope this every 4 months thing works - I KNOW there's a hormonal connection with my palps. If I could only solve that, I think life would be much better for me!
Take care,
Stacy
CONGRATULATIONS!!! So happy for you!!! See, pregnancy has its good moments : )
How is school?
I never noticed a correlation with BC pills and pvcs, but will be interested to hear what others have to say. Maybe your doctor is onto something with that every 4 months thing!!
Hope you're having a great day!!
Congrats again!!!
connie
How is school?
I never noticed a correlation with BC pills and pvcs, but will be interested to hear what others have to say. Maybe your doctor is onto something with that every 4 months thing!!
Hope you're having a great day!!
Congrats again!!!
connie
Welcome to the club, beanzz!
If you want to know what we all experience, what we learn here, and how we deal with pvcs, type pvc or pvcs into the search box near the top of the page.
You won't believe how much info will turn up. You will certainly learn that you're not alone.
If you want to know what we all experience, what we learn here, and how we deal with pvcs, type pvc or pvcs into the search box near the top of the page.
You won't believe how much info will turn up. You will certainly learn that you're not alone.
Hi, All! I just had my beautiful baby girl 2 months ago! I had a wonderful reprieve from palps during pregnancy and since I have started my period again they are coming back, especially during PMS. Thank God, it's not too bad, though! My gynecologist wants me to use the birth control pills that make you have your period only 4 times a year - she says this will really help to reduce my palpitations since they are hormonally related. Has anyone tried this? Anyone else notice an increase or decrease when using birth control pills? I am sort of nervous about even trying them because I don't want to further mess up my hormones and start getting them even worse.
Love the nickname!! So funny!
I can't say if this is true in your situation, but I know that hormones were definitely a trigger with me. PVC's would increase anytime there was a hormonal fluctuation (stress, anxiety, monthly cycle, pregnancy, peri-M). For reasons that seem to be beyond our understanding, pvcs come and go for whatever reason.
In the setting of a structurally normal heart, pvcs generally present no reason for concern. That's not to say that can't drive you bonkers and that can be the most difficult part to handle. Once your doctor has assured you that you are fine, it's best to just think of them as a annoying case of the hiccups.
Hope your husband is doing well after CABG.
Have a great day!
Connie
I can't say if this is true in your situation, but I know that hormones were definitely a trigger with me. PVC's would increase anytime there was a hormonal fluctuation (stress, anxiety, monthly cycle, pregnancy, peri-M). For reasons that seem to be beyond our understanding, pvcs come and go for whatever reason.
In the setting of a structurally normal heart, pvcs generally present no reason for concern. That's not to say that can't drive you bonkers and that can be the most difficult part to handle. Once your doctor has assured you that you are fine, it's best to just think of them as a annoying case of the hiccups.
Hope your husband is doing well after CABG.
Have a great day!
Connie
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