Night Tachycardia - Need 2nd Opinion

[antsypants]

I've experienced 3 episodes of tachycardia while sleeping in the last week.  I feel a fluttery feeling in my chest with a "burst" of tachycardia causing my heart rate to peak at 140 BPM for approx 3-4 minutes.  My doctor placed me on a 48 hr holter monitor (wasn't able to catch any of the episodes, of course) and the results were PVC's and sinus tachycardia which my doctor says are benign.  She's ordered a stress test to cover all bases and told me that if the stress test is normal she wasn't going to worry about.  By the way, I have suffered from panic disorder and lived med free up until Nov 99.  I've been on 20 mgs of Paxil.  I'm worried because when I experienced these 3 episodes I've had no anxiety or panic associated with it.  Please give me a second opinion if possible.

Thank you for your time.  This is a wonderful site that is performing a great service for alot of people.  Keep up the good work.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

It's an unfortunate but common complaint that the culprit rhythm dosen't show up during the Holter test.  In cases such as these we will commonly order an 'event recorder' or 'loop monitor' that can be worn for longer periods and activated when the rhythm does appear.  This is the only way of making the diagnosis for sure.  It is somewhat more expensive than a Holter and the benefit of the test must be weighed against the cost.  Ask your doctor about the appropriateness of this test for you.

[coco man]

You should not worry.  You have an extra pathway in your heart you need to get an 'EP study and an ablation' done.  Don't worry your chances are 99 percent good.  100 percent cure is possible.

You should go to an 'Electro-physiologist'.

Regards: Coco man :)

[Patrice]

I WOULDN'T GO TO AN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST!!!!!!!

Not now anyway.  I have tachacardia and have had it for a long time.  There are medications that can be taken before you go into testing.  Believe me from experience.  I hope things work out for you but see if you can try medication before testing. ESPECIALLY INVASIVE TESTING!  Medicine works for most people with this problem.

GOOD LUCK!!

[karen from carmel, n.y. 3/1/00]

This is only by second day on AOL and I've already messed
up numerous times.  I think i already transmitted partial
messages, but this is my last effort.

I had tachycardia for several years before finally being
diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia.  I wore a 30
day event monitor.  I did opt for having an ablation, but
after two months the tachycardia was back, only not as
severe.  I was told the ablation worked but that i have
multiple abnormal electrical pathways in my heart.  So now
I take 50 mg. of Toprol XL once a day.  I'm not really under
control but I can go to work everyday and if I really pace
myself and don't do anything too strenuous I'm willing to
live with it for now.  If it progresses to the point were I
was before the first ablation (240 beats per minute) then I
will have another ablation done.  Hope this helps someone
out there.

[cj]

Thanks for the responses.  I actually spent last night in the hospital because I had another episode.  I had a echo/stress test this morning and it was discovered that I have mitral valve prolapse.  The cardioligist was also concerned because after the treadmill was stopped abruptly and the echo was done, my heart rate went from 95 down to 60 then back up into the 90's within seconds.  He is placing me o an event monitor so we could catch the tachycardia events.  

By the way, I'm a 37 years old female in excellent health and very athletic.  

[Caroline]

When a person gets runs of PVC's (4 in a row) is that bad?  My doctors seem to not be worried about it at all and say a lot of people get the same things.  I am horrified!!!!!  I get around 5 - 10 skips per day but these runs of the things scare me to death!  Can anyone out there tell me if they get runs of them?

Thanks!

[shannon]

Hi -- I have periodic runs of PVCs, and I've had holter monitor tests showing up to 4000 PVCs per day.  (I've also had open heart surgery to repair a funky valve and close an ASD.  Didn't have the weird rhythms until after the surgery...)

My doc has told me not to worry about the runs; that they're fairly common and not dangerous.  They make me momentarily breathless and lightheaded. I've fainted twice during episodes, but I'm also on B/P medication to reduce my heart rate, so the fainting may be from the low blood pressure.  Since my surgery, my heart rate has averaged in the low 100s, so I'm staying on medication until the rate drops.  (it's not deconditioning; I figure skate 12 to 15 hours per week and I work myself pretty hard.)

Anyway, just wanted to tell you that though it feels really weird and scary, most of the time -- unless you have a structural heart problem or atherosclerosis -- these extra thumpy beats will only mess up your lifestyle (from the fear).

hope this helps, even a little bit.

shannon

[regan]

i've had problems with tachycardia for years & didn't think anything of it until one night it got so bad that i passed out at home and found myself in the hospital for 1 week. the tachycardia was so bad i started to have seizures--at one point my heart rate was up to 171 bpm. after numerous tests in the hospital, i was diagnosed with a mitral valve prolapse & an atrial septic defect. apparently i've had it since birth, but it was never a problem until recently. the seizures stopped when the heart rate was under control. i am now on tenormin 50-75mg per day and it pretty much keeps everything under control. i also wore a holter monitor which of course showed nothing but a few benign pvc's. don't take chances with your health & your heart; get answers!!!

[Kate Krinakis]

I am soooooooo glad I found this site  I knew these types of arrhythmias existed, but I didn't realize they were so prevalent.  I was diagnosed with episodes of supraventricular tachychardia and also premature ventricular contractions in 1995.  It is frightened even though a doctor tells you that you should be allright and not to worry.  Also for the person that experiences the late night tachychardia, I have them too and I also am a person who has suffered panic attacks.  I am sorry you have this condition, but in a selfish way, it is good to know that someone else has this too.  At the times when I get the late night tachychardia, I am not feeling any anxiety either.  I pray to find an answer to it.  Because it really feel like you are literally going to die while it is happening.  I had the holter monitor and the events recorder and no one really said anything about these episodes that showed up.  I would welcome any correspondance

[Bridie Wong]

I am a 28 yr old girl with a history of palpitations fast heart beats and skipped beats. This all got extremely worse during pregnancy. The skipped beats would start to come all day everyday without stopping. Ive had holters that show 2000 or more pacs and 200 pvcs had ekgs that read non specific st abnormality rightward axis short pr interval. Finally the skipped beats never let up after pregnancy continued night and day. was put on Inderal and finally digoxin. .inderal didnt really work digoxin worked for a couple of months then the beats came back and wont stop They say its not mital valve prolapse and echo dosent show anything really wrong. I have suffered for so long trying to find an answer Its terrible I feel like Im the only one with this problem what do you think this is What can I do?                                                    /den te




                            i

[sylvia]

Hi Caroline, I also have had 4 beat runs show up on holter.  I agree it feels terrible!!  Mine feel like a tickle,long pause, then THUMP!! Is that what yours feel like?  I have been to a few different doctors who have all told me that because my heart is healthy that it is harmless.  Today I looked at the new posting on VT by Brian, sunday, march 5, 2000 and it is frightening me again. Well I wish you the best Caroline if you would like to talk more please e-mail me at ***@****  Take care!  Sylvia.

[Kate Krinakis]

This is to Bridie Wong.  I really feel for you and believe me I can relate to you.  We had an 18th surprise birthday party for my daughter planned last Sunday Feb 27, and I hadn't been feeling too well all morning with PVC's that were very constant.  They subsided and I said I'll just go to the party and then rest when I got home.  On the way, just minutes from the restaurant, I had a severe attack of them and had to go to the ER.  Needless to say, I was upset for ruining my daughters party, but scared to death because of these pvc's.  It is amazing to me the progress they have made with major invasive surgery regarding the heart, but these arrhythmias are still plaguing a huge part of the population, (mostly women, I might add).  It really does affect your life.  For the past five years, I have been frightened to go long distaces i.e. vacation, for fear I might have an attack.  And the family, I believe, have a hard time understanding, because, usually, after an episode I am o.k.(Thank God).  I have been put on two different types of drugs in the past Calan, and atenolol (sp?). Neither one helped.  As a matter of fact, one doctor told me that my original doctor who prescribed Calan for me, was wrong to prescribe that drug and that it wouldnt work for my type of arrhythmia.  Gives you a lot of confidence doesn't it?  Oh well, God bless you and I pray you get better soon

[amber]

I am 25 years old.  I have been suffereing with irregular heartbeats and chest pain for 4 years now.  The doctors have done several tests, all coming back ok.  I have wore holters, had echos and ekgs...all normal.  The chest pain is getting more regular and actually goes into my left arm. I also expereince nasea and get light headed and dizzy. I have these pains daily.  It is definately affecting my life.  I am a very healthly athletic sports director for a major organization and I really feel like these episodes control my life.  I am scared to death, whenever I have these episodes..I literally think that I will die.  I have pretty much accepted the fact that I will never have a family, I honestly beleive that I will die from this and the doctors just don't know what it is.  I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder.  The medication works, but I still have the attacks when I am entirely relaxed, daily.  Is anyone else expereincing this?  Please advise.  Thank you.

[Amber...questions of the heart....irregu]

I am 25 years old.  I have been suffereing with irregular heartbeats and chest pain for 4 years now.  The doctors have done several tests, all coming back ok.  I have wore holters, had echos and ekgs...all normal.  The chest pain is getting more regular and actually goes into my left arm. I also expereince nasea and get light headed and dizzy. I have these pains daily.  It is definately affecting my life.  I am a very healthly athletic sports director for a major organization and I really feel like these episodes control my life.  I am scared to death, whenever I have these episodes..I literally think that I will die.  I have pretty much accepted the fact that I will never have a family, I honestly beleive that I will die from this and the doctors just don't know what it is.  I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder.  The medication works, but I still have the attacks when I am entirely relaxed, daily.  Is anyone else expereincing this?  Please advise.  Thank you.

[Linda]

I am 44 years old and in good health.  Recently I have been experiencing episodes of rapid heartbeat and pain in my arms.  The other night I ended up in the emergency department because I was awakened by my rapid heart beat.  All of the tests came back normal but I am still waiting for the results of the holter which I wore for only 24hours.  I was wondering if this could have a hormonal connection and if it could be controlled by hormones.  Also, could it be related to reflux which is more common for me when I am pre-menstrual.  This rapid heart-beat is stressing me out and giving me anxiety which I didn't have before it started which was out of the blue.  I'd appreciate any comments.  Thanks.  Also, in reading about all of the folks that have rapid heartbeat disorders, I'm feeling discouraged.  Does anyone have good results with any kind of treatment?

[aaron]

This comment is for Amber. I am a 26 yr old male. I have a history of SVT which is a non life threatening condition for which I am going to be undergoing an EP study next month.
I also have been diagnosed whith anxiety disorder and panic attacks. I have the same symptoms as you. It is very scary and makes it hard to focus on anything else. I had a stress echo and a EKG done and both were normal. I myself do not know what to do, but you are not alone.

[jennifer]

I am a 27year old female who also suffers from SVT, and PVC's. I was told for years that it was only anxiety.I have also latly been woken at night from this, the first night it happened I wouldnt go back to sleep! I stayed up for almost two days scared to go back to sleep! My doctor also wanted to do an ablation. I was very excited at first, now after reading some stories I am very scared. I am looking for anyone who would like to exchange information on the catheter ablation or the condition, I would like to know as much as possible, and who better to talk with about it then people who are in my shoes!
Thanks!
email-***@****

[comment from loretta on ablation]

jennifer you wanted input on ablation check under a former  Q: Taurine- Donna 2-28-2000 comment by loretta 3-5-2000. it is too legnthy to repeat here BEST WISHES !

[Anne. K.]

I am not a doctor or specialist, but can say I have had (have on occastion) ventricular tachycardia, two heart ablations, atrial arrthymias, and have worn my share of holters and had plenty of tests.  My concern is you mentioned taking Paxil.  I have had a doctor try Paxil on me for a hormone disorder and I found it stimulated my arrthymias greatly.  You might want to check on that medication in addition to all the other suggestions.  
Regarding the holter - do get a event monitor.  I have had mine on for a month and a half to catch these obscure atrial arrthymias. It's great, the doctors *do* get to see what you are experiencing, and can treat you appropriately.

Best wishes!

[Anne K. to Caroline]

This is in regards to Caroline's question.

Caroline, I have between 200 - 15,000 PVCs and/or VTs each day.  I know what you mean.  My only advice is to speak to your doctor about your concerns, get as many tests as you can to help ease your mind, and if you are still concerned, seek a consult from an electrophysiologst.  They specialise in arrthymias.

Best wishes,
Anne

[mary b. - reply to anne k]

Do you feel every skipped beat?  That sounds like an awful lot of skips.  I have VERY STRONG PVC's usually every day and the GP says I am probably super sensitive to these things.  Please reply.

[amanda]

My Dr also says that I am super sensitive to PVCs but I wonder how come I only became sensitive to them 3 years ago at the age of 24?  Before then I never felt anything even remotely like a PVC, in fact I was completely ignorant of my heart's actions.........ahh for the good old days.

[teri]

I'm a 35 year old female and I suffer from constant fatigue and lethargy, I make myself remain as active as possible trying to run 3X per week and playing sports on occasion but its a real chore to get up and do it..  I have a very slow resting heart-rate 50 bpm, and get rapid heart-beats on occasion that usually attack at night and feel kinda fluttery.  My blood pressure and iron levels are also low.  Should I be concerned??
50 bpm seems awefully low...

[Anne K. reply to mary b.]

Mary ...

Yes I feel a good amount of those pvcs/vts and now an atrial arrthymia which has not been classified (I am on my seond month of an event monitor - great for documentation of 'unusual symptoms' ... I highly recommend requesting one).  PVCs feel like a skipped beat - which is actually a beat catching up, VTs vary - my main symptoms were an incredible pressure in my head, dizziness and anxiety with some light PVC symptoms.  Atrial feels like the doctor (electrophysiologst) is pacing me during an EP study.  Those are my personal symptoms.  :-)

I do have an awful lot of irregular beats <g> ...  and amazingly enough, the two ablations I have been through have decreased their frequency.  

Sometimes they are very noticable, to the point I become concerned and occassionaly worried, others I have lived with for the past six years and are no longer phased.  Having the monitor handy helps me as I am able to listen to the arrthymia real-time and know if it is a pvc, unsustained VT, a run of VT or atrial issue.  They all sound unique.

I am hoping to travel to the east coast (Cleveland, Hopkins, or maybe a hosptial in Boston) to obtain a second opinion on my condition since I have had the two ablations, continue to have numerous pvcs/vts/atrial who knows what (lol) ... and to find a closure to this mess.   I see Rochester Mayo has a special pacemaker that certain seems to suit my needs.  I am just not sure I am ready to become a 'study'.

Does anyone have an opinion on implantable defibs?

Best wishes .. and always seek the advice of a physician.

- Anne

[Keith (keithscientist@cheerful,com)]

Iv'e had similar night tachychardiaproblems that were treated 3 years ago successfully with beta blockers.  The symptoms went away by cutting out caffeine and getting a new boss.  So I could cut out the beta blockers.

However, a few days ago from a routine complete physical exam, my MD sent my 12 lead EKG off to a cardiologist who decided that I have an old MI due to the fact that I display an elevated ST segment....

As far as I can tell I have no common cardiac risk factors

non smoker
light drinker
ideal weight
low fat diet
both parents (mother 86 and father 92) are still alive and well with mom, in the last couple of years showing a few signs of high blood pressure
exercise 3-7 times a week
XCski, soccer, triathlon, badminton, hockey, rowing

I AM a type A personality
I DID have the stress-induced episode

Here's my question (for Bruce Wilkoff, M.D.?) Could my EKG elevated ST be caused by so-called "Athletic Heart"? AND how would I be able to know, for sure? E.g.. Do U know of any "Athletic Heart"  EKG traces that could be used for comparison or passed on to my cardiologist for his comparison? Should I take some other test?
Many thanks.......Keith

  

[Helen from Australia]

This is in comment to LINDA...
I too am 44 years old. I found my rapid heart rate (up to 239 BPM's !! is affected by hormonal changes,as well as other triggers. ie sometimes before my period, hot flushes, etc.
Have your hormone levels tested and perhaps doing what I do might help..
Evening Primrose Oil tablets 500mgs 2 times per day with vitamin E and I use Natural Progesterone Cream from days 10 to 24 of my cycle ( i have a 25day cycle). This has stopped my SVT's during the night and I sleep alot more calmly now.
Also I have found excess gas happens before a period also but with my natural remedies that I am taking and following a special diet I dont get gas anymore or reflux..
Hope this helps...

[rauann]

recent night svt, went to er, admitted with right bundle branch block and inverted t waves.  eco stress neg. so now what to I do.and what does it all mean?  I'm 50 female and under extreem stess. also have history of panic diorder.

[carole]

I suffer from tachycardia also.  I am 48 years old and no history of heart problems in my family.  I exercise regularly and watch what I eat.  My doctor put my on 25 mg. Toprol XL following a 4 hour bout with 140bpm.  I was wondering if anyone using Toprol Xl or other beta-blockers has had a problem with weight gain.  I have noticed since I began a daily regimen with the Toprol, that I have gained 10 pounds.  I have not changed my exercise program and have tried dieting to no end. If anyone shares my dilemna, please give me some good advice.  I am very frustrated.

[Rachel]

After reading the numerous postings, I see a common thread of anxiety .. and am wondering if any of you take Xanax for your anxiety?   If so, you might want to consider that one of Xanax's common side effects is rapid heart beat.  I had been taking Xanax off and on for years for my "panic attacks" which turned out to be some of my disks in my back being out of alignment.  After the chiropractor adjusted my back, especially the T-2,3,4 areas, both the panic attacks and the GERD symptoms disappeared.  So, read up on Xanax, those of you who are taking it, and consider this comment.  I hope it may help someone else.

[Bob to Echo Tech]

Elsewhere on this Q&A site, someone posted about low magnesium levels and how it can cause various heart rhythm problems.  Certainly, that would not be the answer for everyone, but it would seem to be worth looking into with one's physician, as it's fairly common and easily overlooked.  

The cardiologist in the reply pointed out that all new hospital admissions are tested for low magnesium, but what was left hanging in the breeze was the fact that most of the people with these problems aren't being admitted to hospitals, and thus may  be missing out on that test (it's a special test, not just a generic blood levels test).  

Things mentioned that may affect magnesium levels included drinking filtered water, drinking "soft" water, calcium supplements, calcium channel blockers, and some other common heart drugs, some of which may be given erroneously to correct what might actually be fixed by a supplement.  

However, it would be incredibly foolish and dangerous to go off any heart meds without getting your doctor's assistance and blessing.  Nor is it safe to try to avoid the doctor by taking a magnesium pill.  If you think this may be your problem, do it right: get the test to find out before trying to do something about it yourself.  

  

[jan]

Patrice, I saw your emphatic "don't go to an electrophys." Did you have a bad experience?  Electrophys. are the dr.s to see with an arrhythmia problem.  (I think mine is great).

[E. B.]

I have been taking an arthritis medication for about 6 months and 1 month ago started having skipped and rapid heartbeats 160 bpm. Went to a cardiologist and he said I had a v block 2md stage and I needed a pacemaker.  First, he took me off the celebrex and in a week my heart was beating normally.  Had an echo cardiogram and stress test and everything was perfect.  He told me to try vioxx instead and in 2 days the arrythmia was back.  Went to an EP and he said I needed an ablation and he had never heard of vioxx causing arrythmia but he took me off the vioxx and in 4 days the arrythmia was gone.  Supposed to return to the EP for a follow-up.  Has anyone experienced a problem with either of these medications?

[Jen S]

To Katie and Amber -
It is June - just read your messages - I am sorry you are having trouble - I have SVT - 240 BPM and take 50 mg of atenolol - helps diminish but would like to have ablation for a permanent cure - but I am scared. Do you have any info on ablation? I also suffer from panic attacks, and am often afraid they will escalate into uncontrolled SVT. You can e-mail me at ***@****
Thanks!

[Natalie]

My son who is 12 years old has been having chest pain and tachycardia. He wore the Prince of Hearts monitor for 30 days. One episode that was recorded concerned his cardiologist but she is not sure of the diagnosis. She said it may be SVT or something like neurogenetic cardioreflux. Has anyone heard of the second one? She wants to do an ablation on him without trying any medicines first. I don't know what to do. Should I get a second opinion? I didn't understand half the things she said and I consider myself pretty intelligent. Any suggestions?

[Brad]

GREAT COMMENTS EVERYONE...I WAS DIAGNOSED A YEAR AGO WITH SVT...APPROXIMATELY EVERY 30 DAYS FOR OVER A YEAR JUST AS I WAS GOING TO SLEEP I WOULD BE WOKEN UP BY A SEVERELY FAST HEART RHYTHM...I THOUGHT I WAS HAVING A HEART ATTACK...FOR A YEAR I WENT THROUGH THE SAME THING EVERYONE ELSE DID...DOCTOR TELLING ME IT WAS STRESS OR MY DIET...FINALLY WHEN WEARING A HOLTER WE CAUGHT IT 180 BEATS A MINUTE...NOW IM ON ATENOLOL...WORKS PERFECTLY..I AGREE NO INVASIVE PROCEDURES UNLESS THE MEDS DONT WORK...MOST MEDS ARE ONCE A DAY NO BIG DEAL...LETS KEEP SOMETHING IN MIND TOO PEOPLE..WE DO NOT HAVE A LIFE THREATENING CONDITION...ANYWAYS EVERY ONCE AND A WHILE THAT LITTLE PULSE TRIES TO FIND A BAD SPOT AND I CAN FEEL THAT BUT NOT A BIG DEAL...I DO HAVE ONE QUESTION IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME...SOMETIMES DURING THE DAY SOMETIMES 2-3 TIMES A DAY I GET THIS FEELING AS IF MY HEART IS STOPPED...IT REALLY FLUTTERS FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN IT GOES AWAY...IT CAN BE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE SOMETIMES...ANYONE HAVE A CLUE??  I APPRECIATE IT AHEAD OF TIME :)

[robertm]

Hello. I have recently been diagnosed with PVC and SVT. I'm on
a beta-blocker (forgot name) 60mg day. The BB's don't seem to
be stopping the PVC or SVT but have lessened the episodes.

I experience the SVT most strongly at night when lying down.

I also am experiencing strong energy waves out from my head
at times. These are comparable to energy one might feel moving
throughout ones body when massaged or touched. I have felt these
head waves so strongly in the past they are really quite stormy.
They occur I believe due to stress which is definitely present
in my life. These waves are accompanied by a sound that is like
an oscillating hum.

I'm thinking the stress has really scrambled my nervous system.
Anyone have any similar symptoms?

Thanks.

[Robert M]

test

[Robert M]

I was recently diagnosed with PVC and SVT. I am taking 40mg of
propanolol and this has lessened the symptoms. I seem to be most
prone to the SVT at night when I lay down and sleep. I have not
passed out but certainly do feel the episode in my body. I also
feel the PVC very strongly. It is quite regular when I lay down.

I also am getting a very electrical pulse sensation in my head
more often. It is an outward radiating sensation of energy
movement. Anyone else experience this?

From my short reading of information on the web I have gleened
that PVC is pretty common. I don't know about the SVT. I do
experience a good deal of stress. The PVC was detected in a
sleep study (don't sleep well - wake up many times in the night)
and the SVT from Holter monitor. My beat apparently went up to
200 or so. No dizzyness to speak of.

Is it common for the SVT to lessen/dissapear with medication
such as beta blockers? I'm concerned to assess the nature of
this condition and it's impact on my longterm health.

Thanks. Appreciate any appraisals, wisdom, shared experiences.

[Elainne]

I live in the UK, I had agreed to undergo ablation investigation as I have been on medication for over 26 years Quinidine Durules.

In June 2000 I had 5 Ablations done to be told I had been mis diagnosed and was on the table for over 3 hours, awake all the time, it was extremely painfully like have 5 heart attacks, I was sent home with no information at all my own GP's know nothing instead of getting warnig of fatigue I just stop dead, I still have epsiodes, and angina attacks, but my heart beats differently now.

From what I have read here, I would say its worth a try, just to get a bit of relief from the continuos episode I had previously.

Anyone else had 5 ablations done or more what did you feel like?

[Andrew]

I am 46 year old normal healthy individual. I have been on medicine for hypertension for four years. My medication is antoxid, amlodipine 2.5 mg and ASA 50 mg (only). Recently i had mild chest pain, recurring 4 or 5 nights in ten daya. Ususally around 4 AM. My ECG indicated T Inversion III and a PR interval of 0.22 sec. My doctor also mentioned skipped beats, although I don't feel them. I am on betaloc and amlodipine now.
While my doctor says there is nothing to worry about, I am petrified. Any comments would help.

[jejouelaflute]

A related discussion, Terrified of Tachycardia was started.