PAC'S and PVC's

[bentley1961]

I have been told I have PAC's and PVC's.  I have also been told I have a completely normal heart.  I get these feelings like a small jump or catch.  On occasion, about eight times in the last month, I get these sensations like I have been hit in the chest. Like my wind gets knocked out on me, briefly, and maybe one or two times consecutively.  Almost like a little seizure type feeling in my chest, that sends my into an instant panic, my heart races afterword and pounds seemingly twice as hard and I get more skips. And on one occasion, after the weird sensation for a few seconds in felt like my heart was gone, chest void and I couldn't pick up a pulse in my wrist for a few seconds.  I know there's other post on things like this, but I'm still a little lost. Are these PVC's, something worse? ANY info would be greatly appreciated! I'm so scared of doing anything these days, I get scared that the next time it happens my hearts going to stop for good!  Is is bad to have these things a couple of times a day or am I making a big deal out of nothing.  The cardiologist I saw said I was totally normal but I sure don't feel normal.

[CCFHeartMD19]

Hello Bentley1961,

I reviewed your story. It is tough for me to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment over the internet but I can help you by giving you some general tenets that might work.
You mention that you have PACs and PVCs. I am not sure what modalities have been used to diagnose them but you would probably benefit from one of two devices : 1. Holter monitor 2: Event recorder. Both these devices help diagnose abnormal rhythms and try to connect them to your symptoms. You can discuss with your cardiologist if these would be suitable for you.
The first order of business is to make an accurate diagnosis of your symptoms.
As the other person imanning has pointed out that there are several electrolyte related imbalances which may cause these symptoms and correction of these is sometimes very helpful.
In the worst case scenario there are medications (beta blockers) which can be administered in low doses and are very effective in keeping your symptoms to a minimum. But again the first thing to do is to determine if PVCs is what is responsible for your symptoms and if yes, what is the PVC burden in your heart.
I hope that is helpful.

[imanning]

I have suffered from PAC's and PVC's for the past 12 years.  I had a complete battery of tests done by a cardiologist and was told my heart was normal except a mild case of MVP.  I was told I should try to ignore them!  The last year or two they became so frequent, I suffered for 24 hours a day with hours of skipping every other beat and somtimes periods where I had very erratic beats that followed no rhythm.


My internist had once tested my magnesium and told me that magnesium deficiency could cause these skipped beats but my levels were low normal so she didn't recommend any supplements.  Last year I purchase a book called "The Magnesium Miracle" and it has changed my life.  It lists a long list of symtoms of Mg deficiency and I had most of them including panic attacks, migraines, and palpitations!   I began taking a 1:1 ratio of calcium magnesium taking one of the most absorbable forms magnesium glycerinate.  It took a while to make a difference but I would say about six week later, I started to notice a difference in the frequency of palpitations.  It has now been 6 months of taking the supplements religiously and I can now say it has made all the difference.  I finally have a normal heartbeat again and no more panic attacks!

I suffered for so many years with doctors telling me this was normal and to just live with it that I feel I have to tell of my experience if it can help any one else suffering from these types of palpitations.