PACs and Digestive System

  I'm a 42 year old male with a history of PACs over the last 10 years or so.  
  I have had numerous treadmills, at least two echocardiograms, several 24
  hr. holter monitors, and a few trips to the emergency room, all which
  reveal benign PACs. I am currently taking Tenormin and Vasotec to treat
  the arrhythmias as well as high blood pressure.  I am also taking Zokor and
  Niaspan for reducing my cholesterol.  Almost all of the symptoms
  posted in this forum are common to my situation so I won't repeat them.
  However, one difference is that the majority of my PACs seem to be tied to
  my digestive system.  I notice that sometimes I get a flurry of them and
  then 2-3 minutes later its time for a bowel movement. Or I'll go into a
  phase where I have several days of many PACs that coincide with an
  irritable stomach, many bowel movements and nausea during that time. I
  have a history of moderate nervousness, and have been told that I have a
  sensitive digestive system by my doctors.
  
  Neither my family doctors or cardiologist know why, or if, there is a
  correlation between my PACs and these symptons but it sure seems like there
  is to me.  Do you have a theory regarding this, and could diet or other
  digestive medication possibly reduce the PACs?
  I would like to say that I think it does alot of good for anyone with
  these kinds of concerns to see that many others face similar experiences.  
  Your replies are greatly appreciated.

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

_
Dear Kevin, thank you for your question.  As you can see by the other responses to your question, many other people have noticed an association between palpitations and digestive symptoms.  Certainly, acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome could exacerbate an atrial or ventricular arrhythmia and treatment for such disorders may decrease the frequency of the arrhythmia.  I don't have a specific theory as to why this occurs, but there may be an association with the vagus nerve that innervates the heart and portions of the digestive system.   PAC's are a benign condition, but certainly PAC's can cause discomfort and concern for the patient that suffers from them.  Treatment with a beta blocker like Tenormin can reduce the frequency of PAC's and eliminating tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol also can help.  Thus, you may want to investigate medications like zantac, tagamet, or pepcid which decrease the acid secretion in the stomach and immodium which can be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.