PACs/palpitations and post-partum?

[cricardo]

I've have PACs for nearly 8 years now (I'm 28), and I only just discovered this great site recently.
My questions:  I just had a baby three weeks ago.  During my pregnancy my PACs were practically nonexistent.  While I had an uncomfortable, high-risk pregnancy (gestational diabetes and I was becoming pre-eclamptic towards the end), my heart situation felt pretty good.  Now, three weeks after a C-section, they are back with a vengence!!!  I'm talking some 50-100 per day.  I know from scrolling through some of the comments on here that many people have thousands of palpitations a day, so I may sound a bit like a wuss, but I'm completely uncomfortable, stressed out, and moving around makes them worse.  It's very hard to care for an infant when my chest starts thumping every time I attempt to move around!  I got a holter this morning from my cardiologist and hope everything is okay.  

Is it uncommon for palpitation/arrythmias to worsen post-partum?  Is there something I can take?  I was on Toprol XL for about 2 years pre-natal, but had all the nasty side effects- cold extremities, fatigue, weight gain.  Dont' want to go back on that!  Besides, I'm told it may not be safe during breastfeeding?  

help!!  any info or suggestions will be SO much appreciated!  

[Stayc]

Hi everone, I'm just adding a comment for now, I might sign up later.  I've been having palpitations for almost 4 years - after the birth of my daughter by c-section.  Mine are twice or sometimes once a month. The first time I had one was maybe a few weeks after the baby.  I was scared to death - I had the entire package: heart pumping super fast, tightness in chest, shortness of breath, and a little black-out.  That was actually the first in my life too, so you can imagine how scared I was!! After that, it kept coming back. I have had an ECG and it was normal, it wasn't done by a Cardiologist though, so didn't trust the result too much, even though I'm sure my heart's fine. At the moment, I'm planning on going to see a Cardiologist as I really need to find out if all is well.  It does sound however that it might be due to hormone changes.  Labour was rough, had fetal distress and so had to get a c-section. baby was healthy and beautiful! She's almost 4 now. So cute! I was actually wondering though if it could be linked to the migraines, vomitting and faints I had during childhood and teenage years.  So, I really need to do a thorough check up.  Any suggestions would be helpful or if you have a similar story, please share! :-) Thanks everyone!

[myowncrazybeat]

I agree with seeking the opinion of a Cardiologist.  Not just a GP, but a bonafide Cardiologist.  I developed a-fib hours after my last delivery.  Post partum is such a time of change for your  mind and body, why worry about what could be.  A cardio work-up with put your mind at ease.  

After delivering my first child, my heart would flutter often.  No one was concerned.  It eventually subsided.  My last delivery was the most difficult.  Thank the Lord, I am doing well now.  I am also being followed by a cardiologist every 6 months.  They have explained, during pregnancy, the excess fluids circulated by your body MIGHT stretch out the pulmonary veins.  This COULD lead to pvc's, pac's, and other arrythmias.  

There are meds that are safe to use while breastfeeding, such as Tiazac.  If you need to go that route for a bit, the doc can help you.  I was on meds for the first few months of lactation.  I had to pump and dump while on aspirin therapy, but it was well worth it.  

And of course, the infamous stress theory makes things act up too.  Having a new baby in the house is certainly a time of adjustment.  Hang in there and be good to yourself.
  
Hope you are well!!

[fearfactor]

Hi - I have had almost the same situation as you!  I had my daughter 7 months ago, and I have had PACs all along but they almost completely went away during the pregnancy, then came back about 3 weeks after delivery!  They do get better!  Mine have improved a lot as the hormones have straightened out.

[juniorfan32]

I had this trouble too. Ended up going to the ER for it.  Postpartum is a likely time for PVCs to flare if you have them.  I would get it checked to be on the safe side, but from experience it is probably hormonal.  Those damn hormones!!!!

[anacyde]

Please go see your cardiologist since you just had a baby and request an echo.

That said, hormone levels can send PACs and PVCs soaring.  That is probably the case, but it is better to check and be safe.  Are you having any other symptoms?

[mjx]

hi, i may advise first of all to take caution in using synthetic drugs because it does gives you side effects in the long run. it would also be best to go to a cardiologist and listen to what they have to say. i know some people who also has palpitations in the heart after pregnancy, what they did is they tried using alternative medicines for their heart. fish oil is a good example. you could also try visiting http://www.besthealthoptions.com. they have plenty of articles about the heart. Gud day 2 u!

[KLB32]

I am not a medical professional but from what I've read, the varying hormone levels in the postpartum period can cause a rise in palps.  I don't recall having them right after my daughter was born but have heard from other women that they increased in frequency after they had babies.

Also, you probably aren't getting adequate rest (what new mother does, right?) and lack of sleep can make them much worse.

Just try to rest, eat a well balanced diet and keep yourself hydrated.  If that doesn't help, follow up with your Dr. soon.