Pac's and pvc's

[macdoo]

Hi, 36 yr old male(not overweight, don't smoke etc), suffered from pac's and pvc's for a few years now(they just came out the blue a few years back)..They are mainly pac's that i get, rather than pvc's.
One thing i've noticed lately is at least 3-4 times a week, i wake up during the night and suffer from heart skipping usually when i lay on my side(actually any position causes them)..It's almost like when on the verge of falling asleep, my heart skips and wakes me up(it's like the rollercoaster sensation..weird feeling)..I never used to get this, but it's certainly affecting my sleep.
It's happened for about the last month, no pain, just skips in the middle of the night..If i get up, it stops instantly, it's always when i lay down..I'm not that concerned about it, it's more annoying if anything.
Why would this start happening during the night all of a sudden?
Is it just the wonderful world of skipped beats? Something you have to put up with?

Thanks.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi macdoo,

It is always a guessing game when you try to figure out why a healthy person has bouts of pac/pvc's.  If they are all the same shape (monomorphic) we can always blame one over active area of the heart muscle/conduction system, but this is usually not the case.

Make sure you see your doctor for the usual work up, but in some one your age it is almost always benign.

Most people find that lying on their left side makes it worse, so avoid this if you can.  I assume you have had a holter, ekg and echo already, if not, look into where you can have them done.

That is about the best I can do.  Good luck.

[lak]

I too suffer from very systematic PVCs and also have this problem. I take a very low dose of xanax before bed .05 this really helps.

[dreamboat]

When I wake up in the night, morning or whenever, I can be beating normally then I can move and it it starts. My heart speeds up and starts the skipping.I have gotton so I just want to lay there afraid to budge because of this.

[frommer]

I used to get a big PVC right before I fell asleep at night adn this went on for a few months.  I got to the point where I didn't even want to fall asleep.  I also occasionally get them when I get up to use the bathroom after sleeping, but they feel more like PACs.  I've also heard of this happening to people so I guess my sypmptoms are nothing special.  The only thing that sucks is that I have been doing GREAT with hardly any heart palps at all for almost a year but then I was in to see an ENT recently for some sinus problems and he put afrin in my nose without asking first (he had said it was a numbing solution to allow him to look around better and mentioned the afrin after the fact).  Since then I'm back to having palps and this is after two weeks of that incident.  VERY frustrating!

[frommer]

By the way, at one point a year ago I was getting over 200 pvcs an hour and felt every one of them.  I can't imagine going down that road again so I am really hoping that this new batch will go way soon.  I think what "cured" me a year ago was taking a beta blocker (pindolol if I recall), but I only took it for a couple of days because it made my heartbeats a lot harder and I had frightening nightmares.  Kind of strange but turns out this can happen to some people.  I guess a couple of days ona beta blocker was enough of a hit to reset my heart back to a normal state.  I also had an infection at the time and they gave me an antibiotic the same time as the beta blocker so I guess the infection could have been a cause of the palps too.  I think they gave me me zithromax and then cipro.  I've read that one of those has a reaction on the heart so who knows what really got the palps to stop.

[dmbcer]

I don't know if the following information will help anyone.  I have been suffering from constant pvcs and pacs for about 6 months.  I've had all the tests done and nothing was found except a mild murmur.  From the onset I was convinced that the problem was from my stomach.  I asked the cardiologist and of course you all know what he said.  "Not likely".  So I've been taking 50mg of toporol and it has not helped with the pvcs.  It has helped with the anxiety from the pvcs and no side effects.  Anyway to make a long story short I noticed that after eating a meal the pvcs were worse.  I began putting all my food in a blender and after three days NO MORE PVCS.  It has now been 6 days and I have not felt one pvc.  I pray this is not a coincidence. I told my family doctor who also suffers from pvcs and he has scheduled me for a barium swallow on Monday.

[macdoo]

Thanks for the reply.

[macdoo]

Yep i sense the stomach is linked to extra beats as well..I can't understand why most time after(or during)extra beats, i get some uncomfortable gurgling sounds going on..The timing is perfect everytime, I've been thinking about it for years.
Maybe something is getting irritated in the stomach causing the heart to skip.
Dunno really.

[dmbcer]

If my pvcs start acting up, I drink two large glasses of warm water, lean back on my heels, jump and land on my heels.  This for some crazy reason stops the pvcs almost every time.  I read that people with hiatal hernias do that and it helps them.  Maybe that is what I have.

[Dasobel]

I just had the most disturbing experience in my life w/ PVCs!  For a few years now, I have on occasion felt a single PVC (never knew what they were).  After experiencing some chest pain (turned out to be muscular) and having a stress test, I learned what they were;  I had a single PVC during the test.  However, I have noticed that I have been feeling these PVCs more and more often, almost daily now, and at other times I have felt an uncomfortable awareness of my heart beating.  This almost always occurs at rest.

During a meeting yesterday, however, I had what I presume are "runs" of PVCs for the first time.  I was rather stressed out that morning and quite nervous about a presentation I was making.  Sure enough, a few minutes into it, I felt a single PVC, followed by another 30 seconds later, and a third shortly after that. Then it started--  for at least 60-90 seconds, I felt an almost continual run of PVCs.  Almost constant "quivering" in my chest, followed by the hard beats.  I managed to surreptitiously feel my pulse, and could feel the extra beat, followed by the classic pause, and then the regular beat.  It seemed like I was having a PVC every other beat, but I can't be sure.

After about a minute or a minute and a half of this, it stopped just as suddenly as it had started, and I have been fine every since.

I have an appointment scheduled with an electrophysiologist to discuss this. I'm a 38 year old male, good health, and my recent stress test and echo all indicated a healthy heart and an in-shape adult.

My question for all of you--  is this what you all refer to as a "run" of PVCs?  Does 60-90 seconds count, or is it longer to count as a "run"?  

And does a string of, who knows, maybe 20 PVcs during this episode count as VT also?

Thanks, I have really enjoyed reading the posts on this site, very useful information, and nioce to know I'm not alone in freaking out over this.

[angelapple]

Hi, Not sure if this helps, but I think "runs" are more than 2 missed beats together.  I've had pac's a couple of years ago. Lots of them for days.  Dr. put me on toprol 50ml and I must say I feel one here or there, but I haven't had them continually.  If I even think they might start I truly panic.  Many, many people get them and apparently they are not anything to worry about, but it's still scary.  As far as VT, you should read up on it on the net.  There you will get the symptoms. Hope this helps somewhat.

[M1982]

Hi my name is Mel and I am a 23 year old female.As far as 3 years back I started to get these "fluttering feelings in my chest, and sometime" a hard thump feeling. They would go away and come back, but recently in the past 4 months they have been comming more often. Sometime once or twice a weeks or every other days, its more of the fluttering feeling i get then the hard thunp feeling, but im really scared and i found this site thinking , maybe this is what I have pac?? Any info would hlp thanks you

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[Conlou]

Hey guys,
I am new at this forum. I have had skipped heartbeats all my life.  Sometimes it will skip 2-3 times a day but then sometimes I may go several days without it doing it at all. About 7 years ago my BP got out of control as did my stress level and I had them about 2-3 times a minute for on and off 2 wks straight. It freaked me out and I had a bunch of tests.  They showed nothing and the Dr. put me on Ziac which seemed to help.  They have only been doing it 2-3 times a week for a long time now until yesterday when out of the blue they started at work.  I had been under alot of stress this week so I figured that is what started them.  The thing is when they happen really often it freaks me out which only makes them worst. I finally took a low dose of Ativan and that seemed to help. I would love to keep hearing from you guys because it helps me not be so scared as I know these are pretty harmless but still makes me nervous.  Thanks!

[afiremac]

pvc's have many different names for their number and rate.
     pvc's can be focal or multifocal. focal being it is originates from a single irriatable site in the ventrical. multifocal being from 2 or more, which can only be determined by an ekg.
     single pvc's are just that, one. couple's are two together, triple being three and quadtriple bieng four. we concider 5-10 to be to salvo's, ie.. salvo 5, salvo 6, etc.. some cardiologist would say a run may start at 5, and some may say start at 11.
     a run of pvc's v/s a run of vt is determind by the rate at which they occur. vt usually beings at a rate of 120, again this rate may vary according which cardiologist you ask. a run of vt may be considered as little as 5 beats together. again let me say, this can only be determind by an ekg.
     everyone has pvc's, how many they have is determined by lifestyle. excessive caffine intake is only one example of substances which may cause more than usual pvc's. consult your regular doctor, who may refer you to a cardiologist for futher testing, if you are ecperincing palpations and skipped beats regularly.

[oceansaway]

I'm new to this forum also and am thankful that you are all willing to express your fear.  I started having 'Panic Attacks' 2 years ago.  I started noticing my irregular heart beat 1 year ago.  I've been to the ER 3 times in the last 3 months (last Saturday was the last time).  It's starting to affect my entire life.  I notice my PACs/PVCs increase after eating.  After eating I also notice a 'pounding' and increased heart rate. Now I have PVCs/PACs regularly every 2-3 minutes. If I take notice of it, I have more.  I don't want to be tied to medication so I'm now in the process of altering my diet and lifestyle to help the situation. I'm thinking about going to see an endocrinologist to see if my hormones are off.  (My thyroid is WNL.  My EKG, Holter and stress echo are all WNL.  My Serum Potassium was low).  I'm hesitant to exercise because one of my trips to the ER was precipitated by a run on the treadmill.  I wish all of you the best in your search for answers and cures.  For the last week I've been taking Hawthorne Berry, MAG/CAL supplements, Valarian Root, Superfood Greens, and Grapeseed extract.  All of the above mentioned I read up on in my PDR of Homeopathic Medicine.  I've only been on them for a week consistently so I'll let you know how it goes.  I've also cut out coffee and sodas, alcohol, and am now eating small meals that are healthier.

[wal44]

Wow - a good PVC thread.
On "strings" - I've had bigeminy (alternating beat, ectopic beat) sometimes for hours at a time, sometimes what seemed to be all night (can't know when I'm asleep, just during waking times all night). It's very annoying, but most nights I can sleep.
I've been put on Atenolol, then Toprol XL, and then acebutolol, and none solved the problem. In fact, some made it worse. Some people just do not respond to such beta-blockers.
Sometimes Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium helps. I've had times when even SALT helped!! This leads us to consider STRESS factor as a possibility (thus independent of medication), and general mental factors (attitude, etc.).
Anyway, I have had some help sometimes with Caprylic Acid, Garlic, and even Metamucil. But the best lately may be CoQ10 and L-Carnatine. I've seen some studies where deficiencies in either can aggravate arrhymias.
It's a roller coaster, and when I wean off a beta blocker (even slowly) it really aggravates the symptoms for a while.
Some day, someone is going to find something that is key (much like the once ridiculed and now accepted situation regarding H. Pylori and Homocysteine in their affected areas). And when they do, there will be rejoicing in the land!

[davet]

I've been searching for a definition of the difference between PVCs and PACs, as far as the way they feel. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[karie]

I am 36 and have had a increase in my pvc's , pac's over the past two years. I see a electrophsiologist once a year for a echocardiogram and stethoscope ratings of heart murmurs that have been present since birth. Cardiogenic syncope showed on a tilt table test. Very scary when the engine acts up. I follow a MVP heart diet.

[Rooster!]

I too suffer with PVC's and PAC's.The frequency ranges from a couple a day to several a minute.I've heard from several doctors that they are not life threatning.That's wonderful but I still want them gone.Eventually,I will find a solution.
Hopefully,real soon,somebody will beat me to it.

What I discovered so far:

1.)When in PVC mode lay on your right side(not left,back,or stomach).

2.)Caffene definately will amplify them;I don't think chocolate has enough to do so.

3.)Smoking does not seem to induce them for me.

4.)The difference between a PAC and a PVC is the roller coaster feeling.A PAC seems to lack that feeling.

5.)Don't mistake several PAC's in a row for several PVC's in a
row.

6.)Too much liquid seems to induce them.

7.)A really bad combo for me would be to drink a ton of water and go play tennis.

8.)I am certain that there is a correlation with the stomach.

9.)Anything really exciting.....

I personally feel that the answer lys in our diet.Right now I am carefully increasing my potassium and magnesium.

[Rooster!]

I too suffer with PVC's and PAC's.The frequency ranges from a couple a day to several a minute.I've heard from several doctors that they are not life threatning.That's wonderful but I still want them gone.Eventually,I will find a solution.
Hopefully,real soon,somebody will beat me to it.

What I discovered so far:

1.)When in PVC mode lay on your right side(not left,back,or stomach).

2.)Caffene definately will amplify them;I don't think chocolate has enough to do so.

3.)Smoking does not seem to induce them for me.

4.)The difference between a PAC and a PVC is the roller coaster feeling.A PAC seems to lack that feeling.

5.)Don't mistake several PAC's in a row for several PVC's in a
row.

6.)Too much liquid seems to induce them.

7.)A really bad combo for me would be to drink a ton of water and go play tennis.

8.)I am certain that there is a correlation with the stomach.

9.)Anything really exciting.....

I personally feel that the answer lys in our diet.Right now I am carefully increasing my potassium and magnesium.

[I just want to be normal again]

Hi I'm a 38 yr old Hispanic female and for the last 3 yrs I've been having heart palpitations. Steady strong forceful rapid heartbeats. They were just getting to the point where they were starting to be less frequent and less intense. I cut out the caffeine, chocolate and everything else that was recommended by my physician. But just a couple of days ago I started to experience PVC's. Still not quite sure what they are since their different then the palpitations, this is more of a flutter in my chest. I went to the ER just to be on the safe side considering my older brother had a heart attack last year. I was admitted and hooked up to a heart monitor for two days, no other test were ever done except an EKG in the ER. I had a stress echo done about 1 1/2 yrs ago for the heart palpitations that was negative,the cardiologist that ran that test was the same one that monitored me in the hospital. I never got a solid explanation of what PVC's are or even how or why they occur, just that it has something to do with my bottom left ventricle. I was told "A large number of the population has them I just tend to feel them more then the next guy" what a lame explanation!! Both the heart palpitations and the PVC's take a lot out of me mentally and physically, I wasn't born this way and I refuse to believe that there is nothing that can be done for them. I refuse to take anti-depressants, I'M NOT DEPRESSED!! They suggested I take beta-blockers but my blood pressure on the norm runs low between 110/70 to 98/60 not a big deal but the beta-blockers can cause more harm than good for me since they decrease your blood pressure. Any feed back I can get will be sincerely and greatly appreciated.

Signed: I just want to be normal again  

[pvcer2]

Hi folks,
My first time on the site - great stuff - it's nice to hear from all those others that supposedly have pvcs too ( I never seem to see anyone clutching their chests with panic on their faces!!  I've had the full range of tests too and been told by a cardiologist that's it not related to stomachs - but I'm not convinced.  I did find a reference book in my library that suggested arrythmias have been associated with para-easophageal (spelling?) hernias.  I also find that tums really help reduce the occurance of mine.  My GP and a number of her colleagues in their clinic feel that the nerves in that area would be irritated by excess acidity.  I also feel it is physical pressure (from gas which is why laying down bothers me) on the heart.  I first started getting them when pregnant.  But hey - I'm not an MD so....

[noma]

Hello everyone,
I am 39 year old female doctor and 2 months back I started feeling these terrible PVC's. Actually I am feeling them right now while I am writing this email. I know it is harmless and does not require medication if it is unifocal, but it is really terrifying. I agree with most of what you said and my advice is to keep yourself busy and active. This worked with me. When I am at work or at home busy with the kids then no feeling of missed heart beat but at rest and near bed time it comes a lot.
Let us look at the bright side, Thanks God it is only benign PVC's not serious disease like diabetes or Cancer or..etc.
Don’t be afraid, it is functional PVC's, try to live with it. When you forget about it and when you stop counting the beats, it will simply go.

[chayes]

I have suffered from skipped heartbeats for several years, usually anywhere from 1 to 5 times a day. Today I have had a severe attack for the last 7 hours without quitting, after every third beat I skip one. I went to see my doctor who took a Ekg and echo and said everything looked ok, they wont kill you, easy to say when its not you. He told me to go home and take another lopressor. Which has not helped, has anyone else ever had an episode that lasted this long. Also, they seem to ease up when I am walking around or active and get worse when I rest.

[kaydeeRT]

I've been dealing with these so called PVC's every 3-4 minutes for a week now! I am the picture of health, a long distance runner and I can't believe this is happening to me! I can not stand it another minute they are strong and relentless and it doesn't matter what I'm doing they are ever constant! Surely there is something out there that I can take to relieve this? The only test I've had an ECG and some blood work (TSH etc) anything else that should happen here?

[noma]

I noticed that if you drink fresh orange juice and if you eat banana it become less, may be because these fruits are full of potassium and other minerals. Also you should sleep WELL and if the PVC'S bothers you at bed time then you might take 1/2 tab of Xanax and make sure that you sleep in good ventilated atmosphere.
Finally accept this harmless inconvenience and live with it until it disappear with out any reason exactly the way they come "out of the blue". Keep active and positive attitude, SMILE:-)