Palpatatins Stop

I am a 46 year old male, 5'10, 172lbs. non smoking, and rarely do I have a drink. I had this funny feeling in my chest for 2  years, it felt like movement from my lower center of my chest up to my throat. Doctor had me do an upper GI in the early Aug. of 04. They said I had slight acid reflex, and that when it bothers me to take nexium.
This past Nov 04, I was sleeping, I woke up my head was resting on my arm and I could hear and feel the skipped beats, it was so bad that I went to the ER and was told that what I was feeling was palpitations, my BP was 148/95. I would have one every 8 to 10 secs, watching the monitor I could see it when I felt it. The ER Doctor told me that it is normal in alot of healthy people. Only at rest or laying down would I feel them, I would do an elliptical trainer for a half hour and get my heart rate up to 150 and never felt a thing. I had a 24 hr. hoilter Dec. 04 and it came back with over 2000 palpitations in 24 hrs.
Off and on for a few years I would notice my BP would be normal 120/80 and some times 138/92 my doctor said I had pre HBP it was not to the point of using drugs if it would be normal 50% of the time.
So this past mid April 05 with the palps and the BP problem I was put on Atenolol 25mg. one a day. I still felt the palps but my BP dropped to 115/72, I had a stress test early May, 5 days before I woke up and felt no palpitations, during the 2 hour test I had none, they are gone for now.
My question is, why all of the sudden did they stop? I did not take the Atenolol for 2 days to see if they would come back. they a gone.
Thanks

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hello,

There is no clear explanation for why PVCs come and go.  I think this is frustrating for patients and doctors.  If you read back in the forum posts, you will see this theme recurring over and over.  I guess all you can do for now is hope they stay away.

Some people notice triggers like fatigue, stress, coffee/tea, etc.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.  Good luck.

[cuaco]

They are common in animals too, my horse has them!

[cuaco]

They are common in animals too, my horse has them!

[Neon]

Can I ask (this is important as I'm trying to compile information which may help me move closer to the possible cause of these annoying, harmless beats): if you breathe mostly through your mouth, can you post 'MOUTH', or if through the nose, post 'NOSE'. If you are always struggling for air (as an annoying habit), post 'AIR HUNGER'.

Thanks.

I'll get back to you.

[theoldfoxx]

Reading the many comments regarding arrythmia is encouraging for me since I am one of the many to have this condition too.  What I want to know is where in the world are people studying this and surely someone has figured out the problem.  As a "lay" person with internet accessibility, even I can start to get closer to a solution.  I am sure thousands out there have the same suffering.  
I am 58 year old female.  I have always had a history of panic and anxiety which I inherited from my parents.  My digestive system seems to be my weak point.  I am a purest when it comes to food and I have exercised faithfully for over 30 years.  I am 5'8" and 135 pounds. The rapid heart rate problems has been happening to me most of my adult life but quite frequently in the last year.  Yes I have been checked out by all the docs in my area and they say I am in  no danger.  Food, movement, stress, drugs, all play a role in this.  I also have a slight hiatial hernia with acid reflux according to the gastro doc.  Yes I am on drugs for that and arrythmia and anxiety and blood pressure.  Yesterday in the emerg. room, another cardiologist (have seem 4), said that there was nothing they could do so just live with it.  I refuse to believe him.  Again I ask, where in the world is there a medical team who is studying this and how can I get in touch with them?  P.S.  I think we should gather all the people with this condition and hold an internation conference.  Anyone want to help me organize such an event?  Sue

[Wackybody]

Actually, I don't think anyone anywhere is studying these.  I really hate them....ugh.  If you organize anything, let me know...I'll come.

[454]

I'm new to this forum.  I never realized how many people suffer with pvc's.  This forum really is great.  I'll just cut to the chase.  My palps started a few days ago after a 4 month hiatus.  I previously had them during the winter and had to wear a cardionet monitor for 3 weeks following a visit to the ER for an anxiety attack.  the home monitoring showed up normal of course.  When they came back this time, I called by DR. and he prescribed zoloft and scheduled an echo.  Had the echo today and was told my heart is structurally sound, very healthy just PVC's.  I had several pvc's during the test which I guess was a good thing so now I know they are really harmless. I was told they're really not cureable and its not known what causes them and they can disappear and reappear at any time.  So I guess I'm a member of the club now.  Its one club I really didn't want to join.  They can really take over your life.  Its hard to believe that when your heart is jumping around in your chest that everything is really ok.  Well, just have to have faith in my doctor and my God and learn to cope.  Again, this forum and you people on here are a blessing.  Thanks.  By tway, my specs are 31y/o male non smoker, 6' 170lbs.  I'm on 50mg of atenolol for high BP.

[upbeat63]

Hello, new to the forum, but apparently not alone. I'm 41, female and I think I've had PVCs since age 18. There was a lot of misdiagnosis in the begining, and a lot of anxiety, and panic attacks. The drs bounced me around on a lot of medications, mostly anti-depressants, I wish I had had the knowledge to say no, but I finally found a doctor who prescribed xanax which helped tremendously with the symptoms, but palpitations remainded.

At age 30 I had a 24 hr holter monitor which recorded on average 450 PVCs per hour--every hour. Cardiologist said not to worry, benign, no meds necessary just forget them. Well, I did. But took xanax occassionally. Both the anxiety and "noticeable" palpitations reduced for 10 years until now. Bam. Noticed them again big time. Had a 48hr holter and now on average I have 1220 PVCs per hour---every hour. My Md says I should consider beta blockers, but my pulse is 65-90, and BP 120/70. I've read beta blockers can really make you fatigued, don't want more of that, and might not change the PVCs. I know they are supposed to be benign, but how many is too many? I think now they are every second beat therefore increasing. But I feel ok otherwise except for the anxiety. Any comments on frequency?

[sunnyeyes]

I suffer from pacs daily.  Am on lexapro and lorazapam for severe anxiety.  My anxiety is due to these skips even after all the medical tests were implemented.  All normal.  These pacs are ruining my life even after counseling.  Any suggestions?  I am at my wits end?

[upbeat63]

Hello, just wanted to let you know that many, many, many people suffer from palpitations, every day, you are not alone, there's lots of people in this forum that can relate, and help.

I think you said that you have had your heart checked and it's ok (except for the PVCs)?

I have PVCs over a thousand an hour. Sometime I notice them, sometimes I don't. I wish there was something that I could say that would make your suffering less. In the beginning (when I had ONLY 450 PVCs per hour), I had such bad panic attacks, I thought it was destroying my life. Luckily I found a compassionate doctor who helped me to realize the PVCs and panic attacks were separate. Back then I also joined a local chapter of "Freedom From Fear Society" and just by talking and helping other people, I was able to help myself get over the panic attacks. I still have high anxiety, but it's nothing like the panic.

I hope your doctor is understanding, that is the biggest help. And maybe you could do an interent search for any Freedom From Fear chapters in your area. Maybe another forum might have people with panic attacks. I know a lot of people here have both anxiety/panic and PVCs so keep reading and talking. There's lot of information here.

[jpe 23]

hello everyone im jason i have been having palpitations for the last nine weeks it came out of no were iam a sports coach so im extremley fit im only 23 i dont smoke and only drink occasionally. I was sat at a friends house just talking when i felt extremley light headede and my heart started to race i rushed to hospital were my heart was beating upto 200bpm and i was having ventricular ectopics in a biggemini pattern i thought i was done for. The doctors kept me in did blood tests, echo,24hr monitor said i was fine and carry on with your life. for the last 9 weeks i have been to three different hospitals and seen two cardiologists to which they said the same thing. I have hundereds of ectopics a day and each one takes my breath away i havent managed to get back to work or college because i feel very ill constantly fatigued, headaches,chestpain,dizzy and so on my gp thinks its all anxiety to which im suprised because the only thing thats making my anxious is the ectopics. Can any of you help me in answering these questions or give opinions Can anxiety cause palpatations? Can ventricular ectopics kill you?
Thank you all

[upbeat63]

Hi JPE, just wanted to let you know that I think I've had PVCs since I was 18, and I was pretty fit back then too. Played a lot of volleyball and I was very active.

I suffered a great deal of anxiety over them, even full blown panic attacks, which I believe is what is sending you to the hospital a couple of times now?. Panic attacks are miserable. I believe my anxiety and PVCs go hand in hand, but my previous MD and cardiologist say no. They are separate issues. That one is tough to believe.

Any how, at 30 I had a 24hr holter which showed 450 PVCs per hour. I was told to forget them too. I tried really hard, but I have to say that a compassionate Dr. and an RX of xanax (.25mg as needed) really helped. I was actually pretty good with that for 10 years until recently. My PVCs have increased to over a thousand an hour but are still considered benign even at an almost regular bigeminy. I'm carrying on, a little disturbed by the increase, so you'll notice I've been chatting here alot!

I hope if you read some of the other threads, you will begin to realize you are not alone. There is a lot of information, maybe no "cures", but the knowledge helps me to ease the anxiety, I hope it does for you too. Has your Dr recommended anything for the anxiety?

[jpe 23]

hey upbeat63 the doctor doesnt want to perscribe me anything because he said that alot of the meds are addictive. You said you have over a thousand a hour do you feel every one of them? did your pvc's come on abruptly? i agree these forums are helping. How have you managed to get on with your life?

[upbeat63]

Hi JPE, I don't notice all the PVCs thank goodness, at over a thousand an hour, it would drive be wacky. I do notice them every day though, but they are mild. I do not have any chest pain, just feeling a little "off", a little dizzy, a little lightheaded, a little short of breath, a lot of fatique. But I'm still thinking it's all anxiety. I have been talking on the forum and another one called--heartcenteronline--and it's been a BIG help.

I'd like to share just a little more about my history because I think it might help.

When this all started for me, age 18, I got misdiagnosed with mitral valve prolapse. The doctors just wanted to brush it off. AND worst of all kept prescribing antidepressants which really made things worse. But I listened and took them, and switched when side effects were really bad.

It wasn't until I found a doctor who prescribed xanax for the anxiety that things started to change. And even though he explained there was a possibility of dependance, he said get over this bout use it as much as you need, then we'll taper you off. After that, so long as you have it near as a security blanket, you probably won't need it!!! Finally, someone who was logical about it and treated me like an adult. So I felt tremendously better, but the PVCs remained. I just had to trust that they were benign like they told me, and it's what I read EVERYWHERE. I used xanax "as needed" for about 5 years, then I think I had xanax in the drawer for five years without needing any.

Until now, when I noticed a definite increase in the frequency of PVCs, for no apparent reason, which is common.

How do I manage? You just get used to the PVCs. I needed help with the anxiety, which was really panic attacks in the beginning. There is no way I could get over those without help. I would recommend that if you are concerned, get another opinion, get some more tests, a holter monitor maybe. Find a doctor who is willing to help treat the anxiety, and like another discussion I've had with momto3--the PVCs will remain, but you will care less about them, which might break the cycle of anxiety. Hope you get some relief of both.

[TerrapinJed]

Just thought I would add my situation since reading everyone else's has helped me.  I am a 28 year old dental student.  Growing up I experienced PVC's but I didn't know what they were.  Just one here or there, like in a movie theater or sitting in class.  But back in November I was rearraging a room and I had one...and then another.....and another.  They kept going, so I woke my girlfriend up and told her to take me to the emergency room.  EKG and all that jazz told me I have PVC's.  I am having them right now as I type and they just scare me to death.  I feel better reading the things that some of you all of written and I just pray that one day I grow out of them....if that is even possible.  I don't understand how they can just start one day.  My uncle is a doctor and he says that everyone has them, but the smaller people tend to feel them more.  Anyway, I have been scared to excercise just like a lot of you.  But I have just decided that I am going to because I am not going to let these things run my life.  Thank you everyone for sharing and giving me incredible piece of mind tonight, I really needed it.  I encourage everyone who visits this sight to share their story.  Who knows, we may come up with a solution for this problem ourselves.  And by the way, I am definitely thinking that they are related to my GI system in some shape or form.  And can anyone else just feel in their chest that they are probably going to start soon.

[Eizzil]

for the last several years i've noticed some palpitations since i had trouble with my thyroid.
within the last week my dr. changed my blood pressure medication from zestril to zestoretic.
although i don't like some of the side effects of zestoretic, the last couple days i have noticed few or no palpitations.
i don't know if the two are related or not but i would assume so.

[upbeat63]

Hello, Yes these forums help to give a body piece of mind. I've lived with PVCs since age 18 maybe younger (I'm now 41). Luckily I don't notice most of them, at over 1000/hr--every hour I'd go wacky. But I do notice them daily. I don't really know how you put them out of your mind and go on, but after a while you just do. Like you said, you were sitting and typing your post and having PVCs, and you just kept typing anyway. It's the same with exercise (unless you've been told not to). Maybe you just take it easy to begin with, and again, over time you find that you didn't die at your last exercise session, so you might as well try it again.

There is a recent research article which found there could be a correlation with helicobacter pylori (which cause stomach ulcers and heart burn) and afib. The study didn't include other types of arrhthymias, but my guess is, if they studied other types they might find PVC/PAC, VT, etc. have a higher incidence of also having H.Pylori.

So, is it feasible to test for the h.pylori bacteria, take antibiotics for it and possibly reduce the arrythmias???? hmmmm. That may be a good question for the esteemed doctors of this webpage. I haven't been able to get a question in for weeks and weeks.
But I'm hanging in there and hope you do too.

[cavy]

Hi everyone Im in Scotland and the attitude of the doctors here to ectopic heartbeats is LIVE WITH IT!It has been a revelation to find this group and read of others problems.I have always had a little bother on and off with ectopics but nothing major until after a severe bout of Helicobacter Pylori.The cardiologists I have seen give no credence to my feeling that the two were connected.I get them most days and especially after eating, any exercise even swift walking,during warm weather and frequently for no reason at all!I sympathize with you all for unless you have them theres no way you can describe how horrible they are.I am on Bisoprolol 10mg which slows my heart beat but does nothing for the ectopics.Some days are awful others not so bad.I hope someday someone comes up with an answer for us all.

[Kalee24]

Hi. Thank God for these forums.
I am a 24 year old female who began having PVCs occasionally at about 15. I also had intense anxiety attacks but at the
time did not know what they were. For years, I have had on and off PVC's and just decided to not worry. At 16, the docs said theywere benign even though when I was tested years ago, no PVC was ever caught on an actual test. (which i didn't know at the
time they needed to catch one to know the origin and severity) Anyways, family doc told me I had MVP. I stopped going to docs
after I was 18 since I was dropped from insurance. Fast Forward: About 3 months ago the PVCs came with a vengeance like I have never experienced. Lasting intermitently all day and night. I have never had this prob to this degree. I started worrying as this had spun me into panic attacks again. I tried not to worry but as days and weeks passed, they just were not letting up.
I have been under a great deal of stress over the past 9 months but I had never dealt with multiple PVC's throughout the day and night like this before. I finally scheduled a doc visit about 3 wks ago and PVC's were caught on stress test and what not. Doc said don't worry and that I will have to live with it. He said that I don't have MVP but my valve is somewhat crooked?????I am confused.  (He said he would only prescribe meds if I was having thousands a day) I did my holtor and apparently fast racing heartbeats showed up as well as PVC's but I have yet to know how he will treat this. I am going in for my follow-up tomorrow.  My point is, these things are destroying my quality of life. I don't want meds but I don't know what to do. My mind is constantly on my heartrate and my PVC's. They literally take my breath away and sometimes make my head hurt it feels.  Is this really safe and what can I do?

[upbeat63]

Hang in there. I hope you've had your follow-up and that everything went well. Keep us posted on how that went.

I've had increasing PVCs since I was 18 and at last count with a 48-hr holter monitor it up to and over 24,000 per day. I'm now 42. I also just had a stress echo and heart structure is fine.

So my point is, the PVCs are a pain in the behind, but don't let them get you down. Get your check-ups when you notice changes and try to differeniate your symptoms from the PVCs and from anxiety, they can be simila.

I think it's far better to treat the anxiety than to treat the PVCs with beta-blockers. But you should talk to your doctor about that. BB's have helped a lot of people on this forum as you will see if you keep reading. But they are not for everyone either.