Palpatation and high pulse rate

[tiff78g]

Sometimes around my menstraul cycle I get a lot of palpatation and then my heart will race up to about 140. I am a 27 year old female with one daughter and I have been trying to conceive again until this started happening. When this happens my arms and chest get tingly and I feel like I am going to pass out. Each time this happens my potassium has gotten low. I do not have an eating disorder and I eat an okay diet. I have been trying to eat more potassium. Also, I am tired A Lot, moody, headaches. I have worn a holter monitor, had an echo, and I am now on Inderal. All of the tests come back fine, just a really fast heart rate, do you think maybe this could be hormone related? And how do I make myself feel better about the outcome because now I worry constantly that it is going to happen again because it scares me so much when it does happen. I would be open to any comments and suggestions.  Thank you!

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Tiff78g,

This is a relatively common problem.  I have a lot of patients that mention increased PVCs and palpitations around their menstrual cycles.  The increased heart rate is a bit different.  If the increased heart rate is documented on the holter it is easier to say what the likely cause is.

If you heart rate just jumps from from one rate (say 70) to another (say 140), this likely represents an arrhythmia.  If the increase is gradual or ramps up over the coarse of a minute or longer, this probably represents sinus tachycardia and would be characteristic for panic anxiety or inappropriate sinus tachycardia.  The description you give is common for panic anxiety. The chest tingling and feeling like you are going to pass out are partly from the anxiety and partly from the hyperventilation.  People that have panic attacks often live in fear of the next event, sometimes so much so that it prevents them from go into grocery stores, shopping malls or resteraunts for fear that it may happen in public.

If this sounds familiar or like it may be what you are experiencing, an SSRI like paxil, zoloft, prozac, etc. will help treat the problem.  The indural may help mask the syndrome.  You may even be able to get a away with taking prozac right before your cycle starts -- this works with some people.  The tired, headaches, etc go along with an axiety disorder as well.

Let us know what you think.

I hope this helps and good luck.

[uptowngirl]

Hi, just a quick comment.  I'm not an MD, however, I would get things checked out before you get pregnant, that way you'll have more peace of mind and make sure you are in top notch shape before adding the wonderful element of pregnancy to the mix.  By the way, I do have 3 kids, 2 grown, and had to take a beta blocker during the last pregnancy.  Things worked out just fine.

All the Best,
Uptown

[Momto3]

I agree with Uptown (HI uptown!).  A thorough checkup prior to another pregnancy just might give you the peace of mind you need to go ahead with a 2nd pregnancy. Although it sounds as though you've had the standard workup, it may help to tell the doctor that you are concerned and are planning another pregnancy. A good report can do wonders for anxiety.  

I've had pvcs for about 25 years and I took Inderal on/off for about 12 years.  The pvcs kicked into high gear during all 3 of my pregnancies.  I have 3 wonderful grown children and did not experience any problems as a result of the ectopics.  

My personal theory is that the role of hormones is still evolving, and that is a lot left to learn.  My doctor is convinced that hormonal events can trigger pvcs.  Based upon my own experiences, I would agree!  

Good luck!!

Connie

[uptowngirl]

Hey.
Are you in NC yet for good and all I mean?
Summer is here.  I'm going out to work on my tan in the afternoon sun today.
How's the heart health??
Uptown

[momof6]

Hello,
I too get the pvcs and pacs and some really scarey irregular beats not sure what they are. It hasnt happened alot but a really fast beat I would consider a tachy,but only last a few seconds.How long does the 140 hr last for you? I have six children but its only been the last two babies that Ive had to endure palps with pregnancies.Ive taken Lorpressor with both pregnancy,and every thing was fine both healthy babies.I do know that my heart rate always increases with the change in hormones until about the fifth month when hormones level out.This is normal,my resting pulse rate when pregnant is usually between 90-100 so my ob usally ups my med. at that time and it helps bring it down some.I know that 90-100 isnt that fast of a beat but when I would be up and about it would put those rates higher and make me feel real strained.Ive had all the heart test also and cardio has check me out ok,even though my palps are at their highest.We are trying for our seventh blessing,I do have days when palps are really bad that I get nerveous about getting pg.So I go back to doc and say your sure you think my heart is healthy for another pregnancy?Ive continually gotten the ok.I agree with uptowngirl get the ok from you doc that your heart is healthy for a pregnancy so you wont be in fear the whole nine months which could agrivate your regular palps.with the mix of added hormones.
P.S.
They are so worth it! of course this is my opnion,My youngest is 2yrs.old now,Im so ready for another baby!
~momof6:):):):):):)

[tiff78g]

Thanks for the reply's you have made me feel a lot better and like I am not the only one experiencing this weird feeling. I am soooo excited to get pregnant again, my daughter is almost two and I want a baby around so bad. My doctor of course has given me the okay, I had to take Clomid with my daughter and they wanted me to take it again, but we have put that on hold for now until all of my tests are completed. I didnt have palpatations with my daughter but I did have a high pulse rate and couldnt be given anything to stop my labor until they brought it down with fluids, but I didnt feel anything then, just started noticing it. Thanks again though for your support.

[JEFFRA]

Does your heart rate go up to 140 immediately then drop to a normal rate immediately once your episode goes away....or does your rate go up more gradually to 140 and drop gradually before and after an episode?  My understanding is that a more quick or immediate change in rate is characteristic of SVT and  more gradual changes are more characteristic of sinus tachycardia.  Like the others...I'm not an expert but I have learned a lot through my own experiences...good luck

[cam4]

i too found that my pvc increased during pregnancy, thye got really bad right after the birth. They upped my dose of atenelol and then when I went home, it was too strong and ended back in the hospital with too slow of a rate. I have had these for years and I wish that the md's would come out and agree that hormones play a HUGE part in pvc's in a lot of women. I worry that if they are like this in my 30's what will happen when I hit menopause. Anyone know of increases during this time? How about decreases?? That would be  blessing.
take care.. good luck with future babies!!

[tiff78g]

To answer your question, my heart rate usually goes up immediately and then slowly comes back down. What does all of those intials mean you were talking about? Not up to speed on all these initials yet.

Tiffiny

[Momto3]

Hi uptown,

I sent you an email. Still not in NC permanently, but getting closer : )

Cam4,

My doctor was actually doing a study on hormone fluctuations and arrythmias, etc. Funding was pulled because of a lack of available funds.  But, she is convinced they can play a very active role in palps.  Mine definitely kicked back into high gear (thousands every day) in my late 30's/early 40's (peri-M).  Gotta believe hormones were involved. A few years ago, I decided to stop taking Inderal (doctor said OK) since pvcs were benign.  It worked out OK for about 4-5 years, but then the frequency of my pvcs ultimately led to complications.  I'm told that what I experienced is very rare, so don't worry that it will happen to you. Anyway, I ended up having 2 ablations in 2003 and today, I remain nearly pvc-free.  I do get occasional ectopics, but after thousands/day for years, what I have now is indeed a blessing. Hopefully, peri-M or menopause will not be a causative factor in increasing your palps...keeping my fingers crossed : )

Connie

[Bromley]

Hi. From your posts, not sure you get this yet.

If the pulse goes up instantly (takes only a beat or two to reach 140), then its a sign of abnormal tachycardia. If it ramps up over serveral seconds or minutes, then its proabably a response to adrenalin, which means its not heart related, but caused by panic or anxiety.  

In going from normal beat to tachycardia, its more like an automobile shifting gears.  At once, there is a sudden change in the way your heart is performing.  If anxiety related, its more like using the accelerator pedal (assuming you dont stomp on it!!!).  It slowly speeds up...

Dont worry about the abbreviations.  A lot of these abnormal tachycardias turn out to be relative non-issues anyway.  But when your ticker is acting up, you want to know what is going on...

[Bromley]

Also,  the beats can immediately drop back to normal. Like shifting your car back into the original gear.  Slowly ramping down sounds more like anxiety, but I would have to ask the doc.

Good luck.

[gdeniseg]

I had almost the exact same experience that you are talking about.  My heart would suddenly speed up and then suddenly go back to normal.  I later had a sustained episode that wouldn't go back to normal and ended up in the ER and was diagnosed with "Sinus Node Re-Entry Tachycardia" a form of SVT.  I am now on 50 mg. of Lopressor twice a day and I have my life back!!  That medicine has made a world of difference in my life.

Also, I have anxiety and had thought for years that my anxiety was what was making my heart do that, but come to find out it was the SNRT that was causing my episodes - not the anxiety.  I do have anxiety, but that was not the cause of my episodes.  Please follow your instincts and if you feel like it needs to be checked out, make an appt. with a good cardiologist and have the basic EKG, echo and Holter.  Good luck to you!

[cam4]

connie
thanks for the info. I havbe not had thousands in a day and I pray often that it never gets that bad. How was the ablation procedure? My cardio is not into doing that because they are benign. But , it would be so nice to have them go away!!! and since I had a catheterization last summer for a artery spasm, I am not scared or uncomfortable about doing ablation. I would like to just live like every one else and not have to feel my heart skip all day long!!!

[lak]

Just wanted to know if anyone has noticed that the pvcs show up after a complete hysterectomy,
I think that about a year after that is when all this trouble started.
I am 46 with high bp, I just counted my pvc's about 15 in a minute.  They go in two's stop, fours stop.  I never have anytime that I don't have them.  They are for sure very annoying.  
I have now started have a constant ringing in my ears.  I take xanax for the palps and for the ringing. Atenol and hyzaar, and they just started me on a new antidepressent Lexapro and another water pill.  
I feel like a walking pharmacy.
You all probably might like to know that my name on here is not lak because I lak in pvcs.  Just my intials.  Any comments are welcomed!

[Charlie S]

I wore a monitor for 24 hrs and found about 3,500 pvcs. I really only bothers me at night when I lay down for bed. It has been going on for 12 years now and I take nothing. I have learned to live with it and sleep fine. My question is I was tested in 2002 do I need to ever be retested or I know I have pvcs for the rest of my life?

[tickertock]

i am not an MD. Being a pvc sufferer myself i am made to understand that some persons constantly have pvcs.most of the adult population have from a few to several hundred pvcs daily , most are not felt at all.

most pvcs sufferers like myself have episodes in which pvcs wax and wane, sometime months to years without any or very minimal symptoms, then a flare up for weeks to months.

once you had all the necessary the tests and unless others symptoms develop, probably a good physical every 5 years is all that needed, the fact that you had them 12 years without incidence is most reassuring that your pvcs are nothing more than a nuisance and not foreboding of worst things to come.

of course follow your own instincts and what your body is telling you.

[Momto3]

Hi Cam4,

The EPS and ablations were not bad.  The hardest parts were the IV (not crazy about multiple sticks looking for those veins, but certainly tolerable) and the part where they inserted a "plug" into the femoral artery (after the actual procedure). They have to apply pressure and by that time you are kind of waking up (kind of..lol). Other than that, it was not bad at all.  If I had to go back, I would not be afraid or anxious.  

Each procedure lasted 6-7 hours and I was given Versed and Fentynl for comfort. The first EPS revealed primarily a RVOT, whereas the second procedure revealed 4 additional morphologies, the predominant problem being LVOT.  My cardio was definitely not in favor of an ablation when I asked about it a few years back.  When the cardiomyopathy became issue, we began to discuss lifetime meds and/or ablation(s).  I tried the antiarrythmics, but didn't like the side effects. So, ultimately I opted to give the EPS and ablation a try.  I asked my doctor what she would do if she were in my shoes and she said she would go for the ablation.  While I am normally not too good with medical procedures, I was actually kind of relieved when we finally decided to go ahead.    

I admit, it is really nice to be nearly pvc-free.  It actually took me several months to adjust to my new heartbeat.  My EP commented that prior to the 2nd procedure, she had NEVER heard my heart beat regularly.  However, it was always termed "benign" until the drop in EF.  What I find especially awesome is that after years of anxiety, I do not experience the same level of anxiety. Before, when I would get anxious over something I would have this systemic reaction that would include an increase in heart activity...producing more anxiety....Now, when I am stressed, my heart does not normally get involved...nice!

What is an artery spasm?  Sounds like it must feel strange. Here's hoping you sail through peri-M and M  : )  I keep wondering if the pvcs will come back like I used to get them, but so far, so good.  It has been 18 months since the 2nd procedure!! YEAH!

Connie

[Map11]

Thank-goodness that I have found thisforum! I am used to having an occasional palpitation.  I have learned to live with my "palps" for 20 years....UNTIL RECENTLY!  They have gone crazy. My history is that at 18, I was diagnosed with slight MVP. Was having palps.  I started on low dose Inderal at age 30 when palps increased and they gave me panic. I have had 3 or 4 bouts of Svt over the years that always resolved itself pretty quickly.  Well, things have changed!  For some unknown reason I have gone from 1 pvc on my Holter last year to 5,000 on my 24hr. holter this week.  My cardiologist feels that it is p-menopause. WELCOME TO MY 40's!  The inderal that I have been taking for 10 years has seemed to have lost it's worth. It seems like it is making the palps worse. I am now taking nothing. The palps seem better but still having alot.
Basically,  All of the pvc's are benign and my Dr. wants to put me on tambacour? (spelling?) So, next week I will be having a Nuc. Stress test just for precaution.  My real decision now is should I just try to live with the palpitations without any meds.  I worry that the meds will make things worse.
Everyones words have been encouraging.  Especially Connie and Charlie S.  It helps to know others have gone through this. Thanks-Map11

[Momto3]

Welcome to your 40's!! You are among friends : )

I had a very similar experience.  I was diagnosed at 19 with MVP and a leaky valve, but told it was nothing to worry about...stay off mountains and out of private airplanes...seemed easy enough...lol. I was put on Inderal sometime around 1981 (pvcs) and I took it on/off till 1998. At that time, the palps were acting up (early 30's) and the RX was no longer effective at suppressing them.  The constant palps were driving me crazy and I was referred to an EP. After a complete workup, I was told the palps were benign, the valve was fine, but that I should get yearly echos. I could also stop taking the Inderal or try taking it "as needed" (that actually worked great over the next several years).

Long story short - the frequency of the pvcs substantially increased in my early 40's and the Inderal was no longer working. I ended up developing a cardiomyopathy as a result of persistent, consistent pvcs.  In my case, the pvcs were no longer benign and I needed ongoing, aggressive treatment.  Again, this is rarely documented and extremely unlikely to occur, so do not worry. I was admitted to the hospital and was monitored on flecainide (tambacor) for about 3 days. It worked wonders to suppress the pvcs, but after about 3 months of living with the side effects (digestive problems, vivid dreams and some central nervous system stuff), I discussed my options with my doctor.  It was not unbearable, just not comfortable. She switched me to rhythmol. It was effective and I experiended fewer side effects. Took that for about 4 months and that's when I found out I would be on it forever...I guess I didn't realize that earlier.  That's when the doctor and I seriously discussed ablation(s). She shared my medical records/tests with many experts around the country as well as with the local team of "ablators." They believed they could pinpoint the problem area and I was scheduled for EPS and possible RFA.

Fast forward to today - doing well, nearly pvc-free and experiencing lesser degrees of anxiety.

Best of luck with your upcoming test results and here's to traveling through your 40's pvc-less : )

Let us know what you decide about the tambacor.  Will you be monitored if/when they start it?

Connie

[cam4]

Wow! 6-7 hours!! I had no idea that the procedure is that long. I have not gone into a non-benign state of pvc's yet, so I dont know if my doc will do an invasive procedure. I am trying to ignore them the best I can, but the increase as of late is EXTREMELY annoying. I know we are all in the same boat. I am praying for everyone that feels this way. EVery morning I wake up and hope that this is the turning point day, because like many of you, i used to go weeks and up to a month without having any. I am not on 2 months of daily pvc's. I swear they give me headaches.. anyone else feel like when you have them all day you end up with a pounding head?? It is still amazing to think that your heart can skip all day long and it isnt life threatening..

[lak]

YES, I DO HAVE LIKE A PRESSURE POUNDING HEADACHE ALWAYS THE SAME PLACE ON THE LEFT SIDE ABOVE THE EAR.  SOMETIMES I THINK IT IS WORSE IF I HAVE NOT CONSUMED A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF WATER.  IF I GET BUSY AND FORGET TO DRINK.

[bronzed aussie]

Thank God I found this website! I'v just had baby number 3 last month and have been experincing palpatations increacingly since the birth.
Mine seem to go along with cronic indigestion that started 5 years ago after an extremly anxious time in my life. I was put onto beta blockers and sent to a psychologist. Had all of the tests and pronounced ok. I don't take anything for them anymore and have had 3 very good births. The first pregnancy I went without one incident - very strange. My pulse rate has been resting around 100bpm when I'm around week 20-30. And back down to around 55-65 after. I try not to focus on it. Very relieving to read all of your postings.

[lindylou18]

I'm an LPN and have some patient's on Tambecor, they've all had pretty good results.  I want to ask you guys because I read the forums and have come to trust your answers almost better than my Dr.'s!  ( HE is 30 and although very kind and smart, still a guy, and still 30)  I'm 25 and have had PVC's off and on for 6 years.  I had an echo and lab and an event monitor, turns out I'm in perfect health with begin PVC's and occasional SVT.  I also have a history of panic disorder and the two play off each other. Recently, after 3 months of careful tracking I have discovered on the day I ovulate I feel my PVC's, very deep and almost painful.  The week before my period I experience less painful episodes but more frequent.  The week of my period I do not feel them at all.  I realized however that 3years ago I had been on the pill, and my PVC's were very infrequent then, maybe 1 every few months.  I asked my Dr., and he looks so innocent in telling me he has no idea.  I have an appt with an OB/GYN for a well woman exam, I'm curious, have you guys ever had similar situations?

[cam4]

oh yeah,  aheart spasm is when an artery in your heart constricts like a muscle spasmm and cause a block to the flow of blood and oxygen. It is generally stress related as mine was. It was very scary and I spent 3 days in ICU, I had very minor( so minor they coudnt find the damaged area) heart damage. That has probably repaired itself by now. I take a new drug for that condition instead of the beta blocker I used to take. I find this med is not helping the pVC's at all. Very bummer of a situation. I go back to the cardio on the 9th. Looking for answers.
cam

[Map11]

Connie, I was shocked to read that a Dr. told you to stay away from small planes and mountains.  I have told my Dr. for years that I can't fly on any planes without having a bad flare up of palpitations.  He has told me that there is no known link between the two and I am probably just nervous.  I know that this is not the case because the last flight I was very calm and almost asleep when they started up.  That then admittedly gives me panic.  Also, I always get palpitations when driving in the mountains.  Living in Indiana where it is fairly flat, I noticed the link to the mountain elevations and palps without question.  I just never mentioned it because I don't get much support on the flying!  
My question to anyone else out there...Do you notice increased palps when flying?  If so,  do you still fly?  Do you increase meds?  
I have not flown in 3 years because of palpitations! I don't like letting palps get in front of things I want to do///but this has!
Look forward to hearing your thoughts..map11

[mahendra9]

A related discussion, My pulse rate misses but the total reading would be around 50-55 per minute was started.

[dussy]

A related discussion, heart palpatation was started.