Sudden Palpitations

[necktwitch]

I suddenly started getting heart palpitations recently.  My heart fealt like it was beating out of my chest.  I'm a healthy 31 yr old male.  I run around 17-20 miles a week and have a heart rate of around 45-50 beats per minute.  I had this also about 2 yrs ago that lasted a few days, but nothing since.  I'm not on any medications, don't do drugs, don't drink much caffeine at all.  The only thing different that has changed would be my sleep.  I recently started a new job and have to be at work earlier.  I'm wondering if that could have anything to do with it?  How long should I let this go before I see a doctor?  Any suggestions/information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Cleveland Clinic]

necktwitch,

thanks for the post.

Its pretty common to get palpitations in well conditioned individuals. While I don't think there is any thing other than PVCs or PACs, I would see a physician who could do an ECG or holter to tell you exactly what is going on. Otherwise, keep up the good work.

good luck

[anacyde]

Haha, nice name.

My palpitations increase when I don't get enough sleep and when I get too much.  I have to sleep the same amount each night, or close to it, or my body doesn't like it.

You're in good shape from the sound of it.  As my fitness increases, my palpitations do too.  Mine came on real suddenly here a few months ago.  I did have a pregnancy-related heart condition, but they say the palpitations don't appear related to it.  It seems as my fitness hits new levels, so do the ectopics.

It doesn't hurt to check and see what they are.  Wearing a Holter for a day is not the most convenient thing on earth, but it offers a lot of info.

[dquenzer]

I started getting PAC's at about age 40.  I was pretty well-conditioned and ran about 25 to 30 miles a week, and sometimes further when I was in training for road races.  I started getting them when I started building my house (stress), they went away for awhile, then started up pretty consistently.  They ended up turning into AFIB when I was about 48.

I had an ablation for the AFIB which took care of the PAC's and the AFIB.

The EP stated that runners have a higher tendency to get PAC's and ultimately AFIB because they tend to stretch the pulmonary veins.  This causes extra impluses in the atrium which causes AFIB and PACs.

I'm not saying you will get AFIB (you probably won't), but it is true that runners have a higher incidence of PACs.

How to cope with PAC's?  Well it takes a bit of time.  I had them for 8 years before getting AFIB.  They ebb and flow.  The main thing is to get enough sleep, don't get dehydrated, and stay away from ALL stimulants (caffiene, decongestants, etc).

I don't recommend meds because they don't help that much.  I tried numerous.

Actually the thing that helped the most was learning some biofeedback for relaxing so that I kept my adrenaline level down.

Good luck, and don't worry about them.  

PS.  I'm still running. 1 hour of light running 4 times a week.  I'm 51.  So don't give up the exercise.

[Rochelle73]

Hi Anacyde, It's Rochelle in London here.  Sorry to hijack this thread, but I lost your email and really need to chat.  If you're online, can you message me on Yahoo or email.  Thanks.

[anacyde]

Hey girl!!!  I was wondering if you dropped off the planet!  Mail me at ***@****.  I'll be looking for it.

[Shanny38]

Ok so PAC/PVC...ugh....what is the difference. I read that PVC can be dangerous but not to worry about my PAC's. Do PAC's and PVC's show up on EKG's? My friend was told today she has Sinus Arythmia. Again, what is the diff? Im so frustrated and tired of the anxiety. Maybe I just need reassurance that what have are good ole innocent PAC's since I have no insurance and cant afford a specialist.

[anacyde]

Sinus arrhythmia is pretty common in young people.

A PAC comes from the atria, the upper chambers of the heart.  These are extremely common and not considered dangerous.

A PVC comes from the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart.  Typically these are also benign, unless you have a structural heart defect such as an enlarged heart from cardiomyopathy, a decreased ejection fraction or a number of other forms of heart disease.  If you have a structurally normal heart, PVCs are not cause for worry either.

Both can really put some fear into the best of us though.

I suffer from PACs, and also PSVT (paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia).  PSVT is like a ton of PACs strung in a row.  Also, usually not dangerous when it breaks quickly, but still scary!

If you have been assured that you are only having PACs - DO NOT WORRY!!!  The anxiety you go through is worse for you than the ectopic beats.

[Jett456]

I have been lurking and reading posts on heart palpitations.  I am surprised no one has mentioned using magnesium supplements to help control the palpitations.  I went through this a few years ago when I was in my early 40s.  I went to a cardiologist and had a normal echo.  He said I was fine.  So, I did my own research and found info on magnesium and B-12.  It worked for me.  I still get them occasionally but I immediately up my magnesium and it seems to keep them from getting annoying.  Also I think some people are confusing palpitations with arrythmia.  It is always a wise thing to see a doctor before diagnosing yourself.  Palps and arrythmias can also be an indication of something wrong.

[NoCarbs]

Hello
I recently went to the Doctor for the Sudden onset of Palpitations. I was given a EKG, Then wore a Holter Monitor for 24 hours. Then Had an Echo Done. The Doctor told me everything was fine and that I was just nervous and not to worry about them. I am a 43 yr old over weight male, with a family history of Heart Disease, both parents died from Heart Attacks 1 Grandparent and 4 uncle's ( whom were all under 45 ) I have been on the Atkins diet for 5 weeks and lost 51 pounds the second week in I got them back again and thought it was the Vitamin I was taking so I stopped it. They went away for 3 weeks. Now today they are back, I have been to my doctor 3 times today because of them. He said it was stress because they were not present the first 2 time I stopped in. The third time I stopped he finally heard them and said they are PVC?? Nothing that isn't normal in most people. Because of my weight loss my blood pressure is 120/70 and I have stopped the Water Pills but am still taking the potassium. He ordered a Blood test for Potassium levels, and told me to stop my potassium supplement. All of a sudden I have these Darn things back it feels like going down a roller coaster and having the **** scared out of you. I am really worried, Please advise? I didn't have these problems when I was fatter, should I just go back to eating pasta and bread and cookie and cakes? HELP

[Fight_PVC]

NoCarbs,

My PVCs started after 3 weeks into the South Beach diet, which is also a limited carb diet. I was also taking a statin drug at that time. I had frequent attacks, specially while lying down or seated, and like you, it really scared me. My doctor put me on a holter monitor, and ECG but hey did not see anything wrong. I stopped the diet and statin, fearing it might be causing  the PVCs.

It has been two months and I still have them when lying down at night, but not as frequent and severe as before. Two weeks ago, I tried some multivitamins and the PVCs stopped for a week! But it returned around 5 days ago.

Things to consider:

1. Is it postural?  My PVCs are prevalent at times when I'm seated or lying in bed.
2. Are you taking medications? Talk to your doctor as some may cause palpitaions.
    In my case, stopping the statin improved my condition.
3. It is triggered by stress? This is proven. In my case, I would have flutters when   under stress.
4. Overeating. Combined with bad posture, this has triggered PVCs as well.

Lastly, check for a HIATAL HERNIA, specially if you are overweight. Although hiatal hernias often do not present symptoms, they might trigger PVCs as well.