pvcs/fluttering

[cookie2]

Hi,and Thank you for taking my question. 46 female, Mvp pvcs alot of them, but consideered healthy otherwise. I have had pvcs since I was 20 needless to say I have had most test done, all normal, Just went to er this past fri, normal ecg. My question is do pvcs sometimes feel like the heart is fluttering, it feels aratic yet no other symptoms but panick. How does v tach vs a fib feel? If it was v tach would I beable to walk around with a atack? When this did happen I was walking in the store and did not feel faint or dizzy, just a rush of panick. I am not usally a panicky person but these pvcs do scare the heck out of me. Does anyone here have the flutter feeling with pvcs/ afib
                                        Thanks so much
                                            Darlene

[Lis_babe]

Hi All,
i am a 24 yr old female and i have suffered pain in my left arm for two years, it feels like the veins will explode. About six months ago i was out shopping when i had a sudden bursting feeling in my chest, like my heart was jumping into my throat, this lasted about ten seconds. Since then i have a strange sensation of my heartbeat when its cold outside, at times i also have trouble breating. I have had several EKGS and a holter monior and also a test to see if i have calcium in my arteries and all were clear, jusr wondered if anyone else had anything like this?
Thanks

[axg9504]

I used to run a lot - 20 years ago. Tapered down to a few miles a week over the last 10 years or so. Two years ago I started getting dizzy spells and after a heart catheter showed no structural problems an event monitor showed that I was having Afib during running. I have no problems otherwise.
I have a question about your PVC's which I understand that you had when running. Did you ever feel a clutching sensation at your throat?

[Tixona]

Hello.  New to this sight.  I was driving to work the other day and my heart started fluttering so hard and strong.  I knew it was palpitations or something and at the time, decided to sluff it off, figuring it would go away (knowing the human body is not perfect).  But...it didn't stop.  It has continued.  Then, when it didn't subside, I gave myself anxiety!!  I finally calmed my self down and went to my family doctor.  He did an EKG.  He said it was PVC's, I think.  He has me going to a cardiologist for a stress echo.  Just curious....will these pvc's get worse?  What exactly are they?  I am a runner.  43 years old.  Can I still exercise?  I know you aren't doctors but maybe someone can give me some insight to set me a little at ease until I get to the doctor next week.

Thanks

[pms_barbie]

Actually I was wrong that is quadgimeny I believe.

[pms_barbie]

Yes that that you describe is trigeminy..  Just be thankful you dont feel it.  I had bigeminy for a year off and on and it felt just awful.

[Marilyn (runner)]

Hi,  you know - I finally got lucky - I've never been diagnosed with A-Fib !! so far I've managed to miss this rhythm..  I've heard it can go on for hours, days and possibly months..  It can cause extreme fatigue..  I think they offer 'drugs' to help alleviate it and I believe they recommend taking 'coumadin' - as it has the 'possibility' of increasing the risk of strokes..  I take coumadin for a mechanical mitral valve - and although I was scared to death to take it at first - its really gone quite well overall.  I have a home monitor to test myself for my INR range and my coumadin clinic has given me excellent guidance in doseage..  Its going well - but having a good support medical system is the key..  Without that I would not be doing as well.  I had Open Heart in May for my valve and I've managed to win 3 running Medals !!!  So, as you can see I've not given up my quality of life..  That's my number one issue when I visit my docs - Quality of LIFE..  say it as many times as you can during your doctor visits and make sure the doctor is aware of what kind of quality you expect and if they can help you to achieve that quality of life...  I also recommend if you can taking another person with you to your office visit..  Many times its better to bring another person with you to your office visits.. I think they take your complaints more seriously - plus you have the other person to ask questions about your visit later..  Its amazing how we sometimes 'hear' docs but we don't 'listen'..  I took a seminar once and they said there was a very small percentage that actually remember an entire conversation..   I know I don't and I've been going to the docs for years..        

In my opinion if I want to address an anxiety issue or panic issue - I would see a shrink - if I want to address a cardiac issue I see a general cardiologist - if I want to address an electrical issue - I see an EP doc...  I would also recommend you write your questions down before your visit and make sure you ask them all.  You may find yourself going away with more questions than you started with.  But, ask for a follow up visit..  in case their recommendations are not helping your situation...  

I know the medical community has worked for years trying to find a cure for this rhythm and they've definently come a long way over the last few years.  But, since I'm not in this rhythm - I can't say if its a fast beat or not..  But if you do a search - on this board - I'm sure the docs have posted about them and a websit called 'heartcenter' has a great website that explains alot about various cardiac conditions.  

Remember its your health and 'knowledge' is power..    

Good Luck and keep in touch.

Best Wishes
Marilyn (runner)

[Mel22]

This morning I was distressed to find out that I am having PVCs wihtout feeling them. While in bed, I happened to have my hand under my chin and I felt skipping of beats even though I didn't feel anything in my chest.

The skipping went: beat, beat, beat, skip. beat, beat, beat, skip. beat, beat, beat, skip. Then it returned to normal.

Is this what is referred to as "trigemy"?

[jennifer79]

Thank you Marilyn very much for replying. I will check into it and make sure I get the right dr. one question about a fib, im under the impression with a fib you have an extremely high heart rate. is that true?

[netrox]

Can you tell if it's A-Fib or V-tach when you have it?

How can I tell if I have SVT and not VT?

Two months ago, I had a few NSVT eposides, never lasted more than 8 beats tho. Scared the hell out of me. Never experienced such a sudden start and stop rate before.

-jeff

[jkf]

Hi
I get that fast heartbeat (I've clocked it at 220) that is totally out of sync.  It feels like it has pvc along with the fast rate.  Fortunally I only get those episodes about three times a year.  The longest one has lasted was about 15 minutes. Most of the time they last about 2 minutes.  I think I have had this one documented and was told it was PAT.  It is so scary to feel your heart beat that fast AND irregular.  
I have been pvc free for years.  I say this because I was only getting about 1 or 2 a month. Now, out of the blue, on Tuesday they decided to come back.  And, they feel horrible.  They also seem to come on more after I eat (even though I'm not full), when I bend over, or if I sit down quickly after running around the house.  I just hope they are not here to stay!

[noreaster]

Hi jfk,
Don't know if the heartbeat I get is as fast as yours. I've never taken my pulse during the episode. As I said they don't last long and anyway I'm too scared to do anything then.
I was sorry to hear about your PVCs and I hope you'll feel better soon. Take care.
PS: I also get PVCs when I bend over.

[uptowngirl]

Hi Cookie 2,

Yes, I have experienced the fluttery feeling at times, but hardly at all anymore.  
The event monitor captured them and  physicians documented them as "atrial flutter" on the report. He also said they were too random to be of concern.

Hope that helps.

Uptown

[Dr. Erik]

Fluttering is most likely A-Fib. V-Tach is many PVC's in a row that feel more like a rapid heartbeat. Good Luck!

[Marilyn (runner)]

I don't think 'pvcs' are life threatening  -  but then again - thats what I 'first' got was pvc's before I developed VT's years later - I had a heart attack and I now have an ICD defibrilator..  when I get tachycardias -  my ICD actually SHOCKS MY HEART.. back into a normal rhythm..  ITS JUST AWFUL - IT HURTS TERRIBLY - I HOPE YOUR PVC'S DON'T TURN INTO VT'S...  BE CAREFUL AND SEE YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY..  You may need a defibrilator.  Don't take any chances..  Get Help..  

Best Wishes  
Marilyn

[jennifer79]

Hello 1st time posting here.I am 25 yrs. old and I have been having the "fluttering" in my chest now for 9 years. It only lasts a second or two but scares the hell out of me each time. I also have tachycardia due to anxiety. I have had ekgs,holter monitor and blood work done all normal. I am still concerned so I finally made an appointment to see a cardiologist this wednesday. My family dr. and I both think that it is all anxiety related. I sure hope so!Anyone else out there experience this and its nothing serious??

[Marilyn (runner)]

Hi Jennifer,  You mentioned your going to see a cardiologist - I hope he specializes in the hearts electrical system as then he would be called an:  "Electrophysiologist".  

You have cardiologists that are plumbers and cardiologists that are electricians.  Normally these docs are called EP docs..  They are worth every penny and don't settle for anything less - its your LIFE..  If your appt is with a plumber - I would cancel it and see an electrician..  These guys are the 'experts' when it comes to the hearts electrical system.  

Also, its best to go to a 'high' volume hospital - as they have more experience due to a higher volume.  Cleveland Clinic is an excellent place.  But if you can't get there then try a large medical center its very important.  I've heard less than adequate care given in the smaller centers..  One person told me when they got their stress test they only had a technician in the room !!!  That's awful and it could possibly be illegal..  I'm sure the insurance companies would put a stop to that...   Make sure you get the top docs..  The electrical system is very complicated and very deadly..  You want a 'qualified' expert..  

Oh, by the way - I have one suggestion - I wouldn't talk about 'anxiety' or 'stress' during your office visit - its irrelevent - what's important is that you get a proper diagnosis and proper treatment for your 'heart' condition that you have - and thats an "electrical issue".  Maybe its benign - maybe its not - but anxiety and stress are not the issue.  You need to talk seriously - to be taken seriously...

Good Luck
Marilyn (runner)

[lak]

I have alot of PVC's, trigimeny, bigemy and a left bundle branch block.  So a little bit of everything, right now its running three beats skip three beats skip to me it feels like a flutter almost like when I was pregnant and the first little kicks and movements started.  I just try to ignore it.  I have been through all tests, matter of fact my ejection fraction had improved 2% this year to last year.  I take xanax at night and a muscle relaxer because they are so aggravating.  I also have high blood pressure and take atenol too.

[cookie2]

Hi
Thanks for your replie. The last I knew the mvp wasnt bad, so It is mild. I have had the monitor test, never caught it. Do you get the flutter feeling?
                          Thanks
                            Darlene

[cookie2]

Wow your palpatations sound just like what happens when I get an attack. It is scary as h*ll. Have you had any test done? I had most all but havent caught anything on ecg or event monitor. What did your doctor say about your symptoms?. email me at ***@**** if you would like
                                    Darlene

[uptowngirl]

Hi Cookie 2

I was interested to know what degree of prolapse your MVP is? Is it mild and is your heart otherwise structurally normal?  I believe that has some implication as to the possible incidence of A-fib.  
I'm not a physician of course (my profession is teaching). I have moderate prolapse of the mitral valve and trace to mild MR. Recently I  went through a 30 day monitering period, mostly, to appease concerned physicians.  At the end I never was in A-fib, even though I had periodic episodes of tachycardia and assorted PVC's.  It was a helpful diagnostic tool because my physicians prescribed a couple meds that are extremely effective.

Hope this is encouraging, and perhaps you could concur with a cardiologist for some monitering. Just a thought.

All the Best,
Uptown

[noreaster]

It's a good question. I've also wondered what a fib and v tach felt like.
I've had heart palpitations for almost a year now. Most of the times I just get this fast, strong but regular heartbeat, some PVCs(I think)but not a lot. From time to time however my heart goes crazy and starts beating fast and completely out of sync. The episodes are infrequent and don't last long - a few seconds or so. Last week however, after climbing a flight of stairs at work, I had one which was longer than usual. I felt breathless and very weak. Needless to say it SCARED me. Does anybody have an idea what it might have been?

[cookie2]

Hi I hope you get a good report from the doctor. Yes I also get tachy too, not to bad though, just 114 while I was on the event monitor. I also get bigimy sometimes which is a skip every other beat, doctor says its fine but really hard to believe when your heart is going crazy. I just try to keep a good positive out look on it all knowing others have much worse health problems but I have to say it is hard to do sometimes. email me at ***@**** if anyone would like
                                  Hope everyone has a good day
                                                                                                                Darlene

[kellebelle]

Yes, I get the fluttery feeling.For example I had that feeling last night and my pulse was fine, no pvc's....very confusing.
I always wonder if its afib??? But my dad says my pulse would feel jumpy, he has dealt with afib for 30 years.

Pvc's scare me too, just want to feel normal. Do you get tachachardyia?? I use to get that a lot with panic attacks which I have had for 9 years but that has been really calm since the pvc's started....Yet last week I had a run of sinus tach, but otherwise okay. I see my regular doctor today....he is finally sending me to a cardiologist. I have had all the normal tests. But just think its wise for me to get a second opinion. Take care and I hope you get some helpful advice.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Darlene,

Yes many people experience a fluttering feeling or a rush of panic, especially with multiple PVCs over a short period of time.  Certainly A fib and VT can feel similar.  If  you haven't had coronary disease, have a normal heart structure (ie normal echo), the odds of VT are very, very low, although it does happen.  I am sure you have had a holter monitor or event monitor in the past.  If it all feels the same as it used to, it is very likely the same thing....PVCs.

Again it could be A fib, but this is USUALLY a sustained rhythm with an irregularly irregular pulse.  The only way to tell for sure is to capture the rhythm on EKG or holter.

Trust me, you are not alone with the feelings of fluttering with PVCs.

I hope this helps.