1 year on after taking fish oil for my pvc's

Hello all
I'm celebrating! 1 year success with taking fish oil and magnesium for my pvc's. I haven't had such a good year for years (15 years exactly since my heart first skipped)! I still have the skips, but it's much better, and I haven't had one of my episodes, where the heart rate goes up, the heart skips on a continuous basis, and I generally feel lousy and anxious. Most of you know how this feels. I still have to watch what I eat a bit, white bread is a no no for me (MSGs?), and absolutely no caffein or alcohol. I still believe it's the vagus nerve which causes these heart-irregularities, which would explain why so many of us have triggers like certain foods/alcohol/coffee, etc. But I'm so happy happy happy (can you tell!). I feel more calm and secure in myself. I take 2x antireflux coated fish oil pills (mornings and evenings, with a meal), and 2x magnesium. I do wonder if anyone else has had such success with fish oil or if it's just me?

[BobRBob]

Excellent. Glad to hear you are doing so well. I also take Magnesium (250 mg/day) and fish oil although I hesitate to attribute much to them specifically at this point as I started taking them shortly after starting Sotalol in early July (for Afib). Except for a couple of short episodes in September, I have been in NSR since starting the Sotalol. I also virtually stopped drinking alcohol at the same time. With so many changes it's hard to know what's working and what isn't. The most important variable at this point seems to be the timing of the Sotalol (empty stomach vs full and time of day) and getting enough sleep. I can't overemphasize the importance of this last factor, at least in my case.

How much magnesium and fish oil do you take each day?

[itdood]

Good to hear you are doing so well!  I had some recent bliss but then had a 10 day flare up.  Not really sure what happened, I'm guessing it was because I had 3 weeks prior gone mostly off a good diet and was drinking more beer than I normally do.  It all started with us going on vacation...and me letting my decent eating habits go to heck.

I also added some calcium into my mag supp because after talking to some people and reading about it, mag and cal should be taken together.    I started back to my good diet habits and added the calcium at the same time.  PVCs improved.  So I don't know which one helped, or if it's just a fluke.

Fish oil had an opposite effect on me, but i think that's because at the time GERD was an issue for me and certainly aggravated my PVCs.  Fish oil for someone already with GERD is just going to make it worse.  I think the moral of the story, like Bob is saying, everyone has different triggers and coping strategies. When you change 2 or 3 major variables in your life it's hard to pinpoint which one had the positive or negative results.

PVC can also have many different triggers, diet, GERD, or general heart.  Finding the right mix of things to help is a journey that's for sure.

I supp 325mg of two different mag supps, Mag Glycinate and Mag Tuarate.   I just added 600 mg Cal + D.    If you supp mag I read it should be in a 2:1 ratio CAL:MAG.  meaning twice as much cal.  

Mag really really helped me in more than a few ways.  When I first started it my PVCs vanished.  I also felt more relaxed and my BP lowered by 10 points all around.  When I read the literature on mag I was doing everything to deplete it and it was no where in my diet.  So this made sense to me, though mag was the one thing in my blood works I didn't have checked.  After about 6 weeks on it, some symptoms returned only worse.  I actually read a site that said if you don't take cal with it "same symptoms may return only worse".  That struck a chord with me.  again, I didn't have it checked, just added cal into the mix and things are heading back in the right direction for now.

Here's to good health and no PVCs!!!

[Skippi]

I take 2x 500mg Magensium Chelate (1 mornings, 1 evenings) plus 1000 mg Enteric Coated Reflux Free Fish Oil (again 1 mornings, 1 evenings, with a meal). I do have reflux apparently, although I don't have the normal symptoms, only a slightly sore throat in the mornings (I have had a barium meal done years ago and the result was: very free reflux).
And yes, I agree, everyone is different, and needs to find out what helps, I'm just wrapped that this helps me, withouth having to take any other medication (don't like the beta blockers but have them, just in case...).

[kim62]

Great for you!! I too have conquered the PVC monster! I was having them every 5 or 6  beats and were so strong that I thought my heart was coming out of my throat. This was an added problem for me since I have a complex ventricular tachycardia and PVCs would trigger the VT. To beat the PVCs I started taking Fish oil(1200mg) Magnesium(2x250) and Co Enzyme Q-10(200mg). When I first suggested this to my cardiologist... he was all for it and it worked! I have had 4 ablations for VT and an ICD (implanted cardiac defibrillator) and something as simple as some over the counter vitamins and minerals have cured the PVCs. My condition has improved to the point, where 3 weeks ago all features but one on my ICD have been turned off.

[Amethyst1974]

Hi Skippie,

Congratulations with your great results! I am so happy for you.
It was because of you I started taking fish oil too. I read some of your post and they inspired me.

I had great results with Magnesium and Fish Oil myself. In May 2009 I was diagnosed with mild MVP with mild MR. The Holter test showed some PAC's, 187 PVC's, 22 couplets and 2 episodes of VT a day. The cardiologist put me on Bystolic 2,5 mg (Nebivolol) for the VT. After starting with the Beta Blocker (BB)  I had more PVC's than I used to have. I was nervous and anxious and turned to this forum for help. In june 2009 I started with Magnesium Oxide 250 mg 2 times a day and Omega 3 fish oil 700 mg 2 times a day. Well the PVC's reduced considerably and if I got one it was a light one. I got to the point were I was PVC free for days.

In august 2009 I started taking Magnesium Citrate 400 mg a day. In september 2009 I switched to another BB Concor 2,5 mg (bisoprolol). At this time I was not taking the Magnesium and Fish Oil as prescribed. The reason for this is I did not feel right with my stomach. Last wednesday I got tachycardia. After four months of being tachycardia free. I think my upset stomach, headache, muscle pain, tingling in my fingers were side effect of the new BB. I called my cardiologist and she suggested that it will be better to switch back to the former BB. So I did and again I am taking magnesium and fish oil as prescribed. Now I am taking Omega 3 Fish Oil 1000 mg 2 times a day. I am feeling better allready.

I have a question. Do you take your magnesium with a meal?

Of course I don't drink alcohol, I try to eat as healthy as possible, I drink a lot of water and I try to do some exersice.

All the best,

Amethyst

[Skippi]

oh, I'm so glad to hear about your positive results. I do repeat myself a bit on this forum, but keep thinking, if one of my posts can help just one of you out there, then I'll be happy. I have joined this forum last year (found it by browsing for an answer to my pvc misery) and it has changed my life. To find you all, to hear your stories and to realise, I'm not alone, has helped me greatly. For so many years I have suffered in silence, listened to doctors telling me nothing is wrong, just live with it. And suddenly, this door opened and I found so many others with the same symptoms.
Since I've added fish oil, I have seen such improvements, it's almost unbelievable. And yes, I do take my magnesium and fish oil with meals, much easier on the stomach. Thanks for your replies, it's good to know others have had good experiences with fish oil too.

[Amethyst1974]

I recently ordered magnesium taurate (cardiovascular research ltd) from amazon.com. Also available at the vitamine shop (usa)

I am looking forward for taking that too. I will keep you all posted.

All the best

Amethyst

[Mom2four85]

I just saw this post and wanted to relay something.  My husband went to the dr last week and his dr recommended Triple Str Fish Oil  (900 mg omega-3) from GNC because his Triglycerides were 386.

I wasn't sure about Fish Oil before, but the bottle says may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, Supports Joint, brain and skin health, so it sounds like it would be great to take them.

I'm going to ask about it Friday when I go in if I can take them, I need all the brain health I can get :P

[Jerry_NJ]

You say/quote: "I wasn't sure about Fish Oil before, but the bottle says may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, Supports Joint, brain and skin health, so it sounds like it would be great to take them. "  sounds like one of the 19th century snake oils :)  

I have taken Fish Oil for AFib and left knee joint pain, but quit after a bottle or two as I didn't notice any real improvement in either milady.  Then, the knee pain subsided, not totally gone but a lot better.  Subsequently the pain has come back (knee, not back, or heart).  Maybe its time to try fish oil again.  This thread encourages me to try again.

I'm also taking a little magnesium (inexpensive oxide form - but my blood test say my magnesium is in range so the supplement is just a little extra, just in case).

[itdood]

All this talk about fish oil....be careful folks.  The latest research is showing fish oil to be pro-arrhythmic in people with VT.

It's been definitely demonstrated that folks with ICDs should not supp omega3s.

The "heart benefits" over the years that have been shown were all documented for patients post MI and CAD.  These are folks who have decreased HRV from the infarction, meaning they've got blocks and poor electrical conduction.  They would be more prone to a dangerous arrhythmia becoming fatal because if one starts the heart's normal fail-safe mechanisms will not kick in.

The omega3 is thought to play a role in "smoothing" ion activity over normal and damaged cells.  This might be good for someone with structural damage but not so much for someone with hyperactive conduction.

for more info google "fish oil pro-arrhythmic"

[Jerry_NJ]

Thanks, very interesting, the first I've "seen" of this so far...or could it be my bad memory:>?

My affliction is AFib, and it while not mentioned specifically by you, the information seems to point a questioning "finger" at the wisdom to my using Omega-3 supplements.  

I remain optimistic that my shrinking (hope it still is) left atrium will help me with a reduction of AFib, or at least postive results from various cardioversion that don't now work.  I haven't tried the real strong stuff, just toprol (metop..), propafenone and Rhythmol (all in high doses).

[Mom2four85]

ack I haven't seen that - that's why before I even took ibuprofen I made sure with my doctor (my husband is healthy, no problems except the triglycerides)  I certainly don't want anything to make pvc's come back stronger or mess with my icd...I'm perfectly happy with just  few tweaks and twinges :)

btw, I did google it and the BMJ showed the animal study, I wonder if they did a human study and what the results were? Scary, gave me a chill just reading about SCD again

interesting how a simple thing like fish oil can raise the risk with icd patients, wonder if you eat the foods that have omega's in them if that raises the risk also....hmmm  I'll ask my pcp Friday either way.

[kickstar1]

Hi,

does anyone of you suffer with chronic EBV? In my case the virus affects the nerves, meaning that I have just about any bodily symptom imaginable :( - including a recent HORRIBLE episode of heart palpitations (hard and fast - all day), which led me to insomnia and anxiety attacks.
Anyhow, I am on Cardevidilol (spelling?) - has worked for about 4 months - but now it seems to be wearing off....
I wonder if the fish oil/magnesium vitamin mixture would help in my case too.
Thank you!

[Mom2four85]

EBV sounds alot like ANS problems - your ANS regulates everything in your body "automatically"

Have you checked out the forum for EBV? I know I saw one when I was searching for ans, if I find it I'll send you the link - or you can search for EBV up top.  I found some great info on the other forum for my condition

[kickstar1]

thank you! What is ANS? Autonomic nervous system? Or is it some kind of a condition?

[FuldaDon]

I can report that since I started taking Fish Oil caplets twice a day my PVC's (extra heartbeats) have disappeared completely!  I am going to pass my discovery on to my cardiologist.

[Skippi]

Wow, good news for you too! I am so happy for you!!! I have read on the internet that some cardiologists support taking fish oil (for pvc's anyway), so they are aware of the benefits for some people. I am very happy report continuous well-being for myself (pvc sufferer for more than 15 years), on 2x fish oil tables/day, wohooo!

[RNRita]

I read this yesterday and ran out and bought some fish oil again.  That was one thing that has been different for me.  I was good on mag for many months, then everything back.  I was good yesterday but towards night it went back to weird. Do you take them at different times?  

[Madge270]

What is the name of your anti-reflux fish oil supplements?  I have GERD but would like to try them.

By the way, I've reduced the number of PVCs I had from 8500 a day  (diagnosed two years ago) to about 1000 a day now, sometimes less. Six months ago my doctor suggested that I take 700 mg of calcium a day, 350 mg of magnesium, and 500 mg of vitamin D3.  This is the only dietary change I made, so I'm thinking that that combo is doing me some good.  

I also know, though, that periods of PVCs can come and go.  I'm just glad to feeling so much better.  I do seem to have more episodes of pounding heart (not a fast heartbeat and not many PVCs, just pounding that I can feel in my chest, neck and head.  Usually in the morning when I first get up, after eating, and if moderately active.  They come and go. But the PVCs themselves are really reduced.

[bbxx]

Wow, ok, I am game. I will try taking it. Just fish oil-
amount is 2? 2 of the softgels? I have some with per 3 softgels=
4,200 mg omega3
9lu vit. E
1548mg DHA
999mg EPA
1,653other omega 3 fatty acids
How many, how much and how long did it take to notice?

[RNRita]

I am on my third day of fish oil and have noticed a reduction at least during the day.  At night they still get going, but I jump up and exercise and that usually settles them somewhat.  Also, I make sure not to sit "crunched".   I'm muddling through.  I'll keep you updated. I'm also taking calcium and mag, but smaller doses....(new job, can't run to the bathroom as easily) lol

[Skippi]

2x a day enteric coated reflux free fish oil 1000mg from Golden Glow Australia (google it), plus 2x Magnesium chelate 500mg, with meals. Give it at least 3 weeks to see any benefits! Plus keep up good eating/drinking habits. I don't drink coffee or alcohol, and avoid reflux creating foods. Good luck.

[Madge270]

Thanks for the fish oil info, Skippi.  I've cut back on the Nexium to every other day, in an attempt to keep my calcium and B vitamin absorption higher.  My doctor told me that taking a PPI every day can cause stomach acid to be too low, and that will reduce your calcium and B-vitamin absorption. (There's a lot of osteoporosis and Vitamin-12 deficiency in my family and I'm getting older, so he wanted me to try the PPI every other day.)  Like you,  I watch what I eat to reduce reflux, and so far it's working. I hope the fish oil works out, because it's so good for us.

RNRita,

You don't have to take high dosages of calcium and magnesium. My EP/cardiologist suggested the lower doses (about twice as much calcium as magnesium + D3).  I get mine online from Schiff, because they make a softgel which is easier to swallow. I take just one softgel a day instead of two, and am doing fine with it so far.

[jerry2012]

How long after you started to take the fish oil did you notice your pvcs have stopped
jerry

[Skippi]

Hi, it took probably about 3-4 weeks.  they haven't stopped completely, but I can live with that! I used to have them for days, I called these days/nights "having an attack", skip skip skip, very distressing and frightening. that has stopped since fish oil, and I have my life back!! Very happy to report I am still doing fine! good luck :-)