Crazy rhythms

[MageeCeg]

I've been having PACs for quite a few years (I think it occurred after inhaling paint fumes while I was spray painting my porch floor).  As I've gotten older, I'm 66, they have occurred more frequently and lasting longer.  I went to my cardiologist who ordered an echo, stress test and holter monitor which showed only PAC's, no PVCs, and a slightly enlarged left atrium which he attributes to long lasting high blood pressure.  He said not to worry, but to see him every six to eight months to have a cardiogram.  They are very annoying and I notice that if I overeat, I get them immediately.

So now, I'm watching my salt intake and sugar too because I have type 2 diabetes, (under control) and hopefully they will diminish.  I'm also taking 50 mg of Atenolol (up from 25) and we'll see if this helps.  Am I wrong not to worry? It just doesn't seem normal for this to happen.

[madjlp]

Not a single PVC - thats great, esp at your age!  PACs stink - we all hate them but on the spectrum of cardiac risk they're as low as it gets in terms of arrhythmia.  You didn't mention runs of PACs (also called supraventricular tachycardia) or atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation (and even those are typically manageable and not an immediate risk) so it sounds like you're in pretty good shape.  Your cardiologist also sounds likes he pretty on top of things and his door is obviously open in terms of follow ups to keep an eye on the PACs and blood pressure.  Basically I'd say it sounds like you've done exactly what you should have and the news is good (though PACs are v annoying).  Big focus should be on the blood pressure and if you want to "fight" the PACs try to avoid whatever seems to trigger them (for some people caffeine, alcohol and large meals are all triggers - just keep an eye on what seems to trigger your skips).  best of luck

[Uboat]

It's easy to say "not to worry", "these aren't aren't going to hurt you" and "try to ignore them", but it's impossible. I have runs of PVCs off and on every day. On a good day I'll just have a run or two that will last a couple of seconds, on a bad day it's an all day roller coaster where I'll have a 5 minute run with normal rythym for 20 minutes then it starts all over again. I've had 2 brief runs while typing this. I'm lucky in that physical activity makes them go away while I'm doing it. But I can't live my life on a hamster wheel, lol.

When they hit, just remember that as you are having them, thousands of people around the world are sharing in the torment, have been for years, and in spite of it still make it through the day as nothing bad happens as a result. Think of it as having a heart that "hiccups" a lot. Just as regular hiccups are annoying and not life threatening, the same goes for PACs and PVCs.

People have different triggers that they experience. Drinking something ice cold can set them off, as does bending over my sink when I shave for some reason will also do it. Very strange.

[Momto3]

Sounds like you're on top of things.  For some reason, the PACs and PVCs can be triggered by a long list of things, including large or spicy meals.  Other times, they appear out of nowhere!  Crazy things!

Take care and try not to let them get the best of you.

[mabebesc]

Hi,
I definitely would not worry about this.  First of all, you've gotten the reassurance from your Dr. who ran some tests and told you not to worry so that would make me feel a lot better.  . From what I understand, everyone has them,-, some more, some less.  We have gotten so good at listening in to our hearts that we swear we can feel each and every one of them!!  I was told not to listen in so much to my heart!!! I know how annoying they can be but rest assured they aren't harmful.  I know what you mean when you say it doesn't seem normal but as we get older , it's not uncommon for our hearts not to be in perfect rhythm all the time.