Help me figure this out PLEASE...racing heart!

[CharityP]

First let me say that I have experienced pac's/pvc's and sinus tachycardia since my early teens. I'm 32 now. Female.  I saw a cardio about 10 1/2 years ago. During the echo the tech told me that my mitral valve is elongated with mild bowing and produces a click.  The cardio said I don't have MVP though.  I've since had 2 more echos and both say my mitral valve is normal.  
About a year and a half ago, I woke up with a racing heart.  It took several minutes before it slowed down. Afterwards my legs were shaking.  Let me say I have dealt with anxiety/panic in my life but this felt different.  I wasn't even anxious or under stress at the time.  Since this episode I've had several more. They would usually only happen every few months...but here recently I've been having the more and more.  Usually they would happen at night when trying to sleep.  But the past couple ones have happened after getting up in the morning.  Yesterday morning I got out of bed after waking and walked into the kitchen...by the time I got there I felt like my heart had gone into overdrive.  I quickly walked back to bed to lay back down, but it didn't slow down. It feels "stuck".  I've tried squatting and such but nothing seems to help.  I often get this warm, rush sensation through my chest and down my arms as well.  Sometimes that happens right before and sometimes during. Sometimes I will have waves of it....where it will slow down but then I'll have another wave a few minutes later where it will speed up again.  Also....I almost always shake ....even when it's over.  Is it common for people with SVT and such to shake during/after an episode, or do you think it's just anxiety and adrenaline??  I last saw a cardio a few months ago...had all the tests....echo, stress, nuclear stress, holter...everything was fine.  Of course it never happened when I wore the holter.  
The shaking part wants me to believe it's strictly panic...but at the same time...it came on yesterday by getting out of bed...that wouldn't be panic??  I'm so scared.  I'd love your opinions!  Thanks!

[Barbarella]

I've had severe panic attacks and agorophobia for 15 yrs straight.  For me no biofeedback, no relaxation method, no deep breathing method, no therapy, no group therapy, no hypnosis, no yoga over several yrs have helped me.  I gave it my all and did not throw in the towel after a few meetings.

Then came the pills.  Unfortunately not Valium, not Xanax, not Atovan, not Paxil, not Librium and I'm sure there are others I can't remember have helped me.  

Untill I cam across an ad of Dr. Claire Weeks's books and after reading, re-reading, and reading again she set me free 95% of my panic attacks, and 100% of my agorophobia.

Different people respond to different methods.  Some people get help with meds, some people get help with techniques I mentioned above, and some get no help at all as it was in my case.  Dr. Weeks was a god sent for me, and many others, but maybe there are people out there who had no success with her books, and had success with meds or relaxation techniques.  Everybody is different.

And yes, many heart symptoms come from panic/anxiety.  Of course it has to be ruled out of heart disease.  

[dolfnlvr]

YOU MISUNDERSTOOD!!!  Please don't go anywhere.  My post was NOT with negative intention.  Truly!!!  I was asking honestly what made you (and several other posts) say that this might have been panic disorder.  Like I said in my post, there is a history of panic in my family, and I'd almost be happy with that diagnosis, as it would mean my heart was not the issue, and I could take anxiety meds etc.  However, when I read the original post, with my own experiences in mind, I wondered if indeed this was panic or SVT.  

I have PVC's, bout's with vasovagal syncope, and these things that I've never caught on a monitor.  The cardiologist seems to say SVT, but others say panic attack.  I don't want to "treat" SVT if it's really panic, and so I was asking what led you to that conclusion.  I've even considered getting an EP map to have the Dr. find out once and for all where my PVC's originate and if indeed I suffer SVT, as they can stimulate the occurance during the procedure.  

I've been misunderstood on this forum before and became very defensive, so I realize what you must have thought when you read my post from your perspective (having re-read it myself) but from my perspective it was an honest question.  Really.  Please don't take it the way you did.  Please?  I've LOVED reading your posts and find them helpful...don't be upset.

[Momto3]

Please don't stop commenting.  Sometimes, we all misinterpret what has been said....Hey, I happen to know, personally, that in your line of work "words" mean everything : )

Fear, we need you here!

I understand what you are saying.  As you know, I had thousands of pvcs/daily for many years.  I also have anxiety and maybe panic attacks (never been diagnosed, but they feel lousy!)  Anyway, I think we're all wired a bit differently and it's great to exchange ideas about our own experiences. I've been through LaMaz 3 times (I kinda think that's like some sort of meditation or calming thing) and it generally doesn't work with the panicky feelings.  Sometimes, I give it a try -- you know, deep cleansing breath and all.  If it doesn't work, the Xanax usually does.  Oh, and I get the typical anxiety (near misses, flying, etc), but sometimes, it just appears for no reason!!  I hate that!!  I mean, I'm just trying to buy groceries!!  UGH!!

Please take care and don't stop posting.  Just think of the "ranting" or whatever as a means of conversation ; )   Wait till some of you get to this peri-M stage!!  YIKES!!!  

connie

[fearfactor]

Well, I am glad they found out what it was...now you can be treated which is good and I'm sure it takes a load off your mind to at least know what it was.

Oh, and dolfnlvr, I was NOT saying it was panic attacks in her case I was just saying that it was in mine.  I HAVE had panic attacks that stopped and started abruptly and didn't "wane" as you said.  And yes, they were captured on a monitor as normal sinus rhythm...a panic attack and NOT SVT.  God, I am going to quit saying anything on here anymore as it seems my attempting to help is NOT helping.

[CharityP]

Hi...thought I'd let you know I'm now wearing an event monitor....Sunday morning I had an episode and recorded it. When sending it in, I was told to go to the ER to be checked out. :(  Was there a few hours. Didn't get any real answers...ER dr said it's hard to see the 'whole' picture with an event monitor since it only uses 2 leads, but he 'thought' it looked to be in sinus rhythm. They gave me cardizem before leaving.  On Monday , the following day, I followed up with my cardio. He looked at the ekg strips from my episode and said I AM having SVT. He prescribed metoprolol and I'm taking that now.  

Charity

[dolfnlvr]

By the way....it seriously hit me that you might be suffering a similar thing to me when you said it was like your heart was "stuck."  That was a VERY apt description...like you just want to "flick" it :-) and make it knock it off already.  I've even been heard saying "now quit it" when it happens and the people around me think I'm nutso.  (till they see me turn pale and clammy)

[dolfnlvr]

While I am completely understanding of ALL of the posts in this thread, I must repeat the original question because it is bothering me.  It almost sounds as though you are saying that this is LIKELY panic attacks.  I'm not saying that they aren't...believe me, if they are, it would almost be a blessing, because I've suffered from these too and that would put a label on the things and allow me to take SOME sort of action.  

However, what is it about this post that makes it so convincingly panic disorder?  I've had times when I was minding my own business feeling completely normal and even downright happy, when I'd bend over, or not, and suddenly my heart just goes into a fit and I feel hot, shaky and faint.  I've never totally passed out from this, but the episode usually passes after a brief 10-20 seconds.  Now, I do have panic issues in my family, and I'm not "fighting" that diagnosis because I think it is bad or has some negative connotation.  I do have to say though, that the complete alleviation of all "panic" and symptoms IMMEDIATELY when my heart returns to normal rhythm makes me speculative.  Usually panic attacks wain more gradually and you "come back to yourself" in steps.  

Maybe this poster wasn't describing the same thing, but it sure sounds similar, and I would LOVE to know if your event monitor actually caught these dumb things.  Mine never has, and if I could just record the stupid thing and have them say, "yup, it's panic alright," or "well, it looks like you are having short runs of SVT (which my cardio suggested is what he thinks it is)" then at least I'd know how to procede.

Charity, have you learned anything new???

[dmil241]

I'm glad things are going  better for you. :) You have accomplished so much! I'm sorry for all the things you have had to go through and deal with starting at such a young age. Different things in different combinations seem to help different people. We are all so unique in that respect, I guess. My sister practices meditation twice a day in addition to the meds to help her. The meditation has helped her reduce her meds, but not get off of them completely. She works and spends part of her lunch break in a small closetted area to do her meditation. She says it is very necessary for her to do this in order to make it through the rest of her day. I'm glad it helps her and that she can find a quiet, secluded area she needs to practice it. I don't use the biofeedback equipment any longer. I just practice the technique now. It helps me but nothing is 100% all the time and that's OK too. Take care!

[fearfactor]

I guess replying three times is a bit excessive, but I just want to explain my situation a bit to you.  I am one of those people who would be a shut-in at home if I hadn't finally found something that could work for me.  Anxiety is not just a minor daily annoyance for me, it is a way of life that attacked me suddenly when I was 11 years old.  Not something a kid should have to deal with.  I have lived through years of debiliating panic attacks and couldn't work or go to school at one point.  Thank God I found a medication that helps me (not totally, mind you - but enough to let me function pretty much normally).  I hope that you understand I was not attacking you.  Your post really DID just sound like you were saying most folks are lazy and just "pop a pill" because they don't want to figure out how to really deal with their anxiety.  Well, I have been through it ALL...biofeedback, natural therapies, behavioral therapy, in-depth therapy dealing with my childhood to try and find out why I'm anxious in the first place.  I am living almost free now.  I am glad you were able to do it with biofeedback, I really am.

Oh, and I didn't suggest beta blockers to her after I knew she couldn't take them.  I was just telling her what worked for me.  Sorry for any offense to you.

[fearfactor]

P.S.  I learned biofeedback at the age of 13 in therapy...it worked great for me for a while.  Unfortunately I can't afford the expensive biofeedback machine right now.  

[fearfactor]

No one is crucifying you...and I'm not ranting.  You just made it sound like your way is the ONLY way, and anyone else is just lazy if they are doing something else.  That is how you made it sound, not my fault.  

[dmil241]

I did not say any of the things which you are ranting about. Please stop being so defensive. There are many people who take those medicines and are helped enormously. They are a blessing. However there is also a percentage who take the meds and are not helped. They need to explore alternative therapies. Many professionals advocate using both. Mine did! He also told me that most of his clients refused to learn the biofeedback because the pills were easier, took no extra time out of their day and it made them 'feel good'. He explained how many could cut back their dosages or even get off the meds after learning and consistently practicing biofeedback or many of the alternative therapies. He was disappointed in how many refused to even try. I do not criticize anyone who takes medication and is helped by it. However I am getting a little tired of the people who want to crucify me because I found another way and want to advocate it. I have noticed how those who choose to take meds tell everyone else to get on the meds also but do not encourage them to explore other methods even in the case above where she says that she can't take beta blockers. ?????

[fearfactor]

Just because I take pills for my anxiety doesn't make me weak.  I have dealt with anxiety and panic attacks since I was 11 years old and I deserve some relief and to be able to live a normal life.  I have tried all the "natural" techniques and even years of therapy and none has worked like the pills.  I am not a lazy, stupid or uninformed person who doesn't realize there are some other techniques that can work for some people besides medication.  So, people, don't feel bad if you do have to take pills for your anxiety - it is not a sign of weakness.

[dmil241]

Panic or Anxiety Attacks do not have to occur when you are afraid of something or thinking about something upsetting. They can occur in the middle of the night waking you from a sound sleep or first thing in the morning or ANYTIME, even when you are unstressed and feeling good. It is simple your autonomic nervous system triggering. When you suffer from panic attacks, it makes this system even more sensitive and it can trigger itself when nothing is going on. That is what makes it 'abnormal or out of kilter'. If you were only triggering when you are frightened or superstressed, then the system would be working as it was designed to due. Medicine does work well for many people, but so does learning to relax, breath deeply, yoga, positive calming self-talk, etc. However those techniques take more time and many people don't want to be bothered with it when a pill is quicker and easier. I know exactly what you are talking about. I have experienced all those sensations. I learned biofeedback to deal with mine. My episodes today are virtually nil. When upon occassion they do occur, they are shorter in duration and less upsetting. Good Luck!

[fearfactor]

How are you doing?  Are you wearing the monitor now?  I know it's very scary...I still have this happen on occasion & you're right the only trigger is just getting up and walking around.  Weird....  I really don't think it's SVT.  I would feel reassured about your tests but it couldn't hurt to see a doctor about it, I guess.  I would love to know what caused mine even though I strongly think it was just panic.

[CharityP]

If any of you have SVT, VT, PSVT, and on....can you tell me if you tremble/shake with your episodes?  Or does that say it's just panic?  Thanks!

[CharityP]

Thanks for the reply. This has really been bothering me!!  I can convince myself it's panic but then I think, "why would getting up and walking to the kitchen cause panic?" The obvious reason for the increased heart rate was the act of standing up out of bed and walking to the kitchen.  
I just called my cardio's office and am going back in on Monday. This is going to drive me nuts if I don't get answers.  I guess I'll probably wear an event recorder until it happens!  I just need to hear that it is not dangerous and then I can move forward and they won't scare me as much. I can't take a beta blocker because I already have very low bp and I have asthma which BB's make worse. Is it true that almost all tachycardias aren't dangerous if you have a normal heart?  Should I feel reassured that my echo and all other tests were normal?

[fearfactor]

Hello - I have experienced EXACTLY what you are describing.  A few years ago, I started having these sensations just like you say, your heart racing, shaking and they would either wake me up or else happen right after getting up in the morning.  I never figured out quite what they were, but they stopped when I started a beta blocker.  I really do, in my heart, believe they were panic attacks because I too have a long history of panic and anxiety and these episodes did feel different but I was undergoing extreme stress at that time.  I don't think it's SVT because then it would happen at anytime, out of the blue.  I don't think people normally shake with SVT or feel that "rush" which I felt, too.  Maybe try beta blockers, they did work for me.