How many is "alot"? Concerning?

[Ihatepalps2]

Ive posted before...had palps off & on for 20 yrs...on 100 mg Atenolol ( Beta blocker) a day...lexapro and xanax for anxiety. Had been palp free most of the fall and winter...suddenly in April, one morning, woke up with them. They have been with me off and on since then. My regular DR not concerned at all--except to put me on anti-anxiety meds.....over the past 10 years ive had the Thallium stress test (about 7 yrs ago) all the echos, ekgs, etc, although the last time was a year ago in Feb 2006 when they were bad, I went to the ER...had a full workup at that time and all was well....sent home with diagnosis of...STRESS. well, I am wondering ... I have them pretty much daily now. I dont consume ANY caffeine--am very careful about that. Yes, I am a pulse taker. I admit it. The lexapro has really kicked in, and is helping with anxiety its been about 4 weeks on it now...for the anxiety, but the palps continue. I feel them. I dont have them constantly...but specially around the supper hour to bedtime they are bad. One time I counted 64 in ONE minute. Thats my question.HOW MANY IS TOO MANY? Sometimes its only about 6 a min..but that time I had 64...I was scared to death! I shouldnt take my pulse, right? But yet..i know whats happening in my chest....and It scares me.....

[Ihatepalps2]

After I re-read my post...I realized what I said---64 a minute. It was 64 in FIVE minutes...DUH! That makes a big difference......sorry for the confusion----
I still am going to request a Holter. Its been several years since I had one, and I am having them EVERY single day now----some I feel, some I dont but when I check my pulse I usually feel some odd beats...but its not continual palpitations. I go on the 23rd...I will ask for a holter then...and probably come back here to ask what the results mean!
Thanks for listening!

[Momto3]

Yeah, I think a holter is the best way to quantify your pvcs.  When my reports were in the 20,000+ range, I knew I was having a lot, but had NO idea it was THAT many.  Maybe you want to ask your doctor about wearing a monitor.

As for taking your pulse, that's a tough one.  If you get the holter done and you meet with the doctor to discuss the results, maybe that will give you greater peace of mind.  Do you notice any new symptoms (increased fatigue, dizziness, lightheaded, nausea, shortness of breath)?  The answers to those questions might help your doctor to determine what's going on.  In most cases, it's nothing, but we sure feel better hearing it from an M.D.  Take care and have a great day!!

Connie

[SillyHeart]

A holter would be the way to tell because if you were having 20,000 it'd be pretty hard to count, even for an hour.

If you had 64 a minute every minute you'd be having 80,000 a day.  However, you say that isn't typical.

[anacyde]

If you were having that many, you wouldn't be able to think of much else.

A Holter isn't a bad idea.  I hope you feel better soon.

[Ihatepalps2]

I see you post alot, and you are so knowledgeble, I SO appreciate you taking the time to answer my post...
how would I know if I was having 10,000-20,000 a day? I guess I can answer my own question there--a holter would probably be the only real way to tell, right?
Ive worn one before...but it was about 8 years ago....I guess its time again.....?
I have a follow up appt with my Dr on the 23rd...to check on the Lexapro ... I think i will request a holter...
I dread doing that....Im sure she will probably sigh...and think to herself, this girl is obsessed....

[SillyHeart]

If you have 10,000-20,000 a day or if they are compromising your heart function you may want to have them treated.  Otherwise don't worry.