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Irregular heartbeats

I am a 27 year old female. Non-smoker, non-drinker. I don't drink caffeine or take any medications (except prevacid). I am very healthy and excercise quite a lot. Back in february 2007 I started having irregular heartbeats at odd times of the day. I could never pin it on a certain activity. It happened while lying down, walking, sitting still, etc. I had a couple ekg's done and was referred to a cardiologist. At the same time the doctor started me on Toprol XL. It helped a little bit but not a lot. The meds were then switched to Verapamil. That seemed to help a lot more but I was still having the irregular heartbeats once in a while. The cardiologist did a echo and a holter monitor and couldn't find anything abnormal. I was then referred to a cardiologist/Electrophysiology specialist. In May 2007, I saw this specialist and he asked me a few questions about whether or not I ate a lot of sugar. He told me that there was nothing wrong with my heart and that I ate too much sugar. He told me to stop taking the verapamil and to completely cut sugar out of my diet. He told me that natural sugars were fine to eat just not added sugar. So since May I have been trying to cut sugar out of my diet. But even after 3 months I am still having irregular heartbeats everyday. I am very concerned and I don't know what to do. I don't even quite understand the difference between added sugars and natural sugars. I saw a website that said that the body can't tell the difference between a added sugar and a natural sugar. If that's correct then I would have to stop eating natural sugars as well. I really hope someone can shed some light on this problem. I have also seen a thread where someone said they cut carbohydrates our of their diet and that helped.
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Avatar universal
The name of the supplement is "Adrenal Cortex".  The way my naturopathic doctor described it to me was that the adrenal gland is responsible for regulating stress response in the body.  It's also related to hormones somehow (and I'm not sure exactly how), I was just happy that somebody actually didn't make me feel like a goof for even suggesting that the PVCs might be hormone related.  Honestly, I didn't feel like I could live with the PVCs and I was close to going on medication for them.  Visiting the naturopathic doctor was a last ditch effort to get to the bottom of them before taking a beta blocker.  

A quick Wikipedia check on "adrenal gland" has some good information.

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Can you tell us the name of the adrenal support? Why does that help I wonder...
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Baltimoregirl, Hello from your neck of the woods.  I'm in Sykesville, Carroll County.  Welcome!!
ANikki, as you will see, you are not alone! Alot of us began having problems after childbirth and/or breastfeeding.  Mine started with the birth of my third child 17 months ago and haven't let up since!! I wish someone would figure out what birth/hormones does to our electrical systems!!  Welcome to the forum!!
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Avatar universal
I am glad you posted your commentary re naturopathic medicine.  I have heard similar stories re good outcomes/resolution for various ailments.  It is just another viable option for folks to take.
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I posted this on another board - but I think fits well here, too.  I'm a 32 year old female who started having PVCs (500-1,000 per day) that came on strong and without warning as I was wearing my second child from breastfeeding.  I was convinced they were hormone related.  I thought what else could it be?  I'd never had a heart disturbance before.  Long story short, I was evaluated by my reg doctor and a cardiologist (had all the tests) and it was concluded that the PVCs were benign and that the structure of my heart was normal - and both of them basically blew off my concern that the PVCs were hormone related.  The cardiologist said I could take meds, but I declined - and I tried living with the PVCs, but I was just worried all the time, stressed out, not myself, etc.  Finally I decided to see a naturopathic doctor, which turned out to be the best thing I could have done for myself.  Initially, she put me on a strong vitamin and a supplement, which helped but didn't make them totally go away. A couple months later, she added a supplement that acts as support to the adrenal gland.  Within days, the PVCs decresed tremendously.  Now, after being on the vitamins, supplements, and adrenal support - I can go days and days and days without noticing even one PVC.  Oh, and the naturopathic doctor said that it's likely that PVCs and hormones shifts are related in some cases but that most traditional doctors don't recognize the link.  If you are someone that suffers from PVCs and have been told that they are benign - I higly suggest seeing a naturopathic doctor.  It was the best thing I did for myself!
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Avatar universal
Excellent point re thyroid testing.  Most people are unaware about hyperthyroidism and irregular hearbeat!
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Avatar universal
As my electrophysiologist explained to me...
adrenaline reacts w/ the heart's chemistry and electrical system and can elicit rapid/skipped hearbeat (runs) in people having electrical problems w/ their heart.  That is why he/she will order a treadmill test and listen/monitor for the beats.  The technician will monitor the patient during and AFTER one has completed the treadmill workout.  Adrenaline is then surging through your system.  I wish I could explain it as well as my specialist did for me.
Your workout piece caught my attention...
Finally, I would say be careful w/ the alcohol, especially if your body is reacting as you stated!
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Avatar universal
I think I was the one who posted about the connection between carbs and pvcs. There is no doubt in my mind that when I am going through a bout of pvcs that carbs make them worse - not just sugar. Try temporarily cutting out rice, pasta, bread, sugar... have very little fruit and only after a full meal of protein and veggies. You may still get a few pvcs here and there, but I find mine are a whole lot more manageable if I watch my carb intake. I think your doctor is onto something about the sugar, I just don't think he gave you the full story. I think it must have to do with insulin levels. If I have a slice of cake or ice cream on an empty stomach for example, it brings on a lot of pvcs for me. Even if I have a sandwich it makes them worse because of the bread. If I just stick to chicken, veggies and salad though or similar, I have very few. Anyway, it's worth a try and easy to do. Good luck.
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Avatar universal
       Hi For the last 4 years I have had pvc's on and off. It seems to be an electrical problem. It is particularily brought on by lifting weights(after doing many reps like over 10) and if i get up suddenly ( sometimes and worsened by alcohol )  and occaisonally when being idle.  If i run, walk, rollerblade or dance at a steady rythme, it seems to never happen.  I think it is because i have low blood pressure and when the heart rate is a little elevated ( without force of weights)..like from cardio it is perfect. The thing is i like going to the gym and i like doing weights 2X a week an hour each time...but i have to pace myself because it happens at least once or twice the pvc's during my workout and it bothers me......and it always scares me....less now because i have had every test done but it just feels yucky to have a skipped pounded beat every now and again while you are trying to work out...i wonder if there is any danger with the gym and weights and palpitations. I know if i take my time with the lighter weights and BREATHE properly ( like exhaling with the push) it helps to prevent.....I am pretty sure that proper breathing will help the irregular beats...that is the only thing you can do... you have to live a full life and be cautious but try very hard to not be afraid of the nasty beats which robs you from your confidence.........
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Avatar universal
You should also check your thyroid. there is high percentage for women over 30 to have hyperthyrodism which will cause irregular heart beat.  This check can be done by simple blood test for thyroid for T3 T4 and TSH level.
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Avatar universal
Interesting... Men do have hormones to. I think that pvc is linked to hormones and stress. Im on a mission to find information that will go for the cure of pvc. There has to be something or some little glitch thats doing this in so many of us men and women alike. I dont give a rats behind about the fact that there harmless. I care about the fact that they are a pain to deal with and it dosnt matter whats going on in your life they interupt even at the great times. I am learning to deal because i have runs and runs and runs daily skipping up to 20;000 beats per day. Every other beat! Yea im mad now and i will find it even if i spend every penny i have to do so. By the way i love your nic name! lol
Deb
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Avatar universal
If guys at 40 go through any weird hormonal shifts too...I have heard about some kind of "male menopause" but I guess I'd rather not think about THAT.
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Avatar universal
ok let me just make one comment to all the ladies especially. I have been dealing with the pvc thing for years. As time has gone on and ive turned 40 "still young" the pvc has gotten way way worse. Let me say this.. The onset of summer really stunk, I had pvc for days and days skipping up to 20,000 beats per day. Every other beat most of the time. Well   The next month the same thing. I was beggining to think i was pms for the entire monts. Then i skipped the next month. No period at all..
Scared about that i went to the ob whom told me that pre menopause can with out a doubt cause pvc and she sees this as a real complaint in lots of women my age and even younger.
NOW I have been skipping every other beat to the point of pulling my head off for the past 10 days.  This morning i wake up and not a skip  in sight. JUST STOPPED! Ok what the heck? I got up and did my normal. "seems like while im brushing my teeth i get literally tons  of skips" This morning not a one. NOT A ONE! LOL
I thought ok cool its gone for a minute right? Hours passed and still not even a slight skip. Well 6 hours after waking mother nature paid a visit. I said to her well hello!! You are so late! Where have you  been sight seeing?? lol
I am convinced that because i was 5 weeks late for my cycle and then i still 12 hours later still not a single skip. Yes im convinced its hormonal. And i will be seeing that nice ob dr again. I will make it very clear that i know my body and something is not right with those little bugger homonies.
Just thought you would like to know :)
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Avatar universal

The syncopated rhythm you describe sounds like PVCs or PACs however the only way to know for sure is to wear a holter monitor. Have you seen your doctor and have you had a holter or any other tests?
I don't think that taking a magnesium supplement would help unless your PVCs are being caused by low Magnesium, which is unlikely. Usually the cause of PVCs cannot be identified.
Almost everyone has PVCs but I still think you should see your doctor because yours sound frequent but especially because you are experiencing chest tightness (although this is not usually a result of PVCs). Your doctor can rule out electrolyte imbalance and structural heart disease as a cause of your problems. If your tests are all normal, which they usually are, then PVCs and PACs are benign.
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Avatar universal
Was it because your hormones were too high or too low? What did you do to fix it? Were you put on hormones?
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I found 8 months after i had my baby is when my palps were the worse...hormone related...unfortunately :(
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Avatar universal
Taking the verapamil while you are pregnant should be okay but I would ask your obstetrician.  I took verapamil, for high blood pressure, before and during my entire pregnancy with my son and the doctors said it was okay. I also agree with the doctor that it may be time to get a second opinion. If you stopped sugar and still get the pvcs then it obviously isn't sugar related (although they probably weren't in the first place).  
To answer your question about the types of sugar; Natural sugar is found in foods such as fruits, milk,some vegetables, etc.  Added sugar is in things such as soft drinks, desserts, ice creams, ect. Natural sugars usually aren't absorbed as quickly as added sugar because of the protein and fiber content of the food they are in whereas soft drinks, desserts, ect have nothing to help slow down the absorbtion rate of the sugars.   Also refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, pasta, ect) can have the same effect on your glucose levels as sugar.  For more information on the bodies reaction to sugar try googling "glycemic index."  Good luck, hope you find some answers soon
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Avatar universal
I started a bit of research on this subject because I'm experiencing irregular heartbeats.  I'm 62 and I do remember my mother speaking with our physician about my having a heart murmur as a result of scarlet fever when I was 5 years old.  I haven't really been aware of it until sometime this last year or so.  I wouldn't say that it beats faster, but with syncopation.  Leroy Anderson wrote a piece of music called The Syncopated Clock and that really sounds like what my heart does.  When there is a longer time between beats than usual, the first beat after the longer time has taken place is stronger than usual, also.  When the longer time between takes place, my chest feels tighter, too.

Would taking a magnesium supplement help?  I already do take calcium and regular vitamins.  
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Avatar universal
I am 31 year old female, that has pvcs since teen years after starting albuterol, and still have them, Since have been diagonised with Anxiety Disorder. My question is there a med that can help stop these. My mother has had 3 abaliation surgeries for rythym disturbances. And she is convinced I should be more worried then I am. I dont worry to much cause the  the local ER doctors and my general prac. doctor tell me they are nothing to worry about. Should I be worried and should I talk to my dr about any new meds.
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Avatar universal
I started on the prevacid after the pvc's started so I don't think they are related.
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Avatar universal
Did this happen to start anywhere near the time you started the Prevacid?  I was on Prilosec and then given a different RX for acid, which seriously increased my PVC's. The doc discontinued the RX, and put me back on Prilosec. They settled right back down within 48 hours.
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Avatar universal
Could it be related to hormone levels? I had a baby in late May of 2006. The symptoms started in late January 0f 2007. After I started verapamil, the symptoms went away almost completely. Then in late May I stopped taking the verapamil and then found out a week later I was pregnant. In July 2007 I had a miscarraige and D&C. The symptoms started up again after the d&c and after my first period occurred again. I have no sex drive whatsoever. If my hormone levels are low, I wonder if taking hormones would stop the PVCs/PACs. I can't get back on the verapamil because I am trying to get pregnant again. Is there a med I can be on even when pregnant?
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230125 tn?1193365857
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There is no data that sugar causes PVCs/PACs.  I am sorry you were told that.  As with everything, moderation is key and no one should eat too much of it but it is not related to your PVCs.  It might be time for second opinion on that one.

If the verapamil helped, you can always restart it under your doctors advice.

Some people can identify their own triggers like stress, sleep deprivation, caffeine, hormonal changes, etc.  It is reasonable to try cutting back on something you identify as a trigger.

I hope this helps.
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