Please Help PVC

[cg1985]

So, a while back I started feeling "Palpitations" or skipped beats.

At first it seemed that my heart would skip a beat and then Floor it. Beating really fast for about 30 to 40 seconds to 1 minute or two before regulating.

Then it just turned into what feels like an "Odd beat" when holding my hand over my heart, I can feel the bottom part of my heart beat first ( the PVC).

I went to a DR and they said It was PVC's. They said it was a common thing and not to be concerned with it. It was a free clinic because at the time I had no insurance, now I do have it.

Now it seems every day I get them for long stretches. All day I can feel them. Whats weird is it is almost rythmic in it's happenings. sometimes it's two regular beat and then a PVC, right now it's three regular beats and a PVC.

It happens so often and for so long that it's starting to worry me. Like maybe there is something causing it. Is it common for it to be this regular?

Secondly, I cyclocommute to work, and I'll often get them while riding, and occasionally there is a slight twinge of pain that accompanies the PVC.

also, not sure if it's related, but I'll occasionally (not very often at all, but recurring) get very sharp pains that shoot from my chest to what feels like the base of my skull when I breath. After a few breaths, it goes away.

Anyway. I am starting to get a bit concerned and am curious what is normal, what might be causing this, and if I should go see a DR again.

Thanks!

[cg1985]

jdw,

Thanks for that post, It makes me feel a lot better hearing that. I'll definitely go get checked up again, it's really frustrating. But hearing that someone else has had similar experiences makes me feel better for sure!

Mostly, It's the fact that it's the heart. Scary stuff.

Marlinspike,

You too, thanks for the post. Comforting in a way.

I did have an EKG, but not a stress test. I didn't feel one when they were giving me the test, though I hear that sometimes you can't. I'll definitely ask them again.

[questions869]

i would definitely see a doctor now you have insurance.
i think the not knowing what it is i the worse part as i causes stress and continual checking of pulse which leads to anxiety and then an adrenaline release and then more skipped beats.
an exercise test would check you out to cycle to work and make you relax when doing it too.
good luck

[marlinspike]

Hi CG.

Many people on this forum suffer with pacs/pvcs, missed beats etc. They are very common, and often harmless, but distressing to live with. I get them in spells - every 9th beat or so for a few days, then a break of a few weeks. I can't seem to work out what triggers them, but I have found that no caffeine, plenty of sleep. and eating light meals helps.

Did you have any tests previously when you saw you doctor? EKG, stress test, echocardiogram? If you are concerned I would see your doctor again and ask him to refer you for tests - in structurally normal hearts, pvc/pacs don't seem to be regarded as harmful, and these tests would put your mind at rest. Best wishes.

[jdwgroup]

1st- Id recommend you get a thorough check up. The pains in your chest- do they feel like a sore or pulled muscle? The reason I ask is I’ve had chest 'aches' for 8 years, (as long as PVC's) and my Dr(s) told me that the heart, being a muscle that is constriction abnormally could start to feel- sore. My pattern ranges from every other beat, every 3rd, 5th and sometimes a pattern or 1,2,3,-,1,2,-,1,2,3,-1,2-almost like the cha-cha! And will last for hrs & days. The head aches are part of the demand on the heart (increase heart rate) being unable to keep the oxygen flow going to the body. Same effect as high altitude headaches. But tell your Dr about it. Sad thing is- sometimes there is truth to the phrase 'not tonight honey- I have (or will get) a headache'.
As it was explained to me- when the Ventricle contracts too soon- and the valve that the Artial pushes the blood through to it gets closed- it’s like holding your mouth closed when you have a large burp- your cheeks blow out- this causes the heart to expand in an abnormal way. The heart can take that- but boy- it is a scary uncomfortable and unusual feeling (I know!!) The only way I can explain it is the feeling you get from the bass beat on your chest at a rock concert. I have felt this 'expansion' all over the rib cage- it all depended on the heart rate at the time- and the timing of the PVC when that valve closes.

Oh I (we) know how you feel…..
When told- “their common… nothing to worry about….their benign…..”
I feel like saying – “Then you live with em for a year!!!”

Hang in there

W

[cg1985]

The PVC's and Occasional pain has been happening for a long time.

I've been riding for a couple months now.

[chevy man]

hey i'm no pro but if you're concerned see a doc i hear pvcs can be common but the pain is something else i don't think the pain is common. How long have you  been riding to work this way ? is it something you just started or what???  

[cg1985]

Nope I work 7:30 to 3:30, I sleep fairly well it seems.

[Zeid]

Hi,

Do you sleep well at night? Is your work a night shift work?

Zeid