Sinus Pause? Please Help!

[jpcox]

Today, I had the scariest episode yet.  I was driving to the bank when all of a sudden it was like I got a really hard pvc, and then it was like I was paused for awhile. This was more than the normal pause you get when you have these beats. It left me gasping for air, and then very shaky all over.  I drove myself to the er (with my little boy) and had all the tests they normally do.  EKG, chest xray, blood , and everything was normal.  I asked the doctor what he thought happened and he said I probably had a sinus pause.  I asked him if this was dangerous, and he said it could be. Now I am scared to death.  If anyone nows anything about this please explain, because I do not know what else to do.  I still feel awful, and  I am frightened.  Jennifer

[degrassi]

first.......relax............maybe you should wear an event monitor......maybe it was just a pvc with a compensatory pause.  If you can catch it on it monitor you would know for sure.  The mortality rate for sinus pause events is around 2% a year, and pacemakers are needed if they because worrisome.  Did they not refer to a cardiologist for a follow up?   They should have done so.  He is the one you should be asking questions.

[frenchie47]

Hi~
I just commented on this a week or so ago too!  I get that long pause before my heart goes into the SVT rythym.  It seems to last 3 seconds or so and I feel like I am fading out.  Then it kicks into SVT.    That doctor needs to be shot.  he tells you the sinus pause could be, then sends you on your way?  Go see a cardio and get a monitor.  However, that pause has never been captured on my 24 hour moniter because it only happens 2 or 3 times a year.
I know exactly what you felt.  

[jpcox]

I do see a cardiologist because I have pacs. I developed those after childbirth, but these longer than normal pauses have me scared out of mind.  Today was the first time that they knocked me on my bottom.  I couldn't ignore this if I wanted too. When the pause finally ended it left me startled for air.  How can I tell if this was 3 seconds or longer? It felt much longer than that.  Can you tell me what is the difference between a compensatory pause and a sinus pause? I do have an event monitor on its way, it should be here by Friday.  I also take a 12mg of the generic version of toprol xl, do you think that the beta blocker could be causing this?  Can you explain how this pause takes place? I am sorry to ask so many questions, but I am scared.

[frenchie47]

Let me know if the event monitor picks up the pauses. Mine never did and my doctor didn't think it warranted additional testing because it only happens 3 - 4 times a year.  This is truly life altering and I'm so sorry you worry because I know exactly how you feel.  
take care
frenchie

[Soopster]

I'm so sorry you're having a difficult time.  Every once in a while I get a long compensatory pause too. I found this entry on the forum.  I think you will find it reassuring.  Let me know how you make out with your event monitor.

Lori

justanothergirl

04/27/05
   Firstly, many thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedules to answer my question, i really appreciate it.

Right, now i'm a little confused...i was reading through the posts yesterday and somebody gave their ECG report, which said 'no pvc's, no pauses' and it panicked me cos is sinus pause a completely different arrithymia to pvc's? I suffer from benign pvc's and I know exactly when one happens cos i feel a fluttery feeling, a SLIGHT pause and then a big thump. Reading through the archives i think most people feel this pause and then big thump and I think the explanation is that it takes longer to pump the excess blood out of the heart? Is this normal? My cardiologist said nothing about sinus pause, just that I have benign pvc's and the occasional PAC and not to worry-I don't ever feel any other pauses throughout the day, just with the feeling that accompanies the PVC's. I'm on 25mg atenolol x2 daily.

Am I worrying about nothing now? Or do all pvc sufferer's (or the one's that experience the big thump) also have sinus pause? It is a very quick pause mind you...

Anyway sorry to be a worrywart, just wanted some info.

Many, many thanks, have a great day.
CCF-M.D.-MJM

04/27/05
   Hi Justanothergirl,



This is completely normal.  When your heart has a premature ventricular beat it resets your hearts pacemaker (sinus node) and can lead to a pause longer than the normal interval between beats.  This longer interval gives your heart more time than normal to fill and leads to a larger volume of blood prior to contraction.  When your heart is stretched -- like with this larger than normal blood volume following a PVC -- it leads to a stronger contraction.  This is the skip......THUMP that you all feel after a PVC and is completely normal.



This is not a problem and don't give it a second thought.



And to Mattiebaby, kudos to any 72 year old that knows how to use the internet!!!!



Good luck and I hope this helps.

[jpcox]

thank you for the post. Since this incident, I have been a mess. It really scared me to death. thank you and I will definitely keep you posted.