The PVC/PAC Support Megathread

This thread is for all things PVC/PAC related.  Share your experience, ask questions of others who are living with them too, and offer support and advice to those who are anxious.  Please feel comfortable discussing anything PVC/PAC related without worry.  That's what this thread is for.

If you're not sure where to start, tell us:
1. Your triggers
2. What helps
3. Your history with palpitations

And don't forget to take time to offer support to others too.  Thanks!

[deedle1976]

Hi Sillyheart,
Glad to hear you are overcoming your fear. How many pvcs/pacs do you get now? When the palpitations came back after quitting celexa didn't that make you want to go back on the it?

[SillyHeart]

I'll start.

I've had PACs/PVCs for 15 years.  My triggers are dehydration, sugar, heat and PMS.  Drinking a lot of water, avoiding sugar, deep-breathing and exercise helps.  SSRIs help me, as well, and while on Celexa I had a nearly 5-year-long break from palpitations.  They returned after quitting the med.

My PVCs/PACs used to make me extremely anxious.  I was deeply paralyzed by it, and rarely left home for many years.  I was convinced I was near death.  But I've made a lot of progress in learning to move on with life despite them (although I'd still prefer if they disappeared altogether!).  So, I understand the fear but also can advise those trying to learn to overcome it.

Now your turn.

[SillyHeart]

Deedle, my insurance stopped covering Celexa, and since I was feeling so good I figured I'd try quitting it.  Within months my arrhythmias all returned.  I went back on the Celexa and it just wasn't a magic cure like it was the first time.  My doctor said that often people respond differently the second time around.  For insurance reasons I take Lexapro now (close cousin of Celexa) and it doesn't really reduce my PVCs at all.

On average I have hundreds per day.  Probably a thousand or more on a bad day before my period.  On a good day after my period I have only a few.

[Soopster]

On average I have hundreds per day too.  And like you, a thousand or more on a bad day before my period and only a few afterwards.  It is quite the cycle!  I started taking Zoloft 3 weeks ago and my numbers of PVC's decreased for a week or so but now they are back to normal.  My PVC's have been this way since last August when they returned after a 3 year hiatus of only 50 or so a day.  I see my cardiologist every year for a stress test and echo.  So far my heart has been fine.  I still worry every time I get a PVC.  They always feel a little different and I think that it is something new and that they have taken a turn for the worst.  I'm 42 and have had them since i was 27 so i know they can't hurt me but it is hard to wrap your brain around that thought when you can feel them.  They make me so uncomfortable.  Sometimes my only relief is from reading these posts.  

[jpcox]

I started having extra heartbeats after the birth of my two children.  I have had all the cardiac testing and they say everything is normal, now I am trying to conquer the fear that comes along with them.  I agree with you soopster, that just when you get used to these things they start to feel different , and then we start wondering is this something more dangerous?  Can anyone tell the difference between a pac and pvc? Pvc' s feel more of a WHAM in the chest than pac's.  Does anyone feel head pressure when they are having frequent extra heartbeats? Nothing in particular brings them on, actually they strike when I am least expecting it.  Just now I was feeling great, outside mowing and I had a few that really got my attention, so here I am.  I have learned more reading in this forum than I ever could at my doctors visit.  Thanks to everyone.

[jpcox]

[Soopster]

Yes, I feel head pressure when I get "hard" pvc's.  From what I've read, the volume of blood in your heart increases after the extra beat because it isn't pumped out all the way after the extra beat, instead it fills up more and then WHAM you feel that hard thump in your chest.  I consider those "hard" pvc's.  My pacs are more fluttery and I don't feel them as much.  I agree that you get them when you least expect it.  I can be stressed out at work and not get one and then I can sit at home, read a book and have hundreds.  It is reassuring to know that everyone on this forum is here for you 25/7.

[jpcox]

Do these ever take your breath away? Sometimes I also feel like I've been paused for a second , these are scary and get your attention.  It is amazing that we have some many symptoms to something they say is so harmless.  What do you do to control these? Last Friday I had pac's all day, and they started after I got off the treadmill, so this week I have hesitated to get back on.  Before my last pregnancy, I was in the best shape. I was at the gym daily, lifting weights and doing cardio, and I never noticed anything. Now I am lucky if a day goes  by without  palpitations.  I wonder if deconditioning can cause this?

[SillyHeart]

The fluttery quiet ones are so much easier to ignore.  I get those after my period.  Before my period I have strong, thudding palps that get my attention no matter what.

[Soopster]

They do take my breath away and then I get that scary adrenalin rush.  The only way I can control them is by trying to stop fixating on them.  I'll clean, do the dishes, walk my dog....  I tell myself that they can't hurt me.  Of course I usually end up sitting on the sofa, taking my pulse relentlessly and reading this forum on my laptop. I'm not in the greatest shape but I'm not too bad either.  I'll be 43 next month and I'm 20lbs. overweight.  I walk everyday and have been on Weight Watchers for the last 2 weeks and have already lost 7lbs.  My PVC's started when I was 27 and in great shape.  At the time my sons were one and five years old.  So I don't think deconditioning can cause them.  A lot of runners get PVC's.  They call it runners heart.  Most everyone on this forum will tell you that weight and being "in-shape" doesn't really matter with PVC's.  Keep going on your treadmill and try to ignore them.  They are harmless.

[jpcox]

you sound just like me,  (the part about sitting on the couch taking your pulse) That made me laugh a little.  Tomorrow I will get on the treadmill, and I will let you know how it goes.  May everyone on this forum be palp free tonight!
Jennifer

[Ihatepalps2]

Ive had palps for 20 years. I get them off and on---lately its been right after I eat something. Mine are 2 beats right about on top of eachother...then a slight pause..then the big beat. And so on and so on...then a normal rhythm for a while. Ive had the Thallium stress test about 8 years ago..that was fine...had echos and EKGs and in Feb of 2006 went to the ER, they were so bad. Had a whole workup there, and they saw tons of them on the monitor-and sent me home saying stress..anxiety. Im recently on Lexapro now--almost a month into it. Atenolol for the palps-50 mg twice a day..even that doesnt stop them--and Xanax when they get so bad. I went probably about 8 months without them---then about 2 months ago..I woke up one morning...hadnt done ANYthing different..and they were back so bad that I was sure they would kill me! Theyve backed off a tiny bit...but they are daily now. I cant imagine what brought them on, and keeps them coming!!! My gosh, Ive given up one of my favorite things-----Chocolate!! Because of the caffeine, and that still doesnt matter. For some reason, whatever I eat--within an hour, I get them alot. Yes, I too, sit on the couch and take my pulse relentlessly when Im having a bad run of them. I counted 64 in one minute twice...and  thats all the farther I did the math---I dont WANT to know how many that equals out to in an hour...day...week, etc....
I just wonder...did the Doctors who all tell me they are nothing...did they miss something....nobody has listened to them now since that time in the ER in 2006...and even tho I told my Dr 3 weeks ago that they were back...she listened and of course, I didnt have any when she was listening....but she wasnt overly concerned and said they wouldnt have changed significantly..especially since Im not having any new symtoms (symptoms)..ugh! They just get so exhausting!

[lanakaye]

I am really glad to hear that you have overcome the pacs and pvcs to this degree.  What did you do to get over your fear of getting out and leaving home again?  What things helped you with the anxiety other than the Celexa?  You have the triggers well figured out.  I was identifying with them as I read your account of what causes you to have them.  Great job in getting this forum going for us.  Thanks!

lanakaye

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Good idea starting this thread.   I like it.  I don't always comments because time constraints, but I do learn from your experiences.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

after I read my last post, I should also say that I don't always use correct grammar or spelling either ;)

[stevie_wonder]

Since my discovery of Long QT Syndrome I have a new-found respect for doctors.  The fact that doctors like yourself and  Dr. Priori (Long QT Researcher in Italy) are willing to help complete strangers makes me respect your profession all the more.
Thank you for your time and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.
Stevie

[anacyde]

I have a 13 year history (at least) of PACs and PSVT (paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia).  I was diagnosed at 16 in the ER when I first experienced bigeminy.  Since then, I've had it mostly controlled except for during pregnancy.

My triggers are mostly hormonal.  Caffeine, intense stress (I'm not talking your day to day stuff), dehydration, too much refined sugar, too many carbs, not enough exercise, lying on my left side (sometimes, and only when I first liay down), illness (particularly fever) and pregnancy.

What helps is regular exercise, managing stress appropriately (I enjoy yoga and tai chi), eating a healthy diet and avoiding stuff I should avoid anyhow, and yoga breathing when I am having a bad spell of them.  For an attack of SVT, coughing or bearing down - and if that fails, icy water to the face.
\

[lanakaye]

Thanks for your time in helping me .  I really appreciate you and this forum.


lanakaye

[Soopster]

Hang in there!  I know how exhausting they are.  And for goodness sakes start eating chocolate again.  Sometimes when I have a piece of chocolate I can forget about everything, especially my pvc's, for at least 5 minutes while I only concentrate on the rich, deep chocolatey taste...Mmm.... I think I have to run to the vending machine. :)

Jennifer, How was the treadmill today?  

[dmil241]

I have had PACs and PVCs for about 6 years now. I also have some PSVT but that is pretty rare these days. If I have a bit of that it lasts for only a short time-seconds to maybe 10minutes. When I first started getting PSVT, it would last 2 to 6 hours. I learned from that though. The PSVT would start. Then I would have a panic attack and it would last and last. I learned biofeedback/meditation  and that seemed to just short curcuit the whole process. The PSVT then pretty much started being a thing of the past. When it would start up, it was so short that it didn't bother me. However the biofeedback does not seem to do anything for the PAC/PVC thing. My cardiologist has ectopic beats everyday though and that has helped the most. He tells me, "Oh yeah, those are annoying." When I went in once getting them every 7th beat (and that was after they were settling down), he said, "Well that would bother anybody." He has never made me feel stupid or crazy. It was my GP that did that. Once after my palpitations were going crazy, my GP tells me to stop ALL caffeine including chocolate and stay off it FOREVER! Well I was panicking over the PAC/PVCs so I was like OK! I saw my cardiologist for a scheduled followup visit after that and told him what she had said and included "I WILL"! He started laughing and said, "Well if that is how you want to live your life, OK."  Boy, did that wake me up! I thought no I don't want to live forever without chocolate. I LOVE chocolate. In fact, I don't want to live my life depriving myself of any of the things I really love like being active, going on vacation,.......you get the gist. Sometimes I have to force myself when I 'm having bad days with the ectopics but I'm definately happier as is my daughter and husband!

Triggers ?????? I just don't know. What I have discovered is that when my heart is jumpy, anything and everything will trigger it. When my heart is settled and normal, almost nothing will trigger it. Not sleeping at night is usually a pretty consistent trigger. Chocolate everyday for a couple of weeks might do it but that is a good thing. It means I have to be moderate with my chocolate which my weight appreciates! :) Dehydration can do it as can being to hungry or overfull. Come to think of it, so can bending, twisting and turning around. Oh well......when my heart is settled down, nothing will trigger it. When my heart is jumpy, BREATHING will trigger it. LOL.........

What helps?.....Not panicking, getting anxious about them or obsessing over them....Really...If they start up and I do any of the above, I'm going to be miserable and they are going to settle in to STAY! If I ignore them (and that does not mean that I don't know they are there or that they are not annoying), they usually just fizzle out eventually. To ignore them for me just means to stay busy and keep going on with life, get out of the house, go and do what needs to be done or what my family wants to do....LIVE.

Don't get me wrong. I don't have this thing whipped! I have good days and BAD days. THis is just how I TRY to live.

[Momto3]

I have a 30+ (wish I could say I was only 31...but....) year history of pvcs.  Lots and lots of bigeminy, trigeminy, couplets, triplets, nsvt.  

Triggres:  lack of sleep, caffeinated beverages (not chocolate, thank goodness), hormonal fluctuations, indigestion, anxiety and fevers.

Over the first 20 years, I consulted doctors every so ofter b/c I was SURE something had changed...test after test, year and year, still the same.  Tried some SSRI, don't think they had any impact.  I just seemed prone to getting them.

In my early 40's, they came on strong yet again.  I see a cardiologist regularly for MVP and mitral insufficiency so I knew things had pretty much stayed the same.  THEN, outta nowhere, my EF dropped and I developed a cardiomyopathy.  LOTS of research, lots of discussions and tests led to the diagnosis of pvc-induced cardiomyopathy.  At the time, it was pretty unheard of, and rarely reported.  Today, there is more research and proof that this can happen, though very rarely.  

Today, I get occasional pvcs and nsvt, but the CM has resolved and now we're back to just keeping an eye on the valve.

GREAT thread!

Connie

[Momto3]

Ooops, forgot to mention the CM resolved b/c of two very successful pvc ablations.  

[jpcox]

[jpcox]

I have been feeling good, I have not got on the treadmill, but have been busy doing yard work. I am counting that as my workout. Yesterday went to the cardio, and she said everything is still fine, just pac's. She wants me to try a new medicine when I am having a ton of them. Dioxin (spelling is wrong) she said it was an old medicine and I could take it on an as needed basis.   How are you doing?

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

well. not sure what cause mine they come from no where at anytime.  i dont get them over stress been through a bad year this year with my mom and they didnt come from stress, when i am sick i dont get them, i can eat lots or anything i want to i dont get them. bend ,twist etc dont get them.

so i told my dr why do i , not sure .i have pac been on montor many times and i get very few pvc. when they do come i have them for 6-9 weeks at a time, they are every min 4-7 a min , than they just go away . they maybe gone for a year or 8 months than bam out of no where they are back and they came on for no reason. starnge huh. any one elsa have them like me?

[va_tony]

My main triggers for PACs and afib are:

exercising harder than usual -- I'll experience episodes a few hours later when relaxed after exercising or just as I'm going to sleep.

urinating at night -- don't laugh, it's true.

laying on my right side

stress at work

Fortunately, the above only 'rarely' trigger (most of the time they don't). Food and drink (even moderate amounts of alcohol and coffee) have no effect. But since some of the above are unavoidable, an episode will be triggered every couple of weeks lasting from hours to 2 weeks.

[fearfactor]

I am coming up on the anniversary of the day my life changed forever - Aug. 20, 2004.  I had my first noticeable big run of palps that day.  That started off a chain of events that nearly ruined my personal and professional lives.  No, I am not some nervous nellie, in fact I have been through a lot of things that would have killed (or at least driven crazy) weaker folks...an abusive childhood, an abusive marriage (I am remarried and my present husband is awesome but my other husband used to hold guns to both our heads and threaten to do a murder/suicide, etc.), poverty, rejection by parents.  I have still managed to get advanced degrees, travel all over, model in my younger days, have a family and do many other things I thank God for the opportunity to do.  It's not like I am paralyzed by fear and terror of anything...except for palpitations.  

My triggers:  I can't think of anything, really...it seems like once I find something that seems to be a trigger and cut it out, it doesn't really help.  Anything I've ever noticed to be a trigger was probably just a coincidence and I would've gotten the palps anyway.  The only thing that will probably really make them happen is drinking super-strong coffee and lots of it, and they are definitely hormone-related for me.

What helps:  I think that magnesium taurate supplements have helped me some...but again, they never really get better and stay that way - they tend to wax and wane no matter what I do or don't do.

How do I cope:  At first, not very well.  I have taken psych meds, gone to therapy and lived many an anxious day over these things.  I do know one thing for POSITIVELY for sure...my palps CAUSE my anxiety and it is NOT the other way around!  Now, I cope by knowing they will go away again.  I also know they will always come back, but then I know they will go again, too so at least I have that to look forward to.  I also trust in God that if I drop dead, He will take care of me and I pray a lot.  

I'm glad to see this thread and to see that so many of us are strong people, who just happen to have palps.  I got very upset being called a neurotic on the other board - I am NOT that by a long-shot.  That makes me sound like some pathetic Woody Allen-type creature sitting around wringing my hands...not so.  Maybe we can all get some support here.  

[Soopster]

I'm doing great.  I'm in Cape Cod on vacation. I refuse to let my pvc's bother me on vacation. I'm eating lots of seafood and drinking margaritas.  I'm glad you're doing yard work.  Try not to let your pac's bother you.  I hope your new med works.  

Lori

[dmil241]

You're an inspiration! Have a great vacation and enjoy the good eats! :)

[jpcox]

How fun. I bet Cape Cod could make me forget about these extra beats.  Drink a margarita for me! Unfortunately these buggers have been with me since Saturday, but I I am trying to keep myself busy.  Have a great vacation.

jennifer  

[brooklynbetsy]

hello. i developed pvc/pacs about 6 mos after i had an ablation for svt. the svt appeared after i gave birth to my little girl, who is now almost 4. i am so happy the svt was succesfully ablated bc my heart would race to 210 (clocked in the drs office) and stay there for hours. that whole experience was really scary for me. my pvcs are becoming easy to tolerate but i can get around 15.000 in a day. i have spoken to eps about ablating but they are coming from the left side and my echos have been normal so it looks like no ablation. i hope to have a baby soon so i have taken myself off of the 25 mg of tooprol i was taking and i honestly dont notice that much of a difference. my triggers are definately hormonal, sugar, caffeine and alcohol. i still have a bottle of wine with my husband friday night even though i know i will have  a terrible saturday (they're benign so why not!). when i stay away from my triggers and i drink gatorade or water instead of my favorite chai teas i notice a bit of a difference as long as its not around a menstrual cycle. i amm hoping that my pvcs will get better when i get pregnant. i have read a lot of women talk about them getting worse. has anyone experienced them getting better. also exercise definately helps. i tried omega 3 but i didnt notice muchh of a difference. my husband wants me to try an eastern medicine dr. has anyone gone that route? okey i feel as if i am rambling i am so tired as we are in the middle of a big move but this thread is a great idea. everyone should have a place to go to vent. take care - betsy

[tinymatches]

this thread was awesome... very helpful in understanding symptoms and that we are not alone.thanks