Went to ER, now have Afib with PACS along with PSVT, what do you do???

[azrael13]

I had to go to the hospital, was having these irregular heart beats, after 6 hours decided it was time to go to the ER.  They told me I was in Afib with PACs.  They upped my Clonazepam, and said I would be ok.  But with already having PSVT with PVCs, were they telling me the truth, because I am very worried.  I have never ever had this kind of thing happen to me, and I am scared that they will not go away and might cause me a bigger problem in the future.  Insight to this is greatly appreciated.

[azrael13]

You are right, that is one of the things my trainer told me.  When it comes to power lifting you should never ever lift anything to the point that your veins look like they have been filled with air, as he put it.  It can be very dangerous to the heart.  And this comes from a man who has had 2 heartattacks and bypass surgery.  Plus power lifting isn't something I really want to do at this point and time.

[Jerry_NJ]

My comment about a risk in "power" lifting comes from a collection of experiences and readings, I do not have a credible reference to share.  I do know I've read many times, and I do read sites like the Cleveland Clinic and participate in blogs therein as well as other medical sites...the bottom line I do specifically recall there is an increase in heart problem risk through "extreme" athletics, not just power lifting.  There are a number of professional basketball stars who have AFib, for example.  That small example aside, I do recall specifically seeing at least one report that the occurrence of AFib in extreme athletes is higher than the general population.  Specifically, I am not saying lifting weights is bad, I had to do some light duty lifting as part of a cardio rehab program went through a couple of years back following heart surgery. I am saying if you viens are standing out and you are screaming with effort in a lift, it may be adding risk, that's my take.  

[azrael13]

Don't worry, blood work came back last night, with a clean bill of health attached to it.

[azrael13]

Yes I do take a beta blocker, the Clonazepam is only for my panick attacks, which I was heading for last night, that is why he upped the dose.  But my cardiologist is the one who put me on both of my meds to control both my Tachycardia attacks and the panick attack that follows right behind it (Lucky me).  And he was also the one who suggested the weight lifting to build the muscle I so desperately needed after two years of being confined to bed.  Thanks to this wonderful doctor, I have gained 22 pounds (something my other stupid doctor said I wouldn't be able to do). I lost the fat and replaced it with muscle.  And my heart was in the worst shape, being that it is all muscle.   (But I think my problem last night was triggered by all the stress I have been under, husband not having a job and my daughter having sever problems with second pregancey.

[Carey01]

Wow -- you are in incredible shape!!   I would think that Klonozapin would not be the right med for AFib or PSVT.  Are you taking a BB?  Been to a heart doc?

[NTB]

Hi, Jerry. What thoughts would you have about any possible mechanism for risk from weightlifting? BP would rise, but offhand I can't think of how that would interact with an electrical problem. I do lift weights myself, and did have irregular rhythm from presumed myocarditis, so it's more than just a matter of curiosity.

Also, btw, have you seen the recent article in Lancet which questions use of ASA in primary prevention:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19482214?dopt=Abstract
"INTERPRETATION: In primary prevention without previous disease, aspirin is of uncertain net value as the reduction in occlusive events needs to be weighed against any increase in major bleeds. Further trials are in progress."

[NTB]

Hi. At the very least, try to make sure that your minerals like calcium and magnesium and potassium are where they should be... though as a BBer you seem to be adding mass rather than dieting or using diuretics.

[Jerry_NJ]

The longer I live the more real meaning of "life isn't fair" comes into focus.  

I consider myself lucky, not having any health/heart problems until I was in my late 50s, so I can "chalk it up" to old age, which in its realization isn't fair, we should be better and stronger with age, right?  Well I am kidding of course, my heart really does go out to younger people who suffer from health problems and my sympathy and best experience information is offered to my fellow seniors and all.

It occurs to me that AFib may be the drive of your high HR.  I take a beta blocker (Metoprolol) in high dose (100 mg) to keep my ventricle rate below 100 at rest.  I really could benefit from more BB, but at 200 mg I start to have bad side-effects.  

It is possible a beta blocker will help some, but it is no panacea - are you taking any statin drugs?  I hear a lot of good comes from that drug and it is very inexpensive in a generic form.  I think I pay $10 for a 90 day supply of Simvastatin, and that's the full price, not a insurance discount price.  While I spent, happily, a drug-free life up to my late 50s, I now think an aspirin and a statin may be good for all to take...just like a supplemental vitamin.  Of course, statin drugs require a doctor prescription, they are not available over the counter because of possible liver problems...well that's something a doctor will check on if the prescription is written.

Keep an optimistic outlook, and keep lifting as that is good both mentally and physically..just don't power-lift, I think that can strain the heart as well as the frame.

[RNRita]

Now this is just my opinion.  Sometimes A-fib is read wrong depending on who is reading it.  Upping your benzodiazepine is not going to fix it.  A-fib is a non-lethal arrythmia but there are other drugs that can help like Cardizam.  Although it doesn't convert a-fib, it will control the rate.  I would definitely see a cardiologist!  He/she would be the one to answer your questions correctly.  

[azrael13]

Thanks Jerry,  I did get a good nights sleep.  And Clonazepan is used for panick attacks.
And I have no problem taking asprin, and use them on a regular bases, better safe then sorry....right?  But what scared me was, was I didn't know that you could have both A fib and PSVT.  To me that is just messed up.  I mean with the PSVT it's bad enough when the heart rate hits 300 bpm, and hurts like hell, but to be told you have A fib where the heart beats piggy back each other, well that just isn't fair.

[Jerry_NJ]

Have you been examined by a cardiologist?  I don't know Clonazepam, is it a heart medication, a beta blocker?

If you are in AFib, even if only on rare occasions I think you need an anticoagulant to guard against blood clots.  For an easy start and aspirin a day with a meal will provide some help so long as aspirin doesn't upset your stomach.

I believe most cases of PACs and PSVT are benign so I hope you can get a good night's sleep without worry.  

Discuss your problem with a regular visit with a cardiologist, is best I think.