Skipped heart beats

[Matt1975]

Hello-

                                                I am a 27 year old male that has been diagnosed with an anxiety/panic
disorder. Quite frequently, I have episodes where my heart seems to skip a beat. I can feel this when I take my pulse. Also, I feel a little bit of a thudding sensation in my chest/abdomen. These episodes occur most often when I am feeling anxious but not always.
I am in good health and am very physically fit. I have had three EKGs all of
                                                which have showed nothing unusual. The doctors I have seen always brush
                                                off my compliant as nothing or "I don't see it on the EKG". I am writing to see
                                                if there is some sort of medical/scientific explaination. What can I do about
                                                this problem because it really bothers me and triggers/exascerbates my
                                                anxiety?

                                                Thanks, Matt

[Annie100]

Just discovered this site after long lonely hours trying, and failing, to access medical infor on why I'm having palpatations. What a great sense of relief it is not to feel so alone any more. Not that I would wish what I've been going thru on anyone!! I think that I first became aware of my missing beats during my first pregnancy, 6 yrs ago, and they've been with me ever since. I always thought that it was related to digestive problems that I have, but have never been able to find any medical condition relating to it. Had the same problems as everyone else in getting any kind of acceptible or reasurring diagnosis from any doctors that I have seen and tests on my heart have all come back as normal. Agree that there is a vicious cycle of, palpatations-anxiety-more palpatations-severe anxiety/panic attack, which has to be broken or controlled. And I feel that by talking and listening to all of my fellow sufferers will help me to do that.
Best wishes and Hope everyones doing ok.

[808]

Happy New Year Everyone!  I'm soooo glad that my search on this topic landed here.  I should've done this a long time ago.
I'm a 40 yrs old male and had my first experience with AFIB in 1995. Like most of you, I was told that I shouldn't worry about it and that it's a common thing.  I also had my days with anxiety attacks; taking myself to the ER thinking that my rapid irregular beating heart was going to stop.
Well, here's my regular episodes of the drama: first, either after a full meal or waking me up from sleep, I have a queezzy stomach (irritable bowel syndrome), feeling some nausea and the need to use the toilet, then the heart starts to race and overcomes me (I'm feeling my pulse on my neck by now), I go back to my bed and lay down to take some deep breaths to calm myself down, then I feel some skipped beats here and there (flutter in my stomach), then it's over with, but I'm constantly thinking if another one will come. (then my wife tells me that I need to relax!).
This all started again during these holidays and I know it's all stress related.  I've started my own company after being with one for 8 years since August, my father was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer two months ago and we're very close(approx. 6 months left), and have been doing all the hussle-bussle for our holiday gatherings........its stressful and I'm a type "A"...don't show my emotions.
I just recently went to the ER again with the same bout because I sort of forgot how a major panic attack was like since I didn't have one for a while. I'm visiting my doctor today to get some Xanax to relax me a bit.  I've never had them, but heard it helps with the anxiety stress.
I'm so grateful that I'm not alone.  Please keep the forums going so that I can read it from time to time to give me some comfort.  I know we can control this...we just need to keep trying.
Aloha from Hawaii!
808
ps. Is it just me to often check my pulse on my neck frequently to see if I'm having some irregular beats? Usually during a stressful moment after feeling a flutter in your stomach?.....and my pulse actually speeds up when I'm checking it!

[aprayer]

Do you have to worry about bloodcotts and strokes with MVP or other heart palpatations?

[obiwan001]

Wildfire, you are not alone.  I too experience numerous pvcs throughout the day--posture related, stress related, eating/drinking.  They are truly amazing.  Seems like Arthur (from another post) is dead on.  He definitely has experience/knowledge. There are many triggers (not to mention chocolate, caffiene,alcohol, fatigue); we live to minimize their disruption.  I am 38 YOA and have had pvcs for 16 years--first instigated from anxiety/panic, then they took on a life of their own:)  They are frightening; yet I think they give us a perspective on life others do not have; it is a precious gift, is it not?  God bless and strengthen all. Obiwan001.

[wildfire]

Hi everyone, I have had heart palpatations for a long time now.  For the last four months I have been having different kind of beats, that I can feel in my throat.  My doctor gave me a heart monitor to wear.  It showed up that it was coming from the top part of my heart and there was nothing to worry about.  I tried to tell him at another doctor's visit that I was having them all the time, but he said nothing.  I guess I am just worring for nothing, but it doesn't make it any easier, when your dad died of a massive coronary at the age of 45.  I am 44, I have had anxiety and panic attacks, which lead to depression, since 1989.  Lately, between my body stiffing up and these skipped beats all day long, it's about to get me.  You try and not worry, but it is hard.  I wish all of you HAPPY NEW YEAR.

[Arielle]

Hi Pat.  With the Tenormin, it took me about 2 weeks before it started to work (when it did work).  A lot of people have very good results with Tenormin and I've read also that a lot of people have had success with Inderal.  I guess it's just a matter of what your body adjusts to the best.  I've just been on it for so long (14-15 yrs) that I don't think it's doing the trick anymore.  Thank goodness you have a cardiologist that will change your medication if this doesn't work.  Mine won't change it because it "once worked for me".  I may opt for a second opinion down the road.  I hope this medication works for you and that you have some peace.  I think that is what we all strive for the most - not a miracle, but just some peace from PVC's!  Good luck - keep us posted.

[PAT65]

I just started on Tenormin(25mg twice a day) 2 days ago and am hoping it will decrease or better yet stop my PVCs. Anyone have an idea how long it needs to be in the system before seeing some results? I don't know much about Inderal but read that some people are having good results with their PVCs.If the DR. says its OK I may try that next. Not looking for a miracle just some peace!

[Arielle]

Hi Karie. Thanks for posting! I was diagnosed with MVPS about 15 years ago and that is when the PVC's started. Tenormin did the trick (50 mg. day) until after my cancer surgery (craniotomy) in December of last year. Took myself off Tenormin in April.  In late June of this year, the PVC's started up all over again and cardiologist first put me on 25 mg. of Corgard then switched me back to Tenormin (.25) because of the side effects I had from the Corgard.  I was fine on the Tenormin until October 2nd, the day after I learned my job was being eliminated due to reduction in work force.  They started up again and doc feels it is from stress, anxiety and smoking.  He is probably right about the smoking - causes more PVC's.  He told me to gradually either cut down or quit smoking and put me again on Ativan (.50) to help with the anxiety.  I had holter and thalium stress test done in late June - holter showed 3,000 PVC's and stress test was perfectly normal.  Had echo in early July which showed mild mitral regurg, an E/F within normal limits and heart pumping well. PVC's still haven't gone away and about 6 weeks ago, he did another holter at my insistence which showed over 6,000 PVC's.  He told me again that he was 99.9% sure that they were being caused by stress, anxiety and smoking and increased my Tenormin dosage to .75 mg.  I couldn't function on that because I was so tired all of the time so he bounced me back down to 50 mg. - .25 in the AM and .25 in the PM.  It doesn't interfere much with my sleep.  About 3-4 hours after I take the Tenormin in the AM, I begin to feel the side effects which I never felt before.  I get this weird feeling in my chest, heart seems to skip even more, I get very tired and I have now developed a rash on my abdomen.  I've talked to my cardiologist until I'm blue in the face and he strongly feels that since I did well on the Tenormin for 15 years, it can't be the medicine causing this.  My ENT doctor (who removed my tumor) strongly disagrees and said that because of my head surgery last December, my neurological system is not the same as a normal person's.  I just live with them now - I'm tired of arguing with the cardiologist about it.  He is well known and respected in his field, so I don't want to change cardiologists.  This is so frustrating, Karie, it truly is.  To everyone else who responded - thank you so much for being there.  This board is great!

[karie]

Does your cardiologist explain why you have so many pvc's ? Cause
Did diet and exercise changes help ?
What tests have you had lately ?
Do the pvc's keep you awake at night ? Disturbing your sleep ?
So frustrating, At what age did you start going to the cardiolgist ? Thanks for sharing

[rick1234]

geez.  sounds like you have been through quite the ordeal.  hang in there.

rick

[ojohnr]

pat, rich is correct.  my anxiety was taking over me and i was checking my pulsing every minute of the day.  i panic when i felt a skipped beat.  my doc just referred me to a psychoterapist to help me. today was the first time i went and somehow figuered out my anxiety and how to control it.  no medication, but work is needed.  i try not to think about it, but it is almost impossible.  i now listen to classical music to relaxe me and has worked for the past two weeks.  hopes this helps you.

[Arielle]

Hello everyone. I am 45yo female with history of MVPS. Was diagnosed 15 years ago and was on Tenormin (50 mg) for 14 years. Had 2 bouts with cancer in the last 6 years and am now in remission after chemo and radiation this past year.  The Tenormin always controlled the PVC's and I had no side effects from the med at all. This past April, I decided to stop taking the Tenormin - why I don't know.  Maybe after everything I'd been through I just couldn't take one more pill.  In late June, I developed tons of PVC's again and after thalium stress test, photos, EKG's, halter monitor and echo, everything was fine and cardiologist told me PVC's were benign and brought on by my anxiety.  Put me on Corgard and low-dose Ativan and as I developed severe fatigue from the Corgard (.25 mg. per day), he switched me back to Tenormin and everything was fine. I received a call on October 2nd that my job was being terminated due to reduction in work force (I had been on disability since May) and the day after, the PVC's started up again with a fury.  My smoking has increased (I know I shouldn't smoke) and make the frequency of the PVC's worse, I know.  Doc upped my Tenormin to .25 mg. two times a day but I am now getting side effects that I never had before and they aren't stopping the PVC's at all.  Fatigue, skin rash, dizziness to name a few.  My ENT says that it could be because of the head surgery I had last December to remove the cancerous tumor.  He said that my neurological system isn't exactly the same anymore and that this could make me susceptible to many meds.  I ran this by my cardiologist and asked him to change my beta-blocker.  He ran another holter and this time I had over 6,000 PVC's in a day!  He again told me that these were benign and were being caused by excessive smoking and anxiety over the loss of my job.  He upped my Ativan to .50 mg. once at noon and once before bed to help me sleep.  The Ativan does help me not feel the PVC's as much.  I am convinced, as is my ENT, that the Tenormin just isn't working for me anymore after 14 years being on it.  Cardiologist feels that since it worked for me when he put me back on it in July, that isn't the problem and told me to gradually quit smoking and try to remain calm.  He really is a sweetheart, but I don't believe his theory.  Anyone ever had a beta blocker stop working for them?  What is your take on this?  This board has helped me so much and I appreciate everyone's help and support.  Thank you so much!

[PAT65]

Sorry to hear about your difficulties this past year!I can relate to the PVC part. My holter showed over 7,000 PVCs in 24 hrs so I understand the frustration with the treatment or lack of. The only thing I have tried as far as meds are concerned is Lopressor and it doesn't help at all. I continue to take it I guess just because it makes me feel like I am doing something to try to decrease the PVCs. My cardiologist doesn't recommend ablation but sometimes I am willing to try anything to try and have a normal life. Hope this helps a little. Good Luck

[rick1234]

Pat, if you have been checked out by a QUALIFIED MD and have been told they are benign, then try to remind yourself that there is nothing wrong.  When you get them, just keep telling yourself you are fine and that you will win!  don't let them win!  Believe me when i say i understand what you are experiencing.  Those who don't get these really have no clue on how upsetting they can feel.  Also, realize that they will stop at some point.  They may come back but realize there will be periods of time where you don't have them (or notice them)  Really try to get a handle on diet, exercise and stress reduction.

be well!

rick

[PAT65]

Hi everyone! Its so nice to know I'm not alone out there.I have very frequent PVCs (sometimes 10-20 min) and have also been told they are benign. It is sometimes very hard not to let them control your life. Just reading that there are other people like me has helped decrease my PVCS while I am writing this. I guess I will have to read these comments every day! I have  had an occasional skipped beat for years but about 7 months ago I started having several a minute. Scared the life right out of me! well, I am still here and still having them. Anyone out there have any suggetion about the sudden onset? Like I have said tests have shown nothing.Also several people have mentioned they take Xanax for anxiety. Does that one seem to help best for this condition? any info would be great.

[ojohnr]

hi. my name is john, male 30  i have had afib on and off since i was 18.  just recently i had two in one week. they usually last 24hrs and convert by itself.  since then i had severly pac per hour.  saw my cardialogist and prescribed me 50mg of atenelol, which helps alot. just a few side effects..tired. and since this last episode of afib, i suffered several panic attacks. seeking medical help for my anxiety problems and now i feel somewhat beter.

my advise, from my card: NO caffiene, stimulants, alcohal, smoking, stress and worry. cut all these off and i feel better.

[rick1234]

as far as treatment for these things, (other than the elimination of various substances and taking a suppliment or two) I have been told that taking meds (assuming you do not have heart disease and have been told by a cardiologist that they are benign), can give you more problems.  Some people that have them so bad where they effect their life (they can't function or work etc), beta blockers have been helpful.  Honestly, I think stress plays a huge part as well as anxiety.  Many people have these but don't even realize it unless it is pointed out to them.  some of us are just more sensitive and in tune to our bodies.  once we know of them, we tend to focus on them more and more and this in turn starts that cycle that is difficult to break.  One other thing i think i forgot in a prior post was taking 1 tbls of flax oil a day.  this may or may not help with the skippys but it is good for ones heart.  Buy the refrigerated oil and not the capsules.  While not as conveneient, it is more effective.

good luck!

rick

[rick1234]

as far as treatment for these things, (other than the elimination of various substances and taking a suppliment or two) I have been told that taking meds (assuming you do not have heart disease and have been told by a cardiologist that they are benign), can give you more problems.  Some people that have them so bad where they effect their life (they can't function or work etc), beta blockers have been helpful.  Honestly, I think stress plays a huge part as well as anxiety.  Many people have these but don't even realize it unless it is pointed out to them.  some of us are just more sensitive and in tune to our bodies.  once we know of them, we tend to focus on them more and more and this in turn starts that cycle that is difficult to break.  One other thing i think i forgot in a prior post was taking 1 tbls of flax oil a day.  this may or may not help with the skippys but it is good for ones heart.  Buy the refrigerated oil and not the capsules.  While not as conveneient, it is more effective.

good luck!

rick

[karie]

Rick had a wonderful posts and thanks for sharing on healthy living and our hearts and nervous systems.
I am taking 250 mg. Magnesium, 500 Calcium , Multi- Vit and Klor-Con eff tablets in water for potassium which can stop pvc's for 4 hours at times. Walk daily and follow all guidelines. Have you been told symptoms will progress with years so saty of betas until needed ? Any tests helful in your diagnosis? Any heart murmurs, mvp ?

[Gustav]

Wise words Rick. It is all about taking positive action rather than sitting in fear of the next 'skip'. For those who are having a bad day, I went to see a third Cardiologist last week. If only I got air miles per visit. All tests were fine. His final words were: 'It is a completely benign phenomena. No one has ever died from this and i'm not saying that to imply that you will be the first.' He was the first one then to ask how I can break the fear factor cycle. In a sense it is whatever works for you. I have tried (with some sucess) accupunture. My therapist is very down to earth and listens to my anxieties and trates me accordingly. The first one I saw was too clinical and wore a white coat. No good for me. The lady I see now offers treatment and therapy - a perfect combination. In fact she sees me as a bit of a challenge.
Harking back to Rick. Take positive action don't sit and wait...
Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday season. R E L A X !

[rick1234]

For those of you that have these skipped beats (PVC's or PAC's), as you know they can be a real pain.  I have found a few things that could help aleviate these.  First, as suggested by the docs, eliminate caffiene.  BUT...ALL caffiene.  No chocolate, coffee etc.  Also try to eliminate MSG.  This is found in a lot of foods and not always labeled as MSG.  Try to avoid things with "natural flavoring". If you smoke, stop.  I know some of these changes are more difficult that others but if you really can't stand these skipped beats, you should make every effort to make them stop. If you drink alcohol, i recommend cutting back on that too. Also, try taking a magnesium - calcium supplement.  Look for a product that has 1000mg of calcium and 500mg of magnesium. Take this on a daily basis and give it at least 30 days straight to potentially see an improvement.(if you are on any meds, please run this by your doctor first) Try to incorporate some exercise like walking and do some stress reduction like meditation.  Do I follow all these rules myself?  well, diet wise yes but I need to spend more time on the exercise and stress.  I realize that when one feels bad, it is not easy to do all these things.  The average person that doesnt know what these feel like has no way in truly understanding what you are going through.  Come here to talk because sometimes when you know you are not alone in something, it feels better.

rick

[sheryl1945]

My skipped beats also cause me much anxiety...I'm no doctor, but I do think that once we become overly concerned with them, the anxiety causes them to increase.  Wish I could get my mind off my heart!  I take xanax which helps the anxiety greatly, but I don't take as much as I'm supposed to because I don't want to get too dependent upon it.  Self-defeating, I suppose.  Have had the skipping beats for YEARS but they still scare me!

[stirz4]

I am so pleased to have found so much information on this subject of skipped beats. I too am really paranoid about this happening and it really gets me down, I get awful anxiety.  My problem has only started since I got pregnant with my 3rd child.  The docs told me it would go away when I delivered, but guess what, it didn't! Funny thing is I used to get these odd beats before my monthly cycle for a day and never thought anything of it.
In fact it almost runs my life (which I know sounds really pathetic).  It's almost like the fear of it happening makes it happen even more.  I have recently had an echo, stress test etc done and although my echocardiogram results showed - i'll quote here 'a suggestion of a small floppy segment of the anterior mitral valve with trivial mitral regurgitation' my consultant said that it was within normal limits and would not be causing any problems and that it was NOT mitral valve prolapse. All my other tests were completely normal. I am starting an anti-anxiety med on Monday in the hope that this will calm me down a bit as I know my anxiety makes it worse.  It's strange to see so many of us affected by the same thing, I didn't realise it was so common.  Julie

[sheryl1945]

I can't thank you enough for posting a comment to me.  I'm so glad I'm not alone in this!  I have a definite "heart neurosis" and am sensitized to each beat of my heart it seems.  I get a lot of skipping when I bend over, but to tell you the truth I feel just fine and have no other symptoms.  Someone recommended I order books by Claire Weekes and I am going to do so.  Although I feel physically fine, my nerves are another story!  So tired of worrying about my heart.  Thanks again for writing; I got much comfort from your comments.