acid reflux and pvc's

[William]

I am 31 years old, male, I experience pvc's usually after eating. I have chronic heartburn, but not severe, rarely wakes me at night, but have been awakened from aspirating acid and not being able to breath (very scary) thankfully this is very rare (1 or 2 times in the last 3 years). I have had an upper GI series and am awaiting the results about possible hiatal hernia.  However, my question is, What is the connection between acid reflux and PVC's. I've asked my doctor this question a couple of times with no details of why.  Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf]

Dedar William, Medical literature does not report a significant association between reflux and irregularities of heart rate.  If you review our archives, however, you will find many reports of patients with cardiac arrythmias and reflux who report an improvement in the heart problem with agressive treratment of the reflux.  It should be noted that there is  wide array of cardiac arrythmias reported in the archives and there are proposed different mechanisms for the various problems.  On balance, however, you should talk to your doctor about medical therapy for the reflux.  It should not make your heart problem worse (assuming that you do not have other illnesses) and may make it better.

[Eric]

I can tell you that after I eat mine get worse. I am awaken at least 3 times a week from acid burning in my throat, after I awake an sit up the burning subsides. I then run to the medicine cabinet and pop a Previcid.

I also get a bunch of other weird symptoms, Chest Pain, Burning, down the arm more left than right, Pain in left leg, neck, Throat feels like lump or even tight sometimes, ears burning, headaches and ringing ears. My left cheek from my jaw line to up to my eye feels numb and bruised sometimes.

I have terrible sinus drainage and have a soar throat and cough.

I have had all these symptoms and more for 2 years now, Seen dozens of docs, had a full cardiac workup by a cardiologist, had ultrasounds of the chest and abdomen, been to the ER in the past 2 years at least a dozen times thining I was having a heart attack, everything checked out fine.

So here I sit, with anxiety and I had a whopping Panic Attack the other day when I drove myself to the ER again (was released with everything ok again).

I wish a doctor existed out their that could really help me, but I feel that I may never find on!

PVC's are normal, I get many a day and the cardiologist said they are harmless.

Whats really strange about my symptoms, they are present in the am (very little) and grow steadily worse until they peak right after lunch up to about 4 0r 5 pm, then after sundown, say around 8pm I feel almost wonderful, just with a few underlying symptoms.

Well, don't worry... you'll be alright!


Eric...
***@****

[EJ]

I GET ACIDS IN MY THROAT FROM THE LEAST I EAT OR DRINK THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE NOW.PLEASE GIVE ME SOME GUIDANCE AND MANY THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.{EJ}

[Erik]

You are 100% right about there being a connection between acid reflux and PVC'S. I am also 31 years old and have had two Hiatal Hernia surgeries. I have PVC's all the time. They are worse when my reflux gets worse. They are better when my stomach feels normal. I have a lot of scar tissue from the surgeries which I feel is making my PVC's worse at times.I am being evaluated again by a Gastroenterologist. All Cardiac tests have been normal. Doctor's need to research the link between the esophagus and PVC's. This problem exists and needs to be looked into. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail to discuss.

   Erik  email-  ***@****

[Eric]

Hi,

My opinion after suffering from GERD for 2 years now is that I feel the connection between the PVC's and GERD or the esophagus is the Vagus nerve!

I have had many strange symptoms from GERD like Pain in the Chest, Arms, Legs, Neck, Head (back of neck) and also a numb/bruised feeling on my face around the cheeks. Most symptoms always after meals and can change when sitting and when standing almost imediately. I feel very strongly that there is a nerve connection between this and PVC's and other symptoms as well.

Doctors will not recognize this because its not 'TEXT BOOK', if they did'nt read it in a medical journal or learn it in medical school then its just plain out voodoo and not valid!!!

This is where the change must begin, Doctors need to learn that not all symptoms will follow the Medical Book Step by Step Guide! The human body is a very complex bio/electric organisim and each mind and soul adds a customized set of unique characteristics!!!

Eric
***@****

[Petula]

I came across your post searching for similar connections.
I have had pvc's very bad for like ten years, and paroxysmal tachycardia.
This past week something is wrong with my stomach (actually, I've had chronic nausea and vomitting for two years, no clue why, doctor just passes it off as "anxiety" but I am sick every day and not under much stress). I went to the ER, and they just said must be the stomach flu, I'd thrown up dozens of times. Severe stomach pain, and could feel loops of intestine too. Also, no diarrhea, totally constipated. Anyway what was weird was since then, after I eat I have massive PVC's, and tachycardia? Taking maalox, it feels like the PVC's come when the food is moving through the middle of my intestines? I can feel it move there because it is so tender.
Also, every time I eat I throw up, so I haven't eaten since Wednesday.
Have to wait until monday to see doctor again. Now I KNOW there is a connection with my arrhythmia and my stomach. Wouldn't have believed it before.
Probably it is triggering my vagus nerve? Oh, and my blood pressure is dropping dramatically with these episodes. Very strange. Can anyone comment more on this thread?

[Petula]

One more thing, I think the reflux triggers the vagus nerve, or other stomach conditions can do the same, trigger the vagus nerve. Someone in my family has a vagus nerve/stomach condition, she has IBS and sometimes faints when she has a painful attack.

[Erik]

Petula-

Yes, the vagus nerve does have a lot to do with the stomach and the heart. And stimulating the vagus nerve can cause the pvc's. It sounds like you have some other underlying condition that is causing the stomach problems. If you have not been worked up by a cardiologist and a Gastroenterologist, then do so. If you have then you might benefit from seeing a Psychiatrist as a lot of this may be anxiety. Believe me, because I've had it. IT caused me a lot of problems. Since I have been taking prozac and xanax, my symptoms have been much better. You may also benefit from taking a beta blocker which will slow your heart and keep it regular. Ask your doctor about these medicatons. I still have pvc's but they're not as bad. Best of luck to you.

[jan]

Hi, Can someone explain the initials you use? I have similar symptoms that you are discribing and would like for you to tell me what alot of these med terms and initials stand for? IBS?? PVCS??? My email address is: ***@**** if someone could feel me in.
I feel spasms in my chest after eating is this one of these terms?
Thanks,
Jan

[patricia]

Yes, yes, yes... I too believe that esophageal problems can trigger skipped heartbeats. I had severe reflux for years which has turned into Barretts Esophagus, but I also had an angiogram with a stent placement done two years ago... the symptoms of my esophagus problems are so similar of what my angina was that I get so confused and worried sometimes that my arteries are blocking back up...how is a person supposed to know the difference? If I went to the ER everytime I had these symptoms, I'd be out there 3 or 4 times a day! It is just so frustrating.
Thanks for listening,
Patricia

[William]

I am the person who originally posted this question.
I am suprised by all the responses.  In my original comment I was waiting for the results of an Upper GI series. I was diagnosed with a "small sliding hiatal hernia"  Bloodwork showed above normal ldl cholestorol and above normal triglycerieds.
everything else normal.  In the past I have been to the emergency room with "anxiety attacks" because I start having PVC's then I freak out because I feel like I'm having a heart attack. ALL CARDIAC TEST HAVE ALWAYS BEEN NORMAL!!!
After so many trips to the E room you start to feel like an idiot and stay home and ride out the attack. Over time I have gotten use to the PVC's and don't get the anxiety attacks as frequently.
    My doctor denies that there is any connection between my reflux and my PVC's. I am a resonably bright person and feel I have a handle on how things work and I believe this theatens my doctor that I may be second guessing him. This angers me because its my body and I am only trying to help figure things out. During my last visit he became obviously annoyed with me using the term "PVC" telling me that we don't know if thats what they are. Its my chest and I KNOW what they are!!
     My father was diagnosed awhile back with the H. pylori virus and underwent the treatment and is cured. He is now much healthier and has even lost some weight. I insisted that my doctor give me the breath test for H.pylori . He told me no because I don't have an ulcer. I told him I was going to have it done and pay for it myself (I'm on an HMO.....go figure) He then told me if I was positive he would not treat me for it if I didn't have an ulcer.
     I am going to research H.pylori and I'll post any other info

   Thank you
email me    ***@****

[Anne]

When you guys are talking about PVCs, what exactly do you mean?

I have been diagnosed with GERD, although it's not really chronic -- what I mean by that is that there have been two flare-ups of it the last year where I've had to take medication but I'm not on medication all the time and I don't have acid problems all the time either.  (I do have symptoms most of the time but they're not really bad enough to take medication.  I've learned to deal with feeling nauseous a lot, etc.)

However, what I have noticed is that when my acid problem is severe, my heart is affected.  Specifically, I tend to have what I call 'skipped beats' more frequently, about four to eight an hour.  But when my acid problem is under control I hardly feel skipped beats at all.  (Skipped beat is where my heart beats really hard for one beat followed by an immediate second beat, as if the first beat lagged behind the normal rhythm somehow.)

So, I guess what I'm asking is are skipped beats PVCs?  What is the exact definition of PVCs anyway?

Thanks,
Anne

[Erik (in response to Anne)]

Anne-

PVC's are Premature Ventricular Contractions of the heart, or an extra beat. They are what you described as a skipped heart beat. You may indeed be having PVC's or PAC's, although you would have to be wearing a heart monitor for your Dr to properly diognose them. When Acid reflux get's bad, it stimulates the Vagus nerve which in turn stimulates the heart causing the skipped heart beats. PVC's and PAC's (premature atrial contractions) are both benign and pose no threat to you. They are just annoying. A beta blocker can help to alleviate these skipped heartbeats. Ask your Dr about taking a beta blocker if they are troublesome. Or you may just want to control the Acid reflux and live with the skipped heartbeats as you know they will not harm you. Good luck.

  -Erik

[Barb]

I HAVE DEALT WITH ACID REFLUX , CHEST PAIN, IRREGULAR HEART BEAT AND A STRANG FLUTERING IN MY UPPER STOMACH FOR YEARS. THE HEARTBURN STARTED IN 91. JUST HAD SCOPE DONE...HAVE SLIDING HIATIAL HERNIAL AND THE VALVE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO CLOSE AFTER EATING IS NONFUNCTIONAL.  AFTER TAKING HEART MED AND 20ML PRILOSEC 2XS A DAY FOR A FEW YEARS I AM CONSIDERING SURGERY(LAP). IT IS OUT PATIENT AND I WAS TOLD IT WOULD RID ME OF 95% OF MY SYMPTOMS. I WOULD LIKE TO GET MORE INFO ON THE SURGERY AND DOCTOR(AT LOYOLA) ITS HARD TO TRUST THE DOCTORS AFTER GOING BACK AND FOURTH AND NUMEROUS TESTS AND NO RELIEF. ANY IDEAS OR INFO ?

[Anne]

Thanks, Erik, for the definition of PVCs.  And also for defining PACs in your post -- I'd been wondering what those were, too.

--Anne

[jeff]

I am a 42 yr old male with hiatus hernia, which has flared up in recent months.  I don't experience heartburn, but do constantly struggle with phlem/and other stomach produced fluids that are the result of reflux.  

Off and on, I'll gag or cough up the reflux matter, and experience the inabity to breathe for anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds.  I also have continuously sore throats....sort of a dried out raw feeling.

Doctors have me on a steady diet of propulsid and prevacid, which help some, but I'm not wishing to stay on medication that I have to take multiple times each day for the rest of my life.

Are there any other options?

[Christine]

I've been seeing a throat specialst for about 9 months ago, after realizing that my voice has been harsh and scracthy for about 6 months prior to that.  It's not cancer or tumors or anything else that I was tested for. So, my doctor recently put me on Prilosec, thinking that continuous acid reflux could be damaging my vocal cords, or voicebox.  Just curious if anyone else has this condition....??

[Jennifer Howard-Smith]

What the heck are PVC's.  The reason I asked is because I have the same symptoms that Eric has(third dude from the top of list) and I'm only 22 years of age.  THis has been on going for about 3.5 - 4 months.  I'm scared something is seriously wrong with me and noone can tell me what wrong.  

PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!

email me at ***@****

[William]

PVC's are Pre Ventricular Contractions
They feel like a skipped heartbeat
Read some of the above responses. I believe Erik explains them very well

[Peter]

Interesting to read so many people complaining of the association between esophagitis and cardiac arrhythmias.  I have been posting messages on this and other forums for over a year now asking questions about this problem.  Initially everyone passed the association off as a coincidence but lately even the doctors are admitting that the empirical evidence is mounting up. I have had the problem of atrial arrythmias for the past 8 years on and off again.  In my particular case the problem occurred every time I swallowed.  This forced me to have an upper GI done which showed significant reflux.  After treating it the problems lessened and even went away for long periods of time.  Has anyone else noticed the 100% correlation with swallowing?  I have rarely had PVC's but plenty of atrial tach with some atrial fib at times.  All my cardiac tests have proven negative also.  I am presently awaiting a follow-up EP study to confirm the association.  I also believe that the irritation of the vagus nerve can influence the normal rhythm of the heart.  In my case perhaps a forward thinking electrophysiologist could isolate the trigger and learn something about this problem.  I suspect there are an awful lot of people out there on heart meds/pacemakers that perhaps don't have to be.  I would be interested in any responses - my email is ***@****

[cori]

Hi Me again. I go in for a endoscopy and colonoscopy on the 30th of this month. From my upper GI Doc say's I have mild reflux. I was also diagnosed with diverticulosis two years ago and have numerous polyps removed yearly. Can anybody tell me if these two things are related?? email is ***@**** I am 39.

Thanks

[Laurie]

I just went to the Cardiologist because I get these pvc's I only get them when I have reflux. I did a echo stress test and others and my heart was ok. I only get these during the reflux episodes, so I feel they are def. related.I hope they do some research in this area as it scared the you know what out of me more than once. It casued much anxiety as I was afraid it was a heart attack. I also have gotten pain in chest with the reflux and even down my left arm and shoulder, every time when they treated the reflux, the symptoms went with it, but it had all the heart signs so I went to the er. How does one know the diff. I wonder? Laurie

[Kim..so happy to have found you all!!]

Hey guys, just wanted to say THANK YOU to you all for being here!  I have felt totally, utterly alone and depressed since my stomach has gotten worse.  Having you here as a support has made me feel less afraid and less alone.  You may have already seen my post, but I am 40, had my gallbladder yanked in April, and have SEVERE bouts of mid epigastric pain (for which I am getting a CT on Thursday).  I think it's a blocked duct or maybe pancreatitis (as I have inherited a very high triglyceride level).  I wonder if there is anything I can take to help NOT get pancreatitis?  I have just taken myself off lopid for the triglycerides, as I think it makes the pain worse.  Oh well....carry on and again, THANKS for being there and write me anytime :)   Kim, NH  (***@****)

[[email protected]]

If any of you that have posted messages re: GERD, reflux, or any problems similar that have affected your ability to take a breath of air at any time have ever taken ACCUTANE - please e-mail me ASAP. Thank you for your help, Sue