Gastric/Acid Reflux/Hiatus Hernia and PVC's

[freemanredneck]

I have read several statements on here and boy do I empathize with all of you who suffer from PVC's  I have spent two years of my life studying this problem after I had extensive medical testing to only to find out my heart is in great condition for a fifty five year old man.  I have always had excellent blood pressure of 115/68 pusle steady while resting at 68 but all of a sudden I developed a skipped heart beat feeling as well as once in a while a thump in the center of my chest.  I also noticed that I always had to burp after the pvc.  I have suffered from burning acid in my throat and stomach for several years and when I went to the emergency room for the skipped heart beats I could tell the doctor when the pvc's were coming which totally surprised the medical staff.  I was told that I have a hiatus hernia with GERD and the acid reflux along with the gas was hitting the VAGUS nerve with is the brain of the stomach and sending a signal to my heart and that it was basically a benign problem.  That did not sit right with me as here I am thinking this could not be healthy for my heart.  I have taken magnesium which does seem to help a little and I lay on my stomach and taking protonix.  Nexium by far was the best but really expensive. I changed my diet to vegetarian and got off of caffiene which had a good effect.  Does this sound familiar?

[phillys976]

I have been so pissed at the doctors who saw me at the ER and at scheduled appointments. They refused to aknowledge my GERD and PVC's are related. I get horrible headaches from my PVC's and other strange pains in my chest and stomach area which are always "pulsing" type pains that correlate with my heart beat. take prilosec everyday. Sometimes I think I'm going to die. Any one had haital hernia surgery? I am considering surgery. Any advice?

[GMC923]

Yes, I have a hiatal hernia and GERD.  I get skipped heartbeats almost daily and fluttering every once in a while.  I was on Nexium for years and during that time it has definitely lessened my symptoms, but my doctor wanted me off of it so now I've been dealing with more episodes the last several months. :(  I don't know if the reflux causes gas too, but I feel like that contributes to my symptoms.  When I burp I get some relief.  It would be okay if I didn't feel the pauses in my heart...it makes me sooo nervous.

[Emily34]

Sounds very familiar.  I have posted about this as recently I have been woken by PVC's in the night, and as I am crossing from wakefulness to sleep, by a sudden thump in my chest. I find it incredibly scary, but I have always 'known' my heart symptoms were linked to my digestive system.

I have constant chest pain behind my sternum, although I do not get acid reflux.  Diagnosed (after esopogeal manometry, ph testing and endosocpy) with gastritis.  When I told the doc I was getting odd heartbeats, especially at night,  he poo poohed the idea.

I also get strange fluttering sensations behind my breastbone, which I believe is an esopogeal spasm. Then I get the PVC, accompanied by a sensation of fullness in my forehead of all places, then I belch. Always worse after chocolate or creamy food.

[anacyde]

YES!!!!!  I have GERD/reflux and it absolutely triggers my extra beats!  In fact, since I feel the extra beats before I feel the actual stomach issues (mine goes straight into full out esophageal spasm before I feel a thing) I run for the Gaviscon when I get a bunch of palpitations because I know that's my cue that the pain is on it's way.

Boy did that ever freak me out though.  I was sure it was my heart.

Nexium was an EXCELLENT medication for me, it worked wonders.  I didn't tolerate the side effects though and had to stop taking it, sadly.  My dad (has the same problem) and swears by Protonix, which is usually covered better than Nexium by insurances.  My husband had very good luck with Protonix as well.

But you are definitely not alone!

[sb786]

yes very very familiar!! I have not been diagnosed with hiatus hernia but definitely get reflux. it is controlled now as i take omperazole and it seems to be working at the moment. I have IBS and find that it causes the acid reflux. I also notice a definite increase in PVCS when i have alot of acid reflux and indigestion. My doctor has actually said it is possible for the acid reflux to irritate the vagus nerve and trigger extra beats!!