Aa
Sudden Onset Of Palpitations
I'm 53,don't smoke, never drank,no drugs,no coffee. Had palpitations since 13 years old but rarely. Sometimes on a daily basis and other times with days or weeks of no skips.
About two weeks ago the palpitations started coming in a regular manner at about 3-5 per hour pretty much every hour of the day. This of course was frightening and I worried and became more aware of every skip. By the third day the skips were at every minute with a few doubles/triples ( each with only a few regular beats between them. I was in terror so I went to the local ER.
They took Xrays,blood work,EKG's a 24hr holter monitor. The ER doc saidthe PACs were frequent with an occassional PVC but they were probably benign. He suggested I see a Cardiologist as my blood pressure was quite high at 180/100. I have always had white coat hypertension and at home with the nurse neighbor taking it was 145/90.The Cardiologist reviewed all the tests including more blood work, echocardiogram, his conclusion was even though I was having lots of skips , the condition was benign and my blood pressure was more of a concern. He recommended Atenolol 50mg and said it should resolve lessen the palps. Fearing the potential side effects I took half dose first as within 4 hours my bp was at 110/75 with a scary pulse rate of 52-56. My resting rate is usually 62 The pressure and low pulse rate continued all day. I started a advanced excercise diet program about 8 weeks before these palps started and lost 25 lbs. Lots of cardio and weights. The blood work showed slight elevation in magnesium.Scared to death.
About two weeks ago the palpitations started coming in a regular manner at about 3-5 per hour pretty much every hour of the day. This of course was frightening and I worried and became more aware of every skip. By the third day the skips were at every minute with a few doubles/triples ( each with only a few regular beats between them. I was in terror so I went to the local ER.
They took Xrays,blood work,EKG's a 24hr holter monitor. The ER doc saidthe PACs were frequent with an occassional PVC but they were probably benign. He suggested I see a Cardiologist as my blood pressure was quite high at 180/100. I have always had white coat hypertension and at home with the nurse neighbor taking it was 145/90.The Cardiologist reviewed all the tests including more blood work, echocardiogram, his conclusion was even though I was having lots of skips , the condition was benign and my blood pressure was more of a concern. He recommended Atenolol 50mg and said it should resolve lessen the palps. Fearing the potential side effects I took half dose first as within 4 hours my bp was at 110/75 with a scary pulse rate of 52-56. My resting rate is usually 62 The pressure and low pulse rate continued all day. I started a advanced excercise diet program about 8 weeks before these palps started and lost 25 lbs. Lots of cardio and weights. The blood work showed slight elevation in magnesium.Scared to death.
A related discussion, Just turned 20 and am fearing death. was started.
I am very leery about taking drugs. My father by the time he was 45 was on several different types and when he died he was on 15 types. I have also heard the beta-blocker makes you feel like you are dying and once you take it plan on taking it the rest of your life. Do you know if this is true?
"attack acardia" I believe may be tachycardia...a fast heart rate (>100-120). It's a pretty common arrhythmia, however, should be checked out with a monitor (as you have done)...and if it shows up often enough to concern you, you should ask your doc and/or cardiologist about treatment options. Typically, if all else is normal, you will find in these posts, that people can control high heart rates with certain medications, in particular, beta-blockers. Discuss this with your doc...it's worth the 30 bucks.
Hi Everyone. I just read through a lot of the posts and here is my story. In April of 2000 my father died of congestive heart failure, he was 70 yrs old. About a year later I started having chest pains. I went to my doctor and we talked about how it could just "be in my head," (possibly because I just lost my father) After about a year of going to her I started having the palpitations. The first one knock the wind out of me. I called my doc like the rest of you and she made no big deal out of it. I called and I guess bothered her enough, so she put me on the monitor. Of course that day I had no symptoms. I had the echo and everything came back okay. I have had blood work for the thyroid and everything came back okay. Yet still I have the palpitations. When i finally did the 7 day monitor she said i had attack acardia (i know it is misspelled, sorry) I hate medicines but heart problems are high in my family. (out of 13 aunts and uncles all but one have died from heart disease) I am 25 yrs old and i know i am not in the best of shape, (140lbs and 5'2) I drink lots of soda and i read from the posts that i need to stop drinking so much, so i will try. My problem is that my doc won't talk to be about palpitations or the meds she wants to put me on. (i am thinking about changing docs because she won't talk to me about what is going on unless i make a $30.00 appointment) Sometimes the palps are so bad my breathe is knock out of me and I cough. After I get dizzy and light headed, sometimes I get tired and other times I am fine. I have also noticed that sometimes when i breathe hard i get a palp. My other problem is, there are a lot of people like me and it is good to know I am not alone but why are so many of us having this problem. Also can it turn into something else? Thanks for listening.
I AM 39 YEARS OLD. WHEN I WAS 19 YEARS OLD, ON A HOT SUMMER NIGHT, DRIVING AROUND, WINDOWS DOWN WITH THE MUSIC TURNED UP, NOT A CARE IN THE WORLD ... THEN, IT HAPPENED. MY HEART BEGAN TO RACE. I BEGAN TO SWEAT, GASP FOR AIR, HEART RACING OUT OF CONTROL, AS WELL AS SKIPPING. OBVIOUSLY, THIS WAS A VIVID EXPERIENCE FOR ME, IT HAPPENED LONG AGO. SINCE THEN, HAVE BEEN TO AT LEAST TEN CARDIOS. I HAVE HAD NUMERIOUS STRESS TESTS, ECHOS, EKGS, HOLTER MONITORS, ETC. I HAVE HAD DXS SUCH AS: ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, PVCS, TRIVAL REGUG, SLIGHT DEGREE OF MVP, PVSTS, INAPPROPRIATE SINUS TACHCARDIA, TACHARDIA, ANXIETY/PANIC ATTACKS. I HAVE PALPITATIONS HERE AND THERE. THEY STARE ME AFTER ALL THESE YEARS. I AM AFRAID I AM GOING TO DROP DEAD. WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS, MY HEART RACES AND POUNDS. FORTUNATELY, WHEN I WAS WEARING A HEART MONITOR THEY RECORDED MY HEART RATE AT 158. MY DOCTOR ASKED ME IF I WAS RUNNING UP AND DOWN STAIRS. ACTUALLY, I WAS SITTING IN MY KITCHEN READING THE NEWSPAPER, NOT FEELING STRESSED AT ALL. WITH ALL THE DXS I HAVE HAD, MY DOCTORS PUT ME ON XANAX, KLONOPIN AND TENORMIN. I STILL EXPERIENCE PVCS, I DO NOTICE MY HEART RATE GOES UP AFTER I EAT -- I STOPPED EATING FOR A WHILE AND LOST ABOUT 26 POUNDS. SOMETIMES I NOTICE MY HEART IS BEATING FAST, I TAKE MY PULSE (THIS MAKES MY HUSBAND CRAZY) AND IF IT IS AROUND 85, I FEEL VERY ANXIOUS. I CAN EVEN FEEL MY HEART BEAT IN MY STOMACH. I SOMETIMES WAKE UP AT NIGHT WITH A POUNDING HEART RATE, AS WELL AS IN THE MORNING. I READ EVERYTHING ON THE INTERNET. SOME DOCTORS SAY IT CAN BE FATAL, OTHERS DO NOT HAVE ANY CONCERN ABOUT IT. I WONDER IF I HAVE AN ELECTRIAL PROBLEM WITH MY HEART. THERE ARE A LOT OF TIMES I JUST CANNOT HANDLE THIS ANYMORE. ANYONE OUT THERE LIKE ME???? HELP!! IF YOU WANT TO CHAT, EMAIL ME AT ***@****. THANKS FOR READING THIS LONG POST.
Hi. I am new to this site. A great site it is.
A thought on your palpitations:
When I attempt weight loss on a scale that you describe, I, too, have trouble sleeping. It's as if the weight reduction has sparked an almost caffeine-like reaction in my system. With that kind of reaction can come heartbeat irregularities. For me, anyway.
But then there is the mental side as well.
I suffered a first round of palpitations last year. I had been anxious over an ongoing challenge in my business (how to master new technologies that, for my lack of understanding them, were hurting my business.) Anyway, I went to a stress management clinic where a psychologist helped me pinpoint the connection between the palps and my working at my computer. i.e. The problems began as soon as I sat down at the computer. A clear cause and effect panic/worry reaction. The psychologist suggested getting truly serious about mastering the technology. I did, and the palps disappeared in a very short time span thereafter.
So...not that any of this necessarily relates to your situation, but you DO need to do a candid review of your physical and mental state at this time in your life. If you feel weird and unable to sleep while losing weight, perhaps you need to slow down your program. One per pound per week (rather than, say, 3.) And as for the mental side, you've got to ask yourself "What's going on in my life right now that is pushing me to a point of near panic and worry." Chances are, one or both of these areas hold clues to your "condition."
Good luck.
JJ
A thought on your palpitations:
When I attempt weight loss on a scale that you describe, I, too, have trouble sleeping. It's as if the weight reduction has sparked an almost caffeine-like reaction in my system. With that kind of reaction can come heartbeat irregularities. For me, anyway.
But then there is the mental side as well.
I suffered a first round of palpitations last year. I had been anxious over an ongoing challenge in my business (how to master new technologies that, for my lack of understanding them, were hurting my business.) Anyway, I went to a stress management clinic where a psychologist helped me pinpoint the connection between the palps and my working at my computer. i.e. The problems began as soon as I sat down at the computer. A clear cause and effect panic/worry reaction. The psychologist suggested getting truly serious about mastering the technology. I did, and the palps disappeared in a very short time span thereafter.
So...not that any of this necessarily relates to your situation, but you DO need to do a candid review of your physical and mental state at this time in your life. If you feel weird and unable to sleep while losing weight, perhaps you need to slow down your program. One per pound per week (rather than, say, 3.) And as for the mental side, you've got to ask yourself "What's going on in my life right now that is pushing me to a point of near panic and worry." Chances are, one or both of these areas hold clues to your "condition."
Good luck.
JJ
Hey...sometimes you leave me speachless.
The group at PeoplewithPVCs is a bit tough on PeoplewithIdeas, but I'll get along okay. They do claim that no one is banned from the site. However, it can be difficult to try an engage someone in an intellectual tete-a-tete without getting slapped upside your head. But you know what? This is life. And if it were anything different, I wouldn't be having as much fun.
(neither would you).
-Arthur
The group at PeoplewithPVCs is a bit tough on PeoplewithIdeas, but I'll get along okay. They do claim that no one is banned from the site. However, it can be difficult to try an engage someone in an intellectual tete-a-tete without getting slapped upside your head. But you know what? This is life. And if it were anything different, I wouldn't be having as much fun.
(neither would you).
-Arthur
hehehehe.
Damn Arthur I'm going to have to "re-invent" now! You've figured me out!
wilson
Damn Arthur I'm going to have to "re-invent" now! You've figured me out!
wilson
Premature Ventricular Contractions ie skips,palpitations,flutters etc. I usually describe them as a little hiccup in my chest. If all else checks out ok, they probably are harmless but very bothersome. I have the same feelings as you do about impending doom especially now that I have so many per day every day. For many years I only had a few a day and actually had days/weeks when they were non-existent. Some say they were always there but I simply did not feel them. Well I feel them now and they give me pause.
Hope yours go away. Stay away from coffee,cigs,chocolate,drugs etc. Try to manage stress/anxiety. Exercise helps for me but only during it and for a short period after. Mine also is worse at rest but right before sleep they tend to be much less ( 1 every 3-5 minutes ) even though holter showed about 20-25 an hour during sleep. Big improvement over daytime when mine go from a low of 40 per hour to 120 per hour. Even though I feel they are to many, there are those at this forum that have 5,000 to 20,000 plus a day so I consider myself fortunate.
Good luck and feel free to email me anytime: ***@****
Frank
Hope yours go away. Stay away from coffee,cigs,chocolate,drugs etc. Try to manage stress/anxiety. Exercise helps for me but only during it and for a short period after. Mine also is worse at rest but right before sleep they tend to be much less ( 1 every 3-5 minutes ) even though holter showed about 20-25 an hour during sleep. Big improvement over daytime when mine go from a low of 40 per hour to 120 per hour. Even though I feel they are to many, there are those at this forum that have 5,000 to 20,000 plus a day so I consider myself fortunate.
Good luck and feel free to email me anytime: ***@****
Frank
Thanks so much for this forum. I am 35 and started having the palps almost every day for about two months now. I had my heart checked out last year about this time because of some pains and the docs said that I was fine. THe palps have been very concerning though and I feel this impending sense of doom. And there is no warning of when they will hit. I have had some while sending this comment too. And they mostly hit me while at rest.??????? I know I do not get enough exercise and am attempting to resolve that but the palps are scaring me to death! And, what are PVC's? It is a comfort to see that I am not alone. It is very difficult to describe to others how these things feel.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PeoplewithPVCs/messages
At this site people are free to discuss their problems and potential solutions...covering PVCs/PACs and other related arrhythmias.
At this site people are free to discuss their problems and potential solutions...covering PVCs/PACs and other related arrhythmias.
Hoi Arthur,
The group you talked about: PeoplewithPVCs, where can I find it?
Thank you!!
***Ianna***
The group you talked about: PeoplewithPVCs, where can I find it?
Thank you!!
***Ianna***
Hey...I get 0-5 per MINUTE every day, been that way for 2.5 years. I'm 54 and play competitive sports...I don't let it bother me and I plan on being around for a while longer.
So, put it in perspective. I know it's tough when they first show up, but get it behind you as soon as you can, so that you pay attention to things that really matter.
So, put it in perspective. I know it's tough when they first show up, but get it behind you as soon as you can, so that you pay attention to things that really matter.
Wow - Great group. I started having skipped beats about 3 months ago, and it absolutely freaked me out. I'm 32, 2 kids, just bought a house, have a good job. I started laying in bed at night wondering if I would wake up. It sounds dramatic, but it's weird how your mind works when you start to feel vulnerable for the first time in your life.
Had an EKG/Holter, and the Cardiologist said all is well, and these are benign. He put me on 50mg Altenelol for my high BP, and two months later, they're about the same.
I get anywhere from 0-6 PVC's an hour, and my experience corresponds with others here - when I'm up and busy, and not think about these damn things, they go away. It's when I wake up in the morning, lay down at night, or have a quiet hour at my desk that I feel them the most - and they drive me to distraction. I get pretty depressed at the thought of having these things for the next 50 years.
It is comforting to see so many people have the same symptoms, and even more important, the same medical advice. I just may be around for a while yet...
Had an EKG/Holter, and the Cardiologist said all is well, and these are benign. He put me on 50mg Altenelol for my high BP, and two months later, they're about the same.
I get anywhere from 0-6 PVC's an hour, and my experience corresponds with others here - when I'm up and busy, and not think about these damn things, they go away. It's when I wake up in the morning, lay down at night, or have a quiet hour at my desk that I feel them the most - and they drive me to distraction. I get pretty depressed at the thought of having these things for the next 50 years.
It is comforting to see so many people have the same symptoms, and even more important, the same medical advice. I just may be around for a while yet...
I wish I could see the - fun - side of PVCs/PACs. I try not to dwell on them, and I still have a full life but boy they get me down sometimes.
Apparently, the owner of the site (wilson-wilson) felt it was not working out quite the way he hoped...there are some other groups of interest; one that I currently poke around in is PeoplewithPVCs.
See you there?
See you there?
I've had palpitations for several years. My cardiologist prescribed Inderal to be used "as needed." That worked pretty well. But four months ago the palpitations got worse and another cardiologist, after giving me all sorts of expensive tests that showed my heart to be in first-rate condition , prescribed low dosage, one-a-day Atenolol, saying simply, "Yes, I can see these palpitations on the monitor, but they are not dangerous. If you like, I can start you on Atenolol and you won't any longer feel the palpitations." He also suggested taking magnesium as well. Well, he was right for four months. But recently the palpitations resumed despite the drug. My wife urges me to call the cardiologist and tell him and I was on the verge of doing so, until a pharmacist told me: "Mr Ed, what you are experiencing is more than likely stress. The thing to do is to find a way to relax, to get away from the stresses, not to worry. Whatever it is that is causing the stress must be averted. Get away from what is causing the anxiety." And then he added, "And, if you don't mind, let me suggest that you take some yogurt every day, put in a few slices of cucumber and some mint."
I tried the yogurt yesterday (without the cucumber slices; I hate cucumbers and as for the mint, I skipped it) but I still have the palpitations night and day. I took a long walk along the beach, played an hour of tennis--still palpitations. Nothing seems to work.
In my estimation, stress is a fierce enemy, not easily escaped. I haven't yet found the answer but I'm certain that skipped heartbeats are normal but it's our acute awareness of them that is pathological. The average person's heart is no different from ours. What makes us different is this particular sensitivity to the erratic heartbeats. Most people are lucky not to be so sensitive to stress as we are. They do their jobs without making a big deal out of doing so. We don't; we worry; we focus on the pain; we panic and thus,the innocent aberrations of the heart pound loudly and so we are convinced that we are ill.
Unfortunately, having an understanding of the physiology of our hearts provides no relief. Drugs are of no use, nor is yogurt. Suffering is our lot and all we can do is make the best of it until it leaves on its own.
I tried the yogurt yesterday (without the cucumber slices; I hate cucumbers and as for the mint, I skipped it) but I still have the palpitations night and day. I took a long walk along the beach, played an hour of tennis--still palpitations. Nothing seems to work.
In my estimation, stress is a fierce enemy, not easily escaped. I haven't yet found the answer but I'm certain that skipped heartbeats are normal but it's our acute awareness of them that is pathological. The average person's heart is no different from ours. What makes us different is this particular sensitivity to the erratic heartbeats. Most people are lucky not to be so sensitive to stress as we are. They do their jobs without making a big deal out of doing so. We don't; we worry; we focus on the pain; we panic and thus,the innocent aberrations of the heart pound loudly and so we are convinced that we are ill.
Unfortunately, having an understanding of the physiology of our hearts provides no relief. Drugs are of no use, nor is yogurt. Suffering is our lot and all we can do is make the best of it until it leaves on its own.
Arthur:
Whatever happened to that Yahoo group called "PVC_PAC" ? Whenever I go to that site I get a message saying "there is no PVC_PAC group". Is that still in existence? Thanks for your help.
Whatever happened to that Yahoo group called "PVC_PAC" ? Whenever I go to that site I get a message saying "there is no PVC_PAC group". Is that still in existence? Thanks for your help.
As a result of long term Magnesium deficency Calium rushes in to fill the void and can cause blockages, cardiac lesion, pvc's, high blood pressure, stomach acid problems, pounding heart feeling, etc. The ratio of 2 to 1 Magnesium to Calium is preferred. Check out this site:
http://www.execpc.com/~magnesum/cardio.html#FACTORS
thanks ***@****
http://www.execpc.com/~magnesum/cardio.html#FACTORS
thanks ***@****
Please check the archives as well as other posts on this forum...you'll find tons of references to exercise inducing skips of all kinds. It's quite common, and if not due to ischemia, is generally considered a benign condition. There are all kinds of data demonstrating the adrenaline-pv foci-skips connection...something many of us afflicted with these "benign" palps have learned to get used to, until the technology catches up and provides a safe and effective cure.
I get 0-4 PACs (premature atrial contractions) per minute almost every day...with exercise they get a bit worse; just after exercise, they disappear for a few hours. The reasons are complicated, but reasonably well-understood. Meds can sometimes reduce some palps depending on the individual. Even vitamin/mineral supplements have an anectodal success rate. Read the medical literature, read the Web pages, talk to a doctor or cardiologist, and figure out what you have and what to do about it.
I get 0-4 PACs (premature atrial contractions) per minute almost every day...with exercise they get a bit worse; just after exercise, they disappear for a few hours. The reasons are complicated, but reasonably well-understood. Meds can sometimes reduce some palps depending on the individual. Even vitamin/mineral supplements have an anectodal success rate. Read the medical literature, read the Web pages, talk to a doctor or cardiologist, and figure out what you have and what to do about it.
This is a great site! I too have had palpitations (skipped heart beats)since I was a child. Normally, they came during or after watching things like fireworks, loud noise or a scary movie. I didn't think much of it since they were infrequent and (I know it sounds weird) they kinda felt good. Now, after a stent and approaching 60, I am more aware of them they are not so "enjoyable".
One more bit of info. A year ago I found out through a body scan that I had more than I need of calcium deposits in my heart. I passed all tests including a thalium echo stress test. I was told to start an excercise regiment, which I did; started taking a beta blocker, lipitor and niaspan. I lost about 15 lbs and felt great. Last week upon retaking the test and staying on the tread mill for the same amount of time with no pain they found that I had a blockage. A stent was placed in my LAD which was 80-90% blocked.
My skipped heart beats continued and because of the recent procedure they were more of a concern. Like most of the other responses, I also was told not to worry. One question I had however, was that I didn't notice anyone commenting on arrithmia (spell?) happening mostly at rest. Also, though not related to this discussion, I was wondering how fast I can get back to the excercise level (intensity) I was doing prior to the stent?
Sorry for the wordiness, but having just experience this I had a lot on my mind.
One more bit of info. A year ago I found out through a body scan that I had more than I need of calcium deposits in my heart. I passed all tests including a thalium echo stress test. I was told to start an excercise regiment, which I did; started taking a beta blocker, lipitor and niaspan. I lost about 15 lbs and felt great. Last week upon retaking the test and staying on the tread mill for the same amount of time with no pain they found that I had a blockage. A stent was placed in my LAD which was 80-90% blocked.
My skipped heart beats continued and because of the recent procedure they were more of a concern. Like most of the other responses, I also was told not to worry. One question I had however, was that I didn't notice anyone commenting on arrithmia (spell?) happening mostly at rest. Also, though not related to this discussion, I was wondering how fast I can get back to the excercise level (intensity) I was doing prior to the stent?
Sorry for the wordiness, but having just experience this I had a lot on my mind.
I'd be interested to know "where" everyone feels their palpitations. Normally I can't feel my heartbeat at all. When I'm anxious like speaking in a group, I feel it beating hard in my chest and even echo in my head. When I get PVC's I feel them in the hollow of my neck like a flutter and once in a while when they are strong and in runs my lips will feel pressure like the blood supply to my head is cut off. Tachycardia feels fluttery in my chest and lightheaded, like the heartbeat is weak. I first began having PVC's in my middle twenties during a time of stress and mentioned it to my doctor. He wasn't concerned so I just continued my life and when I felt them it wasn't upsetting at all. But now that I've got this tachycardia problem and angina that needs treatment from the cardiologist, I seem really aware of my heartbeats and feel them every day.
I come from the school of thought that says, if your at rest. you should not feel your heartbeat. If you do..its beating too hard. I think feeling your heartbeat at rest is the result of highblood pressure. I believe Magnesium suppliments will cure such a condition(assuming its not being caused by another disesase state) and restore the rythem of the heart to normal.
When a doctor is left clueless he resorts to saying your just nervous or its benign
When a doctor is left clueless he resorts to saying your just nervous or its benign
I sure am glad that I am not alone. I can't stand these feelings that I get in my chest. Does anyone ever get them when they over exert themselves or get really nervous? I don't get them when I do aerobic exercise but if I lift weights or lift something heavy I get them really bad (or at least I think they are bad). It feels like my heart is flipping around in my chest and it last for about 5 - 10 minutes. After it's done I feel very tired and exhausted. Any postings would be great. Thanks !
You are reading content posted in the Heart Disease Forum
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.
