Lots of Weird Palpitations

[whelans5]

I am a 38, female, 5' 5", 116 lbs, low cholesterol, BP about 110/70 or 80, a bicuspid aortic valve with regurgitation,stomach acid problem (taking losec for years, but now have to nexium). I have had palps since my early twenties.

[jml97]

A related discussion, If you have lots of palpitations and pains in your heart and body is it bad? I am only thirteen. was started.

[pjamas]

I have had forceful pounding beats, constantly since April 2003.  Relentless.  I feel every beat - so I also feel every benign PAC/PVC.  There is a very clear relationship between the forcefulness and  simple carbs.  The more sugar flooding the bloodstream, the more forceful the beat and the more ectopy I notice.  What do you think about using Paxil vs using a beta-blocker?   I'm really ready to try a drug.  All my tests are clean.  I've eliminated caffeine.  Do you think I should have a glucose tolerance test?

[Jannette]

PVC's started in July of 2003. They began gradually and then started happening ALL the time. Several people have mentioned dietary induced PVC's. I began to have other symptoms such as a cardboard like feeling in my stomach and left side ab pain. In October, after several tests, it was discovered that my gallbladder was hardly functioning. Since having my gallbladder removed my PVC's have been reduced in intensity and frequency. I am still having them, but hope with time they will diminish. It is strange that any pressure on my back or torso will cause them and I haven't seen that anywhere else or a connection between gallbladder and PVC's. Thought I'd put this out there.

[freesprirt448]

I am soooooo glade and relieved to find all of you.  I live in a very small area with few people and even fewer with pals.  So when I talk about them and tell them that I don't want to go out of the house they look at me like I am crazy, and I have been feeling that way

I am 33 and have palpitations all the time.  I have had them since I was 21 and pregnant with my 2nd child.  They, like everyone else's I have read come and go, but they are so controlling.  I will at times run and work out but stop when having an episode.  This one though, is lasting longer than ever before.  I have gone to the docotor's, probly more than I need too but when they hook me up to the monitors it takes the stress of me worrying because I know there is someone monitoring me.

They have all said the same.  Nothing to worry about, it's pre-mature heart beats, and I have been diognosed with MVP.  I have had all the tests except a stress test.  Now I won't go work out because I think I might die because they might have over looked something.  I have been told to excersize and stay active, but things are different with the pals. this time.  They feel different, and that scares me to death even though they tell me not to worry.

They have upped my atenelol to 50mg twice a day and xanax for the anxiety.  The xanax isn't working, I stay up at night, I don't go out during the day and won't go to the store because I am scared the excersize will cause it to go into wierd heart pounding.

I have been to councelors about this problem, but nothing seems to help the control it has over me.  Any suggestions???????  How do I go on with life?  I want to work out and enjoy things again.

I have gained 20 pounds in the last few months and think that waight gain might have something to do with the palpitations?!

[Lauren E]

Hello all, another pvc sufferer glad to find the forum.  I'm 57, active, healthy and have had pvcs on and off for years - they can disappear for years, but when they come back I get as depressed as ever -

the new wrinkle was that after two years of no pvcs a couple of weeks ago I woke up at 1:00 am with a funny feeling and went to the hospital where they told me it was A-Fib - this went on for about 6 hours and then stopped - since then I've seen my cardiologist, done a sonogram (fine) who says it was benign and has no idea why it happens..  But also since then my pvcs have returned big time as have some other arythmias - these others just occur for a few seconds - in fact I can cause them to come on by bending down - My doctor put an event monitor on me and confirmed both the pvcs and these other funny arythmiass - he told me I could try a calcium blocker -but  when I asked him if the calcium blockers would extend my life or whether I was taking them just to feel better - he said to feel better.... so I decided not to take them.  Now at night when I lie down the pvcs start up and definately upset my sleep...

Anyway these pvcs and arythmias are running my life - depressed, tired etc.  Now with the added worry about A-Fib.  Stopped excersizing much - and became overly cautious about what I eat - thinking that the pvcs seem to come with burping a lot - I'm a vegan (just for heart health)  and thought that maybe I should change my diet - others on the forum have talked about the atkins diet - but I've already lost too much weight....

I'm even trying zoloft for the depression- after years of teasing our country about taking too many drugs - I'm willing to try anything - but they cause me to be anxious so the doc said to use valium while I got used to the zoloft!  Talk about living better through chemistry...the valium just causes me to find myself looking at a blank wall for a couple of hours.....

Anyone have any thoughts about antidepressants and pvcs? Diet?  I'd also love to hear stories of how people have mastered the depression....

[regan]

Sounds like anxiety. I also have these feelings off and on since I was fourteen and I am twenty-nine. I have pvc's        (skipped heart beats) which causes anxiousness for me. I know it's hard but try to not let it bother you. Try to do something instead of staying home and dwelling on it. You don't want to become agoriaphobic( spelled wrong). You are doing the right thing by going to see your doctor. Maybe talking with someone like a conselor might help. Just don't loose yourself in this because in ten years you'll wonder why you wasted years worrying. I hope I've helped a little.

[Ivan Merida]

Hi everyone although sorry to hear everyone suffers from the same palpatations i have but im glad im not the only one.

Today i went to see my cardiologist and explained to him about having fluttering in my chest and fast heartrate. So far they did an echocardioghram, and EKG and right about now im wearing a monitor device for 24 hours. I feel really freaked out wearing this thing because im only 18 years old and have to wear this thing. Another thing im suffering from is some chest pain that has really scared me and made me a prisoner in my own home. I never go out anymore despite it being bloody cold outside i still dont go out with my friends and i never feel like doing anything. I get so scared to start excersising but i never do because im worried about my heart. My EKG came back normal...again because i had another one done in the hospital about a month ago. My echocardiogram came back ok and now i have to see about this monitor on my chest is going to fair out. Lately, i have been worrying so much about my heart and its heartrate. Going to the cardiologist really made me so nervous and it felt my heart was going to explode. I also feel shortness of breath at times and its really getting me so agravated, scared, and depressed. Im only 18 years old and im going through this and wondering if i will see 19 because worrying about heart disease, heart attack, stroke, palpatations, and fast heartrate have taken over my life. My dad keeps telling me not to worry but i cant its just too hard.

So symptoms are:

Shortness of breath
Palpations, fast heartrate
Stinging points in my chest amd some dullness
muscle twitching

what does anyone make of this? I have to see my cardiologist in 2 weeks to see an update.

[Rob2000]

Thanks for the support Hank. PVCs are such a weird thing--for me there doesn't seem to be any real trigger--just every year or two, they flare up for a couple weeks--usually they aren't bad, occurring a couple times an hour, but when they become more frequent (and for me that means once or twice a minute which sounds like nothing compared to what you have to deal with) they can be scary. It doesn't matter how much you are told that it is nothing to worry about--you just don't like your heart doing weird things.

And the whole experience has certainly taught me a lesson about EKGs. I'll definitely make my doctor interpret it next time. I've talked to a couple friends of mine who are MDs and they all said, just like you, that those machines are infamous for screwing up the QTc length. I guess that's what happens when you have to go to a family medicine clinic--those poor doctors are so pressured to see X number of patients a day that when the computer tells gives them a value, sometimes they just accept it without thinking about.

Needless to say, I'm very relieved here. My PVCs have calmed down a lot since getting the news--obviously much less stress. They are still present, but not too bothersome right now. Thanks again for the support--this is a great place to visit when I need reassurance that although they feel weird, my PVCs are nothing to worry about.

[Rob2000]

Good news here. I got an EKG from 9 years ago and it was exactly the same that I had this week. The doctor looked at the one from this week and realized the computer had calculated the QTc incorrectly. He said he should have realized it on Wed when it came back abnormal. He calculated it and then looked at the one I had 9 years ago which looked exactly the same and saw that the QTc on that was what he had calculated on Wed so the computer just got confused as to where to calculate it from and in the end, I don't have a prolonged QTc. Needless to say, I'm unbelievably relieved today to find out that my heart problems are just the standard old PVCs that I've had for a long time now.

[Rob2000]

Thanks again for your comments. Although I haven't gotten a second opinion I've solicited info from three doctors that I know. They all said the same thing--that with no history of passing out or shortness of breath or even diziness of any kind, it is highly unlikely that I have anything to be concerned about. They also said that what was key was to have someone look at it. The computer analyzes the data and if it is just 1 off the normal range that it has programmed in, it'll come back as "high", but they also said that there is a big difference between having a "high" number on the test and having long QT syndrome. They said it was probably nothing to worry about as the doctor said to go ahead and keep exercising and doing everything else I do. They said that there is a defined number that if it is above he would have said, this might be a real problem, don't exercise and we'll get you to a cardiologist in the next day or two. But since he didn't do that, it's probably just borderline high. I have EKG results from 9 years ago and those were in the normal range, but on the high edge of it so this could just be the normal variance from it. I'm just going to wait to see what my doctor says to me at this point and to not worry about it until I hear from him.

[Rob2000]

Thanks for the comments--that makes me feel better, although I went to see my doctor here yesterday. I moved here about two years ago so they had never seen me regarding this before so they did an EKG and found that my QT length was too long. He didn't give me any numbers, nor did he tell me what exactly that meant, but he didn't seem to concerned. He called for a couple EKGs I had done 9 years ago to compare them and then he'll decide if I need to go see a cardiologist. Of course though, I came right home and looked up long QT online and found out there is this long QT syndrome and that it seems it can cause people to drop dead with no warning, so of course this has me freaked out now. Like I said though, he didn't seem to worried and told me to go about my daily life, including exercise which I do 5-6 times a week. According to the material I've read on long QT syndrome, exercising can trigger a reaction that can be life threatening. But since he told me not to worry about exercising, I'm thinking he's not too concerned that I have that. I have no other symptoms--my heart never races or slows down, I don't get dizzy or pass out or short of breath, but of course now I am scared to go exercise.

[Rob2000]

It's nice to come on this thread and see that I am not alone with my palpitations. I've been having them for 9 years now. I was diagnosed with having PVCs and occassional PACs. Sometimes I'll go for days or weeks and not notice them. Sometimes I can feel a PVC every minute or two. It is indeed scary when they start up again, even after 9 years. Last night I had one of the worst episodes I have ever had--for about 7 hours I was having a palpitation once or twice a minute. I finally got up, drank some gatorade and just tried to take many deep breaths. That didn't get rid of them, but did seem to slow them down and I was able to get a couple hours of sleep, but it freaked me out quite a bit and as such, I found myself calling my doctor to make another appointment, but I don't know when it will be. I'm just looking for some reassurance. Has anyone ever had palpitations that went on this frequently for this long before?

[tom45]

I have felt that my skipped beats were caused by food or a chemical imbalance.
I get skipped beats like the rest of us, but feel as though it is food or chemical related. I cant prove this of course but if I get a dose of MSG or eat food with alot of preservatives I can count on skipped beats within 24 hrs.
If I drink beer (which has two things: alcohol, of course and preservatives) I will get many skipped beats within 4 hours.
I take antenol when needed.
Any other ideas would be appreciated trrtrix.
tom45

[Dracee322]

From what I understand and have researched, excercise may actually help the PAC's. If you've been cleared by a physician and the palps are benign, by all means excercise. I had the same problem I've seen all of you describing and had a 30 day event recorder. I walked miles while wearing it and even recorded a few times at a very fast heart rate (160's-170's)just for reassurance. The palps still come and go but I decided NOT to let them take over my life. I still get a little unnerved when they pop up but I feel a sense of confidence I didn't have before. That and I pray every night that they don't frighten me anymore!!!!

[trrtrix]

I actually made a typo, it's EFA supplements (essential fatty acids). Essential fatty acids are fats that our bodies can't produce so we need to eat them. They are unsaturated fats, good sources being vegetable fats like olive oil and sunflower oil. All of our cells in our body need EFAs to function normally.

[whelans5]

What are ffa suppliments and how do they work?

[parunuweap]

hypertrophy is enlargement of some portion of the heart

[regan]

I ,like you, stopped excercising because of the palps. That was over ten months ago. It definitely has made me more aware of the palps and I feel like the have increased in number from lack of excercise. I'm really afraid to get my heart rate up even after my stress test came back good. I use to run a couple miles a day three days a week and lift weights four days a week. Now I'm so depressed and very anxious. My advice to you is don't give up your excercising. Even if you have to take it easy. A little is better than none. I would do anything to excercise again. It has been so long for me I wouldn't know where to begin. I have been hearing a lot about low carb diets to help eliminate the pvc's (skipped beats). I think I am going to try this I just don't want to lose weight. I am almost 5 9' and weight about 122lbs. I think I am about 10 to 20 pounds under weight. If you or any one else wants to comment on this low carb diet I would love to hear more about it.

[trrtrix]

Interesting discussion I have happened upon. I am a 44 year old extremely healthy female who happens to be a doctor. I began having PVC's about 6 months ago. Tons! At my worst, most of my beats were ectopic. I am also a consistent vigorous exerciser who competes in both swimming and running events. Anyway, I believe they are benign but so darned annoying, and I was totally pre-occupied. I am convinced they have a dietary origin. I did all the right stuff, cut out caffeine and alcohol, examined my areas of stress, etc. No help. I did learn that drinking a large amount of fluids make mine stop. Without boring you with chemical details, I believe I was dehydrating myself with my extremely high protein, low fat diet. I changed my diet 2 months ago, and now all I get are occais PAC's during execise, which also have been decreasing over time. I have recently added FFA supplements because I still have a fat phobia. Anyone else with dietary ideas?

[palpboy]

Hello all.... I'm a 30 year old male in excellent physical health who doesn't smoke and gets regular excersise. Just 7 weeks ago I started experiencing a skipped beat in the evening usually laying down. It was enough to catch my attention because I could feel a thump in my chest. This went on for about three weeks usually every evening around 5-6pm and laying down. Then one morning while working out they occured and they made me lose my breath for a quick second and at that point I decided to seek medical advice. The doc ordered at my blood, unine tests and decided to do an ultra-sound of my abdomin to see there was proper blood flow around my major organs. All tests are normal and my cholesterol and thyroid is perfect. She did a EKG and it was fine too. I'm now wearing a holter moniter and luckally so because last night I experianced the longest bout of palps ever. I counted 43 palps in a 5 hour period! Now I even had a few this moring, that's new!  I'm not sure why there increasing in frequency seeing that every night for the last week before yesterday I only counted 3-4 per evening.... The only thing in my diet that changed was I consumed a lot of cheese last night and I haven't worked out in 5 days (I've been afraid to). Usually my diet consistes of small meals with low sat. fat being sure to get the proper servings of fruits and vegis every day. I take a multi-vit (mens one a day) and drink plenty of water. I show now other symptoms other than a tingleing on the right side of my chest and cold feet. I've never been dizzy or passed out (not yet anyway) so that's good!
  
Like most of you I'm conserned about this and all of my thoughts now focus on my heart. It has taken over my life and I'm usually depressed and when the palps happen I get a bad case of anxiety causing my heart to beat fast and hard. Its just nice to hear that Im not alone and others have the same prolems too....

thanks for letting me vent, I'll report back the findings of my holter event moniter when I get them.
take care

Steve

[regan]

Thanks for your suggestions and commets. It makes me feel better to know I am not alone. I have been feeling very alone. Hank- I was wondering when did your palps get to where they started affecting your life? (at what age) Also, what is hypertrophy? How likely is someone with pvc's to develop a life threatning arrhythmia? Would someone with this kind of arrhythmia have a normal BP? I feel like I can't have much emotion.(sadness, anger, excitment) It makes it all semm worse. Does this ever happen to any of you?

[skipgeneer]

Hi Regan,
  Your sentiments seem to express mine as well.  I'm
a 30 year old male with no health problems, and started
getting the things (PACs/PVCs) last May.  I was outgoing, always
in a good mood and loved life (my wife used to get
mad at me because I walked around whistling all the
time and was never in a bad mood).  Now, like you, most
days I just want to scream.  I feel like
I'm in a prison with these things.  Mine come in waves,
and this Christmas I had one during lunch, and just got
off away from everyone by myself since I'm not much
company when these things start up.  This upsets my
family as well since at get-togethers I'm usually with them
laughing and having a good time; but now I'm in another room
all by myself and just want to be left alone.
  Interestingly, in November I took 25mg of atenolol every day
for a week and got the things to stop completely.  I'm not
on any other medication and didn't want to be dependent on
one, so I quit after they stopped.  They stayed gone for
about 2 weeks, then came back.  I started back on the
atenolol, but this time it hasn't worked.  You might give
it a try if you haven't already.  There are supposed to be
side effects to it, but I didn't have any.
  Best of luck...

[LynnSB]

I just want y'all to know I sure do understand the emotional side. It is as if someone hits a " get depressed and anxious" button when I have palps, especially when they continue and are frequent. I'm having them every few minutes, despite an ablation last September.  I am beyond disappointed.

I would take beta blockers in a minute if they had not made me so sick. I felt so tired, on a tiny dosage, I thought I was literally going to die. I could hardly walk. And, oddly enough, I had the worst palps of my life then which was actually good because finally the docs caught them on an event monitor, the atrial tachycardia ones.

But for most people, beta blockers help and can even stop these things.. they are worth a try.

[regan]

RE: palpitations. I am a 29 year old female that has been dealing with PAC's and PVC's since March. (about 10 months)
I have been to the doctor and had a halter monitor and stress test. They don't seem too concerned, but I am! I use to jog 2 miles three to four times a week and lift weights. Now I do nothing because I'm scared. The few times I have excercised I ended up feeling very anxious with skipped heart beats. It has gotten to the point where I feel anxious most of the time it's making me feel very sad and depressed. I feel like crying quit often but I never do. I'm also feeling some built up anger about not being able to function like I use to. I use to be so outgoing and now I am just the oposite. I worry that I am going to give my self a heart attack. I have three children and I just want to be the mom I use to be. I also weight 122lbs. and I'm almost 5'9. I eat healthy portions but I just don't seem to gain weight. Any commets or advice would be much appriciated.