PVC's are now constant

[RNRita]

I have had PVCs, PATs,and Vtach leading to SVT since I was 20. I have been to several cardiologist with the same results. Benign. Lately, I had an attack of a few PVC's in a row followed by a tachy rate that I could not count. It lasted for about 5 minutes.  It happened again right before a trip to DisneyWorld. It ruined my trip). Again, EKG showed nothing.  I do try to eat pretty well, and take supplements.  Now I started a new job that I love, but I am TOTALLY exhausted all the time.  Plus my PVCs have started coming constantly, probably thousands a day, with couplets, FELT:(kick in chest, sharp pain, tightness for seconds, breathlessness at time of palp). No ignoring these. I had a holtor and an event monitor before the symptoms got too bad and of course only light PVCs showed on the test. My doctor told me everything is benign with a normal heart and that I don't have heart disease. How does he know?  My chol. is 240, my LDLs are 138 and my HDL's are low.  I have had no stress test or any other.  My mother has extensive cardiac disease.
I take 50 mg of atenelol, and .25 of Xanax daily.  It is like telling me to ignore a sharp pain. I have high anxiety.  Who wouldn't?  But I am really tired of being told that it is causing it. I had PVC's first. I wonder why money is spent fixing men who have problems with their sex lives, but I see no one trying to come up with any help for those of us who suffer with this.  Any help would be appreciated.

[numbercruncher]

Thank you for your comment.  I started Klonopin 12 years ago at a dose of 0.5.  I still take 0.5 at bedtime.  I have weaned myself off Klonopin many times during these years.  I have not needed to increase my dosage in all this time. I only know that after I have been off the benzo for awhile.......my heart goes back to having it's own life again.  I don't have answers for others.....I only know what works for me. My doc told me I was not addicted because I have not had to increase the dosage for Klonopin to continue to work for me. I have read everything I can find on this disorder, but I do not have the proper education to understand what I am reading most of the time. Laughing......I just "get the drift." (Texas saying.) Usually I find people with a greater understanding....such as yourself...and learn from them.    numberc

[Furry Murray]

AnthonEE, you are right on.  I'm glad you and Awake agree.  It can't hurt.
Let me tell you my progress.  By the way, this is great forum I stumbled upon a few weeks ago.  I have learned quite a bit from you guys, and it has helped understand some things.  We are not alone, which in itself, is reassuring.  I also believe that PVC's are related to other simuli in our bodies, rather than a 'heart condition.'  I think our hearts are just fine, they are simply 'victims of circustance' if you will.
Over the past ten days, I have drank a lot of water to stay hydrated, especially in this heat.  I'm in Atlanta.  I have also been taking vitamins to include; multi's, magnesium, calcium, and potassium (the electrolytes).  I have noticed a decent decrease in PVC's, at least ones I could feel.  I tend to get PVC's when I'm hungry.  I then eat, and they go away.  There is a blood sugar thing there, I think.  However, if I eat junk or heavy food, I tend to get them for a while after I eat, but they eventually go away.  I used to take Klonopin for Restless Legs and Anxiety, but quit about a year ago.  Thinking back, since I have quit Klonopin, I have noticed more episodes of PVC's for longer periods of time.  Maybe something there.  I may go back on Klonopin and see.  I drink several beers a day and smoke a half pack of cigarettes a day (bad furry).  I have noticed no correlation between drinking and smoking and PVC's.  I think with drinking alcohol, though, it is key to stay hydrated. Dehydration, I believe, can cause PVC's.   I do notice a stress/anxiety connection as well.  I get them when in a stressful/anxious situation.  Job interview, crazy drivers/traffic, etc.....  I have not noticed that exercise directly eliminates PVC's, but I believe that exercise relieves stress, which can cause PVC's.
I will keep track of my progress and will try some new things and then report back.  If others want to participate, great.  If not, whoever wants to add their results/comments, wonderful.
Good luck and have a PVC free day.
Furry

[AnthonEE]

I also agree it's a great idea. I propose an experiment with stress. My PVCs have been relatively mild for the past few months. But I injured my leg and I cannot exercise. Walking is difficult. And I'm moving to a new house this weekend. My stress level will be elevated to a very high level over the next few weeks. I propose to report back if the PVCs increase in frequency and/or intensity as a result. I'd be happy to keep all other aspects of my life (like diet, caffeine, etc) as much the same as possible. Is this like the idea proposed by Furry Murray?

[Awake and Unafraid]

I agree. This sounds like a great idea.

[Furry Murray]

I am a 17 year sufferer of PVC.  It drives me nuts.  Nobody understands our problem and they don't want to keep hearing about it (non-sufferers that is).  I, too, agree with several people on this forum that we need to address the causes and not the symtoms and stories.  We have them.  We have to deal with them.  Nobody in the medical field is going out of their way to help us.  We have to help ourselves.  The comments from readers on what they think, or know, causes pvc's is what we need to focus on.  We need to put our heads together, pool our resources and information and work as a team.  I sound like a football coach.  

Let's do a test.  Go for a week or two.  Take a suggestion/opinion from one of our readers or panelists.  (ie: take magneium and potassium,  eliminate stimulants, exercise, stay hydrated, relaxation techniques, diet, etc....) and see if you have improvement.  Post your results when you are finished.  The following week or two, try another test and so on.   After a while, we may see a pattern.  I know everyone is different and respondes to different stimuli, but if we could help just one person feel better, we've succeded.
Furry

[AnthonEE]

Forgive me for straying off topic, but this seems relevant to the anxiety so commonly connected with PVCs. One thing they may not have mentioned to you about influence of benzo (Klonopin) on the GABA receptors is that after taking these meds regularly for a while (even just a very short while, like two weeks) the body somehow begins to reduce the responsiveness of the GABA receptors to the body's own naturally produced GABA. At first when you take the medication the anxiety is greatly reduced or eliminated. It feels wonderful. But then the receptors begin to rebalance (or reduce) themselves to the presence of this medication, and the anxiety returns just as before. But now you need the medication just to get back to where you started in the first place. For many people this can happen in as little as two weeks even at minimum dose. Then when you stop or try to taper down from this medication, BEWARE. I tell you this from my own direct experience with 14days on 0.5mg Klonopin. Worst nightmare in my life, and it took me probably a full year to recover. Please see my posting to heartandsoul on 7/18/07 (in this thread) about Xanax, a similar benzo medication. I know anxiety and stress are tightly interwoven with PVCs, either directly or indirectly, and it should be respected and treated. But PLEASE, for your sake, heed my advice about Klonopin, or any benzo, and get fully informed about the pros/cons and potential risks. Once in a while it's ok. But any regular usage can really spell trouble. I'm not an expert either, but all I'm saying is do your research and get informed because if your experience turns out to be anything like mine, the PVCs and their associated anxiety will absolutely pale in comparison with the horror that cessation from Klonopin can cause, even after as little time as two weeks. And I'm not the only one that responds this way, there are hundreds or even thousands like me. I hope you're fine with the medication, and I only post this because I am concerned. But if I can save just one person from the nightmare that I lived through, my time on this forum will be very well spent. Best luck to you. And now, back to PVCs...