Skipped Beats, PVC's etc.

[Keevil]

I started again to have these feelings of skipped heart beats beginning on 7/23.  Sometimes maybe 2 per minute but may go as high as 10 per minute.  The come and go during the day which is very frustrating.  I have been taking 12.5 mg of Paxil CR for anxiety for about two years now.  I haven't had any issues with these skipped beats since 3/03.  Then all of a sudden they return.  In March I went to see a cardiologist I met during my anxiety issues and he assured me that my heart was in great shape and these skipped beats can re-surface and disappear just like that. In 2000 I developed anxiety symptoms and was treated for them.  I had numerous tests at a cardiologist's offce during this time since some of my anxiety symptoms were causing what I thought were heart issues.  I had a stress echo in 9/99 and a cardiolite stress test in 6/01.  All negative.  Twenty-one day event monitor, X-rays and numerous blood tests along with re-visits to a cardiologist since 2000.  
I am an avid cyclist and tennis player three times a week.  I drink coffee in the morning but it is a light caffeine version.  Alcohol on the weekends and sometimes during the week with neighbors.  I am not overweight and watch what I eat.  
Giving you all this backgound, why do these skipped hearts beats keep coming and going.  They create a very uncomfortable, anxious feeling when they happen and I am quite sure they feed my anxiety. Can I do anything about them.  Are they serious?    Do you have any advice or should I expect to live with them.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Keevil,

Thanks for the post.

First, have your extra beats actually ever been documented as PVC's?  You say that everything was "negative", so I'm not sure if they were or not?

I'll assume that the skipped beats are indeed PVCs for the purpose of my reply.  The natural history of PVCs is that they come and go sporadically, most often without provocation.  A few people are able to identify triggers, but more are not.  You mentioned some of the triggers in some people: anxiety, caffeine, alcohol -- but most people do not include these as their triggers.

The most common therapy for the PVCs is beta-blocker therapy, but this has downsides as well for some people, most notably fatigue.  Other therapies are possible, and need to be tailored to the individual.  In rare, extreme cases, some people undergo ablation therapy.  Forming a relationship with an understanding doctor is a good first step at treatment.  Alternative therapies are sometimes effective as well, and may include Tai Chi, yoga, and biofeedback.

Hope that helps.

[Larry714]

A related discussion, Irregular heart beats was started.

[Wisconsin2007]

A related discussion, A Thank You from a PVC sufferer was started.

[cliodna]

Hello. SO glad to have found this board. I am a 28 yr old female in the middle of a 4 day and counting bad run w/PVCs. I've had MVP since I was 17 and my PVCs come in very bad episodes, no rhyme or reason. They completely interfere with my life and work(I've been out of work the past 4 days since they started up). It is all the more frustrating b/c no one really understands how this feels and how real it is and how incapacitating it can be at times.  I feel like instead of trying to explain to friends or family why I cant make it somewhere on a certain day or why I am home from work, I always say "I'm just not feeling well" which I'm sure they are tired of hearing by now....
The last time I had "the skips"(as I call them) this bad was probably almost 8 monts ago, I was having a pretty good run for a while there, thought maybe I could have gone a full year w/out any bad attacks.  I always get a few here and there, and when lying down I always have a weird "awareness" of my heart beating,  but when they come on strong like this, it is a nightmare!!!   I take Toprol, used to be 100mg, lowered to 75, then 50, now I'm at 25mg. It never helped me before and doesnt now either.  When I get my "episodes" I average around 3-4,000 pvcs in a 24 hr period, along with light headedness and chest discomfort.  I've worn holters so many times i cant even count.  During my last attack 9 mos ago I started to take CoQ10 and the pvcs subsided after around a week. Don't know if it was from the supplement or if they just went away on their own.  Anyway, I dont mean to go on and on, but its late, and I'm tired and extremely frustrated and uncomfortable and wondering how long it will be this time before they go away:(  or if they will at all.  
Hope everyone is doing well, thanks for reading my ramble!  good night

[Neeley]

Hey Hankstar -- I'm new to this forum and happened to come upon it by chance.  I am a 37 (almost 38) year old female who just started w/PVCs in April of this year.  Brief history:  I was diagnosed with MVP when I was 12, and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome ("WPW") when I was 19.  Had numerous tach "episodes" throughout the years (caused by the WPW), but didn't have one caught on an EKG until 11/02, which clocked at over 258 bpm.  My cardiologist referred me to an EP, who performed catheter ablation #1 in 01/02.  It failed.  I had another tach "episode" in 03/02, and the EP doc performed ablation #2 in 05/02.  It also failed.  He then put me on Metoprolol, which I took until 12/02.  I asked the EP doc to change my meds because I thought my eyes were being affected (dry).  Anyway, he put me on Atenolol, which I didn't actually start taking until 02/03.  In 04/03, my heart started "skipping" like crazy.  Long story short, we did a 24-hour holter and I was diagnosed with PVCs (over 3,000 per day, not including sleep time).  I thought to myself, "Great, ANOTHER heart problem".  He decided to change my medication to Toprol (100mg/day).  The PVCs got worse, and continued getting worse.  I complained and he was frustrated (which is understandable, I don't blame him).  Then I got myself on the Internet and started reading about PVCs and particularly your postings about beta blockers possibly encouraging and even causing PVCs.  So, last week I weaned myself off the Toprol (took the last pill on Sat. morning), and slowly the PVCs have been dissapating.  I also started on Magnesium & Potassium supplements, so maybe the combination is what's helping me.  I called my EP and he stated that sometimes beta blockers can slow the heart rate such that the PVCs will "present themselves", and agreed to keep me off of them.  Hopefully this will do the trick for the long-term!  BTW, I thought I would mention that I was never worried about the PVCs (just very ticked off at the symptoms, which are the same as most have written here).  I've dealt w/heart issues my whole life, and this one is the only one that has/had affected my daily life, every single waking moment.  Stress/caffeine/other stimulators were never a factor.  I believe the beta blockers are totally to blame for my particular case.  This lengthy post is actually meant to THANK YOU for your observations on this subject.  It helped me "see the light".  But I do stress a word of caution to others:  Only go off your beta blocker if your doc is behind you 100%.  Seems to me that since the PVCs can be caused by a host of things, taking this route should be only under the supervision of your doc.  Sorry for such a long post!  If anyone wants to contact me privately, my name is Robin at "***@****".  Thanks!

[Ianna]

..ignorant snobs....

[Steve-M]

There can definitely be a direct connection between what goes into your mouth and the rate and timing of your heart. Your heart rate should not "normally go up a bit after you eat".

However, I can eat certain foods and my heart rate will quickly jump 30 or 40 bpm higher. My wife will eat potatos (which she loves), and her heart rate will increase to 130 bpm or more. After some meals I can also start having 1 to 5 PVC's per minute for the next hour or two. I have friends and relatives who have similar stories to tell.

For much more information on this subject, (and how to test yourself), check out this book - "The Pulse Test" by Arthur F. Coca, MD. He has some very interesting things to say. But don't expect too much interest from "modern" doctors. My cardiologist wasn't interested once he heard that the book had been written fifty years ago. He said they didn't know anything back then.

[bella-life]

I want to let everyone know that I am living proof that you can live with PVC's.  I started with some really, really bad "flare up's" of PVC's over the past few weeks.  My tiggers are stress and anxiety.  For those of you getting a few here and there throughout the day, consider youself LUCKY.  I was getting them continously day and night about 5-10 per MINUTE.  I was so freaked out, I spent the night in the hospital.  I thought for sure I was done.  But today is a good day and I am doing alot better.  Someone once said that you must not focus getting rid of them but reducing them.  That has helped me alot, I haven't rid of them but I have reduced them up to 90%.  It's all so crazy and as much as I tell myself (everytime) that everything is alright, the PVC's get the BEST of me and take over my life. I have heard some really good advice and I am thankful for this website, I consider it one of my little blessings throughout my ordeals with this condition.  One thing I want to mention which I haven't heard from anyone is my doctor put me on a calicum channel blocker, I forgot the name (forgive me) but ask your doctor about it..I am not sure if my PVC's have subsided because of it or because of my mental relaxed state (I swear I think of it sometimes and it does it).  I am also trying the magnesium.... Good luck, GOD Bless!
If anyone wants the name of that drug let me know...

[tony olliver]

At least you have had reassuring tests. I have just discovered that I have to wait up to 3 Months on the NHS, just to see a cardiologist. My beats come in waves of several hours per day. The GP can never pin point them. Also bouts of tightness in chest as though I,m not getting enougth air. I thought thid could be connected or anxiety over the beats

tony

[SallyD]

Hello. I read you comment on taking Cardizem. I was prescribed Cardizem last year during a 2 week bout with PVC's. I wound up not taking it because I was scared of taking a heart drug. I am 33 and female. Just recently I started on another string of PVC's, which have now lasted for 10 days and counting! I called my doctor and decided to try the Cardizem this time. It has given me headaches and done very little or nothing for my PVC's. This is very frustrating! I am OK when I am sitting, but when I stand up the PVC's start every 2nd or 3rd beat. I am continuing to take 120mg of Cartia XT (generic brand, I think) in hopes that it will work and soon! I cant take another day of these horrible PVC's! I have also taken Xanaxs in the past for anxiety but they make me tired. I might have to deal with that side effect and start taking them again. Good luck to you :)

[bluesideup]

I am a 29 year old male who has dealt with PVCs since 1995. Have encountered only one instance where I had enough of them to visit the ER (this past March) . . . where they told me that they were benign -- they went away overnight. Mysteriously, however, I have also been hospitalized twice in six years for two isolated episodes of paroxyml atrial fibrillation. Both episodes kept me in the hospital for two days, with my heart spontaneously reverting to normal sinus rhythm after about 15 hours. The most recent of these epidoses was last month, resulting in what I would characterize as a month-long bout of anxiety, frustration, sleepless nights and borderline depression. I am scheduled to see an EP this week, and my doctor has put me on a small regiment of Zoloft to help calm my nerves. I am also taking Ambien at night, which I highly recommend to anyone else having trouble sleeping with these things. My aparent stress overload seems to be causing more-than-usual PVCs, especially at night, and also when exerting myself, taking a deep breath or yawning. Just wanted to know if any of you PVC-suffers out there have ever had any episodes of A-fib as well, and your experiences. I will say that reading your exchanges has been informative and therapeutic.

[Mel22]

Hi!

I starting taking Nature-Made 250 mg. magnesium tablets that you can find in any grocery store. I take one a day. I decided to give it a try when I repeatedly read on health boards and in written literature that it improved symptoms for individuals with PVC/PAC.

Of course my PVCs were thoroughly investigated and determined to be benign. I should also mention that they were fairly infrequent, although I do (did) have bouts of increased frequency. Now I get about 1 or 2 (felt) a week, on average.

Please check with your doctor first. And if you do decide to give it a try, please report back to the board.

Good luck!

Mel

[karie]

Hello,
This heart board is sure well informed.
I see a correlation with meals and told my EP and he said due to the blood working to digest food , type of meal and size. I eat many small meals and drink alot of water.
With hormones and changes with my cycle this past year I thought this was the cause for the initial increase in symptoms.
I have not tried a beta-blocker as well. But when they are extreme for days it is so hard not to wish for relief. Hope to learn by sharing heart stories.
When is medication and ablation the only option and Do they always increase with age ?
thanks

[bella-life]

This is for Mel22...what does Magnesium do and who recommended it to you?  I just started a bad run of PVC for about 4 days now. I know it's part psychological for me..I think about it and concentrate on it and then it happens (then I freak out and feel anxious- and the whole cycles repeats).  I am willing to try anything to get rid of this retarded heart problem.

Thanks

[LynnSB]

why on earth would eating cause me to have runs of pacs and pvcs? I understand that heart race normally goes up a bit after you eat or you could have blood sugar fluxes, etc, but I'm not talking about AFTER you eat, i'm talking about biting on a piece of food swallowing and having them then, or about the time the food is in your stomach.. this is so CRAZY! I'm on an event monitor and had a few almonds and I swear within minutes I had the event monitor filled up with "events"..

[LynnSB]

YOu wrote:
>> also tried beta blockers when these PVC's first started and they made me CRAZY!! Thought I was having a nervous breakdown. Plus the PVC's were worse (more frequent and harder). >>

GOSH! really?   I feel crazy -- been on metoprolol, low dose, for about a month and my palpitations are worse than they ever were before in my LIFE!!!!  can beta blockers worsen palps?  I figured that was impossible???!  Mine are way more frequent hours and days at a time.. this is horrible.

[Steve-UK]

Tony,

Had the initial tests on the NHS ECG ect but they all show the heart as healthy, they more or less say its a benign condition and live with it!

I hardly notice them some days and have plenty of noticeable ones other days

[Ianna]

Hi S,
-
Nothing wrong with tarot-cards Sarge; why should that be a problem -('she falls off the deep end' etc etc.)- you mean she's a bit crazy every now and then?
Do not judge so quickly.
You should try them (the cards) sometime and then comment again....-you may be amazed-....
-
Hi leeb, thanks for the links, I suffer from the same: the locking up of the spine and ooops there are the PVC's!!
This and other culprits of course... ;-)
-
Good luck - bye - *Ianna* -

[tony olliver]

Thanks Steve

Do you gewt any other related symptoms. Re you getting support fron the NHS ?

Tony

[Steve-UK]

Hi Tony

I am in the UK

Mine started with a severe run for about a week then improved to 1 or 2 a day.....accelerated again over the last 3 days to constant every 3rd or so beat..but none so far this morning

email me if you like Steve.***@****

[LeeB]

Perhaps helpful for positional PVC. Mine are caused by stress that locks up my spine (subluxation) and pinches some nerves. Nerves (spinal nerves) are running through the spine to steer and feed a.o. the chest, heart and lungs.(in the T1-T6 area)
Chiropractic treatment might help (it helps me).

Check out:
http://www.drhargis.com/PINCHED_NERVES/pinched_nerves.html

http://jhhs.client.web-health.com/web-health/topics/GeneralHealth/generalhealthsub/generalhealth/neurological/WhatIsCentralNervousSystem.html

http://www.drgaryeversoledc.com/chiropractic.html

[SargeRN]

Just happened upon this website today.  I am an RN who has experienced PVC's for approx 2 years.  I am 44 and post menopausal.  I include this info because it is important to know that women who are experiencing hormone fluctuations that are tied to menopause (pre or post) can and do experience PVC's.  I have found it helpful to increase my soy consumption (either drink soy milk or take a soy supplement such as Promensil).  I also have reflux and this can cause some PVC's, which may help to explain why some feel PVC's when they bend over (pressure on the stomach, reflux --> PVC) or when lying down.  Try not to eat big meals (smaller more frequent meals) and do not eat past 7-8 p.m. if you go to bed around 10.

I also tried beta blockers when these PVC's first started and they made me CRAZY!!  Thought I was having a nervous breakdown.  Plus the PVC's were worse (more frequent and harder).  I reasoned that if the blockers made it worse, it must not be a cardiac origin.  Went to electrophysiologist, who told me there are a 1000 hormones in the body and any one of them can affect the rhythm of the heart.

Ladies of menopausal age (yes, 40's) - get the book "The Wisdom of Menopause" by Dr. Christine Northrup.  This book helped me a lot and gave me validation that I was not alone.  It also mentions heart arrhythmias and menopause.  Just a word - she falls off the deep end every so often with her "taro cards" but her medical advice is sound - I have researched it.

Good luck to all.  Oh, by the way, my PVC's cycle and are improved with increased doses of Promensil and good rest.

[ElIng]

I just wanted to say I too am glad I found this forum, between here and the mitral valve prolapse forum I get reassured all the time. I started getting the daily skipped beats in May. I had an echo which reconfirmed my "slight mitral valve prolapse" (10 yrs. ago when I had an incident of tachycardia 180+bpm I had one done) and the specialist here said that this "slight" mvp can not possibly be causing all the symptoms. I had a 24 hour holter done where they found simple sinus tachycardia around 110bpm both atrial and ventricular ectopic beats. (Can anyone here explain the difference in the beats?)
And 3 episodes of small visible P waves consistent with paroxysmal atrial tachycardia around 150 bpm. (Not even sure what that means!, the specialist here was not very helpful to me)
I am on propranolol 40mg 3x a day, and take magnesium, Vitamin B, Omega 3 and will be adding Hawthorn to that list in a few weeks. I am doing much better now, but still get the skipped beats daily just not as often and some tiny episodes of a very fast heart beat but if I cough it seems to stop that.
I am scheduled to go to a cardiologist in Perth (I am in Western Australia) on the 21st for more tests. I am still looking for answers!

[angelapple]

Hi everyone,  I take 50mg. Toprol XL.  I was on 25mg for about a year for PAC/PVC and hypertension.  BP was elevated last week and dr increased to 50mg.  I swear by this drug.  Last year I had bouts for hours of pac's and finally was put on toprol.  I have only had one or two skips here or there for the past year.  I still get real scared thinking "Oh no here we go again" but thank goodness it seems to be a normal isolated beat and doesn't turn into a series.  My heart rate has dropped between 60-70 from 88-100.  It is definitly the toprol.  Ask your doctors about this pill.  I, too am very sensitive to meds and yes I was a little tired when I first started them and again last week when I increased the dosage, but so what you get used to it and it passes eventually.  I would rather feel a little sleepy than those damn palps!  Good Luck. Angela