pvc's and losing my mind

[jojokdz]

I have severe anxiety.  With that said, I get PVC'S . I have had them for 40 yrs.  The pvc's come on, I get panicky, they become worse and I get feeling more anxious.  My blood pressure goes up and the whole thing becomes unbearable.  It took me 2 weeks ago to the ER , they did  ekg, chest xray and bloodwork.  They sent me home and said I was having panic attacks.  I have had 3 EKGS so far, wore a 24hr holter monitor, echo w/contrast, bloodwork, and as I said a chest xray .  Also had a abdominal ct scan 5 months ago.  All was ok..  but I still worry because of this cycle of pvc's , panic attacks.  Should I be worried about blockages?  I am losing my mind.  I am on Metropolol, 50 mg 2x a day, prilosec for acid reflux, and xanax for stress..

[jojokdz]

Thanks for responding..  I am on metroprolol succ er  50mg 2x day for pvc's and blood pressure.   When u mentioned the otc is that the prilosec with the magnesium in it.?  My dr. has me on omeprazole ( script) which is cheaper with my co payment.  Do they have this with magnesium in it?  The over the counter costs 40.00..  I am only on xanax because my anxiety is over the top and every antidepressant they try me on makes me nuts and makes me more anxious.. I am super sensitive to them.  They recently put me on cymbalta and after a week I was so depressed and anxious I thought I would lose my mind.  I am getting counseling with a lady who is suppose to be the best working with those with severe anxiety[panic disorders..

[CCFHeartMD 12]

Based on the information you have provided, I do not think your PVC's are long-standing and benign, although they do cause you significant distress and anxiety.  They are unlikely to represent coronary blockages.  

My recommendations are: 1. Find a better way to treat your anxiety and panic attacks.  Alpraozolam (Xanax) is a short acting benzo with potential for dependence and withdrawal, leaving the patient worse off when not taking xanax.  I refrain from prescribing it in patients with long-standing anxiety.  You should discuss with a psychiatrist how to better address anxiety with behavioral and medical therapy.  2. Metoprolol is also short-acting so I would consider using either metoprolol succinate (toprol XL) daily or propranolol for supression of PVCs.   3.  I have heard from patients that magnesium tablet, available OTC, are good for suppressing PVCs and palpitations.  

[achillea]

I also have panic attacks coupled always with pvcs.  They occur simultaneously, and I have never found a preventative nor a way to prepare myself for their onset.  This has been going on for about 20 years.

You do not give your age, and age is a factor in heart disease,  but since you have had multiple checks of your heart function, I would be inclined to believe the docs when they say your ticker is OK.  If they found no evidence of blockage, there probably is none.  

You recognize that you have anxiety, and anxiety or panic shoots more adrenaline into an already challenged physiology, probably (or likely, in my experience) contributing greatly to ectopic beats such as PVCs. Xanax, while perfectly good for occasional panic, etc., is just a Band-Aid for chronic problems.

To sum up, you have been examined pretty thoroughly for cardiac illness and none has been found.  Your major problem (and mine) is anxiety over the strange bodily sensations produced by benign ectopic beats.

One sees a cardiologist for heart problems.  What kind of physician does one see for anxiety?  A specialist in the field of anxiety.

I have had tremendous success in dealing with this kind of difficulty courtesy of a fine psychiatrist who understands panic and has a working comprehension of cardiology.  He tried me on several antidepressants of the SSRI class, with the result that, in my case--and everyone's physiology is a little different--a small dose of zoloft very quickly makes me less aware of my ectopics, and in a while, appears to decrease their actual frequency.

Based on my own experience, I would suggest you make an appointment with a well-recommended psychiatrist.  With good care of what's between  your ears, you will once again be able to appreciate life without being captive to the odd sensations in your chest.