what steps do I take to control palpitations

[heartbeatskipper]

My question is: What steps can I take to control my palpitations?  I have a 12-year history of them on and off since I was 20.  I have seen 3 cardiologists during this time period and had all the tests, which were negative.  Of note, not one of my palpitations was ever "caught".  I have stopped drinking caffeine and do not drink soda.  I used to run 5 miles a day, but stopped in 2003 when these palpitations started up again.  I am going to begin slowly back to running actually today.  I eat well.  However, stress is a problem in my life.  It seems as I get older, I can't handle it as well.  So I know that needs to change.  I am trying to drink a glass of heart healthy OJ every morning and to eat more potassium-rich foods.  Do I need to take supplements and/or more magnesium?  As background info, I can have palpitations a few times a day or not one for a week or two.  I used to have one type of palpitation (the extra beat followed by a pause), but now I have two as of the last few months.  The new one I feel is like a very faint bump or click or bubble?  Almost like I need to cough.  I can't describe it.  I never notice a difference in my pulse like with the other "normal palpitation".  The old palpitation can be just one or I can have four in a row.  With the new one, it is only one, but I can have many throughout the day.  I have never had any symptoms like shortness of breath, lightheadedness, pain, or anything.  This problem is mainly annoying, but can be pretty alarming at times, which makes it all worse.  Thank you for your input.

[joyfulheart]

Thanks Upbeat63. I have found the same to be true, as far as activity. Oddly enough though, when I get the palps, shortly after I have light burning in my eyes, as well as my upper back is very tight. I get tired more often too when I get the palps steadily. I have had weeks and months where they are gone, and then mysteriously come back. I am going to the Cardio tomm, to see if there are any new tests that I do not know about. I am not worried to live with the palps, as much as I really just want to know the cause, and with prayer I hope to find out soon.
God bless You all
joyfulheart

[upbeat63]

I strongly believe that physical activity can lessen the sensation of PVCs if not reduce the frequency. I have found time and time again, that doing some sort of activity not only distracts me from thinking about them, I think they are less frequent too. It's when I stop and rest that they come back full force. I guess I'll have to be the energizer bunny and just keep going and going and going. Hang in there joyfulheart, I'm upbeat and I've had PVCs for 22 years. Still ticking, just a little more than usual. ps. If I over-do-it with the physical activity, it seems to make things worse, so don't over-exert. And like someone else said on this thread--get plenty of rest.

[tnmomofive]

I have been have had palps,flutters,skips etc in the past just here and there not too often.I had tests all normal,was told anxiety/stress.I have also passed out,fainted 5 times in 11 years not sure if it was related to palps or not because I wasnt having palps at the time,but after the dizziness would start before id pass out my would feel like it dropped.I have started having skips,quivers,irregular rythm for the past 2 weesk now almost every night when laying in bed.The only things I have done is stopped all caffiene and cut way back on smoking,and sugar......this seems to have helped some.I would like to know others things I could do though seems I dont get very far with doctors

[Yager]

I too have PVC's and thanks to my Doc and this board I am doing all right with them.  

Someone eles was talking about fish oil on this thread.  I have been taking fish oil gels now for a couple months.   They have help my PVC's alot.  I use to have 300 to 400 a day now I  only a couple.  Plus they are good for your Cholesterol.  

Make sure you get a good brand name and take them with meals.  If you don't you will be tasting fish for a few hours :(

[Art S.]

Heartbeatskipper, I am sure you can see from the number of replies that you are not alone. I have had a struggle for a year and a half learning to live with the palps. Turns out I have esophagitis as well, and that can make you feel pretty bad as well. But I have learned to live with this. No caffeine, minimal alcohol and exercise have all helped. Reading this board once in a while helps. I had a good cry for about a long time first time I read the messages here. Nice to know you are not alone.

Bottom line is you just have to decide that you are going to beat this nonsense and not let the palps get you down.

Because they sure will.

Good luck,

Art S.

[xanaxmick]

I think upbeat63 from Canada mentioned it if you don't mind reading thru her comments. Also I read the entire Rx insert from the drug company and I think it was mentioned there. Will get back to you later with that info. I also read that nobody knows if the stress causes the palpitations or the palpitations cause the stress. This is true. Sometimes I get woken by the PVC's and other times I wake up first and go into arrythmia. Ugh!