Coping with arrythmia and not know what causes it

[allaflutter1213]

I am so glad I found this site and while I don't wish my malady on anyone it is comforting to know that I am not alone.
I am a 47 year old female that started experiencing palpitations and PAC's and PVC's about six months ago, although at the time I had no idea what was happening to me.
I went to my PCP and he took an ECG and refered me to a cardiologist. I did the stress test via adenosine and the stress test was abnormal as was the ECG so I was then scheduled for a heart catheter. The Dr found no blockages during the cath and said my heart looked fine outside of a congenial heart defect that I inherited from my dad but the Dr insited that this particular defect wasn't in itself harmful or related to the arrythmia's.
So after all of that I am back at square 1 with what is the cause of the arrythmia.
I have them everyday but somedays are worse as far as the severity, today is one of those "bad" days.
I have an appt. tomorrow with my OB/GYN and I plan on discussing the hormone options and having them checked as well as my thyroid.
I am currently taking a low dose of Verapamil but it doesn't seem to be making a difference at all and I am going to discuss not taking it anymore when I go back to see my cardiologist on the 20th this month since it doesn't seem to be **** anythig for me at all.
Any and all suggestions, conversations, advice, experiences are welcome.




Frustrated and scared in the South

[SassyLassie]

Yes, costochondritits can certainly mimic heart attack chest pains. I have it and sometimes it is really painful, and other times, I hardly notice it, depends on my level of stress.

I love your post Skippi, those 10 phases are sooo good, I am saving that.

I know when I am really anxious, like lately, mine will act up. I also am wondering if just thinking about them hoping they will not return, can bring them on. I swear I have to only think about having one and I will, ugh, that is the pits.

I, too, have run to the ER, gone to doctors only to come out of the office hearing I am fine. Even my echo was good.

As far as being hormone related, I can certainly verify that they are. Mine are more prevalent about a week and a half before my period, guess it is the fluctuation in body chemicals, who knows.

This is a good thread, and I wish it could be "stuck" at the top, it is so helpful when you read it.

[Susan606]

Have discovered after I return home from work, they are really bad all evening.  I go to bed, sleep well,  get up ....none ....the odd one.......go to work ....spend a couple of hours there answering phones and dealing with irrite customers and it comes back. I'm beginning to think I  need to give up my job......right now ....its morning....and they are gone. Or is it that they just simmer down overnight...I don't know. Right now,   I'm dreading going into work.....just because I know they will be back again.  

[Susan606]

No....I don't get chest pains but.....I also have a condition called costocondritis, had it for years. If you lay me down and push on my ribs just above my breasts, it hurts like heck.  Sometimes they act up and do cause me to have chest pain.  Years ago I was having chest pain,  went to the hospital.  I was laying on a table and the dr put the stethescope down on my chest to hear.  Well, I jumped with the pain and ripped it out of her ears.....that's the first time I knew I had that!!!   As far as your daughter is concerned, she may not have the same but just thought I would mention it.  If I was you, I would get them to do more tests until they find out whats causing her pain.

[knkracing]

My daughter (20 years old) has this problem and I was wondering.....

Do any of you get chest pains? Right now she is hospitalized because she has been having chest pains again (since Monady) and every test they have done shows nothing but her arrythmia, premature Atrial Complex and a slight murmur of which they keep telling us is not causing her to have chest pains1 I am at my wits end trying to get the docs to finally find out what is causing the pains!

[Skippi]

well, if you do feel dizzy, then it's good to have them checked out of course. I can only tell you from my experience: when stressed, and when I eat the wrong things (and sometimes when both of these are combined...), then it can take up to several weeks, until the thumps subside with me... But I don't have high blood pressure... I take fishoil (2 a day), magnesium (2 a day) and Vit B6 (1 a day) and eat lots of bananas for potassium :) careful with the Vit B6, taken over a long period of time, they can cause neuropathic problems I've read somewhere. It's mainly for anxiety, so I alternate a bit with them. Hope this helps.

[Susan606]

I've had these for years.....but this time its really different, its been going on like this for over 3 weeks now.......the fact that the holter picked them up has given me some comfort but I feel dizzy with them and sometimes they run more than 4 a minute......I guess until I pass out ....they won't really do anything.  I have high blood pressure and is  54 ....thru menopause......and taking trandate......is there anything else that would help these??  Thanks for your response.....didn't realize that many people got this. :)