Premature Atrial Contractions and pain

[healthy1964]

I have been in and out of emergency and doctor visits so many times, that I lost count after 15. I have had about 40 different tests. One night ended up in the trauma unit. My heart rate shot up and just under my chest it started getting so tight I couldn`t talk nor did I have any strength to move. It was hard to breath. I thought that I was going to die that night. No one could figure out what happened and was told to see a cardiologist.

I was then told that I may have anxiety disorder, but not sure. After a few months my symptoms changed to only a fast and irregular heart rate. After more tests I was diagnosed with PACS. My heart feels like its out of rythm all the time. Does anyone know what causes this suddenly. I am healthy.don`t smoke, don`t drink. no drugs. I work out and eat healthy and have low blood pressure. Never had anything wrong with my heart previously. I`m 47yrs with a young child. Some nights my heart is so out of rythm and it feels like it is coming out of my chest and my whole body shakes. There has to be answers on why this happens and a way to fix the underlying reason it happens.

Also, I have started getting pain in my chest. Is anyone else experiencing this.  Thanks

[healthy1964]

Thank you for your help. I did have an EKG about 5  times and they found out that I have a premature heart beat that makes the aterial pump faster. I;m not too sure what the other 4 EKG`s showed.I do know that I was drinking a lot coffee before all this happened. I;m hoping that eliminating coffee altogether will help. I did have a thyroid test and a ultrasound and all came back low but within normal range. I`m going with the healthy lifestyle and positive thinking and see if this help. So far it`s been 2 weeks since I had any heart beat problems. It seems that exercise has helped me . I also had some friends which have a lot of faith in God had their church family and friends pray for me for 2days straight. Coincidently, thats when my heart problems went away and seem to beating normal.

[healthy1964]

Thanks for your comments. I was wondering if this was part of the reason why it happened so suddenly. The doctors don`t have any idea why this started. They did mention that it could of been stress or the begining of my change of life. I hope it was stress, because that I can change. But the menopause part I can`t. Thanks again

[healthy1964]

Thankyou so much for your response. It has helped me out a lot to know that you were also subscribed beat blockers. I was told to take Atenolol to keep my heart rate down. I chose not to take it. Instead I eliminated all caffeine, alcohol and how I handle stress. I now walk everyday and try to work out on the machines at a local gym. I am eating healthy. I try not to get too stressed out when the kids are misbehaving. I am learning to let go of the small stuff and change my way of thinking in a more positive way. There is something to be said about the power of positive thinking. As of the begining of May, I have not had any long episodes of my heart going out of rythym and beating fast. This has been so wonderful after a year of trying to cope with a heart that has a mind of its own. I also found that when I eat junk food, like chips my heart will start beating irregular. I hope you find a way to cope with your heart, maybe this can also help you. Thanks again..healthy1964

[is_something_wrong]

One really important question: What the doctor documented with EKG, was that exactly the same symptoms as you describe here? PACs can be really annoying and make your heart rhythm completely irregular and rapid. However, what you describe seems to me somewhat suspicious towards atrial fibrillation. But if you have recorded it and it was "only" PACs and rapid heart rate, it's okay.

PACs are almost always triggered by stimulants or elevated stress levels. What's causing this, is almost impossible to say. Anxiety/stress is a trigger. Coffee/alcohol too. Sugar and chocolate may provoke it. Be sure to rule out hyperthyroids or similar conditions.

[mare505]

Could it be perimenopause?  I've had similar symptoms for about 10 years and have been to the ER several times myself for pain in the heart area, palpitations (feels like my heart is jumping) and lots of anxiety.  the heart palps make the anxiety worse which worsens the heart symtoms - it's a vicious circle.  I'm 55 and have been going through this for probably 10 years on/off.  Had all kinds of heart tests and everything normal.  Hope this helps!

[DeltaDawn23]

Did the cardiologist offer you a beta blocker?  I got by on Atenolol and Xanax for 6 years.  I have had two hospitalizations in the last 4 months, so am trying anti-arrhthmic drugs now, also coumadin.  I was told I was having panic attacks, and my irregular beats were no big deal (Atrial fibrillation).  Try to find a doctor who will listen to you.  I take my beta blocker in divided doses because it knocks my bp down if I take it all at once.  The Xanax helps and my doctor says concern about addiction is way overrated.  I did see a shrink, which didn't hurt me, but basically my anxiety came about after my heart problems, not before.

The tightness in the chest and the chest pain need to be addressed.

Good luck to you.  I'll keep you in my thoughts.