I commented on a post yesterday about how I could swim 20 laps, walk 2 miles, be my husband's yard laborer and the minute I sit and slow down, or get in the car, or go to a restaurant...I feel every skipped, extra, and whatever else kind of beat.
I have expressed on this forum many times before, that my most severe heart episodes are at night and usually awaken me from my sleep. I dread the evenings. I try to get everything I can done in the mornings. It seems like starting around 3:00 and on...my troubles begin. laying down is horrible...every night. I feel every beat, every skipped beat, everything. I toss and turn to try to go to sleep...so, you are not alone.
I take atenolol 12.5 mg every night. I'm sure by 3:00 the next afternoon, it's worn off. I've played with the medication, but can't take it during the day b/c it makes me too drowsy. I take xanax as needed for my skippy heart, but it makes me more dizzy than I already am, so I pretty much just suffer.
I know these aren't life threatening for me, but my quality of life has diminished greatly. I know I'm no fun anymore. Having fun,means getting irregular heartbeats for me. I'm also always on edge and snappy to those closest to me b/c I'm tired of feeling bad. Both of my doctors say to get over it...I'm fine. I honestly wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
Happens to me too. I think when I'm relaxed and just sitting around my heart rate goes down and when it does, I get more palps. I have found that usually I can get up and start moving around enough to get my heart rate up some it gets better.
The reason is partially given here:
http://www.kcheart.com/t-healthEdPVCs.aspx
The rogue cells that cause benign pvcs pay less attention to the heart's Pacemaker most of the time anyhow, and when the Pacemaker slows your heart rate for rest or sleep, the little buggers are even less under control.
However, there's no harm to taking Xanax or a beta blocker as needed. Since most of you have probably been told (repeatedly) that your ectopic beats are not dangerous, you could also see a counselor who specializes in anxiety for advice about dealing in the longer term with the kind of emotional stress these odd beats add to your life.