PVCs drive me crazy!

[nothisispatrick]

Hey guys. To give a little background, I have hyperadrenergic POTS and inappropriate sinus tachycardia. I take Metoprolol, Verapamil, Methyldopa, and Midrodrine for these which control them pretty well, but I get PVCs. I've had a stress test, holter, and echo, which all came back normal. Aside from the PVCs, I am doing pretty well, and only about 200-something were caught on the holter which I know really isn't very many, but I just can't be okay with them. Every time I get them I get so scared, and they often occur in bigeminy. My cardiologist says not to worry about them but that's easier said than done. When I get them, it feels like a huge thump in my chest and shock through my whole body, especially in my face and arms. They give me headaches and knock my breath out. How do you guys deal with them? One doctor suggested I start an anti arrhythmic but I know those can be dangerous and I didn't think that they even gave those for people who didn't absolutely require it, they said that I'd have to be admitted to the hospital to start those but I can't afford all that. I don't have insurance. I guess my main questions are:

- How do you live with PVCs? I know some of you are just fine with them
- Why do they hurt my face?
- Is it safe to exercise with them? Since I've been found to be otherwise alright heart-wise?

They've prevented me from working a job, they're so painful and distracting. I have klonopin that I can take but it seems to speed my heart up. I am just so frustrated.

[tammyjk]

I can only tell you of my experience :  I had a pacemaker put in for bradycardia (slow heart rate with long pauses).  After that my heart decided to act up and beat faster at times.  I was miserable and my cardiologist put me on metropolol.  It took over a year to find the dose and times that worked for me.  Honestly it didnt work well for me and in the back of my mind I knew this.  My BP was going down to 96/76 at times and sometimes even lower.  I was to the point of not functioning.  I gained weight and was miserable.  Then  the pvc's set in like crazy.  My general doc suggested that Metropolol may not be a good fit but my cardiologist did not agree and kept me on it.  

3 days ago I went to the er thinking I injured my shoulder and they hooked me up to an ekg out of caution for my pacemaker and discovered I was having a run of pvc's every 3mins.  The cardiologist put me on xanax and ordered a nuke stress test an ultrasound and tons of other tests.   All came back fine.  Well 2 hours after the xanax my pvc's were all but gone.  I still had a few but nothing like before.  2 hours after taking the first xanax, I got a call that my husband wrecked my car and hmmmmm only 2 pvc's!  

Im now home on xanax and day 3 of almost no pvc's.  I feel like I have a new lease on life.  My new goal is to get off the beta blockers that keep me feeling lethargic and get walking again.  Let's face it, thinking that something is wrong with your heart is scary.  Having it confirmed is like waiting for the other shoe to drop.  For me that was the pacemaker.  Everyone is different and second, even third, opinions can help you understand your options.  

[nothisispatrick]

I might start taking my Klonopin daily then and see if it helps.

[MichelleP_3811]

I wish I had an answer for you.  I am not sure why they are causing head and face pain.  It is possible the depression of your heart rate from all the meds is partly contributing.  4 meds is a lot so maybe see if you can cut back on the dosage or amount and see if it helps.  You seem to have 3 meds for high blood pressure and one for low.  How is your blood pressure on all these meds?  Have you tracked it?  The meds are keeping your IST under control but if your bp is getting too low it could be partly why you are getting the headaches with the pvcs.  If your bp is low maybe try adding some sodium to your diet and see if it helps. Also make sure you are drinking plenty of water and avoid foods that upset your stomach. Avoid caffeine if you aren't already.  Exercising may help get your heart in better condition so you feel better with what is going on.  Just take it slow at first and work your intensity up. I would avoid the anti-arrhythmic personally.  I am a bit surprised you were offered it in the first place.  They can be dangerous and are usually only prescribed for arrhythmias that pose a threat.  The best advice I can give you is to try and manage your stress and breathing.  Maybe take up yoga or meditation and try to do some steady breathing exercises and see if it helps calm things a bit for you.  If you start to exercise hopefully the intensity of the pvcs will ease up.  I hope you feel better soon.  Take care.

[nothisispatrick]

My BP is generally pretty low, usually either in the 80/60 or 90/70 - something range. I've been advised to increase my salt and fluid intake. And yeah, I'm trying to get a grip over and live with them but they feel so bad