thank you for the post. Since this incident, I have been a mess. It really scared me to death. thank you and I will definitely keep you posted.
I'm so sorry you're having a difficult time. Every once in a while I get a long compensatory pause too. I found this entry on the forum. I think you will find it reassuring. Let me know how you make out with your event monitor.
Lori
justanothergirl
04/27/05
Firstly, many thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedules to answer my question, i really appreciate it.
Right, now i'm a little confused...i was reading through the posts yesterday and somebody gave their ECG report, which said 'no pvc's, no pauses' and it panicked me cos is sinus pause a completely different arrithymia to pvc's? I suffer from benign pvc's and I know exactly when one happens cos i feel a fluttery feeling, a SLIGHT pause and then a big thump. Reading through the archives i think most people feel this pause and then big thump and I think the explanation is that it takes longer to pump the excess blood out of the heart? Is this normal? My cardiologist said nothing about sinus pause, just that I have benign pvc's and the occasional PAC and not to worry-I don't ever feel any other pauses throughout the day, just with the feeling that accompanies the PVC's. I'm on 25mg atenolol x2 daily.
Am I worrying about nothing now? Or do all pvc sufferer's (or the one's that experience the big thump) also have sinus pause? It is a very quick pause mind you...
Anyway sorry to be a worrywart, just wanted some info.
Many, many thanks, have a great day.
CCF-M.D.-MJM
04/27/05
Hi Justanothergirl,
This is completely normal. When your heart has a premature ventricular beat it resets your hearts pacemaker (sinus node) and can lead to a pause longer than the normal interval between beats. This longer interval gives your heart more time than normal to fill and leads to a larger volume of blood prior to contraction. When your heart is stretched -- like with this larger than normal blood volume following a PVC -- it leads to a stronger contraction. This is the skip......THUMP that you all feel after a PVC and is completely normal.
This is not a problem and don't give it a second thought.
And to Mattiebaby, kudos to any 72 year old that knows how to use the internet!!!!
Good luck and I hope this helps.
Let me know if the event monitor picks up the pauses. Mine never did and my doctor didn't think it warranted additional testing because it only happens 3 - 4 times a year. This is truly life altering and I'm so sorry you worry because I know exactly how you feel.
take care
frenchie
I do see a cardiologist because I have pacs. I developed those after childbirth, but these longer than normal pauses have me scared out of mind. Today was the first time that they knocked me on my bottom. I couldn't ignore this if I wanted too. When the pause finally ended it left me startled for air. How can I tell if this was 3 seconds or longer? It felt much longer than that. Can you tell me what is the difference between a compensatory pause and a sinus pause? I do have an event monitor on its way, it should be here by Friday. I also take a 12mg of the generic version of toprol xl, do you think that the beta blocker could be causing this? Can you explain how this pause takes place? I am sorry to ask so many questions, but I am scared.
Hi~
I just commented on this a week or so ago too! I get that long pause before my heart goes into the SVT rythym. It seems to last 3 seconds or so and I feel like I am fading out. Then it kicks into SVT. That doctor needs to be shot. he tells you the sinus pause could be, then sends you on your way? Go see a cardio and get a monitor. However, that pause has never been captured on my 24 hour moniter because it only happens 2 or 3 times a year.
I know exactly what you felt.
first.......relax............maybe you should wear an event monitor......maybe it was just a pvc with a compensatory pause. If you can catch it on it monitor you would know for sure. The mortality rate for sinus pause events is around 2% a year, and pacemakers are needed if they because worrisome. Did they not refer to a cardiologist for a follow up? They should have done so. He is the one you should be asking questions.