hep c and the heart

[rrmr7971]

I have hep c. Just wondering if that could have anything to do with my heart palpitations (like a fluttering sensation). This started a few years ago. My internal med doc says I've had hep c for a long time. My family doc did some tests on my heart and he says that I am experiencing "extra heartbeats". He had no input for me as far as what causes this, or a remedy. He did start me on low dose aspirin regimen. I'm just curious if the hep c could affect my heart function

[HectorSF]

If you have symptoms of an arrhythmia, you should make an appointment with a cardiologist. You may want to see an electrophysiologist — a cardiologist who has additional specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.

Hepatitis C commonly is asymptomatic (no symptoms) that is why is has been called the silent killer.

Get treated now for your hepatitis C to prevent further damage to your liver. Hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer. Most baby boomers have been infected for many decades and may have significant liver disease. Like hepatitis C infection, liver disease even early cirrhosis usually has no symptoms until it is advanced. Hepatitis C is curable in most people now with new treatments. See a gastroenterologist who is knowledgeable and experienced in treating patients with the latest treatments using the drug Sovaldi.

Good luck.
Hector

[SimpleMan1959]

Dout full, I would ask your doctor about Antenolol 50mg. Have you been through treatment for hep-c yet?

[Livelife777]

Doubt it also.    The meds for treatment can cause heart palpitations due to low hemoglobin, but not the virus itself.   I have had similar problems with my heart for years.   See a cardiologist to rule out existing issues.   If none found please know this is a benign condition.   Mine started at 18 and are related to mitral valve prolapse.  (common in women ).   This is non life threatening.   Anxiety  can also create missed beats and palpitations.    Aspirin will not help.   Once you know that nothing is wrong, anxiety diminishes and symptoms go away.    A brisk walk will level off the heart rate and put it into a more regular beat.  Caffiene will cause symptoms to flair up, so reduce or eliminate if possible.  Good Luck and do get treatment for your Hep C, as being cured will reduce your daily stress.        Kim

[rrmr7971]

Not yet. If the pharmaceutical companies weren't so darn greedy, I would move forward with treatment. I'd rather die than put my family in financial ruin.

[rrmr7971]

By the way, what is antenolol?

[rrmr7971]

Thank you livelife777 for the input. I have made an appt with a cardioligist. makes sense what you said about anxiety. Now that I think about that, I remember when I had an anxiety attack about 20 years ago. And, yes, those symptoms were indeed similar to what I'm experiencing.