PVCs and other heart rhythm problems?

[LadyNRA]

Anyone else experiencing PVCs on a continuous basis. Most people aren't even aware they have them but for those of us who do, it feels like a fluttering and/or pounding in the chest (also called palpitations sometimes). I'm just wondering if anyone else has these. I apparently had them very mild for a good long while, perhaps a few times a year for less than 30 sec. each time and didn't know what they were. Recently, I went to the ER because the fluttering lasted an hour and I noticed my pulse was 'skipping beats'. After a good bit of monitoring (18 hours) and usual tests including an echocardiogram...they said everything looked normal and now I'm just told I'll have to live with this. So I'd like to chat with others and see how you all cope (aside from prayer which is already being done).

 

[Mathwoman08]

Yep I have Marfans Syndrome and I have heart problems but I do not like to think of it as "suffering" (I have a long explanation as to why.) If I overexert myself my palpitations get very very bad, but in general I have them and I do not have any pain or notice them from day to day as they go on. It's only bad if I do something waaay too stressful for me.

*warning unsoliticed advice* If you continue to have them while doing a normal routine, the first thing I'd suggest is try to eliminate a lot of the stress you have in your life. I know this is hard w/ medical problems, but trust me it helps.

Another suggestion is to cut down on the caffeine or other heart-race increasing items....(such as sex if you are married (your husband may be mad if you do this without talking with him!!!!!! *blush*)

And yep of course there's prayer. Also talking about what specifically causes your own palpitation episodes (which to me is when I notice them) with other people helps because then you learn something that might cause it so you can be more alert. For me caffeine has no effect specifically but I've heard it affects a lot of people with my genetic condition so yeah.

God bless you!

 

[blessedwoman]

I have PSVT and PAT as well as high blood pressure and neuro-cardiogenic syncope. All of it is fairly well controlled right now by 75 mg toprol each day. I've had the PSVT since I was 16. I freaked out (panicked) whenever it happened for years! 7 years ago I was finally diagnosed and learned how to convert it with vasovagal maneuvers. Last year I was in the hospital with a complicated gallbladder removal and the PSVT flared up again. I was moved to the heart floor where they proceded to find more things wrong, including the high bp. A couple of months ago I found out I had PAT on my holter monitor in the fall. None of what I have is life threatening unless of course it happens badly enough to make me faint (which is never has) and I have a car accident or something. I am now teaching myself to stay fully relaxed during a racing bout as well as continuing to convert the rhythm myself! It can be scary, but knowing it is not fatal is a big help for me!