Today I was driving on the highway when I had a bad bout of PVC's. It got so bad I had to pull off the road and get out of the car. I really felt like I was going to pass out, my vision was going and everything. I am pretty used to pvc's, I have had them for years, but when I get these "attacks", I get really scared. The beats have no rythym at all, and I go in and out of svt in a matter of seconds. Its so scary. The whole episode only lasts 10 seconds, but when you're on the verge of passing out, 10 seconds is a long time! Anyway, I guess Im just complaining. Take care.

I know how you feel. It's annoying and a little scary.

oh jenn i get that also i can be sitting talking to someone and then my heart will feel like it drops or something and it skips and things for several seconds my usual responce has been to stand up quickly and breathe deep not sure if it helps or not lol but its like an instant reaction much like you stopping and getting out of your vehicle.i guess its a fight or flight responce pvc's are really weird sometimes and scarey

oh jenn i get that also i can be sitting talking to someone and then my heart will feel like it drops or something and it skips and things for several seconds my usual responce has been to stand up quickly and breathe deep not sure if it helps or not lol but its like an instant reaction much like you stopping and getting out of your vehicle.i guess its a fight or flight responce pvc's are really weird sometimes and scarey

The same thing happens to me on occasion. I also react by standing up quickly and moving around. I don't know if it actually helps or if it's psychological.

I know all about PVC's and the unbearable feeling of helplessness that comes along with them! I was just told less than 2 wks. ago that is what I am experiencing. I saw my family Doc several times for "anxiety." When the meds weren't working, and these things would come out of nowhere, I decided to take my health into my own hands and insisted on seeing a cardiologist. He did an EKG and told me I had PVC's, and seemed very unconcerned. Obviously he has never had to experience these, especially on a DAILY BASIS!! Sometimes they last all day, for up to 8 days or more in a ROW!! I was sure I was dying of heart failure! Sometimes I can't even leave the house because they are so severe and scary! I'm sure worrying about them and obsessing is only making them worse, but I can't help it! They are interfering with my every day activities and even work! The Heart Doc put me on a beta blocker, which slowed my heart rate from about 84 BPM to about 64 BPM, but the palpitations are still there! I know how awful these things can be, and I don't understand why they just started out of nowhere one day! He said I've probably always had them, but I wasn't symptomatic! He also said I will probably ALWAYS have them, apparently they don't just go away!! :confused:

Ive been told by mny electrophisiologist that he has never had a patient that felt every single one as I do. Lucky ME! Good lucK!! :)

I'm new to PVC's as a couple of weeks ago. I have no idea what triggered them 2 weeks ago, but they are constant since.

My cardiologist told me they are benign and not to worry about them. Then he asked me if I was still running (2 marathons in 2004 with his blessing). I have great confidence in him, so I took the question as genuine interest, and a confirmation that he is not concerned.

Everything that I've read indicates that PVCs are benign. But "being on the verge of passing out" does not sound benign to me. I'd get checked out see if anything has changed.

Stress seems to make them worse for me. So I try to distract myself - keep my mind occupied. Trying not to sweat the small stuff (it is all small stuff).

I was scared stiff to exercise between the onset and the cardio visit. But I'm back to it (swim bike run) with no apparent change in the PVCs. Exercise does provide that distraction I look for. I toned down the intensity as well.

Mimiof3: My cardio/electroph told me the same thing...something like I am his worst/best specimen of PAC's/PVC's/AFIB JUNK. I write today as I have started my routine spring fling. Every spring my heart goes into a spell of constant flutters, which I have suffered over 40 years. Hey I'm still kicking, just like the neatest cardio told me I would back in 1968. However, they absolutely drive me out of my mind, along with other health issues now. Since Tuesday I have been under constant one skips every 3rd-4th beat. Have doubled up on beta blocker, no help. I'm extremely exhausted which I know is a trigger for these ugly things or is it the skipping making me exhausted? Like which came first the chicken or the egg. Cardio told me it could be either way when they act up more. I have not contacted any Dr. this week, I know that I must increase my meds for awhile and hopefully, IT will settle down. At least I'm not in fluttersville, that's the worst. I usually stand up, cough for a few seconds and sometimes tap on my chest. This helps. My heart actually quivers for a few seconds, sooo scary. What can we do? Nothing, try to relax (ya right, I've been telling myself that for the past 3 days). It starts the minute I get out of bed in the am. I've been waking around 4-5 every a.m. as I've had this "crackling/clicking on my in-breath after I've been lying down, this is what wakes me I know. Had every CAT, sinus, lung, esophogram, nothing shows. Also an echo to rule out heart failure. Don't know what it is, I think it's something mechanical within my throat, larynax? This drive me nuts also. What a mess. At any rate, I wanted to comment on the heart irregularities to let you know I've suffered from all kinds and am still going, sometimes they are only a few of day other times like now, everyother beat!!! :confused: Try to relax as much as possible and know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We must gain our control, then we will be better, when you feel out of control of situation, you feel hopeless, not good. Hang in tight. Good Luck, GOD BLESS AMERICA

PVC's that nearly knock you out should be treated. I had PVC's for years. At my peak, I was clocked at 8,000 PVC's in a 24 hour period. I used to punch myself in the chest in an effort to "reset" my heart ! Mine were related to Aortic Stenosis and have all but dissapeared since I had my Aortic valve replaced.

There are drugs like Lopressor that help keep the heart on track as far as rythmn goes. Also be careful to keep yourself hydrated so that your electrolyte levels don't get messed up. Most PVC's are harmless but getting light headed while driving a car isn't a good thing.

Everybody hates going to the doctor but you should talk to a cardiologist. There ARE treatment options.