Mileena42
09-23-2006, 09:46 AM
I thought my heart palps were beginning of peri menopause for me. They are constant and only ease up after hours of driving me nuts. I finally went to the clinic and they did an EKG which showed abnormal.....scares me. Has this happened to any of you ladies? Is this normal for menopause? Should I be on the heart board instead? I talked with the tech guy who did my EKG after hours and he told me it was nothing to worry about, I had just threw some PVC's. Is that the palps? In that case I knew I was doing that. OK, to make a long story short....I now have an appointment with The Heart Center for next Tuesday because the NP at the clinic referred me there. Would they make me an appointment just because of the heart palps?
Sorry I am asking so many questions...I am just scared.
Sorry I am asking so many questions...I am just scared.
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cecropia
09-23-2006, 03:15 PM
I have never had an EKG. I do however have something that feels like muscle spasms in my chest and when I am taking my pulse, my heart skips a beat during this event. It all started back when I was 40 and having trouble with anxiety. I remember thinking I was going to have a heart attack, but I'm now 54 and still here. :) If your tests all come back negative it probably is peri-menopause or anxiety. I still have the skipping of beats if I eat too much at one meal and if my anxiety is out of control. I hope yours turns out to be just anxiety, at least then you can relax some.
deinee
09-23-2006, 04:30 PM
PVC's and PAC'S are irregular heart beats, or palpitations. Everyone has these from time to time. Some are lucky and don't feel them, others like me feel every single one. I know that hormone changes make them worse for me. I have had all the tests, they say my heart is healthy and the irregular beats are a normal variation. They drive me nuts, but I try not to worry about them as much as I did when they first started over 10 years ago. I am 52. Some days are worse than others, but I never go a day without having some. Maybe when I am in post-menopause they will settle down. For now, I just live with them and try to remember others are fighting the same thing too. I have PVC'S, PAC'S and short runs of SVT. Those are really fun. Very fast heartrate and it feels like your heart is jumping out of your chest! I do take a beta-blocker that helps. I would probably be having thousands of irregular beats a day without it. With it, I only have a few hundred a day. Go to your appt. at the heart clinic to be reassured. More than likely, it is your hormones stirring up things. Good luck, Ann
ICC
09-23-2006, 04:42 PM
i am 2 years post-meno and just started to have palps. cardiologist said my EKG and ECHO showed an extra beat but my tress test was that of a 20 year old. he has outruled any heart problems. they are annoying though. i also get them everyday. somedays are worse than others.:eek:
Mileena42
09-23-2006, 08:07 PM
Hi Ann,
Thank you so much for answering my post. However, your answer didnt reasure me! I simply cant stand these heart palps! You are telling me I may just have to learn to live with them. Some people dont know they are having them? How? I can tell EXACTLY, and when they are as bad as they have been lately, almost making me totally useless. I will go to the appointment, but after reading all the stuff on here about heart palps....I dont think there is a lot they can do for me. Also, Ann when you have them really bad all day do you find that your chest and back area is sore? I am wondering if this is in my mind.
Mileena
Thank you so much for answering my post. However, your answer didnt reasure me! I simply cant stand these heart palps! You are telling me I may just have to learn to live with them. Some people dont know they are having them? How? I can tell EXACTLY, and when they are as bad as they have been lately, almost making me totally useless. I will go to the appointment, but after reading all the stuff on here about heart palps....I dont think there is a lot they can do for me. Also, Ann when you have them really bad all day do you find that your chest and back area is sore? I am wondering if this is in my mind.
Mileena
tlily
09-24-2006, 06:40 AM
I had an abmormal EKG a couple of years ago and am in menopause. It was a t the doctors office who wanted me to go to the hospital right from the office which I did. I was admitted because they were afraid of a heart attack. So I guess it really was pretty abnormal. I had a stress test, blood work and other test which proved to be ok so I was released.
Have been having palps off and on. I guess it is normal for menopausal women to experience these.
Just check things out to rule out anything. Most likely everything will be fine.
tlily
Have been having palps off and on. I guess it is normal for menopausal women to experience these.
Just check things out to rule out anything. Most likely everything will be fine.
tlily
deinee
09-24-2006, 09:56 AM
I can get back and chest pain too when I have bad days. When these first started I went nutty. I didn't go anywhere, called in sick at work all the time, it ruined my quality of life. I finally decided I wasn't going to drop dead in the street, all my tests were fine. I fought back and that's when I got to feeling better. I took the beta-blocker which has helped, and a Xanax when they got really bad, which helps too. 10 years ago I didn't have any idea the palps could be from starting peri, so I really thought it was just my stupid heart going to pot. I was so relieved when I started to read other posts that sounded just like me. I don't have bad hot flashes so I guess this my cross to bear. Some women have gotten help from taking Magnesium. It really never did much for me, but most of the natural remedies don't. I really think after your appt and tests come back ok, you can discuss with your NP or doctor about a beta-blocker. You may only need it for a short time. It helped me so much. The only side effects I had was alittle fatigue for a week, and I gained a few pounds, but that could just be the peri too! Take care, Ann
ICC
09-24-2006, 10:10 AM
ann---my cardiologist even though he outruled heart problems gave me a presciption for toprol which made me nuts so he gave me inderal. he told me to only take it if the palps were really bad and that i didn't have to take it regularly. i think since talking to him a month ago i have only had them bad 3 times. the inderal stopped them in their tracks. never knew they had anything to do with peri or meno. amazing what we go through.:eek:
cecropia
09-24-2006, 10:23 AM
Mileena,
You asked about having a sore back and chest. When I used to have these constantly from my anxiety, yes, my chest and back would feel sore. It scared me too. When I treat my anxiety with medication the problem gets much better, so you might want to consider anxiety medication once all of your tests are done.
You asked about having a sore back and chest. When I used to have these constantly from my anxiety, yes, my chest and back would feel sore. It scared me too. When I treat my anxiety with medication the problem gets much better, so you might want to consider anxiety medication once all of your tests are done.
Mileena42
09-24-2006, 12:35 PM
Ann,
You have no idea how much you have helped me, and even if I find out something is going on with my heart next Tuesday, you have at least given me some peace of mind today. I did go out and buy some magnesium, I have had less heart palps in the last couple of days, I dont know if it is helping or if this weird horrible thing has just run its course for this go around.
The soreness in my back can be relieved by lying flat, but I also have GERD and cant lay that way long, I am just going to do as you say...and stop walking around like I am walking on sand and act normal, if I am going to fall dead, me acting like this isnt going to stop it.
I will let you know on Tuesday what is said at the Heart Center.
Thanks again for all your help.
Mileena
You have no idea how much you have helped me, and even if I find out something is going on with my heart next Tuesday, you have at least given me some peace of mind today. I did go out and buy some magnesium, I have had less heart palps in the last couple of days, I dont know if it is helping or if this weird horrible thing has just run its course for this go around.
The soreness in my back can be relieved by lying flat, but I also have GERD and cant lay that way long, I am just going to do as you say...and stop walking around like I am walking on sand and act normal, if I am going to fall dead, me acting like this isnt going to stop it.
I will let you know on Tuesday what is said at the Heart Center.
Thanks again for all your help.
Mileena
deinee
09-24-2006, 07:26 PM
Don't get scared if they want to do a stress test or have you wear a monitor. I have done both several times. It always comes back that I have some abnormal premature beats and SVT which they consider normal. The last time I was hooked up for the 7 day King of Hearts monitor the tech doing it told me her PVC's were driving her crazy that day, but she was just ignoring them because they were normal. I figured she knew what she was talking about since she works in a cardiology department everday! Please let us know how things go at your appt. Ann
Mileena42
09-26-2006, 12:38 PM
Will do Ann. Just getting ready to leave now. Since the Center I am going to is out of my town, I have about an hour travel. I will let you all know what was said once this is over, and I do so wish it were over already.
Mileena
Mileena
Mileena42
09-26-2006, 06:51 PM
Hi Ann,
Just got home. Another EKG this one normal, but the doctor listening to my heart said he could hear it. He ordered all kinds of test including thyroid screening, wearing a 30 day monitor and he gave me a beta-blocker, but doesnt want me to take it until the 30 days are up because of reading my monitor. He also gave me a med for acid reflux, which I am unsure that I even need. I have to go back on Thursday morning for an echo something, and am unsure that I will even keep that app. because I think this might just be something I have to learn to live with. MY mom is freaking because I dont want to keep the echo app. I have a mitral valve prolapse and I know he is just wanting to see that and how bad it is....I have had it most of my adult life. The thing is without insurance already my bills are starting to pile up over this nonsense. Today what they did to me and with the meds...was about $900. I am on such a tight budget, this is going to be rough on me.
Mileena
Just got home. Another EKG this one normal, but the doctor listening to my heart said he could hear it. He ordered all kinds of test including thyroid screening, wearing a 30 day monitor and he gave me a beta-blocker, but doesnt want me to take it until the 30 days are up because of reading my monitor. He also gave me a med for acid reflux, which I am unsure that I even need. I have to go back on Thursday morning for an echo something, and am unsure that I will even keep that app. because I think this might just be something I have to learn to live with. MY mom is freaking because I dont want to keep the echo app. I have a mitral valve prolapse and I know he is just wanting to see that and how bad it is....I have had it most of my adult life. The thing is without insurance already my bills are starting to pile up over this nonsense. Today what they did to me and with the meds...was about $900. I am on such a tight budget, this is going to be rough on me.
Mileena
deinee
09-26-2006, 07:26 PM
Your hormone changes could be bothering your MVP. As long as you don't have a bad mitral valve regurgitation, the beta-blocker will probably help the palps. I am kind of surprised you haven't been given the beta-blocker before now with MVP. Several years ago I would have bet a million dollars I had MVP, but all was normal. I am sure the echo is to check the MVP, and make sure it hasn't progressed any. I would keep your appt., I know the cost of tests are terrible. Give them what you can when you can. So many problems with our health care system, but that's another thread! Watch your skin while wearing the 30 day monitor. My skin got so irritated under the sticky pads that hold the leads, I had to take it off early. Hang in there. Ann
Mileena42
09-27-2006, 01:38 PM
Hi Ann,
Decided to keep the appointment after all...so tomorrow morning...missing more time at work, and going through all this....I cant take the beta blockers yet....so I am still having minor palps.....these I can live with, but if they get really bad he says I can go ahead and take one of the pills. He wants the monitor on for 30 days before starting the meds. I dont suppose I will know anything once the test is over tomorrow.....assume if something major shows up he would let me know before my 30 day next app? This is all getting to be so much on me. I am having trouble not crying all day at work!
Mileena
Decided to keep the appointment after all...so tomorrow morning...missing more time at work, and going through all this....I cant take the beta blockers yet....so I am still having minor palps.....these I can live with, but if they get really bad he says I can go ahead and take one of the pills. He wants the monitor on for 30 days before starting the meds. I dont suppose I will know anything once the test is over tomorrow.....assume if something major shows up he would let me know before my 30 day next app? This is all getting to be so much on me. I am having trouble not crying all day at work!
Mileena
Mileena42
09-28-2006, 06:33 PM
Ann,
Very informative day. I do not have an MVP. I have thought for 25 yrs that I did. The tech explained to me that at that time most everything was called an MVP. I find out today that I have a stiff valve that is letting some blood leak back into my heart, but was told not to be concerned about it. I am under the impression that this is NOT causing my palps. All my blood work is normal. Still am going to wear the monitor...and my next app is Nov. 2. I feel better about things tonight. I was beginning to think I was going to have some major problems with my heart. Thanks Ann for answering my post and giving me so much encouragement! You are the best!
Mileena
Very informative day. I do not have an MVP. I have thought for 25 yrs that I did. The tech explained to me that at that time most everything was called an MVP. I find out today that I have a stiff valve that is letting some blood leak back into my heart, but was told not to be concerned about it. I am under the impression that this is NOT causing my palps. All my blood work is normal. Still am going to wear the monitor...and my next app is Nov. 2. I feel better about things tonight. I was beginning to think I was going to have some major problems with my heart. Thanks Ann for answering my post and giving me so much encouragement! You are the best!
Mileena
katidid95
09-28-2006, 07:10 PM
I'm coming in kind of late to this thread, but wanted to let you know I had a similar experience about 1-1/2 years ago. I was under terrible stress and already had some peri symptoms. Then out of the blue I started getting panic attacks (even went to the ER). My heart rate was constantly 90+ (it's normally 60-65) and beating hard like it was coming out of my chest! I truly thought something was wrong with me - couldn't sleep and barely ate. After many of the same tests you are going through with a cardiologist, we found nothing that was causing my heart to do this. (Although we did find that I have valve with a birth defect, but nothing to worry about for now.)
I was given a beta blocker to slow down my hear rate and get through this period, as well as Ambien for when the insomnia was bad. I also had horrible chest and upper back pain to the point where it kept me awake at night (along with the pounding heart!) Many nights, I would sit up on my couch and watch movies all night, then get up (after sleeping 1 hour) and going to work.
Anyway, once I realized I was NOT dying and started relating it to peri, things started to improve. I also added more magnesium, fish/flax oil, iron and a few other things. I also sought out a doctor who treats with bioidentical hormones which I now use. I think this had the biggest influence on how much better I feel.
I also get PVST (which makes my heart beat about 180/min. for about 5 minutes) which I've had since my early 30's. I actually experience them rarely now (3-4 times a year) and I think it's the magnesium that has helped.
Sorry this is long, but I wanted you to know that there are others out there who have experienced similar symptoms. I know the heart tests are expensive. Luckily my insurance covered most of my tests (I also had an echo which found my valve problem), but in the long run it was worth it for peace of mind. It allowed me to go down a different path to find answers. Hope you are feeling better!
I was given a beta blocker to slow down my hear rate and get through this period, as well as Ambien for when the insomnia was bad. I also had horrible chest and upper back pain to the point where it kept me awake at night (along with the pounding heart!) Many nights, I would sit up on my couch and watch movies all night, then get up (after sleeping 1 hour) and going to work.
Anyway, once I realized I was NOT dying and started relating it to peri, things started to improve. I also added more magnesium, fish/flax oil, iron and a few other things. I also sought out a doctor who treats with bioidentical hormones which I now use. I think this had the biggest influence on how much better I feel.
I also get PVST (which makes my heart beat about 180/min. for about 5 minutes) which I've had since my early 30's. I actually experience them rarely now (3-4 times a year) and I think it's the magnesium that has helped.
Sorry this is long, but I wanted you to know that there are others out there who have experienced similar symptoms. I know the heart tests are expensive. Luckily my insurance covered most of my tests (I also had an echo which found my valve problem), but in the long run it was worth it for peace of mind. It allowed me to go down a different path to find answers. Hope you are feeling better!
Mileena42
09-28-2006, 10:23 PM
Katidid,
Thank you for replying. Was your heart valve problem by any chance called Mitral Valve synosis? Or something like that. I have been reading about this on the internet and its really starting to freak me out. When the nurse called she made this sound quite harmless, but the more I read about it, the more alarmed I become. I think the Magnesium has also helped my heart palps.
Mileena
Thank you for replying. Was your heart valve problem by any chance called Mitral Valve synosis? Or something like that. I have been reading about this on the internet and its really starting to freak me out. When the nurse called she made this sound quite harmless, but the more I read about it, the more alarmed I become. I think the Magnesium has also helped my heart palps.
Mileena
katidid95
09-29-2006, 04:02 PM
What I have is called a bicuspid aortic valve. It's the last chamber (I think) that circulates blood back into the heart. Normally the valve has three flaps, but mine only has two. I was born that way as is about 1-2% of the population. The cardiologist told me about 20% of people never have problems and probably never even know they have it (because you can only find it through certain tests). Sometimes later in life it builds up caluses and doesn't work properly and therefore has to be replaced. It freaked me out when I found out about it (on top of my peri anxiety), but I just don't think about it much except if I have certain procedures when I need to take antibiotics (an infection in the blood stream could be deadly).
deinee
09-30-2006, 10:43 AM
Mileena,
Good luck with monitor and follow up appt. Let us know how everything turns out. I am getting ready for a trip and my palps have really been kicking up again. Probably anxiety. Thank God for Xanax! Ann
Good luck with monitor and follow up appt. Let us know how everything turns out. I am getting ready for a trip and my palps have really been kicking up again. Probably anxiety. Thank God for Xanax! Ann
mrod
10-06-2006, 08:11 PM
All of my fears started out with an abnormal EKG also. I had many other tests done and everything was normal. It ended up being anxiety-I guess related to peri-menopause. I will be 42 this month. I am on Xanax .50 mg in the morning and .25 mg at night. It has helped tremendously!!! I also take magnesium and fish oil. I hope this helps!!!!
Mileena42
10-12-2006, 11:06 AM
It's kind of funny, but when this all first began for me......I thought anxiety the lesser of all the other evils and was in a way hoping that was my problem, but since reading on the other boards and the horrible time people have dealing with this kind of thing.......I don't know. I tend to believe that my problems have some link to anxiety....but it's like the chicken and the egg, which came first? Am I sick because I am anxious? Am I anxious because I am sick? All I know for certain is that I am ready for all of this to come to an end and soon. Still waiting on my Nov. app to find out for sure what is wrong with my heart. Strange enough.....my palps have all but completely stopped. Once I started taking the magnesuim and the protonix for my acid reflux. ONE of those did the trick......or I just had a bad spell and its over for the time being....hmmmm, I know I dont ever want my heart to do what it did again....much too scary!
Mileena
Mileena