neshee
11-08-2006, 06:09 PM
Okay, so my doc thinks that I have what is called PVC's (fluttering in the middle of your chest). They come usually more often around my monthly cycle. My question is, has anyone who has PVC's (which are considered completely normal) ever have had them so bad they felt like they weren't going to end and felt lightheaded?? I am just curious, b/c I had a really bad heavy flutter last week and it lasted probably 7-10 seconds (I know that seems short, but to a person with anxiety it took forever) and I almost felt faint. I am not sure if I should be concerned about this, or if I just had a really bad PVC. I cannot just run to the doc's as I have no health insurance. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
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CTM5
11-08-2006, 06:23 PM
I have this every now and then to a point where I feel like I'm going to pass out. I went to the doctor to have it checked out and he said it was stress related and nothing I should worry about. Just remember that it is anxiety related and that you'll be fine :) If it happens again just take deep breaths and tell yourself that you're ok and that it'll pass in a few seconds:) Hope this helps!
CircusSquirrel
11-08-2006, 07:29 PM
I have had PVCs for years, since I was 14 and I'm now 32. Sometimes they still catch me by surprise and scare the crap out of me. Basically, if you've been checked out, you can be reassured that they are common and harmless. I'm no doc, but I believe they usually really worry about heart stuff when a person actually passes out. Passing out and feeling lightheaded are two WAY different things to a doc. If you are super concerned and haven't had the "big" workup with the EKG and echo, you could ask for that. Some people get that, it comes back good, and they don't worry anymore. Then there are those of us (me included) who still spaz out from time to time! Take care!
anxiousinnj
11-08-2006, 10:32 PM
For reassurance ( & safety), maybe ask your cardiolgist if you can wear a holter monitopr for a few days. HOpefully you will haveat least one of the fluttering events so they will know for sure what it is.
PVC's can be harnless, but several in a row can be dangerous & need treatment. I would want to have it checked further just to be sure. I don't like when things are blamed on anxiety before being properly checked out.
anxiousinnj
PVC's can be harnless, but several in a row can be dangerous & need treatment. I would want to have it checked further just to be sure. I don't like when things are blamed on anxiety before being properly checked out.
anxiousinnj
neshee
11-08-2006, 11:49 PM
Thanks guys! I did have an EKG and and Echo done when I started having anxiety last December. Although my PVC's have gotten somewhat worse...(or seem to b/c of my anxiety) I feel fine otherwise. I think that if it was heart related or serious it would have showed up then, b/c I have had PVC's for 10 years or so. Just not that REAL heavy stuff, but I was going through a stressful time so that was probably it. Cannot afford a holter monitor. Would love to do that for reassurance, but can't. If it gets worse or whatever, I won't hesitate to be seen at whatever cost. But seeing as though I had those tests done a little less than a year ago, I am assuming that I am fine, plus I am only 27 so I guess I have age on my side too. Thanks again! That helps to know that I am not alone!:)
bratforlife
11-09-2006, 10:35 AM
I have had PVC's for over 17 years now, I freaked when I first discovered mine. I have woren a holter monitor 3-4 times now, had EKG's and a echo and it all comes back fine....I was told they once did a study on some army recruits (some of the healthiest people) and half them have PVC's.. My doctor told me alot of people have these it is just that some feel them more then others (and us anxiety people who have sensitive bodies) can feel everything.... When I was going through my divorce I had one almost every minute for a month.. Sometimes they would come 3 at a time and I would just cough and it would be okay...Now I usually just get them around that time of the month.... I don't know if your doctor told you what happens but basically it is a premature heart beat and you don't feel that beat what you feel is the next beat catching up and depending on how long that next beat takes is how much you feel it....My doctor told me I could have 6 of them a minute for days and be okay... Sometimes I feel light headed but I don't let it get to me... they are nothing to make your anxiety worse, trust me.. At first I use to avoid places it happened at, but realized I would go no where if I kept doing that...They say if they get bad to take a walk because increasing your heart rate gets rid of them....Hope this helps you!!!!!!
CircusSquirrel
11-09-2006, 11:01 AM
OMG, not to hijack the post, but BratforLife, thanks for your post. I am about to get divorced and I swear my PVCs have increased. Not as much as yours, but they have increased. I've had mine for a long time, too.
anxiousinnj
11-09-2006, 02:05 PM
Sometimes I will get them frequently several times a minute for days on end....then I will be fine for days or weeks. Pre- menstrual time can trigger them but I'm past that, but not sure if my body knows it yet..lol.
A friend of mine also gets them & we have decided a full moon triggers them also--I'm always checkign to see what the moon is doing when I get them frequently.
And yes, exercise helps. Avoiding the food triggers, caffeine, chocolate etc.. is important.
anxiousinnj
A friend of mine also gets them & we have decided a full moon triggers them also--I'm always checkign to see what the moon is doing when I get them frequently.
And yes, exercise helps. Avoiding the food triggers, caffeine, chocolate etc.. is important.
anxiousinnj
neshee
11-09-2006, 05:45 PM
NOT CHOCOLATE< NO!! LOL!! I know I don't eat 100% of what I should. Especially when you have a little one at home who doesn't eat all the candy in her Halloween Bucket!! I am a chocoholic! 12 step program?? Anyone?? Yeah, that PVC really scared me alot. But, I agree about the full moon thing, cause we just went through one. And, I too, get them on and off for awhile and then they seem to stop for weeks, months at a time. I have noticed though, that since I have had anxiety they are worse. BUT that could only be b/c of the anxiety. It is really funny how every little thing can bother us now, that never did before. I guess that is just a part of why we hate it so much. I am planning to excersise more. I have lost 40lbs due to this anxiety crap (not that that was a bad thing!). I am thankful for that, but now I am flabby. So, I will try to start walking more. Hard with winter coming, and having a 2 year old at home. Probably do an indoor tape. Well, again, thanks to all of you! I feel better...a tad concerned about my blood pressure, but again...anxiety...:)