I've had almost every test available with the exception of the traditional angiogram (I've had nuclear stress, echo, CT Angio, holter, chest CT, head MRI, Tilt Table...).

I am a 41 year old female - no known health problems based upon checkups; healthy weight; former smoker; mild exerciser; healthy cholesterol levels; optimal blood pressure.

I'm having "benign" PVC's, PAC's, and chest pain. I use the word benign loosely, because after 2.5 years of daily symptoms - I'm starting to lose it. These are not benign to my mental health, for sure.

Not a day goes by that I don't have the very forceful PVC's (the PAC's are not such a big deal in comparison).. as well as various chest pains.

It is so disconcerting, I can't take it anymore! I feel as though I am dying at times throughout the day... literally.

At times (1x per week or so) I've resorted to drinking quite a bit of alcohol because being drunk is the only time I don't feel it & I just want a break
:(

I've tried abstaining from alcohol, sugar, preservatives, meditating, no caffeine, beta blockers, extra magnesium, calcium, water - I've tried everything I've heard folks here mention... nothing has helped.

I know this subject has been on this board many, many times. I just am starting to become very depressed because of this. It is now affecting my ability to work, socialize, and live a normal life.

I'm wondering if I just now need to turn to a psychiatrist & antidepressants, which I am kind of against in this situation - but geeez, this really sucks.

I have to stoically go through each day with people not knowing how I am feeling, because I "look fine!"

(A couple of things that I notice bring on even more palps - Taking a chewable Fiber tablet containing Inulin and other ingredients; swimming; going from standing to laying down in a rapid fashion. Otherwise, they are super random.)

I will seriously listen to and take suggestions from anyone here. Thank you so much for your help, or just for listening. Julie

I wish I could help you. I have been having those things for 20 years! I've had all the tests, too - but they did find that I have 100% blocked RCA - but my heart made new vessels to go around it. I know exactly how you feel! If I wake up in the morning and get a couple - I know my whole day is going to be shot. I just saw my cardiologist again on Wed - and he assures me they aren't dangerous --- well, they may not be dangerous - but they certainly can affect the quality of your life. You might want to talk to your dr. about taking a small dose of xanax or klonopin (although they don't like to prescribe them because they can be addicting). I don't drink alcholol - seems like that made them worse. If someone could come up with a cure for these -- they could make a fortune. Please hang in there - I know it's hard.

I wish I could help you. I have been having those things for 20 years! I've had all the tests, too - but they did find that I have 100% blocked RCA - but my heart made new vessels to go around it. I know exactly how you feel! If I wake up in the morning and get a couple - I know my whole day is going to be shot. I just saw my cardiologist again on Wed - and he assures me they aren't dangerous --- well, they may not be dangerous - but they certainly can affect the quality of your life. You might want to talk to your dr. about taking a small dose of xanax or klonopin (although they don't like to prescribe them because they can be addicting). I don't drink alcholol - seems like that made them worse. If someone could come up with a cure for these -- they could make a fortune. Please hang in there - I know it's hard.

Hi tomah,
Thanks for taking the time to read & write back to me. Yeah - it stinks, and no matter how many times I am told they are not dangerous, it FEELS dangerous as heck!

Last night I was reading "More" magazine, and there was a study done on 14,000 postmenopausal women (I'm pre, though) & it said that mild abnormalities such as a premature heartbeat were signs of future trouble! This study was completed just this year - I probably am not allowed to provide any links or anything, but the doctor who did the study is Pablo Denes.

I made an appt with my cardiologist for my annual check up, and I'll be sure to bring this article with me.

I was given Xanax when these things first started - and yep, I became physically dependent on it very quickly. They said to take it any time the palps were very bad. Well, that is every day!! I finally stopped taking it - it was a terrible withdrawal, even though I tapered off pretty slowly - so I have to stay away from that stuff.

Again, thanks for just being here & I hope you are feeling better too.
Take care!

Gosh! I know all to well how you're feeling. The ONLY thing I could ever associate mine with (and I've only had them for the last year and a half - I'm 45) is my menstrual cycle and stress. After making my Cardiologist swear I wouldn't die from them he put me on Toporal XL which has helped, or at least I think so. Last month I switched to the generic version of the Toporal and my PVC's started all over again. The Pharmacist said I must be sensitive to it and put me back on the Toporal which after 3 days my PVC's have stopped again. I think the Toporal keeps them at bay but I still have a few here and there depending on my stress level and monthly cycle. I'm always afraid to go to sleep when they occur - and they almost always seem to occur more at night than in the day.......hmmmm. Anyway, I'm assuming the Toporal is what helps otherwise, like you, I've tried everything else and still seem to get them.:(

Linda - I posted about generic Toprol. There are A LOT of people that say it doesn't work. I was on it for a week, and my heart rate was up in the 80/90 range (usually 55 - 60). I am now taking atenolol - and am going to ask my dr. to provide a rx for "dispense as written" so I can go back on the Toprol XL.

Gosh! I know all to well how you're feeling. The ONLY thing I could ever associate mine with (and I've only had them for the last year and a half - I'm 45) is my menstrual cycle and stress. After making my Cardiologist swear I wouldn't die from them he put me on Toporal XL which has helped, or at least I think so. Last month I switched to the generic version of the Toporal and my PVC's started all over again. The Pharmacist said I must be sensitive to it and put me back on the Toporal which after 3 days my PVC's have stopped again. I think the Toporal keeps them at bay but I still have a few here and there depending on my stress level and monthly cycle. I'm always afraid to go to sleep when they occur - and they almost always seem to occur more at night than in the day.......hmmmm. Anyway, I'm assuming the Toporal is what helps otherwise, like you, I've tried everything else and still seem to get them.:(

Hi Linda,
I am really glad to hear that Toprol has helped you. That's awesome. I still hold out hope that somebody, somewhere, will find something to help me too. Thanks for sharing your story, take care.

what does your pvs's feel like and how long do they last? what meds are u on for that? hope your feeling better

I totally understand where you are coming from. I have suffered only for 4 months with PVC/PAC and have also had all the related tests you can imagine:

*Stress (treadmill) test
*Echocardiogram
*Nuclear Thalium test
*Complete Blood work
*30 day holter device
* MRI of brain, neck, spine etc

I have been on three different medications: Toporol(generic), Tambocor (generic) and Isoptin(generic). None of these have helped. And now my Cardiologist is talking to me about performing a Cardiac Ablation.

All my results are benign - and yet as you have so eloquently stated - the last thing I feel is safe! It is a dreadful feeling, and as someone else has already mentioned, when I have a bad bout, no matter what time of the day it happens, be sure that my entire day and night is totally ruined. I have constant PVC's for the most part if I don't take my pulse I don't notice them, but every now and then I get a proper thump in my chest, followed by an instant dizzy spell, a wooshing buzzing in my ears, and then rapid succession of pulpitations...the time frame for the whole experience is probably 30 seconds to 1 minute and then I feel completely fatigued for the rest of the day or night. I have spoken to my primary care doctor and am taking Xanax, at one point I was prescribed 5 a day (too excessive) and now I have weaned myself down to half a day or when I get trapped in a bad attack...I am tired of this, it is physically and mentally exhausting!

I don't like the idea of surgery, but if it will bring this situation to a close then I have to be honest and say I will have it done, because what I am noticing this is now a disruption in not only my quality of life but that of my family too.

You are not alone, I know that many of us share your thoughts during this time, perhaps you might ask your Cardiologist what the options involved with an ablation are for you...it may help.

Please take care, be strong and know that you are not alone...

Take care,
vicjay :)

Do any of you feel like you are going to faint? I had an episode the other day where my legs got weak and then my head felt like I was losing consciousness. I didn't but came darn close. My Dr. admitted me to hospital and all tests were negative for anything but the premature beats which I knew I had from monitor. Waiting on Echo results. I really don't think it was from premature beats as he said it might be or he said could have been a drop in BP or sudden rise in BP. It was really scary. I have been having shakiness and general feeling crummy with sinus problems and intestinal problems.

Maybe neither of you were taught Valsalva's Manuever and/or the Oculocardiographic Reflex......BOTH OF WHICH WILL SLOW THE HEART RATE.....BOTH EASY TO PERFORM.......ask your doctor how. Also, often Beta Blockers will abate the palpitations. PAC's are quite normal.......PVC's should be checked. GOOD LUCK!

[QUOTE=rdkmom;3304859]Hi there!
Hi there, i have just read your reply with much interest, i was diagnosed with a heart murmur in June 07, and the results of the echo has stated that i have severe regurgitation to my aorta, i was showing mild symptoms, occasional dizziness and breathlessness, but mostly feel very well, i am having a Tee on the 19th of this month, and i was unsure of the reasons they do this test, Thanks for your info and good luck for the 27th

I have also heard if you cough a few times that that can stop them.

I am not sure which two of us you are referring to but I don't have a high heart rate at least for my age and the fact that I have emphysema. My rate is between 70 and 80. My Echo came back showing no premature beats and very good on everything else but I still have the shakiness. I was given a very small dose of Beta blocker to help with that as because I have asthma and emphysema BB are not used very often. I felt like I had some breathing restriction even with that but high pulse is not the problem with me anyway.

Hi everyone - I'm new to this so bear with me! I'm a 56 yr. old female and recently underwent a cardiac ablation. I was hospitalized several times during the last year because of cardiac arrythmia problems which triggered blood clots and a bunch of other issues. I ran the gamut of testing and monitors, went through different meds including beta blockers, all without much help. After the third episode of fainting and hospitalization my cardiologist (an electrophysiologist) recommended the ablation. I understand that it will take about 2 months to determine whether or not it worked.

Is there someone who might be willing to share his or her experience with this procedure?

Thanks!

[QUOTE=rdkmom;3304859]Hi there!
Hi there, i have just read your reply with much interest, i was diagnosed with a heart murmur in June 07, and the results of the echo has stated that i have severe regurgitation to my aorta, i was showing mild symptoms, occasional dizziness and breathlessness, but mostly feel very well, i am having a Tee on the 19th of this month, and i was unsure of the reasons they do this test, Thanks for your info and good luck for the 27th

Hey Maisie,

I got in trouble for posting my personal info. So I am back as karate_mom. Anyway,
Let me know what happens at the test. I heard you get the information and what they see right away. I read some of your prior posts. We are around the same age. I am 42. I'm nervous about the Tee. How about you?

[QUOTE=maisie jane;3305022]

Hey Maisie,

I got in trouble for posting my personal info. So I am back as karate_mom. Anyway,
Let me know what happens at the test. I heard you get the information and what they see right away. I read some of your prior posts. We are around the same age. I am 42. I'm nervous about the Tee. How about you?

Hi Karate mom,
Why did you get into trouble, did you say something you shouldn't have ?
I am a little nervous more of the results than the actual procedure, i have had cosmetic surgery {eye bag removal} under sedation so a little tube down my throat cant be to bad can it ? Open heart Surgery is my big fear so i dont want to be told of any deterioation, but as always i am being positive and am trying not to worry until i have something to worry about. How are things with you? how long have you known about your problem, do you have any symptoms are you taking any meds?
Look forward to hearing from you
Take care MJ x

[QUOTE=karate_mom;3307231]

Hi Karate mom,
Why did you get into trouble, did you say something you shouldn't have ?
I am a little nervous more of the results than the actual procedure, i have had cosmetic surgery {eye bag removal} under sedation so a little tube down my throat cant be to bad can it ? Open heart Surgery is my big fear so i dont want to be told of any deterioation, but as always i am being positive and am trying not to worry until i have something to worry about. How are things with you? how long have you known about your problem, do you have any symptoms are you taking any meds?
Look forward to hearing from you
Take care MJ x

Hi MJ,

I didn't see this post yet. Well, my Mitral Valve Prolapse started about 1998, and I went on Inderal back then. Only about 10 mg 2-3 times a day (I think), then as years went by I just lowered the dose because the palpitations were well under control, but then I got pregnant in 2000, and got restested because the palps got SO bad. So they said it was MVP with mild to moderate regurg. And jump forward to this year, around June/July I weaned off of Inderal and thought I was ok, then about a month ago (during the California Fires) my palps came back non-stop!! I was concerned so went back and they put me back on Inderal. So now I only take 20 mg a day, which really doesn't help, but if I take more my blood pressure goes too low. And then I had my consult with the Cardio and she said the Echo showed severe regurgitation. At that time I wasn't fully steady on the Inderal, and now I am taking exactly as she said. My hopes are that something like what happened with you, hapens with me. I don't have any other symptoms other than the palps. I start looking at my ankles for swelling though, and get real paranoid about the symptoms of a damaged valve or CHF and start to freak myself out. I just can't help it. I think I am a hypochodriac. I have trouble breathing alot because my sinuses are so bad. I can barely breath through my nose at all. I have to make sure I know it's not shortness of breath, and just my sinuses, but sometimes it's scary because you just can't breath! Anyway, I don't have fatigue, or muscle weakness, so I am hoping nothing is damaged. What are your symptoms again, and what meds are you on? I am 42, and I have 5 kids, and I am not working except for our Karate Studio, but then I just help with the accounting stuff. I am running back and forth though, and homework with kids, and dinner and all that keeps me busy. Well, it's nice talking to someone with the same problem. Thanks for updating me and also listening. Talk to you soon. I'll also make sure I let you know what happens on the 27th. Happy Thanksgiving!

[QUOTE=karate_mom;3307231]

Hi Karate mom,
Why did you get into trouble, did you say something you shouldn't have ?
I am a little nervous more of the results than the actual procedure, i have had cosmetic surgery {eye bag removal} under sedation so a little tube down my throat cant be to bad can it ? Open heart Surgery is my big fear so i dont want to be told of any deterioation, but as always i am being positive and am trying not to worry until i have something to worry about. How are things with you? how long have you known about your problem, do you have any symptoms are you taking any meds?
Look forward to hearing from you
Take care MJ x

Maisy,

I still didn't answer you question. Yes, in one of my prior post, I put my e-mail address, and in the rules you aren't supposed to do that, so I got kicked out. Then I was told I could come back with a new name. So that's what happened. My note was to you too. It just said to contact me and tell me how the test went. So ooops.

[QUOTE=maisie jane;3308632]
Hi Karate Mom,
You are not an hypercondriac at all, you are just very in tune with your body, and that is quite normal if you have been told by a doctor that there is a problem. I was very angry when i first found out about my heart problem, i eat well, dont drink, gave up the ciggies 2yrs ago and keep myself pretty active, i have a horse so mucking out and riding keep me fit, but when i see people who eat, drink, smoke all to exsess it winds me up that i am the one with the condition,
I work for the primary care mental health team, and listen to people telling me about their problems, depression, anxieties every day, so it is brilliant to discuss issues with someone who understands how i feel and what i am going through. Every thing you have said is excactly what i do, if i am not checking for swollen ankles i am checking the speed of my pulse.
Wow 5 kids, you must be a brave lady, when do you find time for yourself?
My symptons are occasionally slight breathlessness, and dizzy but mostly first thing in the morning, i have put this down to the possibility that my bp might be at its lowest in the mornings
will have my fingers crossed for you on the 27th
Take care Maisie
Hi MJ,

I didn't see this post yet. Well, my Mitral Valve Prolapse started about 1998, and I went on Inderal back then. Only about 10 mg 2-3 times a day (I think), then as years went by I just lowered the dose because the palpitations were well under control, but then I got pregnant in 2000, and got restested because the palps got SO bad. So they said it was MVP with mild to moderate regurg. And jump forward to this year, around June/July I weaned off of Inderal and thought I was ok, then about a month ago (during the California Fires) my palps came back non-stop!! I was concerned so went back and they put me back on Inderal. So now I only take 20 mg a day, which really doesn't help, but if I take more my blood pressure goes too low. And then I had my consult with the Cardio and she said the Echo showed severe regurgitation. At that time I wasn't fully steady on the Inderal, and now I am taking exactly as she said. My hopes are that something like what happened with you, hapens with me. I don't have any other symptoms other than the palps. I start looking at my ankles for swelling though, and get real paranoid about the symptoms of a damaged valve or CHF and start to freak myself out. I just can't help it. I think I am a hypochodriac. I have trouble breathing alot because my sinuses are so bad. I can barely breath through my nose at all. I have to make sure I know it's not shortness of breath, and just my sinuses, but sometimes it's scary because you just can't breath! Anyway, I don't have fatigue, or muscle weakness, so I am hoping nothing is damaged. What are your symptoms again, and what meds are you on? I am 42, and I have 5 kids, and I am not working except for our Karate Studio, but then I just help with the accounting stuff. I am running back and forth though, and homework with kids, and dinner and all that keeps me busy. Well, it's nice talking to someone with the same problem. Thanks for updating me and also listening. Talk to you soon. I'll also make sure I let you know what happens on the 27th. Happy Thanksgiving!

MJ,

Yes, I do check pulse rate, and I think I even breath funny because I am trying to get air at the right time, and maybe even hyperventilating sometimes. Our bodies are on a hair-trigger response which is so annoying, but were the first to know if somethings wrong, or not right? Well, I just wanted to comment on that and also that I too see people smoking outside our Karate studio, non-sop, and then go out to diinner and McDonalds, or whatever, or people who just sit at a computer all day and are overweight, and drink every weekend, and they have NO problems. It is so frustrating. I am in pretty good shape, just did the treadmill today, and I lift weights when I'm sitting around watching TV. I should not have heart problems. So just thought I would comment on that. I'll keep you posted about what goes on with my test. Thanks for keeping your fingers crossed!!

:angel: