PVCs (skipped beats or flutters) Different After Med Change - Heart Disorders Message Board

missy101 · 06-03-2006, 03:29 PM

Over 6 weeks (approx) ago I was switched from 100-120mg of propranolol (Inderal) to 75-100mg of metoprolol a day. I was very fearful of the switch since the propranolol did well at controlling the tachycardia. But so far, the metoprolol has been pretty good to me. In fact, I have significantly less PVCs with the new med. However, when I DO get them, they feel different than before. It seems the skip lasts longer...like my heart stops for a bit longer than it did while on the propranolol. And it just feels different. No pain, but uneasy. And like I said, it is less frequent - even during my period. I will get them maybe once or twice a week or so.

Are they perhaps not PVCs anymore, but now something else that is happening? Could it be something dangerous?? I recently had an echo and a stress echo. They said my heart was tip top. Should I worry here or just once again accept that I am simply not normal and never will be??? LOL. Of course instead of just being happy that the med is working - I get all paranoid about the one noticable difference!!!

ww23river · 06-03-2006, 06:18 PM

can you tell me exactly what the skipped beats feel like?

missy101 · 06-03-2006, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ww23river

can you tell me exactly what the skipped beats feel like?

Its funny, I have had them for years now and I still cannot seem to explain with mere words how it feels. But I will try. If I am not feeling my pulse, I feel a flutter in my chest and almost in my throat as well. Just like is a small fish flopped around for a second under my ribs.

If I am feeling my pulse (sometimes they will happen in groups..like 4 in 2 mins so I instinctivly and probably stupidly take my pulse) I can actually feel it miss a beat.

Very strange. I am told all the time that MOST people do not feel them. Those people make me sick (lol...not really so dont be offended if you are one) because I am so jealous of them!!

Jennsie · 06-05-2006, 10:06 PM

that is great that the metoprolol is providing some relief! Sound slike you are still having run of the mill symptomatic PVCs. I am also on metoprolol and get them every now and then....I can actually feel my pulse do something like beatbeat.....BEAT....................... ...........beatbeat...........BEAT then it returns to normal. I discussed this with my cardiologist and he said it was fine. It also feels like a flutter in my throat or stomach sometimes. I totally don't understand how people can't feel them...they used to scare the heck out of me!! Maybe ours are stronger?

ww23river · 06-06-2006, 07:33 AM

yeah I get those weird heartbeat too...especially after I went off bcps....but i still get them a lot...and they too scare me...i hate them soooo much...because I also has to be the one that feels them and focusses on them...