question(s)

I didn't know what to title this! Can someone tell me if PVC, PAC and Palpitations are the same thing? (I do know PAC originate from the Atrium and PVC the Ventricle). I am asking because the EP turned off my pm last week so we could use a holter monitor to try to capture some of what I still feel with my heart. I can't describe it so I think it is frustrating he doctor (I know it is frustrating me) anyhow, I did a google search on some of the feelings (flipping, squeezing etc) and those three things kept coming up. Are they a big deal? I feel it each time and it is numerous times a day. THANKS!!

4 Comments

Please see

by Theknotguy - 2014-01-02 10:01:11

Please see the following website. It will give you a discussion about your questions.

http://www.theheartcenter.md/handler.cfm?event=practice,template&cpid=1862

Unfortunately, not being a doctor trained in reading an EKG, and not being able to see your EKG, I don't think I can (nor can anyone else on this site) give you a definite answer.

However, having a-fib which almost killed me two times, I can tell you that you probably won't have to worry about your symptoms. Eventually the a-fib can kill you but you don't have to worry about the immediate sensations. That's why the doctor has you on the holter monitor - so he can see what's going on.

Welcome to the wonderful world of electrical problems with the heart. Especially when you don't match the textbook situations. That's the bad news. The good news is there's a lot of people out there with a-fib and electrical problems so there are a lot of solutions.

I say the a-fib CAN kill you - if left untreated. You're being treated so your outlook is a lot better. Unfortunately you're going to have to live through the sensations why they figure out what is going on.

If your heart rate goes from a normal level (60 - 80 beats per minute ) to a high rate (120 - 140 beats per minute) then you'll want to punch the button and go to the ER. You should know that if it happens because you'll be lying flat and gasping for air while feeling like you just ran a marathon.

Other than that, just go with the holter monitor. Try to keep thinking positive and look forward to the cardiologist coming up with a solution to your problems.

What you DON'T want is what I had. Walking down the hiking trail with nary a problem - then waking up in the hospital six days later with everyone saying, "Surprise!"

So hang in there. Keep working the plan. Hopefully things will get better for you soon.

Theknotguy

Palpitations

by Selwyn - 2014-01-03 02:01:11

Palpitations are a symptom, i.e. they are experienced by you. The exact cause is another matter and if frequent will need a full cardiological investigation. (ECG, ECHO, possible monitoring).

Of concern to me is your medication- not only do you take thyroxine, but all your other meds are associated with possible cardiological side effects.

I would not advise stopping your meds. Certainly you should know whether your thyroxine is at the proper level ( easily done with a blood test), and your electrolytes also.
You need to discuss with your cardiologist whether your meds are the cause, and how to sort this out.

Palpitations can be stress associated, given your meds, this may have added significance.

The odd palpitation is normal. It is the frequency and duration that makes them abnormal. Most fit people will not run into problems even if your have a heart rate of 120 bpm with them ( as in atrial fibrillation, where the heart rates is quite irregular, a lot of people do not even know they have a problem).

The exact description of the sensation of palpitations is a bit of an art form. I would describe mine like having a weight loose in my chest banging around, but this is all descriptive.

Hope this answers your questions.
With best wishes, do let us know the outcome.

Palpitations

by Selwyn - 2014-01-03 02:01:11

Palpitations are a symptom, i.e. they are experienced by you. The exact cause is another matter and if frequent will need a full cardiological investigation. (ECG, ECHO, possible monitoring).

Of concern to me is your medication- not only do you take thyroxine, but all your other meds are associated with possible cardiological side effects.

I would not advise stopping your meds. Certainly you should know whether your thyroxine is at the proper level ( easily done with a blood test), and your electrolytes also.
You need to discuss with your cardiologist whether your meds are the cause, and how to sort this out.

Palpitations can be stress associated, given your meds, this may have added significance.

The odd palpitation is normal. It is the frequency and duration that makes them abnormal. Most fit people will not run into problems even if your have a heart rate of 120 bpm with them ( as in atrial fibrillation, where the heart rates is quite irregular, a lot of people do not even know they have a problem).

The exact description of the sensation of palpitations is a bit of an art form. I would describe mine like having a weight loose in my chest banging around, but this is all descriptive.

Hope this answers your questions.
With best wishes, do let us know the outcome.

Thank you!

by mom0f6 - 2014-01-03 02:01:20

I do take a myriad of medications, but no longer the zoloft. ( I need to update my bio). My electrolytes can be low on occasion same with my potassium level but they are monitored.

I hope they can figure out everything with the holter monitor and PM being turned off soon.

The support here is great and very much appreciated!!

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Member Quotes

The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.