Scared!!

I am sooo happy this site exists!!! I have had my pacemaker since 2001 (when i was only 19 years old). For two years now I have been having these awful and scary heart flutters and have also been diagnosed as having PVC's and PAC's. Does anyone else get these super scary flutters?? Do you think I am just feeling these PVC's/PAC's? I feel like I am going to go into V-fib and die! The last time I was hooked up to a heart monitor it kept beeping and reading "multiform PVC's". Am I dying or what??? I have a lot of anxiety about this as you can probably tell!

6 Comments

Scared

by Carol - 2008-08-24 11:08:16

Hi! Yes, those skips, pauses, and flutters can be pretty unnerving. I get them too, had them more frequently right after pm put in about 10 months ago. For me now they come and go...some days worse than others. While they still cause me to "sit up and take notice" for the most part, I just try to move on and not worry. You probably are just feeling the PVC/PAC's, and they're probably not dangerous.....but the only real way to know is to wear a monitor and catch them on tape. That way you and your doc know exactly what type of rhythm you're experiencing and then you'll be able to relax a little more. So, if you haven't already, talk to your doctor & ask for the monitor....my guess is though that your doctor is aware of what you're experiencing (from your previous monitor hook up) and doesn't feel you're in any danger.
Hope this helps, Carol

Hi.....

by Bionic Beat - 2008-08-25 01:08:36

Yes, PVCs and PACs are not pleasant but the good news is that they are not dangerous.

You might feel light-headed and uncomfortable but a small dose of beta blocker can help to control them.

If you get upset by them, they can increase.

Very easy to say don't get upset, harder to do.

I had them for years.....along with other arrythmias, so I totally commiserate with you.

Please take comfort from the fact they are not dangerous.

Any kind of relaxation therapy can help too.

Deep breathing, a tape or just calming music might help.

Sometimes I'd go for a walk, start dancing (yes it worked), or do a couple of flights of stairs to "reset" my heart rate.

Hope you find something that works for you.

Take care.

Bionic Beat

Advise...maybe

by joy1 - 2008-08-25 01:08:56

I get PVCs alot also. My cardiologist hooked me up to a holter monitor, not to long ago, for 48 hours it confirmed the feeling of palpitations I was experiencing. As for dealing with them...well... make sure you get plenty of sleep. Take naps if necessary. Try to keep your stress to a minimum. Maybe talk to your docs about getting a low level anti anxiety med because the PVCs start a vicious cycle of anxiety to PVCs to more anxiety. Don't use caffeine, alcohol or cigarettes. Use a minimal amount of salt and make sure to drink plenty of water. Often times, walking will naturally pace your heart making the PVCs stop. those are just some ideas. I have dealt with them for 15 years since my first heart attack. Make sure to talk to your doctor about them if for no other reason than to let them know you are feeling them and that they are making you anxious.

I'm sorry that they are scaring you so bad. Your not alone in experiencing them.

joy

PVC's are...

by shulan - 2008-08-25 02:08:48

uvagershwin:
PVC's are premature ventricular contractions. The majority of the population does have them, but doesn't notice them (they go asymptomatic) however, some people, so I'm told, can feel them and describe them as flutters, hard beats, extra beats, or pauses. Your description of "heavy beats" could very well be PVC's that you are feeling. You should go see your doctor about getting a holter monitor put on to confirm what you are experiencing. Do you have any other symptoms when you get these "heavy beats"?

???!

by uvagershwin - 2008-08-25 11:08:21

Hey, I am wondering what in the world is a PVC?! I experience "heavy beats" and posted about it before. Is this the same thing???

PVCs are not fun...!

by dward - 2008-08-25 12:08:53

I can sooo relate to how you feel!!!
I get PVCs quite often, and can feel them VERY clearly in my throat and chest.

Yes, you get used to them, somewhat. I also can take a low dose of Apo-Propanolol (1`0mg) if I start5 getting them. Too soon to tell if that works because I just started. I think it helps a little.

Anyhow, one thing you need to know (if you don't already) is that Caffiene, Alcohol and stress can increase your PVCs.

There should be a PVC support group!! They are not fun, and if anybody out there has advice on keeping them to a minimum, I would LOVE to hear from you.

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