I agree.

Whereabouts are you based?

Surely these drs can come up with bettr solutions than this?

My story is similar and I am fed up with feeling ill.

Jean.

    Jean, I deal with the PVC's also. From my research Dr.'s DON'T KNOW the CAUSE of PVC's. I requested the beta blocker Lopressor 100 mg, 3 times a day and it really does help lessen the PVC's.  Hope your Dr. is willing to let you take this.

                  Best wishes,

                                       John

I am 47 and have also been dealing with PVC's for one year now.  My pvcs are every two beats sometimes every beat 24/7.    I have been for every test possible and my heart perfectly normal.   I have thryoid problems and it seems when my thyroid is not quite leveled they get worse.  I am now going through hormone testing.  It may be possible that a lack of estrogen is making me very symptomatic.  My EP specialist told me this is not a life long condition, we will see.

I am 47 and have also been dealing with PVC's for one year now.  My pvcs are every two beats sometimes every beat 24/7.    I have been for every test possible and my heart perfectly normal.   I have thryoid problems and it seems when my thyroid is not quite leveled they get worse.  I am now going through hormone testing.  It may be possible that a lack of estrogen is making me very symptomatic.  My EP specialist told me this is not a life long condition, we will see.

I have also been diagnosed with pvc's and pac's through a holter monitor.  I am on a very strong drug called mexiletine 150mg twice a day.  I used to have very bad ventricular tachycardia and it was ablated and cured.  I have pvc's/pac's almost every day and I can usually deal with a few a day.  What I find very distressing is when I get a flare up for absolutely no reason and out of the blue like a lot of you are describing.  I find them debilitating, scary, and when they flare up, my heart seems to start beating quickly probably because of the anguish that is behind each extra beat.  I have been to one of the best hospitals in the world called St. Francis Heart Hospital in Long Island New York.  I have seen one of the best arrhthymia specialists.  He was written up in The Times Magazine as one of the best doctors for arrhythmias.  He told me that they are benign and not to worry about them but when I get these flare ups, they aren't benign to me.  Its mother's day tomorrow and I had planned on making a delicious meal for my children and now I don't know what I am going to do.  I feel so helpless.  Doctor's are baffled over this condition.  What I cannot understand is how they can fix blocked arteries, help people that are having a heart attack, but they can't cure this.  Due to this flare up, I called my regular cardiologist and all he did was listen to me rambling on about the way I am feeling.  He told me that there is really nothing that can be done for me.  I was ready to go to the emergency room but that would be a waste of time.  All they would do is hook me up to a holter monitor, and see them and then release me.  I think this condition is a curse if you ask me and anyone that has them and only people that have them can possibly understand what you go through every time they flare up.  I would love to make some friends that have this.  I guess misery likes company so to speak.  You can email me at paulacirulnick@yayhoo.com.  Sorry that paulacirulnick@yahoo.com.  Please write to me. 

I am 42 yrs old and a registered nurse.  I have been dealing with PAC's and PVC"s for approx 10 yrs now.  I was just on vacation and was taken to emergency room by EMS for dizziness, blurred vision and feeling like I was going to pass out...all from this "benign" condition!  Of course when I got hooked up to a monitor it all stopped and no evidence was documented!!  Admittedly, I am a fairly dramatic individual but this is too much!! I have had an event monitor, holter monitor, echo, stress test, thyroid tests, countless EKG's.  Sometimes it feels like my heart is throwing itself at my sternum.  I will sometimes have a flare up and my husband always says "Do you want to go to the hospital?"....for what?  My doc and I discussed going on a beta blocker but I have low BP's and that will most likely cause hypotension.  I have taken care of people and seen PAC's and PVC's on their monitor and they do not feel it, WHY? I am a nurse and find this to be very scary and sometimes overwhelming, I am at a loss. 

Hi....I'm 66 years old and experienced my first PVCs at age 48.  My weight is 180 lbs and am six feet tall.      I have never smoked, never drink alcohol, and don't care for coffee, never dirnk sodas or intake sugars.     I've tried everything prescriptive and natural for the condition.  With a family of physicians, I know they do not have the answers either, but many theories.   One behavior that after 18 years of having  small episodes, is stress.  When my stress level is decreased, my PVCs become nearly extinct.   The tried and true old prescription Inderol helps very much.   Another behavior that is directly related to increased PVCs for me, is eating.   Within 10 minutes of ingesting any type of food, and sitting or prone, my PVCs accelerate.   If I stand after eating and engage in something physical, PVCs don't exist.  I've learned to eat small portions of food several times per day, never eat after 5:30 in the evening, and eat healthy with most every meal.   If I accomplish all those interventions, I'm basically free of those disturbing little creatures.   Hope this help somebody??  

ocupi- i am 471/2 yrs old 5'11 and close to your weight. just had a stress test and they discovered i have PVC. wondering if you had any thyroid problems? Im in the middle of tons of medical appointments trying to figure out all of my symptons.

thanks

My pvc's have started occurring after eating, especially midday at work. If I stand and do a lot of moving around the pvc's minimize, sometimes stopping alltogether. If I sit and work they are worse. They come and last for weeks sometimes, then there are months that I don't see any. My doctors don't seem very concerned about them at all. They say they are "bothersome" but that is all. I try to keep this in mind, but it is still very difficult to just "ignore" them. The pvc's seem to occurr with a lot of intestinal gas. I also have GERD which I believe contributes greatly to them. I am also greatly stressed right now due to the loss of my mother, my brother's grandson,  and several friends. I have had panic attacks since I was in my 20's. They are much worse when I am stress, as my abdominal distress is heightened by excessive stress and worry. When I am not stressed, I don't have any pvc's either. I have gone for long periods without experiencing even 1. I agree that eating better does seem to make a difference, also handling stress and deep breathing makes a difference. I am lactose intolerent, and I need to stay away from all dairy products. Not eating late also helps.

my cardiOlogist said, NO CAFFEINE, NO SMOKING, NO DRUGS, NO CHOCOLATE, AND NO NO NO NO STRESS, I USE CAFFEINE, I HAVE STRESS, I LOVE CHOCOLATE, DO NOT SMOKE OR DO DRUGS. YIKES, I AM AT A LOSS TOOOO.

I understand what you mean. I don't smoke, do drugs and have limited caffeine. Who doesn't have stress in this day and time.lol. Mine occur more when I'm resting and sleeping. I'm also having pain with them and alot of dizziness. Dr put me on lopressor but I'm still have alot of problems with them

I too, have the same problems with PVC's that you're having.  My Cardiologist started me on Lopressor 50mg daily.  After a couple of years on this dosage which wasn't doing much for stopping the PVC's,  I went to my local general dr. that said why not increase the dosage gradually up to 100mg daily in divided doses of 25mg. 4 times daily and see if that helps.  It did, and has made my life much better.  Sometimes, you just need to try different beta blockers or calcium channel blockers at different dosages to get results.  Don't give up. 

my cardiOlogist said, NO CAFFEINE, NO SMOKING, NO DRUGS, NO CHOCOLATE, AND NO NO NO NO STRESS, I USE CAFFEINE, I HAVE STRESS, I LOVE CHOCOLATE, DO NOT SMOKE OR DO DRUGS. YIKES, I AM AT A LOSS TOOOO.

my cardiOlogist said, NO CAFFEINE, NO SMOKING, NO DRUGS, NO CHOCOLATE, AND NO NO NO NO STRESS, I USE CAFFEINE, I HAVE STRESS, I LOVE CHOCOLATE, DO NOT SMOKE OR DO DRUGS. YIKES, I AM AT A LOSS TOOOO.

Ok its my turn. Im a 46 yr old women 5"2 179lbs but carry it well and dont look fat. For the last 3 wks straight i have been having PVC everyday all day, it ware me out at the end of the day. I notice long as im moving i dont have them but when im sitting or trying to relax boy they start up. I was taking 50mg 2x day atenolol that was not working so now my dr switch me to 50mg 2x day Metoprolol and up my lexapro to 20mg a day its been 3 days now and no relief yet. I would get a pvc maybe 2 or 3 pvc a month which was ok but never like this everyday all day. Ive been to the Emergency room and they was able to catch them and said there not dangerous wow! good to know but they feel dangerous. I also take lorazepam when i just cant take anymore to relax so i can just cope with them. This stuff is beginning to cause me to want to withdrawl from the world because i feel my safety zone is at home. Im praying everyday for a healing from these things. Ive lost my job because i just could not function due to the anxiety and depression this have me in. Well in Feb this yr i almost lost my mother and was there when she stop breathing and had to work on her and it seems like i havent felt the same since then. My dr thinks from all of that stress that ive been through now things done calm down and im beginning to break. Ive taking care of my mother for the last 7yrs in my home by myself and shes the love of my life besides my 4 sons. Its like now im in my late 40s and all my kids are grown and now my moms is being taking care of in a facility i should be have a great time, but its like my world is falling apart as i sit her crying writing this note. Well with no medical at this time im waiting to get charity so i can have more test ran to see if theres something causing all the PVC. or its just big STRESS AND ANXIETY from all ive been through. Well everyday im hoping for a miracle that these pvc will just go away. Well ive vented now so if anyone know of any meds thats good for these things please let me know. I can be reached at luvleeyes98003@yahoo.com

I am 45 and have had PVC for five years.  Sometimes they are worse than other times.  I have been tested and a friend who is a cardiologist told me not to worry, I trust him so I don't.  It can be worrying sometimes when you feel them, but he told me that most people have it, but they just can't feel it.  So my recommendation to you is to not worry about it, its most likely not going to be fatal.  Stay away from caffine, that does help.  Worry about something else, like your sons, your relationship, your job.  Get off all of the drugs...yea, they cure some symptoms, but if you start enjoying life and stop worrying, you probably won't need all the meds.

Hello Ingmar54, I noticed that you have PVCs, panic disorder and GERD as I do.  The PVCs are very recent and trigger a mild panic response which brings on the indigestion.  The cardiologist told me not to worry when my PVCs flare up (usually once or twice daily for about an hour) but it's difficult.  Eating seems to play a part.  I hope you do not get caught up in avoidance.  Many of us panic sufferers tend to avoid situations that we think might cause panic attacks.  Pretty soon we're avoiding 90% of our life!  I've met people who do not leave their house.  This could also apply to people with PVCs.  I trying my best to do what the doctors suggest and ignore them rather than let them dictate what I do.  My 24 hour halter monitor showed about 85 per hour at the peak.  The rest of the day I had about 3-5 per hour.  I will do my best to ignore them and hope the frequency declines as my cardiologist says is might.  Good luck to both of us!

Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou! I am a 41 year old woman and have been having PCVs for a few years. At first they were occational, but became more frequent several months ago. I have also noticed that my PVCs increase dramatically immediately after eating. I also have reflux so sometimes it's hard to tell which is causing that burbly flip-flop feeling in my chest. I quit smoking and dropped all caffinated beverages and it seemed to help for awhile but a couple of weeks ago they abruptly returned. I had not yet heard anyone else state that their PVCs increase after a meal so I had disregared the idea of a true corrolation between the two. In short, I figured I was just imagining things. It is a relief to know that I'm not and to have something else within my control which may be a cause. I logically know that PVCs aren't a big deal but have a hard time not getting panicked when they are frequent. Naturally, this just makes the situation worse. Oh well. Maybe when I have been having them for 20 years and am still alive I'll begin to trust that they are, in fact, irritating but harmless.

I am so thankful to have found this blog. Everything I've read seems to relate to me and my pvcs. I am vowing to try magnesium, eat small portions and none after 5:30 pm. I am going to start walking and keep in mind the whole time I am making myself stronger;I am not going to focus on the fluttering and flipping in my chest. I will picture a healthy heart pumping my blood to make me the best I can be. I have a 16 year old daughter and a 13 year old son and they need me! GOOD BYE PVCs!

Have you learned any more information? I am also a newer nurse and have been suffering with PVC's for a year now....I just break down and cry at times because I get so worried that I refuse to go out and do things I refuse to eat certain foods or drink any caffiene or alcohol....I feel like I am so restricted and yet I still get them. The docs just keep giving me ativan and talking about SSRI's but I can't being myself to accept that as an answer....

I too have suffered for over half my 50 yrs with these PVC's and also been hospitalized and tested etc...It got so bad when I was pregnant 19 yrs ago I felt like I was almost getting depressed from it. I was told that they are benign also and that I can't die from them. I noticed when I had period cramps or was hormonal they increased tenfold. Well I did my research and found out that taking Magnesium is the best thing for heart arrythmia or PVCs. When I feel them coming on I take GNC 500mg of Magnesium, sometimes I have to take 2 caps. Usually within 15 minutes things start to get better. I want to share this with all of you...please try it. You can google it too or go on youtube.com and see some videos about it. Sometimes they don't subside all the way but MOST times they do. I carry it in my purse and even one in my pocket at all times...Good Luck and God Speed...

THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP ON MAGNESIUM.

THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP ON MAGNESIUM.

THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP ON MAGNESIUM.

THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP ON MAGNESIUM.

The doctor already put me on xanax and is also trying to put me on celexa in addition to the tranquiliser. I don't want to live on an array of pharmaceuticles. I am looking for a more natural approach.

Well, if they in fact are harmless, I would love to be one of those lucky (blessed) people who don't feel them! :) They can be very scary if you have a particularily long run of extrasystoles. I just keep coughing until they straighten out. I would almost rather have pain than pvc's . I don't have many pac's. I had a few when I was younger, but now they all seem to be pvc's. I worry more now because I am going on 62 years old, but my doctor's don't seem to think they are very important.

dear paula, I have what you have-pvc. sorry ,my caps lock in pc dosn't work.

my cardiologist tells me i don't have a serious causes for my pvc-s. i cannot live a normal life, i am alwais expecting..  i can predict the weather better then weather men, i have my pvc when rain is comming or the temperature is going to dropp.

but mostly, they are unpredictable. my pcp docter blames stress and normal aging for everything. last week i was in the hospital again, and i was told my heart was just fine. what to do?

dear paula, I have what you have-pvc. sorry ,my caps lock in pc dosn't work.

my cardiologist tells me i don't have a serious causes for my pvc-s. i cannot live a normal life, i am alwais expecting..  i can predict the weather better then weather men, i have my pvc when rain is comming or the temperature is going to dropp.

but mostly, they are unpredictable. my pcp docter blames stress and normal aging for everything. last week i was in the hospital again, and i was told my heart was just fine. what to do?

It is comforting to hear from other women with the same condition.  I am 59 and have been having this "heart flumping" since I was in my early 40's.  I experience the light headedness and dizziness and sometimes I cough - I feel like I have lost my breath.  I have been seeing a cardiologist for 15 years and have had all the tests - echo stress tests, ultrasounds, holter monitors etc.  My Dr. says it is nothing to worry about and that I have to get used to it.  Well hello, you have no idea how scary it can be when your heart feels like it is trying to jump out of your chest.  I tell my husband one shouldn't have to be so aware of what your heart is doing all the time.  It would be nice to be just normal for a change.

Sue

Hi Debbie, I am here to offer you some much needed comfort.  I am the one who can help you because I know where you're coming from, I've been there and I can relate probably more than anyone else reading these posts.  

Now I'm 52, I've had all the same feelings (going to the store, walks, etc..).  I still check my heart pulse and count my bigeminy (sp?) runs.  

My advice is to TRY not to focus on them.  Go about your life just as you would normally, except of course, when you're feeling too dizzy, but even that can sometimes to 'shook' off.  Try moving around, get outside, Breath fresh air.  I play tennis, and that helps.  Go swimming, that helps.  

My pvc's when I was in my 40's came and went.  No reason, I've monitored what I was eating, doing, meds, etc... nothing connected the dots.  But this doesn't matter. I've read recently, and I can't remember which website, but it was reliable, that having pvc's are a PERFECTLY NORMAL pattern in a HEALTHY heart.  and you and I both have been diagnosed with a normal structured heart, so this is why you need to try and not obsess over it.  It doesn't help to do so, in fact, it takes away from you living a full, productive life.  I'm trying to to the same, I live just like any other person, NO limits, exercise ALL you want to, go to stores.  I did feel too faint the other day at Costco, so I just left, and didn't purchase anything.  That SELDOM happens (like a first in years).  

So give it a try, no depression, be happy!! and live!! and love life!, your heart's rhythum is normal for YOUR heart, so go with the 'flow', ha.  Good Luck!!!

For the past month 1/2 I've had the very same thing.  Thumping in my chest so hard it will will jar you!  Had all of the tests, cardiac catherization, monitorws, etc.  they finally stopped and for 3 days I was beginning to feel like my old self again and THEN this morning at 5:40 a.m. it all started again.  Dizziness, shortness of breath etc.  Give me a break - why can't all of these genious Drs. come up with something to help???

Debbie-

I've been having them for years, been in and out of the hospital, had a failed ablation, you name it . . . I have researched the crap out of it as the doctors, both naturopathic and regular, can't help me. About a month ago I decided to attack on my own.  First, I found out that mold is a huge culprit in causing PVCs, and I realized mine were worse when we would get in a batch of moldy hay (we have a horse farm.) I now have someone else move hay for me. Second, I put myself on a juice fast for a week and slowly started adding back regular food. I had very few PVCs while on juice, but as soon as I started eating again, and carefully monitored my reactions, I learned that anything with wheat caused my heart to go bananas. Which is a pain, but not impossibe to deal with. Also, if I eat past the point of being comfortably full the PVCs kick in with a vengeance. I'm not saying your causes are the same, but it you are creative, you can find ways to narrow it down and learn the triggers. Oh, and I have been allergic to every med they have tried to give me for them. I am 51, in very good health, and there is no way I can do many of the things I used to do because when they flare up, it knocks the wind out of me. I am determined to narrow down the causes and figure this out, whatever it takes.

Hi, My name is Pam and I have been reading all the different posts about pvcs and your symptoms seem very similar to myself. I started having them about 8 years ago right after I was dignoised with Celiac Sprue. I have them constantly and they are either every other beat or every second beat. I have been seen and had all the tests to check my heart health by two different cardiologists and will be seeing a third in April. I have been told that they are benign as many people on here have. Celiac causes a lot of inflammation in the stomach and small intestints and I feel like that is what has started all the pvcs. I also have hypothyroidism which probably don't help and also age (42) and perimenopausal. I like you seem to think there is a trigger and have yet to figure it out. Good luck with your answer! Let me know if you find one. 

I know how distressing pvc's can be. They are really frightening. My doctors do nothing when Ihave them. Over the years I have had a holter monitor, an event monitor, stress echo, telemetry, and nothing was wrong with my heart. I have no additional symptoms other than tachycardia when I panic. If I go to the hospital or doctor, they just give me a tranqiliser and send me home. I got a $500 bill from the emergency room just for being on telemetry for 3 hours. Thank goodness the insurance picked up all but $75! It's so annoying, because worrying about the pvc's gives you more pvc's. I know that when I don't think about them I don't really get them. I think we just need to learn to relax and de-stress which is much harder than it sounds. I thnk the dizziness, etc. could be due to the anxiety of worrying about the sensations. As long as we have our doctor's assurance, we should try not to worry. Look at how many people are going thru the same thing. I keep working, or doing whatever I'm doing and nothing ever happens. Try to stay focused, read, and educate yourself. Also find someting interesting to do and get your mind off of the pvc's. I am going to start sewing again. Best of luck to you, and I think you and I (and the others) are going to be fine! Ingmar

Dear Sue

Please try and calm down, its only gonna make them worse. I have them all the time also. They will not kill you, and most likely you will never pass out. You should get on a medicine to help you stay calm. I feel so bad for you, i can tell in your writing that your at your breaking point. You will be Okay, you just have to find the right medicine to either take them away, or at the very least, less frequent. I take valium, 2mg.  all day if i have to, that seems to help alot, and if they do happen, well at least I dont panic. Hope this helps you.

Katherine

Have you checked your sugar. I have the same things and sometiimes my sugar is elevated. I am 74 with border line diabeties. No insulin yet. But have been told very sensitive to my sugar.The dizziness, sweaty,blurred vision,depression and anxiety all go with the sugar. Try to let me know how you do.

Dear Debbie:  As an RN, I have been having PVC's since early 40's.  As of late, I have been having them continously for the last month, my birthday month, April and I am 58, female.  I have also found the pounding, irregular heart beat to very scarey, feels as "if I'm trying to die", quite frankly..  I had a 24 hour monitor two days ago, and my cardiologist explains, "they are just annoying."  Humm..  I'm not too sure any doctor really knows what the heart is doing.  I 've decided to keep going, enjoy life, walk, smell my flowers, eat right, and I still have one cup of coffee in a.m.  Have all my life.  That is not going to change.  You take care.  Dianne

Debbie I know what you mean they are terrible to have to deal with and can easily take over a person.

This all started about 5 years ago for me and I was told the same thing they cant hurt you. Well tell that to aperson having the 3 hr runs of these stupid things.

If I lay flat in bed they are horrible!

so i try to sleep sitting up and have the Tv on to help take my mind off of it.

May 17th i see a cardiolagist but were that will get me who knows?

Try to keep your mind off of the fact your having them and dont be affraid to live your life as you normaly would the best you can.

some day they will figure this out!

Yes...I feel better knowing that I'm not the only one who has this trouble. I am 56 and have been having PVCs for about 6 months. I feel exactly like you with the coughing and losing my breath. I have a tightness in my chest and my heart is always dancing a jig.  I work midnight shift, so the PVCs seem to be worse when I am really tired....which is most of the time. It feels horrible and I am always thinking I'm going to have a heart attack or something.  My doctor talks to me like I'm being silly to make a big deal out of something that I don't need to worry about.  It is very uncomfortable and I am getting real tired of it.  I am just glad I am not the only one going through this.  Teri

I was diagnosed with PVC's almost 8 years ago at the same time they figured out that my thyroid wasn't working right.  I was initially told that once my thyroid was within the normal range that my heart would go back to normal-NOT!  Some days I don't feel too many but other days it's literally all day and night. I wake up from a sound sleep with my heart racing, then flipflops, then a slow beat that can make me dizzy--this very erratic, crazy heart I have is making me crazy.  I went last week to a new cardiologist (I've relocated recently) just to get established and we discussed the pvc's ( I have avc's too) and he changed my medication.  Again I was told they were harmless but annoying so we'll see what the new meds does if anything.  I do better when I aslo take magnesium oxide.

So sorry you have this.  I as well have PVC's and am once again going back in to see the Dr. whom is going to tell me the same thing they did 3 years ago.  I never knew anxiety till I was diagnosed with this condition.  So frustrating to go 48 hours with no sleep and be told there is nothing that can be done.  I feel for your misery, I really do.

Try NO cinnamon or caffeine.  It really helped me!

Hey Paula, I kmow PVCs and PACs literally can suck the life out of you. When I was 19 I first started getting these and I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse. They put me on Lopressor as needed for a few years.It helped at the time. Then for 30 years, yes 30 years these went away. But 1 night, 5 years ago, here they came like a bull in a china shop. I went to the ER and they said they were nothing, get over it, your fine. Up until 2 months ago, I often counted in my head that its been 5 long years and no more pvcs or pacs. Then along came this past February and they hit me like a ton of bricks. I dont mean hundreds this time, I mean about 20,000 of them, dancing in my chest....I went to ,y cardiologist in Waterbury,Ct and they did a stress test(Normal), they did a Haltor Monitor(Normal), checked my blood(Normal. 2 nights ago they blasted thru my chest again, every other beat for hours!!!!!!!I tried to calm down and took a benedryl. I fell asleep and woke up to none. They usually are not there when I wake up and visit me at night.Very spuratic, so you cant count on when theyre coming. My doctor called e today and is putting me on the 30 day loop. They said these most like;y are benign, but who knows, until they catch it on the monitor. They said bing I have mitral valve, a lazy valve, this could be causing it, huh? I dont know. Today I stayed in bed all day. I did not go to Zumba, did not go to work, did not see my dad for breakfast, locked my door and kept the world out just waiting for them to happen. I am so scared. I am a very active and young 54, look 44, but no good if I got these things. Help.....Michelle

Hey Paula, I kmow PVCs and PACs literally can suck the life out of you. When I was 19 I first started getting these and I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse. They put me on Lopressor as needed for a few years.It helped at the time. Then for 30 years, yes 30 years these went away. But 1 night, 5 years ago, here they came like a bull in a china shop. I went to the ER and they said they were nothing, get over it, your fine. Up until 2 months ago, I often counted in my head that its been 5 long years and no more pvcs or pacs. Then along came this past February and they hit me like a ton of bricks. I dont mean hundreds this time, I mean about 20,000 of them, dancing in my chest....I went to ,y cardiologist in Waterbury,Ct and they did a stress test(Normal), they did a Haltor Monitor(Normal), checked my blood(Normal. 2 nights ago they blasted thru my chest again, every other beat for hours!!!!!!!I tried to calm down and took a benedryl. I fell asleep and woke up to none. They usually are not there when I wake up and visit me at night.Very spuratic, so you cant count on when theyre coming. My doctor called e today and is putting me on the 30 day loop. They said these most like;y are benign, but who knows, until they catch it on the monitor. They said bing I have mitral valve, a lazy valve, this could be causing it, huh? I dont know. Today I stayed in bed all day. I did not go to Zumba, did not go to work, did not see my dad for breakfast, locked my door and kept the world out just waiting for them to happen. I am so scared. I am a very active and young 54, look 44, but no good if I got these things. Help.....Michelle

I had the pvc's every 2 to 3 beats about 3 years ago. I was in the ER on telemetry for 3 hours and they watched the pvc's but the doctors said they were benign. Then they stopped for a long time. I recently started getting them after a family tragedy and a bout with severe depression.

They probably dont put you on meds cuz they feel you are too young. At 36 you are fairly young and they feel there is no way anything will haopen to you. I am 54 and they wont do anything for me either. I am going craaaazy.How do we ignore when our hearts are skipping 1000,s of beats in our throats. I a, so confused. Gos Bless you, I am Christian as well.

They probably dont put you on meds cuz they feel you are too young. At 36 you are fairly young and they feel there is no way anything will haopen to you. I am 54 and they wont do anything for me either. I am going craaaazy.How do we ignore when our hearts are skipping 1000,s of beats in our throats. I a, so confused. Gos Bless you, I am Christian as well.

Let me give you a little bit of what I've learned through my own experience with PVCs/PACs, two cardiologists, one ER Doc, one PA, and one Chiropractor. First, these will freak you out at times because one day you are fine and no problems, and then the next you are wondering if today is your last.  You can go days, weeks, even months with no perceived problems, and then you can go 6 heart beats without that sinking icky feeling that your heart is trying to stop.

Here is what I've found works for me, but it doesn't mean it will work for all. For reference, I'm a type A personality who is highly strung most of the time, and I have a high "fight or flight" disposition.

First, after all the other doctors, I mentioned this problem to my Chiropractor one day.  He aggressively (2 to 3 times a week) started to line my upper spine with an emphasis on the allignment of my Thorasic 2 area. That is where the nerves that control heart rhythm come from your spine.  This did not rid me of the issue, but it made a HUGE difference in the frequency.

Second, diet modification. It's not what you eat, but when and how much at a time you eat. I eat smaller meals spread out through the day, and do not eat anything after 6 pm.  This allows all food to have moved through my stomach before I go to bed at night.  I have noticed that a full stomach or over eating makes the pvcs intensify.  The same holds with foods that make you gassy or the heavier foods like pizza, bean burritos, lasagne, etc... and while I still eat those things, I eat smaller amounts.  I've had to learn not to eat anywhere past the full feeling.

Third, if you drink caffeine, you should consider cutting back greatly.  I went for 3 months without caffeine, but it didn't make the pvcs go away, but when I started drinking very small amounts (drinks that contained between 25-100mgs), I noticed that I have more night-time pvcs.  I have gotten used to having one cup of REAL coffee on Friday mornings so that my possible sleepless night comes on a non-work-the-next-morning night.  I am not a drinker, but on the advice of a relative I tried drinking a small glass of wine every night, but that brought on the bad nights so I quickly abandoned that idea.

Lastly, I have gotten used to it.  The anxiety you can develope with these bouts can drive you absolutely nuts and Xanex, as wonderful as it may seem, can turn you into a zombie sometimes.  I am not a suppliment fan, but I have to maintain a CDL and Xanex revokes a CDL, so I allowed a good friend who is into that kind of stuff to talk me into trying some stuff called DSF, which is a horse pill that will turn your urine super bright yellow.  However, the stuff really takes the edge off of anxiety - not as much as Xanex - but it makes it very bearable.  It doesn't hose me on my CDL either and no drowiness from it. The reduced stress has been worth the price of the stuff ($43 for a bottle of 120), and I've found that I can take 1 every other day, and 2 on the days in between (so 3 every two days) as opposed to the 3 per day the manufacturer recommends.

Also, if you are being tested, you might insist on a ECG (ultrasound) and avoid the nuclear stress test as it is useless for rhythm issues.  The ECG or Mooga (sp?) tests are the ones that show structural problems and chamber volume issues. If they recommend a beta blocker, brain up on it and make sure you understand what it is they are giving you and what your consequences down the road may be.  I have opted to stay off of those myself.

Okay, one more thing... you will find some very scary sites on the net that will make you freak out if you're not careful. There seems to be more disagreement about pvcs then anything, and there are many people who have lived for many years with this who are in their retirement age years.  Don't let the fear overwhelm you and watch what you read.  I personally recommend alot of prayer.

Blessings!

Thank you for the advice.  I will be 47 this week - 5'6" 134lbs and fit.  Work out 5-7 times per week, both cardio and weight training.  Started with PVCs during divorce 8 yrs ago.  They went away when my stress level went down and when my sense of normalcy returned.  Returned last year with a vengeance.  Holter monitor indicated over 9000 PVCs in a 24 hour period which was quite scary.  Much worse when inactive - if I want them to go away, I do major cardio exercise.  Nothing seems to have a lasting impact -gave up caffeine and they ceased for a week or so, stopped taking Claritin and they stopped for a week or so.  They definitely rear their ugly head when I am stressed, but this too does not seem to be a trigger, only  something that makes them worse.  I see an arythmia specialist who first prescribed cardizem, which didn't make any impact other than to give me acne and weight gain.  Next went to metotropol which helped, but not completely.  Added digoxin which also helped.  But nothing will truly knock this.  Every time I think I have conquered this with meds, they come back.  My doctor says that next step is medication that has huge side effects or cardiac ablation to try and correct the issue.  He indicates that my heart mis-fires and that with ablation, they can correct - if the PVCs are occurring during the surgery.  I am tempted to try this as I don't see how I can live with this forever.  After reading your response, I want to try chiropractor care first.  I am a true believer in the power of proper body mechanics and alignment.   Much safer and cheaper solution to try.  Thank you and I'll update once I try this.

I went into the ER last month for chest pains and found out I have very frequent pvc's i was also admitted for 2 days and run lots of test. Came back ok so Dr put me on beta blocker and I'm still having them very bad and getting alot of dizzy spells with chest pains. I'm also not sure what I should do now. I don't have medical insurance at the time so can't keep paying 100.00 to see a heart Dr. Very fustrating. I'm not sure what is causing mine also. I'm 43 yrs old and have been healthy

Thank you and everyone else for their comments regarding my question about the frequent PVCs. 

A lot of things have changed since I posted that question, the biggest of which is that I quit my high stress job in April.  After quitting my job I took time off to relax (as much as you can with a 6 year old home for the summer) and then I got even more ill.  I had issues with my stomach that made me and my doctor believe that I had a bowel obstruction.  After a STAT CT of my abdomen we found out that I was not obstucted but couldn't figure out what was causing this symptom.  I ended up going to a new GI who did multiple blood tests on me and finally told me that I probably had Celiac disease (the tests were not conclusive, but I had the genetic factors for Celiac disease).  Celiac disease affects the small bowel and is basically a gluten allergy.  If you've been eating Gluten and you have Celiac disease it keeps your body from absorbing the nutrients from the food that you've been eating.  Which is probably why I was having so many problems with my potassium as well as the other abdominal problems (IBS, IBD, spastic colon) I've had most of my life.

There is not a cure for Celiac disease, just a lifestyle change which basically means I have had to get gluten completely out of my diet (not an easy feat) but I have started feeling better.  The PVC's still occur, but not as frequently and the problems I was having because of the potassium deficiency have improved as well.  I take Toporol for my SVT symptoms but I have been wondering what would happen if I stop taking it after I've gotten my diet completely under control....

I am a 63 yo wm who has had problems with PVC's off and on for the past 30 years. I have frequently found relief by stopping all caffeine (coffee and soft drinks) until symptoms resolved. After several months I have resumed caffeine without a resumption of symptoms and remained symptom free for a year or more before they occurred again. My usual caffeine intake is a cup of coffee a day and at most 3 Pepsies a week. I am a nurse and was working in a local Emergency Department with a highly qualified cardiologist and also an Internal Medicine pysician during one period which lasted for several weeks. They both took an active interest, offered advice, ran EKG's and even tried short term prescriptions of medications. Toprol was used for a week or 2 but neither doctor recommended long term use of medications as the possible side effects were more dangerous than the the PVC's. Symptoms resolved after avoiding caffeine for several weeks. Must be some other underlying problem that reacts to caffeine use as I sometimes use caffeine for a year or more without experiencing any problems. Abstaining from caffeine seems to help but still have questions.

Just wondering how you are since this last post. My pvcs are getting worse and are lasting hours everyday. Did you find anything else that helped?

You might want to read my post 11-14-2011....many years of figuring, analyzing and attempting to correlate PVCs with something that will halt those pesky little things.  

I've had this off and on for a LONG time; had treadmill stress test, Holter monitor, EKG, etc. on multiple occasions.

I'm 57 now; I've been passing flight physicals for years, both USAF and FAA examiners. One flight surgeon even commented on it. Absent any other heart problems, he told me not to worry about it.

On my last physical, my PC doctor sent me to a cardiologist, considering my age, just to be sure. He (the cardiologist) calls it the "curse", as it presents in so many people. EKG and Holter have me a clean bill of health.

I do notice if occurs more often after a sustained periods of stress; it is scary, or at least annoying, but if your Doc's don't find anything else wrong with your heart or thyroid, or elctrolyte balance, try not too worry about it.

Hello All, It is reassuring to know that other people experience PVCs and that they sure don't "feel benign" to most people. I too, began experiencing PVCs after my son was born and have had then since. I'm not 49 and have had them for approximately 7 years. Sometimes I won't feel them for months and then they seem to come on suddenly and I might have them constantly for a few days.

Sometimes I'm afraid to fall asleep at night because I am afraid I will have a "big" PVC and I will wake up terrified. So, just as I'm about to fall asleep, or sometimes in the middle of the night, I'll wake up with my heart beating fast and I take my pulse to see if I'm having PVCs. It's crazy making.

My mother who is 80 years old, has PVCs too, as does my half brother who is 58 yrs.

I've had two stress tests, echocardiograms, EKGs, and sometimes the PVCs show up, other times they don't. At this point, my cardiologist does not want me to take anymore tests unless I have additional symptoms. He reassures me they are benign (even though every time I have one they are just as scarey).  Mine range from "small" (based on my sensations of the pause) to "large". Sometimes I'll just feel one in isolation, sometimes I feel several in a row - like a flutter.

I've tried changing my diet so that it is very rich in potassium and magnesium and calcium but I'm sorry to say, this doesn't seem to correlate with the PVCs. I wish it did - that way I would feel like I have more control over them. I think that is what is most disturbing is that we don't have any control - they come at random and continue and we can't do much to change that.

I have noticed a HUGE decrease in the number of PVCs I have when I eliminate caffeine. If you are distressed by your PVCs, cut out caffeine and you will likely see improvement.

It feels good to know I'm not the only one who has these!

My husband, 39 yrs old has recently been diagnosed with frequent pvc's and bigemeny.  He is suffering.  Anxiety, light headed etc..(all the same symptoms as many of you).  It is maddening.  And many sleepless nights.  Needless to say this is affecting our finances due to inability to work at times and doctors.

He has been smoke free, caffeine, and alcohol free for 3 months now. Walking 3 miles a day.  The situation has not improved. (Beta blockers have not helped).

I have contacted Dr. Bill Deagle with Nutri Medical Report for a Natural approach.  He does have suggested remedy for Frequent pvc's.  Also another practioner on line advised Himalyan salt and Nori seaweed for full spectrum minerals that will bring the electrical system back into balance.

We have not tried these as yet, but thought I would post to share the info.

I can totally relate.....i was diagnosed 18 years agao and apart from the odd day here and there that was bad i have had very few up until this last two months ...i have been clobbered with pvc's and pac's as well as bursts of 3 to 4 pvc's together which scare the life out of me ...i have had all the blood work ups . numerous ekg's with just as many trips to the ER , i've had a stress echocardiogram and all my results have been normal ...can you believe such a horrible thing to be normal??? ....my new primary care doc has put me on ativan because my anxiety is so severe ....my husband is at his wits end and keeps saying he wants his wife back ...i'm still here but i cant see me through all the pvc's and anxiety attacks ..this is causing a greagt strain on our marriage and our whole life ...finances are in tatters as is everything else...beta blockers havent helped me any either ..although the doc has raised mine twice in the last two months ....i would try anything to make these things go away ...its life altering for sure :(

Tee

I have had bigemeny. It feels terrible. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. Those can make you feel light headedand also exacerbate the pvc's. I want to take the natural route to treat the arrhythmia. I still go to work, sometimes feeling really awful, but being active on the job often makes the pvc's stop. I get them sometimes after eating. They seem to lessen at night.  Sometimers if I don't think about or dwell on them they go away too. The last time I had frequent pvc's I decided to just act as if they were not there. I didn't even realise when they went away and I didn't have them again for a couple of years until the recent loss of my mother.  If the nutritionists approach works, please let us know. Good luck! Ingmar

Did you ever get checked for Celiac Disease?  When I originally posted this question I was having lots of problems with the PVC's and it was making me crazy, but the only thing they found is that my potassium was low.  Since then I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease (turns out the Celiac disease was keeping me from absorbing the potassium).  I have found that when I actually stick to the gluten free diet I don't have as many problems with my potassium going low and the PVC's get a lot less frequent.  Of course the Gluten free diet is not fun (I miss pizza!) but you have to decide which is more important.  Even if you don't want to go to the doctor to get checked out, try a gluten free diet for a while and see if it helps. 

Did you ever get checked for Celiac Disease?  When I originally posted this question I was having lots of problems with the PVC's and it was making me crazy, but the only thing they found is that my potassium was low.  Since then I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease (turns out the Celiac disease was keeping me from absorbing the potassium).  I have found that when I actually stick to the gluten free diet I don't have as many problems with my potassium going low and the PVC's get a lot less frequent.  Of course the Gluten free diet is not fun (I miss pizza!) but you have to decide which is more important.  Even if you don't want to go to the doctor to get checked out, try a gluten free diet for a while and see if it helps. 

Correction to my post:

Web address has transposed letters at the end of berberien.  The correct address is:  www.raysahelian.com/berberine.html

Sorry for the confusion.

Correction to my post:

Web address has transposed letters at the end of berberien.  The correct address is:  www.raysahelian.com/berberine.html

Sorry for the confusion.

Correction to my post:

Web address has transposed letters at the end of berberien.  The correct address is:  www.raysahelian.com/berberine.html

Sorry for the confusion.

You get the feeling of fullness in your throat as well?  I thought I was losing my mind/alone in that.  I notice when my PVCs flare up, my throat feels like someone is squeezing it.  It's so obnoxious, and a bit scary at the same time. 

My cardiologist hasn't done a good job informing me about any of the typical or normal symptoms of PVCs; he didn't even tell me what a PVC was to begin with.  I had to google everything.  Getting a second opinion now, because after everything that I've read, I'm absolutely floored that he didn't give me any information whatsoever, and just threw me out telling me I was too young at 26 to worry about my heart.

hello i just turned 30 in January, have a similar story to all of you . i got fibromyalgia when i was 17, always was a worry type personality. got diagnosed with SVT when i was 27 after ten years of going to the hospital for it and getting adenisone to restart it, and they finally decided to give me an ablation surgery in 2007, which i was overjoyed about, because i thought my troubles were fixed! well i havent had to go to the er for adenisone but i go there quite often for skipped beats or pvc's like you guys have that are downright scary!!! at least when my heart was going 170 bpm it was a sinus ryhthm!!! now its all over the place a missed beat here a missed beat there. and the dizziness and discomfort in the chest, got that too. i have been to many cardioogists, family docs, nuerologists, ers, and i have come to the conclusion that they just dont give a &*%^ and if you come in on a stretcher then they dont care.

Good luck to everyone im hoping i can stay around for my 3 year old son as long as possible and hope all of you are around for a while yet too!!!

Excessive gas seems to cause many of my pvc's along with stress. I get stomach issues whenever I'm under a lot of emotional stress. The recent death of my mother and a few other family members and friends has caused me to go into a deep dfepression which also can lend to the pvc problem. I have had palps on and off since I was 24. I am 61. My doctor said she thinks GERD has a lot to do with the problem. Oh, and I don't usually experience any other symptoms other than tachycardia and skipped beats. I don't present with dizziness, weakness, headaches, or any pain. Sometimes my blood pressure is elevated. I can tell when my bp is high. I have been trying to eat better, and my doctor said to exercise. I do feel better when I am not sedentary. 

i also have gerd and sometimes get kind of like gastritis that it does seem like the pvc's are worse when this happens!! i can see a little connection now!!

i am very sorry about your mother and other family members, that is real hard stuff to deal with.

You know, I wondered if that was part of it too; if I'm too full, or my IBS is flaring up, it seems to get worse than it already was.  My sympathies about the loss of family, that's never easy.  I'm beginning to wonder if I should go back to a GI and see if GERD could be a part of the problem.  Unfortunately I do have dizziness and nauseousness lately.  Could all be stress though, or stress, PVC, GERD, and my Fibromyalgia mixing together in a fun concoction.

I'm beginning to wonder if Fibromyalgia goes hand in hand with PVC; my mom, who also was diagnosed with FM a few years ago, has also had problems with PVC when she never before had issues.  It's interesting to know there's others with the same symptoms who also have FM.

My sympathies to you, and I hope you can get some help.  I know the feeling though; I've now seen two cardiologists (the second one was nicer, and explained things to me, but still said it wasn't nothing serious and not to worry about it and blahblahblah you're fine), a neurologist, an ENT (thought it was related to esophageal spasms), my breast surgeon, my GP, and now a NEW GP.  So far, nothing.  All they say is not to worry,.  Hard to do when your heart is thumping in your throat, you're dizzy, nauseous, and feel like you're about to pass out.  I wish sometimes they could experience it even for a few hours, and then maybe they'd do more research on how to fix it.

Thank you for your reply.

I totally understand!  Please email me - lindamcgann@yahoo.com

I'm really curious to know if you're taking an aspirin every day. I'd like to know if anyone else has lost their PVCs after getting off of aspirin. It made a huge difference for me.

JayS