1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Heart Palpitations

Posted by mikeyp @mikeyp, Nov 25, 2016

Hi Everyone, whew, where do I start ? I've been to 6 cardiologists, ( 2 were electrophysiologists ) over the last 11 months and basically I have them all scratching their heads on why I get REALLY bad heart palps, and I mean BAD ones to where it feels like someone punched you in the chest an hour ago, that's how it feels if you can imagine having that happen to you and then I get light-headed and disorientated to where I just want to sit and not talk or move for an hour or more until I get back to normal, usually this takes a few hours. Yes I get them THAT bad. I'm hoping that this group can help me because I'm at the end of my rope. One electrophysiologist said what I described to him was " impossible " to be happening, I'm really starting to wonder if I was born on another planet, I can't be the only person in the world with the heart palps that I have.

Mine basically come in two stages, I feel a pressure on the left side of my heart and then a strong thump in the heart itself, this happens within 2 seconds and then it's gone until the next time, no it doesn't happen all day, mine come as fast as they go but when them come it's like a Mike Tyson punch. I usually get these about once or twice a day. I've done every test imaginable, Nuclear Stress Test, Treadmill Stress Test, 2 heart & neck angiograms, 2 twenty four hour Holter Monitors, Echocardiogram, and numerous EKG's and blood tests and every single test comes back absolutely normal, so ( as one cardiologist put it ) " If we can't diagnose what's wrong we can't treat it " That makes sense but I'm still going through this with no new info, no meds, no nothing, I have the same knowledge that I have of whats wrong with me that I did when this all started 11 months ago and that is NOTHING at all, no more knowledge, no meds, nothing.

Here's more info on me, I " had " CLL, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, (13q14 deletion ) they caught it fast and treated it with FCR chemo and within 3 months ( not 6 months which is standard ) I was in full remission, if you don't understand what this means I'll just put it this way, if you HAD to get leukemia then this is the one you want to get, it's the most common and most treatable out of all the leukemia's and as much as oncologists " can't " say that I'm cured from this they pretty much say ( in your ear ) that you're cured. Now with that said, every Dr, Oncologist and Cardioligist all agree that this is not the cause of my palps, could it be from the chemo ? Yes possibly but I was diagnosed with CLL in April 2016, the palps started in December 2015 and I did the chemo in May 2016 so you see it doesn't match up.

The ONLY relief I get from the palps is when I take Magnesium Citrate, I tried Magnesium Taurate ( which they say is more for the heart ) but I've noticed that the Citrate works a lot better. Ok so you're saying why are you on here then, just take the Mag.Citrate right ? Well there's a problem, when you take Mag.Citrate on a regular basis you literally have to run to the restroom like 10 to 15 times a day, and when I say run I mean RUN !!!!! From what my last cardiologist said " They give Mag Citrate to people who are about to have a colonoscopy to clean them out " and trust me I believe him. So my question is does anyone know what else I can do to alleviate these palps without running to the restroom all day long ? My quality of life has sunk, I either have palps so bad that I can't enjoy life or I'm running to the restroom every half hour, I don't know which one is worse. I've also tried taking potassium and CoQ10, neither works or am I not taking the right dosage ?

Lastly, does anyone have any knowledge of the " Vagus Nerve " ? It's a nerve that pretty much connects your heart to other parts of the body and I'm thinking when the bad palps hit me it's " short circuiting " the Vagus Nerve and that's what makes me light headed. Any help would be greatly appreciated folks. I'm thinking that with the right supplements I can live with this, but what are the right ones and the right dosage ?

Thanks

Mikey P

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Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Nov 27, 2016
In reply to @predictable "@mikeyp, I ran across some added questions to raise with your cardiologist-led medical team. The questions..." + (show)
@predictable

@mikeyp, I ran across some added questions to raise with your cardiologist-led medical team. The questions were suggested by a symptom-checker on the WebMD web site. Here's the extract relating to "aortic dissection" in which the lining of the aorta (or a major artery near the heart or kidneys) separates from the wall of the vessel:

"Virtually everyone who has an aortic dissection experiences pain—typically sudden, excruciating pain, often described as tearing or ripping. Some people may faint as a result of the pain. Most commonly, the pain is felt across the chest but is often also felt in the back between the shoulder blades.

"The distinctive symptoms of an aortic dissection usually make the diagnosis obvious to doctors . . . In about two thirds of people with aortic dissection, pulses in the arms and legs are diminished or absent. Depending on the location of the dissection along the aorta, there may be a difference in blood pressure between the right and left arm. A dissection that is moving backward toward the heart may cause a murmur that can be heard through a stethoscope.

"Chest x-rays are the first step in detecting aortic dissection. X-rays show a widened aorta in 90% of people with symptoms. However, this finding may be due to other disorders. Computed tomography (CT) done after injecting a contrast agent (dye) can quickly and reliably detect aortic dissection and thus is useful in an emergency. Standard or transesophageal echocardiography or magnetic resonance angiography can also reliably detect aortic dissections, even very small ones."

Have you had 1) transesophageal echocardiography or 2) standard transesophageal echocardioigraphy or 3) magnet resonance angiography (MRA) to check out the major arteries on and around your heart?

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@jigglejaws94, I don't think you're correct predicting a high death rate for aortic dissection.

REPLY
jms7 | @jms7 | Nov 28, 2016

Mikey - Holy S*** (no pun intended LOL the magnesium!) you have such a good attitude! I laughed so hard over the magnesium, but I cannot imagine being in your shoes 24/7. I have had wonderful results for my lungs and heart with Magnesium, and also CoQ10. I take "Raw" (brand name) CoQ 10 - the higher quality has greater efficacy! Then again, the MAg might be shooting it all out LOL sorry to joke. I don't know what to tell you, except that your optimism and persistence will get you to the right doctors and solutions. It sounds like you've had every test possible. If it were me, I would go into meditation on this to see if my subconscious would bring up answers. No kidding. Dr. Bradley Nelson does some fantastic energy healing - non-invasive so I can't imagine it's not ok to mention him here. You might find his work really interesting! You can search him online. Keep us posted on your progress. I will pray for you my optimistic friend! : )

REPLY
jigglejaws94 | @jigglejaws94 | Nov 28, 2016
In reply to @predictable "@mikeyp, I ran across some added questions to raise with your cardiologist-led medical team. The questions..." + (show)
@predictable

@mikeyp, I ran across some added questions to raise with your cardiologist-led medical team. The questions were suggested by a symptom-checker on the WebMD web site. Here's the extract relating to "aortic dissection" in which the lining of the aorta (or a major artery near the heart or kidneys) separates from the wall of the vessel:

"Virtually everyone who has an aortic dissection experiences pain—typically sudden, excruciating pain, often described as tearing or ripping. Some people may faint as a result of the pain. Most commonly, the pain is felt across the chest but is often also felt in the back between the shoulder blades.

"The distinctive symptoms of an aortic dissection usually make the diagnosis obvious to doctors . . . In about two thirds of people with aortic dissection, pulses in the arms and legs are diminished or absent. Depending on the location of the dissection along the aorta, there may be a difference in blood pressure between the right and left arm. A dissection that is moving backward toward the heart may cause a murmur that can be heard through a stethoscope.

"Chest x-rays are the first step in detecting aortic dissection. X-rays show a widened aorta in 90% of people with symptoms. However, this finding may be due to other disorders. Computed tomography (CT) done after injecting a contrast agent (dye) can quickly and reliably detect aortic dissection and thus is useful in an emergency. Standard or transesophageal echocardiography or magnetic resonance angiography can also reliably detect aortic dissections, even very small ones."

Have you had 1) transesophageal echocardiography or 2) standard transesophageal echocardioigraphy or 3) magnet resonance angiography (MRA) to check out the major arteries on and around your heart?

Jump to this post

Really? I've never heard of anyone surviving aortic dissection. I know that it is often a cause of death in Marfan's syndrome. But with a quick little look-see on Google -- I do see that perhaps I was wrong. Looks like there are at least two types -- Type A and Type B. Type A is often more deadly. Perhaps that is what I am more familiar with --- knowing of a family in which the father and two of the sons died of the complication of aortic dissection -- they all had Marfan's syndrome. Good to know that it is not always a death sentence. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

REPLY
jms7 | @jms7 | Nov 28, 2016
In reply to @martishka "Hi Mikeyp, You say that the doctors cannot find anything wrong even though you have had..." + (show)
@martishka

Hi Mikeyp,
You say that the doctors cannot find anything wrong even though you have had several tests. I have a question about the two
24 hour Holter monitors that you had. I am assuming that when you were wearing the monitors you did not experience an "episode"
and that your heart was in normal sinus rhythm. I am wondering why you don't try a two week monitor or month long monitor. I have had both
since my electrophysiologist could not "see" the problem I was describing since I didn't experience it in the 24 hour period that I was
wearing the Holter Monitor. I had SVT all my life and in my 50's I developed AF. I am now free of any rate or rhythm problems after a successful PVA (pulmonary vein ablation). I also had a standing order for an EKG so I could walk into a lab or hospital and have an EKG when I was experiencing symptoms. It sounds like your EKG showed no rhythm or rate disturbances. If you get these episodes once or twice a day, I am assuming that when you wore the monitor you could hit the "episode button" and then record your symptoms. Did this happen the two times you wore the monitor? If you were symptom free during those two times, it would seem to make sense to ask for a monitor that you can wear for a week or two to ensure that you can document the problem. What do you think?
Martishka

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Hi Mikey again - I replied below and am now reading all the posts. I feel for you and know you will get to the bottom of this. I've had brutal lung, cardiac, and kidney damage so am familiar with all these electrolyte issues. They are all so connected! Your gut feeling is the one to follow. Your electrolytes can be used and imbalanced so quickly, then everything is affected! Your kidney issues would absolutely influence your heart in some way!

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 28, 2016
In reply to @predictable "@mikeyp, your magnesium deficiency suggests that you might have a kidney problem -- or a dysfunctional..." + (show)
@predictable

@mikeyp, your magnesium deficiency suggests that you might have a kidney problem -- or a dysfunctional hormone generator such as thyroid or adrenal gland. You might consider asking a nephrologist and an endocrinologist for their diagnoses. My problem was resolved in that way; I had potassium deficiency that cardiologists, internists, and another nephrologist decided was "essential" and of unknown cause or importance. My second nephrologist cared about finding both primary and secondary causes and enlisted an endocrinologist in the search. Together, they found an inherited kidney dysfunction (Liddle Syndrome) that let the potassium get away but gave lab results of a fake ("pseudo") hormone condition. My mystery and yours seem familiar, and I hope you find the answer soon.

Jump to this post

@grandmajan I believe that your cardiologist is on the right track when he changed you from Metoprolol 25. For about a month, I also took just one 25 tab (to treat tachycardia) and did not feel good. I had problems head aches, dizziness, etc. and did not sleep well at night. When I contacted my doctor he felt for sure that it was the Metoprolol and switch me to Atenolol. The symptoms were relived and I feel better, and I don't have tachycardia.

REPLY
mikeyp | @mikeyp | Nov 28, 2016
In reply to @martishka "Hi Mikeyp, You say that the doctors cannot find anything wrong even though you have had..." + (show)
@martishka

Hi Mikeyp,
You say that the doctors cannot find anything wrong even though you have had several tests. I have a question about the two
24 hour Holter monitors that you had. I am assuming that when you were wearing the monitors you did not experience an "episode"
and that your heart was in normal sinus rhythm. I am wondering why you don't try a two week monitor or month long monitor. I have had both
since my electrophysiologist could not "see" the problem I was describing since I didn't experience it in the 24 hour period that I was
wearing the Holter Monitor. I had SVT all my life and in my 50's I developed AF. I am now free of any rate or rhythm problems after a successful PVA (pulmonary vein ablation). I also had a standing order for an EKG so I could walk into a lab or hospital and have an EKG when I was experiencing symptoms. It sounds like your EKG showed no rhythm or rate disturbances. If you get these episodes once or twice a day, I am assuming that when you wore the monitor you could hit the "episode button" and then record your symptoms. Did this happen the two times you wore the monitor? If you were symptom free during those two times, it would seem to make sense to ask for a monitor that you can wear for a week or two to ensure that you can document the problem. What do you think?
Martishka

Jump to this post

Thanks JMS,

I agree, it's all starting to make sense now, the only thing bothering me is how come out of all these tests that were done none of these Dr.'s came to the same conclusion ?

REPLY
mikeyp | @mikeyp | Nov 28, 2016
In reply to @elizamail "I haven't had a chance to read all the emails. BUT - has your thyroid been..." + (show)
@elizamail

I haven't had a chance to read all the emails. BUT - has your thyroid been checked and if you are drinking fluoride at all, it affects your thyroid.

Jump to this post

Yes my thyroid was checked, it's normal too, everything is starting to point to my kidney stones that I've had for almost a year now that won't pass, I believe they're starting to affect my kidneys in not excreting potassium correctly.

REPLY
jms7 | @jms7 | Nov 28, 2016
In reply to @martishka "Hi Mikeyp, You say that the doctors cannot find anything wrong even though you have had..." + (show)
@martishka

Hi Mikeyp,
You say that the doctors cannot find anything wrong even though you have had several tests. I have a question about the two
24 hour Holter monitors that you had. I am assuming that when you were wearing the monitors you did not experience an "episode"
and that your heart was in normal sinus rhythm. I am wondering why you don't try a two week monitor or month long monitor. I have had both
since my electrophysiologist could not "see" the problem I was describing since I didn't experience it in the 24 hour period that I was
wearing the Holter Monitor. I had SVT all my life and in my 50's I developed AF. I am now free of any rate or rhythm problems after a successful PVA (pulmonary vein ablation). I also had a standing order for an EKG so I could walk into a lab or hospital and have an EKG when I was experiencing symptoms. It sounds like your EKG showed no rhythm or rate disturbances. If you get these episodes once or twice a day, I am assuming that when you wore the monitor you could hit the "episode button" and then record your symptoms. Did this happen the two times you wore the monitor? If you were symptom free during those two times, it would seem to make sense to ask for a monitor that you can wear for a week or two to ensure that you can document the problem. What do you think?
Martishka

Jump to this post

I know! I was thinking about you this morning and how bizarre this all is. You really do have a great attitude. By now the Drs. Should be connecting dots and seeing the bigger picture, which involves your kidneys! I learned alot about nutrition and foods for healing from Linda Page's "Healthy Healing," and also the Balch book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." They may not give you specifics for your odd situation, but you will get great info re electrolytes, suppplements, what can correct imbalances. I refer to both books often. I also love Louise Hay's book "You Can Heal Your Life." Again, may not give you specifics, but she lists fascinating metaphysical causes for health "dis-ease" (get it? Lack of ease!). You seem to value good information, which is terrific! I've had kidney issues related to lung and heart damage, and really learned alot about foods and nutrients. It's ALL connected! It would be great if you could get to someplace like the Mayo and see a top cardiologist, who would then make the right connections for you. : )

REPLY
kareniowa | @kareniowa | Nov 28, 2016

I am an "old"RN and researched magnesium a couple of years ago. Magnesium Chloride is the best and comes in oral tablets but is hard to find and nasty to swallow if it stays on your tongue! I use a spray that is easy to make from Magnesium Chloride flakes that i order from Swanson. Most of us are deficient in Magnesium. Google Magnesium deficiency. It will be an interesting read. Hope this helps.

REPLY
2 replies
ujeeniack | @ujeeniack | Nov 28, 2016
In reply to @kareniowa "I am an "old"RN and researched magnesium a couple of years ago. Magnesium Chloride is the..." + (show)
@kareniowa

I am an "old"RN and researched magnesium a couple of years ago. Magnesium Chloride is the best and comes in oral tablets but is hard to find and nasty to swallow if it stays on your tongue! I use a spray that is easy to make from Magnesium Chloride flakes that i order from Swanson. Most of us are deficient in Magnesium. Google Magnesium deficiency. It will be an interesting read. Hope this helps.

Jump to this post

i think the citrate is better.

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