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PVC's Feel like missed heartbeat
I am suffering from war-related trauma: I was an American officer volunteer in Ukraine and just home 1 SEP. The lingering trauma has produced allot of anxiety. I always do intense workouts -especially cardio and have stayed on that pattern notwithstanding some symptoms of anxiety. However, the past few weeks I've experienced the sensation of feeling like my heart is missing/skipping a beat. ("PVC's"?). I went to my PCP, who examined me. She noted that my BP was normal, and had no associated symptoms like shortness of breath, trouble breathing, etc. She suggested electrolytes, magnesium, stress management., but did not see the need for med's or further evaluation. But the sensations are affecting me at night. Like last night: in pre-sleep mode, I "felt it", and it was happening regularly -to the point where it prevented me from falling asleep within a normal time. Similarly, it happened again after I woke up for the bathroom. I fear this is in my head now and will keep affecting my sleep; and with lack of quality sleep, I fear the PVC's will continue or get worse -which could prevent me from exercising and being joyful or productive. My PC again today said it will take time and that it's highly unlikely there is a greater heart issue. Just wanting tips on how to cope with these sensations, especially at sleep/night mode. Thanks
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Thank you for your service! I have suffered from this condition for years and panic attacks. I’ve been on a few different medications, had many tests, EKG’s, echocardiogram, stress test. I found a new cardiologist who has me on a medication that seems to be helping. I still have PVC’s but not as many. You may want to have your PCP refer you to a cardiologist just for your own peace of mind. I’ve been told this is not a life threatening condition, but it can sure interfere with your life. No one wants to take medication, but it can help you live a more normal life. I hope and pray you can find some relief.
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3 ReactionsThank you so much:)))
Missed beats and then a thumping one is typical of PACs as well as PVCs, although every one of us responds uniquely to whatever besets us. You need a formal assessment via a 12 lead ECG. You have a choice of waiting for a cardiologist to assess you or to call an ambulance next time you're in a run of ectopy and let the ER staff do a quicker job for you of a formal diagnosis. You'll still be referred to/encouraged to seek the advice of a cardiologist who will want further testing, but you may become a more urgent case with that formal diagnosis. It might be worth a shot.
In any event, you certainly have some kind of arrhythmia and it should be treated somewhat aggressively as early as possible before it wants to progress to more intractable stages.
The other thing is that you can purchase a Kardia Mobile for a few dollars, sometimes even less if refurbished or used, and you don't need a subscription for basic assessments. A subscription opens up further diagnostics to you. The device is easy to use and will at least rule out atrial fibrillation (AF), but it will only signify an unknown arrhythmia otherwise (this is what I have come to understand from reading users' accounts, but things change and I may be mistaken).
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2 Reactionsjpgnirvana0998, welcome home. Like the others on this site, I think seeing a cardiologist would be a good idea. They can put you on a (holter) monitor that you'd wear for a few days to catch those nightime PVCs, PACs. You should check out https://www.va.gov/HEALTHPARTNERSHIPS/resources/SGBforPTSD_508.pdf
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1 ReactionTry magnesium and potassium.
EMDR a therapy to recover from ptsd. Sounds like your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems have gotten stuck in war mode, and are sending confusing messages to your heart-fight and flight rest and digest - all at the same time. Rapid eye movement desensitization has been used for a long time to suspend the cycling. Also vagus nerve therapies. We appreciate your sacrifices.
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2 ReactionsSee a cardiologist ASAP. respectfully folks here are not doctors.
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3 ReactionsYep, see a cardiologist. PVCs, aberrant signals from the lower chambers of your heart can make it feel like your heart skips a beat, then sometimes comes back with what feels like a very hard beat. It is actually an extra beat that starts in one of your ventricles. A cardiologist can help you figure out if there is something else that needs to be done or ease your mind that there isn't anything to be too concerned about.
All the best and welcome home!
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1 ReactionI get stress related pvc's. I don't feel the previous one because the ventricle is not full as it is a early beat.
The following one I feel as the ventricle is completely full.
Thank you!!!!