Fears about ectopic heart beats and PSVT's. Doctor not concerned.

Posted by susieq1957 @susieq1957, Sep 21, 2025

I started having these darn heart skips in my late 30's after mom had her first heart attack. I wore a 24 hour holter monitor and I only had a few ectopic beats, nothing else. Well, I had them off and on and some PSVTs (Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia)as well, but nothing major, but they scared me. I was fortunate that I never had a lot back then. After mom died from complications from vascular surgery, they started again and this time a lot more and more atrial runs. I wore 7 day events monitors , and had a couple of echocardiograms
This was when I was 49 to 54. Daddy died from cancer, and then the skips got worse again. I married a man from New Zealand and I moved there when
I was 55(I live here now)and the ectopic heart beats and PSVTs have taken a turn for the worse. I am now 68 and I live every day in constant fear of them. Every little strange best sends me into panic and I cry. I have worn two 7 day monitors once a few years ago and one a couple of months ago. I had an echocardiogram a year ago. All "normal" results. I have lost track of all the times I have gone to the ER, again, I am always discharged because all blood work and EKGs are normal. I just now had a short run of PSVTs, at least I think it was that, I am petrified of having A fib. I am sick with fear, no matter how hard I try, I can't stop being frightened. I am going to see my GP tomorrow to see if she'll refer me to have another echo done. I wasn't happy with the first as it said on one part that the image quality was only fair and poor subcoastal windows. I paid a lot for the exam, I want it done right. I should have said something earlier, but I didn't think about it. Lately, I have been having the ectopic heart beats all day and night which are horrible, they are not sustained but persistent all day. I don't know how much more I can take. That's when I really studied the echo report a few days ago and it concerns me, I am surprised that I haven't been called for another actually due to the fact of what it said about the images. Also, the cardiologist said it was "an essentially normal echocardiogram" It did show MAC-Mitral Annular calculation, but no stenosis and just very trivial MR. The aortic valve had some thickening valves, but no stenosis or AR. The rest of the report was OK. I am concerned that he didn't mention another review as it's been a year. I am so scared I can't think straight. I didn't think much about it when I got the report, but now that AI answers questions, I feel like I know more and I am doubting my doctors. I just can't stop being scared. Oh, ejection fraction good, it was 72.
I also have fibromyalgia, a hiatal hernia and costochondritis, I get sternal chest pain at times and that scares me. Again, all blood work and EKGs and time on the monitor while in the ER are "normal".
I have to have relief from these ectopic heart beat fears. I am feeling weird again in my tummy and chest, this usually precedes the skipped beats, I am scared. The doctor told me to take Ativan,but I am scared of it, I am 68 and have glaucoma and those are two things that the warnings on the drug say to watch for and to not take it. She said to cut it in 4ths, but I am still scared. I know lots of people that have these horrible heart beats take Xanax, but I don't feel safe in doing so. Beta blockers really aren't an option as my blood pressure is low normal and heart rate in the 60s to 70s even during the skips, it is elevated when I have PSVTs.
I also get them after I eat or drink water. I probably don't drink enough water due to fear of the skips starting when I do. Bending over and lying down can also be a catylist. I am a mess.😭

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Profile picture for ellanz @ellanz

@susieq1957 So sorry to hear about your situation. I'm in New Zealand and was able to see a cardiologist privately the week after the GP referred me. I feel for you living in an area where that appears not to be possible. There were a couple of things that I wondered about. Have you told the GP why you are not comfortable taking beta blockers given your low blood pressure? I was curious as to whether they were able to provide any reassurance on that. I started a few days ago on a calcium channel blocker because I have asthma so can't use beta blockers. It's made a massive difference. I was having daily EBs and SVTs that were making me dizzy and fearful of fainting while driving etc. Since starting on the meds, I've only had a couple of tiny flutters that were barely noticeable, didn't make me dizzy and lasted a few seconds at most. No side effects thus far. I wore a 7 day heart event monitor the week before getting the meds and the cardiologist said I'd had loads of SVTs every day during that week. She's set up an appointment for me with her colleague who does ablations to review things in 3 months but if I have problems before then, I can see him sooner. The other thing I wondered about was whether you had considered a video consult with Sanjay Gupta? I see that he offers them on his website to people anywhere in the world and you don't need a referral. It's about $350 NZ for a 40 minute appointment. He can't provide treatment to people offshore but it might be reassuring to talk to him, and it might inform any questions you want to put to your GP. I wish you all the best.

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@ellanz We live in Nelson and apparently there is only one cardiologist clinic and they are very busy, so, unless it is a dire emergency, patients have to wait. I have told my GP numerous times why I don't want to take beta-blockers but they just don't seem to get it and keep telling me to take them. Well, I am not going to take them. I stay clear of drugs as much as possible. I like Dr Sanjay Gupta, unfortunately, we just don't have the funds for the appointment. We are on a very strict budget and have to watch what we spend, that's why I can't get the echocardiogram done right now, it costs close to 800.00 and we simply can't afford it at this time.

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Profile picture for susieq1957 @susieq1957

@cdk43 I don't think the New Zealand doctors are as good as back home in America. They certainly don't take me seriously and to get any type of test is nearly impossible at times. Ever since I lived here 13 years ago, I have felt so insecure, I feel health issues are being handled carelessly and it petrifies me. I can't afford to go back home for tests, I am at their mercy here. Most health care here is free, and tests, if referred are too, however, even if referred, if the other doctor thinks they're not necessary, you gave to pay and wow, the fees are horrendous.

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@susieq1957
The doctors here in US don't have time to talk to us and explain results either. But I have known people who had no known heart issues of any kind and they just died very unexpectedly and at young ages. My best friend had sudden heart attack and died at 52. Yet I have issues much like yours and I'm still here. When our time comes, God will call us home and not before. I believe He is hearing your prayers. Don't be afraid. That fear can make you sick physically. Remember the times when your parents were sick and both times it was worse for you, but you are still here. So all that fear was over nothing.
Focus on things that are good. Find good music that relaxes you or makes you smile. Music that makes you want to sing. Sometimes I wonder how much longer I can hang in here, but if I just let my body be my guide, I get nothing done but I feel so much better and there must be a reason why I'm still here. I believe there is a reason why you are here. Try not to focus on the bad, but fill your heart with things that bring joy. I will be praying that you will have peace. Best wishes for good days ahead.

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Thank you for your uplifting reply. You are absolutely right, the Lord will call us home in His timing. I pray daily to not be afraid of things, especially dying. I am a born again follower of Jesus, I know I shouldn't be afraid to die but it petrifies me, it's constantly on my mind. I am trying and praying for the Lord to reveal my purpose for being here, it must be for some reason but I do not know what it is. You're right about fear causing physical symptoms, lately I have developed horrible upper back pain, worse costochondritis and I hurt everywhere. I think a lot is stress related as are the ectopic heart beats. I do love music, my favorite is instrumental smooth jazz, I also love to read and work with my for adorable kitties. I have much to be thankful for, Satan is trying to steal my joy, I must fight so he doesn't win. God bless you and again, thank you for such a lovely reply.

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