Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

Hi my name is Kim. I am a 63 year old single mom of a mentally and physically challenged adult child. I recently (since March of 2026) have been experiencing heart palpitations. I just was diagnosed with PACs and a mild Tricuspid valve regurgitation. I have had a cardiac workup of an halter monitor, ECHO and a stress test. I was just told by my cardiologist not to worry about the PACs and that my heart is totally normal. My concern is that my "PACs" seem to be getting worse with physical activity resulting in 4 rapid beats followed by the skipped beat (it used to be 2 quick beats follwed by the skipped beat) several times when I stop exercising. I also have increased shortness if breath and have to sit down because I don't feel very well. I expressed these concerns to my cardiologist but he didn't seem concerned and told me to keep exercising because it should reduce the PACs. Should I be concerned or just continue to exercise as directed and not worry? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I also forgot to mention during these episodes my heart rate elevates into the 120s.

@kad13
Please book an appointment with an electrophysiologist (EP), a specialist in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm problems. It is a mistake to follow only the guidance of a general cardiologist. Generally speaking, an EO will be much more proactive than others. They know well the downside of waving off
heart arrhythmias.
Also, see the most highly rated EP you can find, often at a major teaching hospital. Send your existing records ahead of your appointment for review. Good luck!

@kad13 If you have symptoms that last more than about four seconds, and have time to take your pulse somehow and find that it is running over 100 BPM, the chances are that you have a tachyarrhythmia, possibly atrial fibrillation. That rate, over 100 BPM, might also mean you have what is called 'rapid ventricular response'. Some people fibrillate under 100 BPM, and that means their left ventricle is not trying to keep up with the left atrium when the atrium begins to fibrillate. Much above an indicated 100 BPM means your ventricles are trying to beat in concert with the rapidly beating atrium.

If this ever goes on longer than 24 hours, get to an emergency room and tell them what has happened.

PACs should NOT make you breathless, not the couplets, triplets, or quadruplets you say you are experiencing. Breathlessness tells me, an untrained non-medical person, that you have what is called 'supra-ventricular tachycardia', and it might be the atrial fibrillation variety. The only way to be sure is to have a 12 lead ECG done when it is happening, and it's not likely in view of the self-limiting nature of your arrhythmia.

What I suggest you do, if you have the means, is to acquire a Kardia Mobile 6L. You can get them from amazon over night. They're not expensive, and sometimes on sale, so shop around. You don't need their subscription service, but the device can show if you have atrial fibrillation or some other indeterminate arrhythmia (it won't diagnose anything that isn't atrial fibrillation as far as I know). You can show the readout to a physician who would then presumably become your advocate to a cardiologist or to an electrophysiologist.

I have sinus bradycardia and I have a colonoscopy coming up. Has anyone had experience with this?

@kad13 After my ablation for A-fib, I also had some episodes of PACs which the cardiologist told me was not unusual and that many people have them. He said my heart was just readjusting to "normal" rhythm after the ablation. While I could "feel" the "skipped beats" which is what they seem like but actually are not exactly that, I never felt short of breath or unwell. I think that something else may be going on with you. You really shouldn't feel short of breath from these. I agree with the other writer; ask for an appointment with an EP (electrophysiologist) to get some real answers to your concerns. I am 80 and you are only 63. You should not be told just to "live with it" as many women do not get as much attention with heart issues as men. Listen to your body; if it doesn't feel right then something is off. I am a retired nurse and I can tell you that you have to advocate for yourself, do some research and don't take "you'll be fine" for an answer if you don't feel fine. Good luck and stay well.

Hello,
I’m Cristi, 65 yrs old, About 7 months ago I tripped and fell, as result went to ER. My injuries from fall ended up being inconsequential, healed over time. However; while monitored at ER, I was hooked up for vitals, my HR went haywire, irregular and they told me I had AFIB, so they administered meds to normalize my hr and also put me on blood thinner.
They kept me overnight for close monitoring. My BPM normalized with meds, but I had AFIB and pauses episodes a couple more times in ER. I remained in the ER one full day, had multiple tests done, and was discharged once stabilized with meds. After outpatient follow ups with cardiologist and EP, I was placed on one month Holter. Diagnosis: Paroxysmal AFIB, and Sick Sinus Syndrome. Both cardiologist and EP recommended a pacemaker to treat the Brady and the Pauses. The next step on my treatment plan is Ablation for the Afib.
I am glad I discovered this group. Thank you

I have a doctor that wants to do a pacemaker AV node ablation. Is this recommended?

Hi,
I am a 78 year old woman with 69% blockage in the lad, have high Lip a and afib. My meds are 80 mg stain, Zetia 10 mg, and Eliquis 5 mg 2x a day. I was also taking a baby aspirin until my recent stress test that showed no problems with blood flow. My LDL is 39. I also try to stay on a heart healthy diet and keep my amount of saturated fat down. I say try to keep it down because sometimes it's difficult. From my understanding a stent is not considered because the 69% blockage is just below severe. I am curious if there's anyone else out there with a situation similar to mine and if you feel like a ticking time bomb with a heart attack just waiting to happen. Also do you feel like your cardiologist is doing everything he can to give you the best care. My cardiologist tells me that a carotid artery test is not necessary because of the treatment regimen I am on. He has never checked my LP a level. It was first checked by another doctor in 2009 and it was 56 and tested again in 2011 and it was 69.

@marysharp34
3 months ago, I had an AV node ablataion adnd pacemaker inserted. Was told it was my last resort since I was going into heart failure from continuous A-fib for months. (medications did not work).
Life has been an adjustment, but at least it has given me a second chance.
Also taking Eliquis 5 mg twice a day.
This is my new normal...
I was scared, but glad I had the procedure done.