1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Afib & PVC's

Posted by Larry @crashnam, Jul 30, 2017

Have been experiencing heart flutters, jumping, hesitating, pulsating, flopping, twitching, thumping, quivering sensations (you name it, I've felt it), for 40 years. Have lived with it since being told 35 years ago that's what I had to do. Over this period I had a couple of instances where my heart would start racing but only for a few seconds. Well, four years ago I was sitting at my desk at work one night and the racing kicked in, but this time it lasted for 14 hours. Since then, the AFIB incidents slowly got more frequent and so did all the flutters, jumping, hesitating, etc. to the point they were more alarming. I do have a cardiologist that I've been seeing for about 3 years now. Put me on metropolol tartrate then switched to metropolol succinate, anywhere from 50-100 milligrams a day. Don't know if it has really helped or not. Also taking Vitamin C, D, Magnesium and baby aspirin. Have been prescribed blood thinners the last couple of years as well as dilitizem but have been afraid to take any of it. When in AFIB, my heart beats very hard at between 175-200 beats a minute. Have had several holter meters, echocardiograms, stress test over the last few years but everything appears to be normal. The holter meters did record hundreds of skips and other bothersome beating each day, and one time recorded 8,000 over a two-day period. On two occasions since April, 2017, I went into AFIB for several hours then, of course it always stops on its own. But, these two times it remained with me like aftershocks going in and out of AFIB numerous times over a two or three day period after the initial AFIB incident. Heart will feel very strange going in and out of these numerous incidents and makes me a little light headed. Feels like the heart is just rumbling around not knowing what to do. Very scary. Ablation has been talked about in the past and when I am at my worst I really start considering it. I do try and get through this all over the years by pushing myself and deciding I'm just going to live my life the best I can. I am still a smoker, drink black coffee and drink beer maybe 3 or 4 a week. Been told however to cut down on all of it. But I am stubborn. Any suggestions or comments would be welcome.

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success101 | @success101 | Nov 3, 2017
In reply to @texas7777 "My story isn't as severe as the others' here, but I have always had a "hard"..." + (show)
@texas7777

My story isn't as severe as the others' here, but I have always had a "hard" heart beat, but never thought much of it until around age of 40 (4 yr ago). Last year, went to a cardiologist, halter monitor reported 8,000 pvcs. In summary, ran multiple tests and he and my cousin (cardiologist at Duke) said that it's not destructive or bad, just irritating. Thus, no discussion of ablation at this point. So, here's my opinion after discussing with 2 great cardiologists (cousin and my current Dr.): Since it's not destructive (not going to increase my problems for a heart condition in 10 or 30 years), then I can put up with the heart beats. However, I am VERY reluctant to take any type of medicine. My Dr. (& cousin) suggested I take a low dose (25 mg) or metoporol. I resisted for 6 months and decided I'd give it a try. The very 1st night of taking it, I slept better than I had in 10 years! Totally different person. I think that my "hard" heart beats, etc. were waking me up out of deep sleep; metoporol calmed that down. In addition, my sinus surgery (I had terrible sinus problems) also added to a good nights sleep. Thus, I've been on toporol for about a year now and when I get off of it for a week or so, I can tell a difference. Thus, I'm sticking to it. Might reduce the dose as suggested by the Doc, because he said I only need to take it for "comfort;" it's not required.

Thought I'd share, even though I doubt it helps much on this string of posts

Jump to this post

Hmmm
Are you taking anything with it.
You may need to have your doctor
go over your meds.

I myself, take a couple other drugs
with the Medication.
Diltiazam furoesemide and
flecinade.
For myself, I feel its working
Good.

Keep us in formed.

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 3, 2017
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi Larry, @crashnam, Welcome back! I can imagine you're worried, and moved your most recent message..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hi Larry, @crashnam,

Welcome back! I can imagine you're worried, and moved your most recent message to this discussion so that it will be more convenient for fellow Connect members to join us with some more information.

@predictable, @hopeful33250, do you have any insights that might help Larry?

Jump to this post

@crashnam

Given your lung/heart problems you might consider a cardiopulmonary test. It is similar to a stress test on a treadmill, but has the added feature of a device in your mouth that measures the oxygen level during the testing period. You would probably need to go to larger medical center for this test - a cardiologist's office would probably not have this type of testing.

Also, I would keep mentioning your Agent Orange exposure to whatever doctor you see - don't write if off, just because your current doctor doesn't think it is relevant.

Are you anywhere near a university or larger medical center?

Teresa

REPLY
Larry | @crashnam | Nov 6, 2017
In reply to @crashnam "Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing..." + (show)
@crashnam

Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing so many whacky palps and sensations with my heart for the past 40 years, and now off and on afib along with them, I am afraid that the diltiazem may interrupt the natural course of the afib stopping on its own, and/or creating more problems with all the other palps. Palps on their own can be very scary, let alone have afib episodes two or three times a month. My cardiologists tell me that the diltiazem will help cut down on the different arrhythmias but with so many different types of arrhythmias, that's what scares me. I will however be trying it shortly to see how I react. I am a 67 year old Vietnam Vet with a lot of life left in me, so I am being very cautious while suffering at the same time. Get back to me when you can. Thank you very much.

Jump to this post

Getting close to giving up anyway. Tired of fighting this.

REPLY
success101 | @success101 | Nov 6, 2017
In reply to @texas7777 "My story isn't as severe as the others' here, but I have always had a "hard"..." + (show)
@texas7777

My story isn't as severe as the others' here, but I have always had a "hard" heart beat, but never thought much of it until around age of 40 (4 yr ago). Last year, went to a cardiologist, halter monitor reported 8,000 pvcs. In summary, ran multiple tests and he and my cousin (cardiologist at Duke) said that it's not destructive or bad, just irritating. Thus, no discussion of ablation at this point. So, here's my opinion after discussing with 2 great cardiologists (cousin and my current Dr.): Since it's not destructive (not going to increase my problems for a heart condition in 10 or 30 years), then I can put up with the heart beats. However, I am VERY reluctant to take any type of medicine. My Dr. (& cousin) suggested I take a low dose (25 mg) or metoporol. I resisted for 6 months and decided I'd give it a try. The very 1st night of taking it, I slept better than I had in 10 years! Totally different person. I think that my "hard" heart beats, etc. were waking me up out of deep sleep; metoporol calmed that down. In addition, my sinus surgery (I had terrible sinus problems) also added to a good nights sleep. Thus, I've been on toporol for about a year now and when I get off of it for a week or so, I can tell a difference. Thus, I'm sticking to it. Might reduce the dose as suggested by the Doc, because he said I only need to take it for "comfort;" it's not required.

Thought I'd share, even though I doubt it helps much on this string of posts

Jump to this post

I am so glad you are taking this med. Yes, it is calming for myself. I like to resist doctors
and,then, find that their advice
Is often good for me.
Keep taking it.
There are lots of good years
left.
I'm hanging on for some
anyway.

Enjoy, your hobbies and,
See less of the white coat guys.

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 6, 2017
In reply to @crashnam "Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing..." + (show)
@crashnam

Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing so many whacky palps and sensations with my heart for the past 40 years, and now off and on afib along with them, I am afraid that the diltiazem may interrupt the natural course of the afib stopping on its own, and/or creating more problems with all the other palps. Palps on their own can be very scary, let alone have afib episodes two or three times a month. My cardiologists tell me that the diltiazem will help cut down on the different arrhythmias but with so many different types of arrhythmias, that's what scares me. I will however be trying it shortly to see how I react. I am a 67 year old Vietnam Vet with a lot of life left in me, so I am being very cautious while suffering at the same time. Get back to me when you can. Thank you very much.

Jump to this post

Hi Larry, It is understandable that you wish to give up and are tired of fighting. Having a chronic heart condition compounded by lung issues is exhausting. May I ask about the family and friends that you have around you? Who helps you get through the dark times?

REPLY
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Nov 6, 2017
In reply to @crashnam "Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing..." + (show)
@crashnam

Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing so many whacky palps and sensations with my heart for the past 40 years, and now off and on afib along with them, I am afraid that the diltiazem may interrupt the natural course of the afib stopping on its own, and/or creating more problems with all the other palps. Palps on their own can be very scary, let alone have afib episodes two or three times a month. My cardiologists tell me that the diltiazem will help cut down on the different arrhythmias but with so many different types of arrhythmias, that's what scares me. I will however be trying it shortly to see how I react. I am a 67 year old Vietnam Vet with a lot of life left in me, so I am being very cautious while suffering at the same time. Get back to me when you can. Thank you very much.

Jump to this post

Dear Larry @crashnam,

I know what you're going through.
I've had tachycardia, (Supraventricular tachycardia) ever since I can remember – nothing compared to Afib or PVC – but I can imagine how debilitating your episodes must be!
I didn't want to take beta blockers, as I felt they "slowed me down" considerably, and I didn't want to undergo any procedures. What I did notice was that my stress and angst about having a heart condition would trigger stronger, more frequent episodes (220 bpm). But how can you not worry about your heart!!

Larry, I truly believe that by reaching out for support, by recognizing and trying to cope with your condition as best as you can, you've already made tremendous progress. You have overcome a significant obstacle – being open, sharing your story, your worries, listening to others, but most of all, being patient with yourself, is not an easy thing to do. You've made the journey from ignorance to understanding.

I know you're hesitant to take certain medications, or to undergo an ablation; have you considered being evaluated at a heart rhythm clinic or center? If you wish, do take a look at the two stories below; you are not alone.

– Treatment to Slow a Quick Heartbeat Returns Jim Davis to His Fast-Paced Life https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2016/06/15/treatment-to-slow-a-quick-heartbeat-returns-jim-davis-to-his-fast-paced-life/
– Teacher Smelling the Roses Again Thanks to Minimally Invasive Heart Procedures https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2016/05/19/teacher-smelling-the-roses-again-thanks-to-minimally-invasive-heart-procedures/

REPLY
lawsonsa | @lawsonsa | Nov 7, 2017
In reply to @crashnam "Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing..." + (show)
@crashnam

Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing so many whacky palps and sensations with my heart for the past 40 years, and now off and on afib along with them, I am afraid that the diltiazem may interrupt the natural course of the afib stopping on its own, and/or creating more problems with all the other palps. Palps on their own can be very scary, let alone have afib episodes two or three times a month. My cardiologists tell me that the diltiazem will help cut down on the different arrhythmias but with so many different types of arrhythmias, that's what scares me. I will however be trying it shortly to see how I react. I am a 67 year old Vietnam Vet with a lot of life left in me, so I am being very cautious while suffering at the same time. Get back to me when you can. Thank you very much.

Jump to this post

Hey Larry, you’ e mentioned that you have kept yourself active and pretty fit. What has been your program for that? I’m 73 with Afib and have been wondering about how hard to push myself in uphill walking.

REPLY
Larry | @crashnam | Nov 7, 2017
In reply to @crashnam "Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing..." + (show)
@crashnam

Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing so many whacky palps and sensations with my heart for the past 40 years, and now off and on afib along with them, I am afraid that the diltiazem may interrupt the natural course of the afib stopping on its own, and/or creating more problems with all the other palps. Palps on their own can be very scary, let alone have afib episodes two or three times a month. My cardiologists tell me that the diltiazem will help cut down on the different arrhythmias but with so many different types of arrhythmias, that's what scares me. I will however be trying it shortly to see how I react. I am a 67 year old Vietnam Vet with a lot of life left in me, so I am being very cautious while suffering at the same time. Get back to me when you can. Thank you very much.

Jump to this post

Hey there. Actually I have probably abused my body. Have smoked for 50 years, I still drink a couple big cups of black coffee a day. I was a beer drinker in Vietnam (stayed away from ALL drugs). I am a social drinker as well. Family get togethers, when bowling, playing horseshoes, holidays, etc. Don't like drinking by myself at home. So, I am probably a below average drinker. Anyway, my last job was a sports writer (for 13 years), but was let go due to budget cuts four years ago. Tried looking for work, but kind of gave up when I began having more heart issues. So now I'm basically at home just doing normal activities (garden, taking care of our cats, etc.). Up until this past August I could basically do anything I wanted, then I began feeling more PVC's etc. during light to mild physical exertion. AFIB has improved (less frequency), but PVC's have increased slightly and more alarming sometimes. Dr's. still say my heart is okay, but they don't feel the sensations. Even on the ekg's and holter monitors can show the PVC's but they can't interpret the feelings from them.

REPLY
Larry | @crashnam | Nov 7, 2017
In reply to @crashnam "Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing..." + (show)
@crashnam

Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just being cautious about the diltiazem. After experiencing so many whacky palps and sensations with my heart for the past 40 years, and now off and on afib along with them, I am afraid that the diltiazem may interrupt the natural course of the afib stopping on its own, and/or creating more problems with all the other palps. Palps on their own can be very scary, let alone have afib episodes two or three times a month. My cardiologists tell me that the diltiazem will help cut down on the different arrhythmias but with so many different types of arrhythmias, that's what scares me. I will however be trying it shortly to see how I react. I am a 67 year old Vietnam Vet with a lot of life left in me, so I am being very cautious while suffering at the same time. Get back to me when you can. Thank you very much.

Jump to this post

Hi There. I've read stories similar to the ones you referred me to. My AFIB is always around 200 when it occurs, lasting 4-12 hours. When It would stop I would feel great sometimes for several days, but I would still have the PVC's. Have had several holter monitors anywhere from the one day to the 30 day. Sometimes register a tolerable amount of PVC's and other times several thousand a day. No set pattern. I now feel PVC's in upper chest more, as well as upper stomach (which I had not had before). Heart will just flounder around like it doesn't know what it wants to do sometimes with the skips, flutters, pauses and sometimes a squeezing or choking off sensation. Sometimes it's like a hair trigger with the slightest movement triggering skips and flutters. Also, in between AFIB incidents I will get an occasional 10 or 15 second AFIB sensation where I think it is going to kick in and start racing but then lets up. I often wonder if some of the more urgent palps and PVC's are the result of the AFIB wanting to kick in, but fails to do so. I read that ablation is good for PVC's only if you have 20% or higher each day. I am still considering ablation for the AFIB in hopes that it may at the same time relieve some of the other palp symptoms, and may even be causing them. For me, the palps and irregular heartbeats feel worse than the AFIB. There are times when I wish I was on the "table" and tell the doctors to just do what they have to do. And, I still worry of course that something is being missed in my evalations. Thanks for your information and concern.

REPLY
Larry | @crashnam | Nov 7, 2017

Hi Colleen. No, don't have any friends, and my wife is never really too concerned. That's just the way it is. I'm kind of a loner anyway when it comes to health issues. Like to deal with them myself and not bother other people. I still feel there is a key to all this that I have to find and open the door to feeling better. Whether it be an ablation or some underlying cause that the Doctors haven't pinpointed. I really thought I was getting away with something having PVC's for 40 years and being able to reasonably tolerate them, but when intermittent AFIB and more alarming PVC's started four years ago, I knew I was in trouble but I just kept plugging away. My recent Nuke stress test was apparently okay, reaching a target of 130 bpm. Discussed results with cardiologist and he said that it's not always 100% conclusive for blockages. Still feel something is being missed. Still considering an ablation for the intermittent AFIB which actually bothers less than the PVC's. But, maybe what is causing the AFIB may be related to some of the other irregular heartbeats.

REPLY
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