PVC's Feel like missed heartbeat

Posted by jpgnirvana0998 @jpgnirvana0998, Oct 24 9:38am

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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Profile picture for shmerdloff @shmerdloff

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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Thank you!!

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In reply to @jpgnirvana0998 "Thank you so much:)))" + (show)
Profile picture for jpgnirvana0998 @jpgnirvana0998

Thank you so much:)))

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@jpgnirvana0998 First, deep respect for putting yourself in harms way to come to the aid of Ukraine.
It seems that it's pretty common that patients struggle to get their doctors to treat concerns about palpitations seriously. But when it starts to interfere with the quality of your sleep, it should not be considered a trivial matter, My 2 cents is be persistent and press to be referred to a cardiologist (and/or electrophysiologist) for further investigation,

In the meantime you might try dialing back the intensity of your workouts. Obviously no two people are the same but in my case, pushing myself hard was sometimes associated with a spate of PVCs and/or PACs and backing off for a while helped.

Good luck!

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Great advice x2!! I thank you:))

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Try Magnesium and Potassium.

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