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PVCs: need help mamanging the emotion and anxiety I feel about them
Over the past week I started to have heart hiccups. The heartbeat feels like someone slaps you and I get hot head to toes and scared. Went to the ER and they caught them on the ekg said I have symptomatic PVCs and everyone has them and they aren’t dangerous. But I have them like I described probably 40 times a day and it’s making me crazy. I lay in bed and cry because they stop me from doing things. I already have depression and anxiety and am disabled from those. I can’t help but feel like I’m being piled on and it’s just not fair. My daily thoughts range from why is this happening to me all the way to if I was dead I wouldn’t have to feel like this anymore. I need help. If anyone can offer suggestions on how to deal with these or make the stop I would appreciate the help.
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I also experience PVCs and PACs occasionally, and sometimes more often than that. They make me anxious and interfere with my sense of wellness. Mine seem to be triggered by stress more than anything else. Breathing exercises sometimes help: slow deep inhale, hold, then exhale slowly. Another thing that has made a difference for me is magnesium citrate, which I drink each night before going to bed, about half a teaspoon in warm water. There are many posts about magnesium supplements on this forum . My docs aren't overly concerned about my PVCs...they just shrug and say it's not unusual or cause for concern. It is my understanding that if your PVC burden reaches a certain level (10% or more) then it may warrant further investigation.
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2 ReactionsPlease understand that you are not alone. Any heart related issues is anxiety-producing; after all, it is a pretty important organ. A lot of good suggestions above. If you have any friends with heart issues, have a talk with them about how they approach their anxiety.
All the best!
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2 ReactionsI have very frequent PVCs (20% burden). I’ve actually got an appt at Mayo in July for a possible PFA. I know that heart anxiety well! What’s helped me most are meditation apps on my phone. The absolute best one I’ve found for anxiety + panic attacks is the “Dare” app. I have an IPhone and it’s in the App Store. There are many other good ones too. I try to listen/meditate both morning + bedtime. It’s helped me sooo much to feel calmer + less fearful! Best of luck!
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2 Reactions@anniemoe77 as I read your message I was listening to the Dare app. It really is great but it doesn’t keep me as calm as it used to. Either way I still listen multiple times a day
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1 Reaction@browenn
Oh I’m so glad you know about it! “The Way” is a good one also, for meditation. It’s Zen oriented, but has been helpful for me. When you feel your heart doing weird things it’s just so anxiety producing! I got myself into therapy for a short time too, which helped. I no longer think I’m gonna die any second, which is a huge step forward for me. Kind of funny, but not when you’re going through it! Just know that you’re not alone. I’m a retired RN and I can tell you that a certain amount of PVCs are quite normal. Mine are not just because I have way too many, but yours may be within the normal range. If your Dr. is concerned, they can easily do a several day monitoring.
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1 Reaction@anniemoe77 I get my 3 day holster monitor on today. Hopefully it tells them something that can help me
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