Constant Heart Palpitations

[cab3]

Hi,

I have palpitations all day long.  They are about every 3rd beat, and I feel them constantly.  I have had a lot of tests done (EKG,ECG, Stress Echo, and blood work).  Everything comes out normal.  I am currently on Metoprolol Tartrate 75mg a day.  I take 25mg three times a day.  If I try and take any higher dose at a time it makes me get real tired and I dont want to do anything.  Thats why its broken up 3x a day.  Anyways, the Metoprolol is not working and I have been on a number of other BBs that used to work.  Is there a reason why all of a sudden the BBs are working anymore?  I have been dealing with palpitations since I was 18, and I'm now 33.  However, I have never had constant heart palpitations like this and my palpitations were gone for many years.  I have a lot of stress in my life right now....3 kids, work full time,  I go to school, I work 40 miles from home, and the list goes on.  Could these palpitations all be stress induced or could there really be something more going on thats not showing up in all these tests?  Even though my cadiologist has told me I am fine and nothing is wrong with my heart I still feel there is something there.  Am I just being paranoid, or should I get a second opinion?  Sorry so many questions, this is starting to take over my life and I cant stand it anymore.  I just want my life back.  One more thing, is there something other than a beta blocker that would get rid of or at supress my palpitations besides the dangerous antiarrythmic drugs?  Thanks for any advice you can give!  I appreciate it.    

[cab3]

Hi Donna,

I just saw my cardiologist this morning and he is going to start me on an anti-anxiety medicine.  I'm not sure which one yet, I will let you know.  I am under a lot of stress right now and I think that is 95% of my problem.  I am just scared to take the anti-anxiety medicine.  I have never been on anything like that in my life and I'm scared of all the side effects it could have.  

I dont smoke..I used to drink a lot of Coke, but since my palps started I have not had any soda and have even tried to stay away from sugar all together.  I dont really know if that is helping much.  I am scared to eat chocolate, ice cream, candy, I guess anything sweet because I am so scared my palps are going to get worse than they already are.  

Can you tell me what A-fib is exactly?  Is it when your heart races really really fast for a certain amount of time?  I dont think I have that..or at least they tell me I dont.  My heart doesnt usually race really fast, its just constantly skipping beats.  I will look at my medical records when I get home and let you know what my loop findings were.  I cant remember all the names they used.  

I will keep you posted on what meds my doc puts me on.  I should hear back from him later today or sometime tomorrow.  

Thanks for the support!!  Its nice to have people to talk to that are or have gone through the same thing.    

[cab3]

Hi Joey,

I am sorry you have to go through such troubles to get some help.  Thats just not right.  

I pretty much am on the go all day every day.  I know mine are mostly due to stress.  I have 3 kids, I work full time, I go to school and I work 40 miles from home.  I just wish the medication I was on would work.  

Anyways the medication that helped me for 13 years was Propanalol.  I was only on 20mg and my palpitations never acted up.  It stopped working a few months ago and my "first" cardiologist switched my meds I cant even tell you how many times...which I am kind of starting to think thats why my PVCs are so bad now.  I really have no idea.  I am currently on Metoprolol Tartrate 25mg 3x a day.  Its not working....saw my cardiologist this morning and because of the stress I am under he thinks I might need some anti-anxiety medication.  Not sure which one I am going to go on yet, he is going to do a little research and call me later.  I am a bit scared to take anti-anxiety medications but I am desperate right now and will take anything to get these stupid palpitations to stop.  

I hope you get the help you need and deserve.  Please keep me posted!  

[Donna552]

Many people have PAC's and PVC's and don't even know it.  Most of the time they are innocent and do not cause a problem.  Having worn the loop for a month without any runs of PVC's (ventricular tachacardia) or a-fib, I would feel safe with your doctors diagnosis.  Has he suggested valium or xanax?  I find that when I feel the extra beats due to stress, these meds often calm them down.  They work on smooth muscle and that is what your heart muscle is.

As for the drugs being dangerous, yes some are.  Some are initiated only if you stay in the hospital overnight....but, they may be better than the arrythymia in some cases.

Do you smoke?  I did and this brought on an arrythymia bout pronto.  I quit, still had the PAC's, but they did quiet down a bit.  Also, caffiene will bring them on and so will stress or heavy exertion.

If you do have a-fib, I can discuss this with you at length.  I am a cardiac monitor tech and am very familiar with rhythms and some causes.......and the meds.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.  OK?

[joeyk53]

I know how much your life is disrupted. It's scary and it's not normal! I dont care what the doctors say. It is a "irregular heart beat" meaning not normal. It's not normal to not be able to move or function everyday! I too am going through this  but not on any meds.I also have MVP. I'm in Canada and saw a cardiologist but now dont have one. I saw him and then closed my file > I guess that's what they do here. Makes no sense to me. I want a heart doc I can go back to when I need to but I cant.I called him and was told I cant see him I have to go get another referral . That's the stupid medical system in Manitoba! people die because of this> I want to try meds too but they said they have more side effects than good so did not give me any. I'm not sure what to do about it or who will help me.
About you, Do you go, go ,go throughout the day or do you get to stop? If your constantly going your body might be tired and need to take some rest. I find that with me if I'm pushing myself too hard I WILL get them. Can u tell me what meds have helped you as well? thanks

[cab3]

I also wanted to say that I am happy that your A-Fib is taken care of.  I cant wait to be able to say that and give others advice.  

Have a good day!

[Donna552]

Sounds like you need to wear a Holter Monitor for 24 hours.  Has the doctor mentioned PAC's?  I have had atrial fibrillation since I was 17...I'm now retired.......and I had feelings like you are describing.  I was on beta blockers all this time until I had a pacer implanted 2 years ago and have been put on a new anti-arrythymic drug which is  working wonderfully.

A second opinion might be the answer.  I don't feel good about a doctor who doesn't take your fears into consideration.

[pandkwest]

Hi, Metropolol is good, try taking Co-Enzyme Q10 as well every morning, also a tbls of apple cider vinegar 3 times a day b4 meals. Stop coffee, alcohol and sugar, get a treadmill or just walk vigorously for 30 mins a day. all this will help.