I'm probably to late for this thread since it seems like no one has commented in a while, but I've been experiencing skipped beats (heart palpitations) like crazy for the past few weeks. I'm 23 now, and I've had heart palpitations in the past but never this much. Mine seem to only happen when I'm sitting or lying down, I'm sure they are happening when I'm up too I just don't notice them.
I went to the ER about 3 weeks ago due to chest pain (before my head palpitations became a problem) and they did 2 EKGs, 1 X-ray, and a few blood tests. They said that on my first EKG I had arrhythmia, but the second one was normal, they also told me that I was low on potassium. I don't know what to think, I'm very worried. They sent me home and told me to set up a doctors appointment, my doctor said that my potassium levels are normal now but my heart rhythm seems to be off but I'm scared it might be something bad. My heart palpitations are really starting to bug me it seems like I have 1,000 a day. I also recently went vegan and have been eating mainly plants and such, I've been taking a B12 supplement the past few days and I try to get enough magnesium in my diet. My doctor order me a holter monitor or whatever it's called but I'm scared I worry so much. I also forgot to mention that I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and have been struggling with it for years, I'm not sure how that would cause palpitations or arrhythmia, I also have health anxiety (hypochondria) so I don't know if that can cause palpitations too??? I'm at a total loss and I just want answers.
No scientist knows, as yet, what causes benign PVCs. There's no money in researching a condition that does not affect longevity, and benign PVCs do not affect that.
People try all kinds of stuff, from supplements to avoiding certain foods. I've had ectopics for decades, and have never found, for sure, any food that helps or makes things worse.
You can tell these erratic beats are not dangerous in two primary ways: One is that you have been checked out at the ER and separately by paramedics, who found found that you have a normal, healthy heart and occasionally toss ectopic beats. That is medical reassurance by people who have treated a lot of real cardiac trouble. They've seen it all, or most of it, and they have no motive to dismiss your complaints if they see that you are truly in danger.
The second way you know that your ectopics are benign is that you are physically able do all your normal stuff, without throwing up or faintness or the sense of an elephant sitting on your chest, and so on. The beats are annoying and disturbing, but you are not physically disabled. Emotionally perhaps, but that is a different story.
I notice that back in 2007, you mentioned that you had gotten considerable relief from your worry about PVCs by taking Lexapro. It sounds as though it's once again time for a tuneup with your local anxiety therapist.
Im so terrified of them ive been in bed 2 years. Thats my life. I live on tiny sips of melted ice cream as im scared to eat. List 4 stone n now weigh 8 st at 5'6" . Doctor neverhelps
Dear Ellen,
Many skipped beats are benign and nothing to worry about.
Many people have them and they can increase in frequency under stress, drinking too much caffeine etc.
If they become noticeable, it is good to have a doctor look at it, to be sure they are harmless.
I can imagine that you were worried when this happened to you, but now that an ECG is made, analysed (including the ectopic) and concluded to be ok, I think there is no need for further worry.
Often, the more you think about them (worry, stress), the more frequent they get (or seem to get).
Take care,
Ger
In general:
This is really a heart rhythm issue. If you post in the Heart Rhythm Community, you will probably get more knowledgeable responses.
Mine started about a year ago. If anyone is interested in starting a group, message me blan_02 AT hot.mail (thats my address, minus the spaces)
I am a 70 yr old male and in pretty good health except for the skipped beats. I have been dealing with these pesky things for 45 yrs and have experienced all the symptoms named in most of the post on this board. I have been to
all kinds of docs, had many many test and still have the PVC's. I am still trying to find a solution. Considering a
nutrional approach with food based supplements designed for my problem. Good luck to all of you,