Really worried about irregular heart beat

[joeg]

Dear Doctor,

I'm 32, male. Four months ago, I felt sharp chest pains. I was panic for worrying about having a heart problem.

I went to see my doctor, and every test (EKG and X-ray) came out normal. He told me it was anxiety, but he would schedule me
for a stress test.  But I was still worried.  After about 2 weeks, I started to notice having early heart beats, at some time, I had about one early beat after every 5-6 normal beats.  I then went to see a cardiologist.  He also heard the early beats, and scheduled me on a Thallium and Echo tests.  Both tests
came out OK.  The report says there was RARE PVC in stress test as part of the Thallium test.  Though I did see many irregular heart beats on the screen during the Echo test, but the Echo test report didn't mention it. Why? After the tests, the cardiologist told me I should not worry about it, even though sometimes early beats may happen more freuently.  Now, after about 2 months, I have noticed I have more frequent early beats, every day, especially at night. Sometimes, there is an early (sometimes like skipped) heart beat in every 1-2 normal beats and that happens 3-4 times in a row. Whenever I have those early
beats, I would feel fluttering my chest. I am really worried.  

My question is: should I worry about those early beats even the doctors said my heart was normal after the Thellium and Echo tests?  There are times the early heart beats are much more frequent than the time I did those tests, so the tests may not catch everything. Is that possible? Do I need to see the doctor again?

Thanks a lot!

J

[Dancing Heart]

Hello, reading your comments have really brought some comfort to me...I was diasnosed 20 years ago with MVP (Mitral Valve Prolapse).  I was having severe heart palps and have suffered with them for 25 years...and when I say suffer I mean suffer not only physically but emotionally from them...I also had panic and anxiety attacks, which I believe were helped along by the Dancing Heart...I have worn holter monitors, had stress test and EKG's and Echo's..my Dr. assures me they are benign tho annoying...
I find that they are extremely severe during my monthly hormonal time...
Has anyone experienced that?  I have tried several beta blockers which haven't helped.  My Dr. suggested something called Toporal???  I have not tried it as I am not big on using meds...I don't use any caffeine, don't smoke or drink....
I get lighthead, dizzy and extremely nervous when these attacks hit me...I feel so frightened......
Thanks for your comments
The only good thing out of it is that I found a name for my Art work...."Dancing Heart Designs"!  I guess there is good in everything....
Thanks

[arthur]

There are many posts re. the connection... folks often complain of PACs (premature atrial contractions) associated with bouts of upset stomach (GERD, acid reflux).  Docs don't have a clean explanation as yet, however, there are indications that there is sufficient crosstalk between the nervous systems running around the stomach/esophagus and the heart to suggest a nervous system cause.  PACs are often the result of isolated cardiac tissue firing off noise...these foci can get aggravated by certain foods, positional changes, exercise, excitement, even the process of digestion...as all these activities result in the release of agents affecting the nervous system and the intensity of focal firing.  It's definitely complex.

There's even a case where SVT and AF were precipitated by swallowing...a reflex action involving a couple of nervous systems running down that trunk line along the esophagus.  That problem was solved with ablation of the focus responsible.

[Sunnishine]

Anyone ever hear about irregular heartbeats connected with acid reflux? I have both, and sometimes I feel that they are connected. Sometimes eating food or taking an antacid makes them go away. I have already seen a doctor about my irregular heartbeat and he says that it is harmless. I was taking Prevacid for my acid reflux but that made it worse (I think my reflux is caused by a lack of stomach acid, not an overabundance). It sure makes me feel better to read all of these posts about other people who have my same problem. At least I'm not alone!

[arthur]

Frostbite Falls....very very funny.  Now let's hope that everone else thinks it's funny too...it would go a long way to lowering the levels of anxiety folks are feeling, especially those living just outside the city limits.

[Mr. Know it all]

Magnesium Oxide is the least expensive form of magnesium, I suggest using Magnesium aporates or Gylcinate, also check out this site about Magnesium and its connection to heart disorders
http://www.execpc.com/~magnesum/cardio.html#FACTORS

thank
***@****

[LaurieD]

I HAD to post in regard to Minnie's comments on the ear thing. I think....that like the rest of us she is desperate to find a cause for these horrid things. God Bless her for at least trying. Maybe there IS some credibility there. Good luck Minnie and thanks for posting! Laurie