I need answers...

Question

Hi am a 13 year old who excersises daily.  Since i can remember i have had so called skipped heart beats.  Very rarely,though, until a few months ago.  One night i drank 5 cans of pop and was dumb enough to go play football. Well thats when my heart started to skip.  Ever since i've had them.  On a good day i'll only have 10 of them but on a bad day its usually around 100-150.  I also noticed that they mostly happen at school.  But at home not really.  Personally i think its mostly the fact that i have too much time to think at school unlike where at home im usually doing something so i dont even notice.  They never give me any pain.  I guess the only reason they ever really bother me is because im afraid my heart is just going to stop.  Is this possible? And do you know any so called techniques so when im at school i can forgot about them or make my self feel better?  And should i be concerned? 

These things really scare me. Some nights i'm afraid to go to sleep or even go to school because im afraid i am going to die. i know i shouldnt even be thinking about this considering i'm only 13 but i just do....please everyone put me in your prayers and i'll pray for you and give me some comfort.

RNRita · Answer

Hi. The difference between PACs and PVCs is that in the PAC the atrial (top) of the heart has an extra beat and the PVC means that the ventricles (bottom) have the extra beats.  In a structurally normal heart, neither mean anything.  They can have the same sensation to people or different.  It really makes no difference which you have if you are checked out and your heart is normal.

ajwwr82 · Answer

ok i'll try...thanks again.and i have another question.what is the difference between pvcs and pacs.  and i also read somewhere that most people under 18 who have these is because the have an arrythemia(i think thats right)is this true?thanks again for all the help

Momto3 · Answer

Hi ajwwr82,

Try talking with your parents again.  Explain that you would feel more comfortable if you could talk with the doctor regarding the peculiar feelings.  Tell them it may be nothing, but it would help a lot if you could touch base with the doctor just to be sure.  If you play sports, you could go for a sports physical and ask at that time.

I'm one of those people who had thousands of pvcs everyday, for years.  I was so used to them that they were "normal" for me.  I've had over 20,000 daily, but as I said for me it was normal.  It took me awhile to adjust to an actual lub-dub (normal) heartbeat after my ablations.  Try not to worry.....I think you're fine, but still best to check it out.  If for nothing else, it will give you peace of mind.

The doctor MAY give you medication, but more than likely, he/she will find out what's going on, and offer reassurance.

ajwwr82 · Answer

thanks for ur comment. i absolutely hate it becuase i dont know anyone that understands the feeling and my parents just think im being silly. do u think i should maybe talk to my school nurse and she can give me her opinion???thank you so much.

kim8400 · Answer

Hi, I just wanted you to know that I started having pvc's when I was 12, which scared me to death, my parents said the same thing as yours did,so when I finally got old enough to go by myself (19) I headed straight to the doctor! They had me wear a monitor to record my heartbeats and found out that I have pvc's and nsvt. They also did lots of other tests to rule out different heart diseases, so that they would know for sure that the pvc's and nsvt were not dangerous. I think you should call your doctor yourself and explain to whomever you make an appointment with that your parents don't take it seriously but that it is scaring you. Your doctor can help you figure out exactly what these are and how best to treat them!

**Kim**

ajwwr82 · Answer

should i make a special appointment to go see the doctor or should i just go the next time i get a physical. i dont know what to do because so many people have different opinions....

PikaPika88 · Answer

Electrical part of the heart disease never choose age......  Tell your parents, from the internet it tells not all the heart disease will get pain.  Some of them, when it shows pain then it is too late.  

Remember that, next time when you see your GP or family doctor, you mention it to him/her.  At the school, you might go and tell or discuss with the school nurse or school counselors.  See what can they offer or advise you?  IF it is a simple of anxiety or panic attack, you still need help to control it and minimise it.  Such a worry, frighten/scare can affect your studies.  No good.

ajwwr82 · Answer

thanks again,and yes i did mention them to my parents. they said not to worry unless i get pain.  by the way would they have anything to do with the fact i had a heart murmur when i was 5 (which luckily for me closed up). and i heard some people say they have up to 15,000 a day!!!is this really possible cause i dont feel good when i have 200 of them. and do you think the doctor will give me any meds,or suggest anything to stop them. thanks again :)

Momto3 · Answer

Try not to let the "weird" beats get to you.  Have you mentioned them to your doctor? parents?  It's always best to touch base with the doctor whenever we have new or bothersome symptoms.  

MANY, many people have extra beats.  I know they feel like skipped beats, they are really early mis-firings and are extra beats.  It's very common to notice them more when we're sitting still, resting, etc.  Caffeine is definitely a common trigger, so watch the Mountain Dew and Cola products : )

I've had these quirky beats for at least 30 years, and still here....Do talk with your parents about getting a yearly physical.  Mention the beats to the doc.  My guess is he'll take a listen and send you on your way.  

Take care