cardiac arrest

[elko26]

I have PVCs since I was 9. now 41, i get them more often and started developing a new symptom. on three occasions, I could feel my heart stops for 2-3 seconds and restart with a very high HR and stabilise after 1 min or so.

[MichelleP_3811]

Yeah, unless you are having symptoms it is kind of a waste of time to go to the ER.  That is why I never really went when I had my svt episodes.  I always figured they would stop before I got there.  But a doctor will investigate and likely give you an event monitor if you don't have these symptoms daily.  An event monitor, if you haven't had one, is worn for a month and you push the button when you feel symptoms.  Some record automatically as well and considering you have these while you sleep it might be wise to have one that records automatically.  In any event, if you have these episodes at least once a month you have a good shot at capturing what is going on.  If not then keep a diary of what you feel, how often it happens, what your heart rate is when it happens and any other symtpoms that you notice with it.  But do go see your doctor to get their advice.  Ok, take care.

[elko26]

Thank you for your reply. i went to the ER following two of these episodes, but when i get there the EKG showed perfect sinus rithmn. blood work was normal. the third time was scary because i woke before it happened with shortness of breath. two years ago, my cardiologist did a few tests and concluded my heart was structurally normal and that the pvcs were not to worry about. i dont know if the pauses are something new or i noticed them more now.

[MichelleP_3811]

Yes, there is no way to know for sure what it is until it is seen on the EKG.  Though I don't know if I would go so far as to say you are going into cardiac arrest the fact that you are sensing a long pause of some sort needs to be investigated.  Please visit your doctor to get reevaluated.  If you do not have any other troubling symptoms that may be a good sign you have nothing to worry about but please do go get checked out, a doctor really needs to make that call.  Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.

[itdood]

Without catching it on an EKG there's no telling what may have happened.  There are a number of issues that can give rise to a "pause" feeling.  Check with your doctor, get a physical exam.  Perhaps you will need more study.