Arrythmia & Valve Problems?

KimC · Sep 18, 2003

Hi, everyone.

I'm still new to heart disease, so please bare w/ me as I ask semi-complicated questions.

A few years ago, after the birth of my first child then during my second pregnancy, my OB said I had what sounded like non-sustained VT: I would break out into a sweat, stop breathing and feel a rapid, pounding heartbeat in my chest. The episodes would resolve in seconds, so I attributed it to the stress of pregnancy and let it go.

Recently while vacationing in Sundance, UT (6K up) and on occasion home at sea level, my heart seems to SLOW down and stop for a few seconds and my breath catches. My cardio requested a 48-hour Holter test, after which I was diagnosed w/ Sinus Bradycardia, PAC's and PVC's. During the test period, I don't recall having the "heart-stopping" arrythmia, so I was surprised that anything had registered. My doc prescribed Toprol, which I've quit taking because of the side-effects.

Having been recently diagnosed with moderate AI/TI, I'm wondering if I shouldn't take the "heart-stopping" arrythmia more seriously, and press for more answers or get back on medication.

Do you have similar experiences to share? Have you ever experienced such a sensation and is arrythmia common for people w/ valve problems?

Thank you,

Nancy · Sep 18, 2003

Hi Kim-

I wouldn't fool around with bradycardia. My husband has it and he had several very bad faints. I saw them all, and he just fell over from a standing position without any warning. I couldn't detect a pulse right after. Fortunately, the EMTs came very fast and he was revived, but spent time in the hospital. He wasn't allowed to drive during that period of time, and eventually he got a pacemaker. He hasn't had any more episodes, and he can now drive.

The other thing is that he injured himself during these falls, dislocated his jaw, and possibly tore loose some of the stitches in his newly operated on mitral valve because he fell with great concussion onto his chest. He knocked over our big TV, and a standing lamp, and almost went through the plate glass window. He also just missed the sharp corner of the dining room table with his head. I can still see these happening.

Stay on top of this with your cardiologist. Some people can have an ablation and take care of it, my friend did, others have a pacemaker, and others can take meds.

Take care and take care of you.

bvdr · Sep 18, 2003

Hi Kim,

What happens quite often in valve problems is that different chambers of the heart will enlarge, change contour, and sometimes thicken all in an effort to keep the heart functioning as near normal as possible. These changes can affect the areas of the heart that initiate and control heart rate and rhythm so yes, arrythmias are very common. Whether or not it is what has caused your problem only your doctor will be able to determine.

Stay on top of it though since some arrythmias are very deadly.

sylviayasgur · Sep 18, 2003

hi kim!
welcome to this site. it's a wonderful, informative, supportive and friendly place_ everyone here is great!
i'm sorry you are going through this; it must be very frightening.
i'm sure many more will come along who will be able to help better than i can.
please let us know what happens.
wishing you all the best, sylvia