Uncontrolled PVC's

matbunch · May 7, 2013

I am you typical ACHD patient! I had my aorta repaired in 1976, and have been followed by a regular cardiologist and an ACHD cardiologist since then for my current VSD, and BAV.

The last 5 days have NOT been typical for me.

Our kindergarten class enjoyed pet week last week...and each student was able to bring in their best friend. To my dismay....on of our dear little ones brought a SNAKE last Wednesday! (MY greatest fear) It didn't surprise me that my heart started jumpin...it kinda made me laugh....until it didn't stop!

The heart flutters were more like huge thuds! It wasn't occasional.....it was more like every 2-3 beats. By Friday (3 days later)....I was experiencing lightheadedness, cold sweats, breathlessness, and exhaustion. (The snake was long gone....and I was able to laugh it off...so I don't feel like my level of anxiety warranted the response)

I ran to my cardiologist, who did an immediate EKG....my bp was 160/80, pulse 80bpm, and EKG showed PVC's.

He thought my electrolytes might be off, and ordered a heart monitor, rest, blood work,and lots of GATORADE.

Since then.....the PVC's, have become weaker...and even less frequent, but I am VERY weak...still lightheaded, breathless, and unable to do my daily normal activities. Activity brings on more PVC's with symptoms.

What's wrong? I'm still waiting for my blood work....and tempted to think it is related to electrolytes OR endocarditis. anybody here have endocarditis before?

None of the major symptoms are present ( purple spots, janeway lesions, fever) but I have these overwhelming excessive and symptomatic PVC's that are driving my blood pressure up...and rendering me weak and useless for the moment.

Any ideas, or comfort would be very helpful!

Thank You

ski girl · May 7, 2013

Mat I had endocarditis that almost killed me - and there were no funny heart rhythms associated with it. Nor weakness, nor lightheadedness. There was a fever though! So based on my symptoms I would say count your blessings, you don't have endocarditis.

But you really should see someone about that fear of snakes. ;-)

pellicle · May 8, 2013

just googled it ...

for the curious others:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premature_ventricular_contraction

perhaps of interest here is:

is a relatively common event where the heartbeat is initiated by Purkinje fibres in the ventricles rather than by the sinoatrial node, the normal heartbeat initiator.

it goes on to say:

Premature ventricular contractions can occur in a healthy person of any age, but are more prevalent in the elderly and in men.[2] They frequently occur spontaneously with no known cause.

and then:

Some possible causes of PVCs include:
...
Adrenaline excess;[7]
Lack of sleep/exhaustion;[8]
Stress[8]

matbunch · May 8, 2013

The lab work is all good.....no infection...and the electrolytes are good. Either the GATORADE really worked....or the cause is still unknown. I'm still waiting on the reading of the heart monitor. Meanwhile....I am continuing to get better

Wow that threw me through a loop though! Those were not normal PVC's...because they really made me sick! Anybody else had a similar experience?

Thanks!

AmyR · May 12, 2013

Hello,

I might be wrong but i have a funny problem rather side effect as well. People with PVC's as well as valve issues suffer from a little panic disorders like me. It is like you have the PVC's but once the Pvc effects start they make you panicky and you end up keeping an eye on every beat and even the littlest of the breathless feeling. though the symptoms of heart probs and Panic attacks are like 90% similar but end up making you feel sick. Symptoms like dizzy, palps, breathlessness and high bp are also associated with panic attacks. Keep yourself calm. Hope all your reports come normal. Wish you good health and a great heart.

matbunch · May 14, 2013

Hey All,

Thanks for your replies and comforts! My worst nightmare is that they will attribute all of this to stress! During this time I was crazy busy....but didn't feel any anxiety. AmyR....I do see your point though....the idea that the palpatations could have caused enough anxiety to increase the symptoms....may be insightful!

My symptoms are nearly gone now! I am still wearing a monitor....and waiting for the doctor to call back and tell me everything is OK and I can take it off! I highly suspect an electrolyte imbalance. I'm desperately hoping that the whole ordeal did not negatively affect my heart...then again...if there is an arrhythmia that should be addressed...maybe this is the best way to have found it!

Thanks!