Palpitations :(

RedPeppah · June 2013

These things are really getting on my nerves. So quick recap: Prior to becoming pregnant, I was addressing my heart palpitations that were occasionally frequent. (I know, oxymoron there). At times they could be one on top of another and some days almost none. Anyhow, Full round of blood work was done, everything looks optimal. Echo done, everything is structurally sound; except test showed tricuspid valve has mild regurgitation. I also wore a 48 hour monitor and this showed mostly sinus rhythm with occasional sinus arrhythmia w/ PVC's. They said this was not pathogenic. So now that I get the all clear, some days are good, and days like today, they are really frequent and triggering my anxiety. I went to a top notch doctor, maybe it is time for a second opinion. At the beginning of testing, the DO mentioned that she would normally proscribe a beta blocker, but I have asthma so she won't do that. She mentioned a calcium channel blocker could be an option. Of course the mention of these medicines was before pregnancy. Oh what to do...

allforthegirl · June 2013

My cardiologist said that there is something that you can take during PG if I need it to help keep it to a minimum. Mine have gotten worse in the past with my previous PG, but I like you got the go ahead with another baby. Maybe talk to your Dr about something to take to help regulate them some!! GL my dear!!

Meery82 · June 2013

Does your doctor know that you are now pregnant? You might want to let them know, if not. I also have a sinus arrhythmia. A cardiologist told me it's considered normal. I also had fairly frequent palpitations before getting pregnant and, surprisingly, they were much less frequent during my pregnancy. Now, they are rare. Just an FYI, they might improve. But if they continue to make you uncomfortable, definitely talk to your doctor.

RedPeppah · June 2013

Yes, she knows I'm pregnant now because I had suspected I had a UTI and messaged her through their online portal informing her of the pregnancy. I'm going to talk to her on Monday and ask her what the next order of business in possible treatment for the palpitations now that I'm pregnant and since they can be bothersome. They are not always consistent, they were frequent yesterday and today, yet I can go days/weeks with them at a minimum. Frustrating to say the least. And I tried eliminating what little coffee and pop I drink (which was never much) and no change on that level. I just finished school for the semester, so the stress levels should be at a minumum, I work 40 hours a week, and work is not stressful. Oh and get this...When I'm at rest (on the couch relaxing, or trying to go to sleep/just waking up laying in bed) that is when the palpitations are most active. If I go about my day moving around, walking, etc; I rarely notice the palpitations. I hope nowone tries to put me on bed rest b/c if anything, that is when they are worst...Ugh. The tests gave me a green light, but it sure left me with a big question mark as to why they are there. I have asthma, so beta-blocker should be pretty much out of the picture.

blue_elle · June 2013

I had a huge problem with palpitations a few years ago. I got really sick with a flu-type virus, and afterward they became a daily thing. Bad ones, like dizzy, can't control my heartbeat, feel like I'm going to die bad. I had a full work up - echo, stress test, holter monitoring. They caught the funky beats, but no structural abnormalities found except an incomplete right bundle branch block, which nobody seemed concerned about. They stuck with me for a good year, then slowly started calming down. I found as I worried about them less (since I figured after that much time I probably wouldn't die suddenly) that I noticed them less. Fast forward to present, and I only rarely get them around the time I ovulate and when my period starts.

I'm absolutely convinced that hormones play a part, and the fact that they're common in menopausal women seems to confirm that. Stress also exacerbates them. I also notice them more when relaxing, which I think it due to not being physically and mentally engaged elsewhere. If you have them at night, you'll feel them less laying on your right side since the heart lays against the chest wall when you lay on the left. Also, if you get racing, there's a particular way you can cough that will help "reset" the electrical impulses, but have your cardiologist show you the correct way to do this.

I have had some now that I'm pregnant, and I think it's as my hormones swing. Hormones fluctuate wildly, especially in early pregnancy. I had some big episodes during week 4 and 5, and a couple smaller ones since, but they're getting less and further apart. I think my hormones are leveling as the placenta begins to kick in. Hopefully you'll find yours do the same.

I do plan to mention to my OB at my next appointment, just so they're aware, but I think they're common in pregnancy. If you are having dizziness or fainting, racing that doesn't slow after a minute or two, or chest pain, do put in a call right away, but otherwise I don't think they're much concern.

sleepymonkey · June 2013

I have suffered from bouts of PVC's for a few years. I can go months without getting them and then they flare up. Mine actually didn't start until I started taking a beta blocker for high blood pressure, so I would be hesitant to take one if I were you. The few years I was on the med, I had frequent flare-ups. I have been off the med for a year and they're much less frequent. While my doctor said the med don't cause them, I have read some things from other people that seemed to have a similar experience as me. However, I have noticed that I seem to get more now that I am pregnant. But I always noticed they got worse when my acid reflux acted up and I'm suffering now so it makes sense. They are really annoying but unfortunately I have been told there's not much you can do about them.

RedPeppah · June 2013

It is good to know there are ladies who have gone through these rediculous palpitations, I was close to tears knowing I'm not alone here. It is crazy how a work up can show them, but yet there isn't much to do for them. I used to be on Toprol for SVT, but that was cured with a cath ablation. This feeling is far different than what I went through with that hell ride, this, it doesn't speed out of control, it just has all these funky extra beats. Funny, I felt them come on so frequent today, then as soon as I started cleaning the house and steaming my couch, I didn't feel but maybe one or two. Sigh.

nolagal79 · June 2013

I am so happy to read this post not because I want any of you ladies to suffer with this but because it puts me at ease that I'm not alone in this. Prior to pregnancy I used to get heart "flitters" as I called them. I've had ekg's all come back normal and echoes all come back normal. I'm now 8w2d and the racing pulse, irregular beats, lightheaded, faint, fuzzy feeling started last week. Lasted in total on and off for about 24 hours. Got better, then came back today. So scary and frightening. Woke me up at 3am one morning last week it was so bad. I called my OB and she said it may be related to the progesterone I'm taking but if I was concerned enough I could go to a cardiologist. What would y'all do?

RedPeppah · June 2013

Mckee, If I were you, I would see if you can get a referall to a cardiologist. Even though my results came back that my PVC's and occasional sinus arrhythmia are non pathogenic, I asked my doctor what can be done to make them less frequent and she is refering me to a cardiologist. I suggest you might want to do the same. Of course an EKG isn't going to show the problems if they are paroximal, so a 24 or 48 monitor may be of more assistance.

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