lymielauren28
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13742
posted
Heart palpitations were a major issue for me for the first two years of illness, but with treatment they got better and better and eventually went away with treatment.
I have not had one heart palpitation since last fall - until yesterday.
I was on the computer and had several skipped beats at one time in a matter of maybe 5 seconds. It felt like my heart had turned into a hammer and was literally going to explode out of my chest, and they were so strong that they seemed to force the air out of my lungs.
It freaked me out for a minute and I was thinking, "Man I haven't had that in a looong time!"
I had 4 more episodes like that throughout the evening.
I guess what I'm looking for here are others experiences with their heart palps. Mine are not innocent little skips - they're very forceful and almost violent feeling - that's really the only way I can describe them.
Anybody else know what I'm talking about? Would love others experiences and descriptions!
Lauren
-------------------- "The only way out is through" Posts: 1434 | From mississippi | Registered: Nov 2007
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I'm still in the throws of illness with LD and company. Yes, I get just what you describe.
Sometimes it feels like my heart is going to jump right out of my chest. No amount of rest, meditation, whatever, makes it lessen. It's all very random, comes and goes at various times. I describe it to my husband that my heart feels "angry."
I'm sorry you're having this again. Hopefully, it will all calm down right away and go away again, for good! TS
Posts: 566 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
I believe I know what you are describing here, as it has happened to me a few times. It feels like your poor heart is about to beat itself to death, right? Just pounding so hard and violently that it seems it's about to self-destruct. I guess the best way to describe it for me it is like someone is *punching* me from inside my chest, hard.
The last time it happened to me was several months ago, and it lasted about 5 minutes, which seemed like an eternity. I also had tachycardia at the same time, so it was beating very violently and very fast. The time before that I actually went to the ER - my heart rate was 180, and even by the time I got into the ER room, it was still 150-160 bpm, 35 minutes or so after it started.
It is a pretty terrifying feeling, especially when you don't know what is going on, or if you will be ok. All that shows up on my ECG/EKG is an inverted T-wave. Echo and CAT scan etc all looked fine. Docs say I seem to have (if I remember correctly) Preventricular Tachycardia, or PVT/PVC. I *think* that's what it was. Would have to check my papers.
Have you had your heart looked at? It's a good idea, to rule out other things, and to ease your mind.
Are you supplementing Magnesium and Calcium? Getting enough potassium?
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Lauren,
First question is always: are you taking enough magnesium? Like nenet just said: "Are you supplementing Magnesium and Calcium? Getting enough potassium?"
then, it's good to call your doctor and speak with his/her nurse.
Have you been exposed to any aspartame or MSG unknowingly?
Any new chemical exposures? Was it, by chance, a new computer (as they burn off the fire retardants more at first).
By chance, had you just had a startle on a computer site such as a flash or flickering?
I use to get that heart stuff all the time. Magnesium, other minerals and electrolytes and fish oil totally bring that under control for me.
I hope you can figure this out soon and that some simple adjustment in your plan is all that is needed.
I get crazy heart symptoms too. I know that for a split second you think, "wow, I think I'm about to keel over". Luckily though, we both haven't, so I think we're going to be okay
For me, it feels like when my heart skips it starts to actually beat slower, like it's about to stop. It feels like it skips and then thumps really hard once, and then I feel like I can't feel it at all. I then get super breathless, like someone really heavy just sat on my chest, and I feel like I could just pass out at any moment, or like that heavy thing that's on my chest is just going to squash me and my heart.
I really hope that it gets better for you soon. I second what Keebler said about magnesium. Magnesium Citramate helps me a bit.
Posts: 710 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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posted
I have that too. Some times my heart beats so fast and hard I can count my heart beats by just feeling it. It does feel like it's going to jump out of my chest.
Other times I can feel it skipping beats or fluttering. I've had this for along time, off and on.
-------------------- You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. Posts: 807 | From South Dakota | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
I have atrial fibrillation and the feeling was quite violent while going thru a spell. It's VERY different from just ordinary palps.
You need to get checked out the next time that happens.
Have you had a echocardiogram or other heart tests?
A-fib is very serious.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
Lymetoo, do you mean that if you have the violent heartbeat it is possible it could be atrial fibrillation?
It is very different than my usual palps and skips. I have had regular palpitations (where you feel every beat and it feels like it's going wild) and heart skips all the time, since I was young (have had Lyme since then). But these are different - way way worse and very violent/hard.
I am just wondering if I should go ahead and follow-up with my cardiologist who tried to schedule me for a holter monitor a year ago and I didn't want to go through the trouble. I have been housebound and bedbound and those devices I know will make me lose sleep and then get worse due to that. But if it could be atrial fib - Yikes.
disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
I have this happen once in a while too.
I also have tacyhcardia so I'm on beta blockers for it, which also somewhat helps with palps I am told, but I still have palps on and off every once in a while. Sometimes they aren't bad but sometimes they do feel 'violent' like you describe.
I've had MANY heart tests done and have been told I am a normal 'healthy young woman... just some people have these unexplained issues like tachycardia and palpitations...' Sure, healthy! HAH! Yeah, I wish I was healthy...
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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posted
The Holter monitor shouldn't disturb your sleep any.
I'm saying it sure COULD be and it would be wise to have it checked out.
When I went into A-fib the first time, it lasted 45 minutes to an hour. The pounding was scaring me but I didn't go to the ER. Wish I had now just so I'd know for sure that is what happened.
Two months later I had the attack where it lasted for 5 1/2 hours.
Shorter episodes like you guys are describing COULD also be the PVC's or PAC's. A Holter monitor would tell you that too.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Both my parents are in a-fib all the time. They both have pace makers and take several heart medications to try to control it. Shocking their hearts didn't work.
Ever since I've been sick everyone that I'm close to has had health issues.
-------------------- You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. Posts: 807 | From South Dakota | Registered: Jul 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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This thread may be of help (although it's heap of homework). One of the things suggested if an echocardiogram is done to also have them do it with you standing up.
I too have them and actually the heart paps is what lead to me really hammering down trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I would call them my little attacks. They would come out of nowhere along with numbness and dizziness. I would fall over and hold my chest. It felt like someone was hammering on me. My heart rate would jump over 140 just at rest. VERY SCARY!!!
However, had I not had these terrifying experiences, I would be still in search of an answer! It took lots of those attacks, and several trips to the ER to convince myself that "I wasnt right."
Best wishes to you! You are in my prayers!
Posts: 171 | From the land of oz | Registered: Feb 2009
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: The Holter monitor shouldn't disturb your sleep any.
I'm saying it sure COULD be and it would be wise to have it checked out.
When I went into A-fib the first time, it lasted 45 minutes to an hour. The pounding was scaring me but I didn't go to the ER. Wish I had now just so I'd know for sure that is what happened.
Two months later I had the attack where it lasted for 5 1/2 hours.
Shorter episodes like you guys are describing COULD also be the PVC's or PAC's. A Holter monitor would tell you that too.
Thank you Lymetoo! My very first event lasted for several hours, and I was still having trouble breathing and dizziness, tightness in my left arm and neck, nausea, and weakness, 5 days later - that's when I went to Urgent Care and they sent me to the ER due to my inverted T-wave on the EKG.
If you have an A-fib, does it show up in the enzyme tests (I think that was what they tested) they run for testing for a heart attack?
They also gave me a chemical stress test on the tredmill and I collapsed immediately after they sent the chemical through the IV, I felt terrible, and thought I was gonna croak! They told me it was a reaction to the Adenosine, that it happens with younger patients, but I still wonder if I just failed the stress test outright.
posted
I had the chemical stress test, with no treadmill, and I thought I was going to croak too. I had severe chest pressure and tightness in my chest. It was scary.
-------------------- You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. Posts: 807 | From South Dakota | Registered: Jul 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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It is my opinion that no lyme patient should ever receive that chemical stress test. The endocrine dysfunction from lyme can be very severe, even life-threatening at times.
And chemical stuff - even the action from the needle - stresses the adrenals far too much to be in the safety zone. Most of these doctors and technicians know zero about the changes that a lyme patient's body has undergone. Nothing.
quote:Originally posted by nenet: If you have an A-fib, does it show up in the enzyme tests (I think that was what they tested) they run for testing for a heart attack?
I'm pretty sure the enzyme test is only for heart attacks.
The A-fib will show up on an EKG. A trained nurse or dr can also detect it with a stethoscope. I'm supposed to have my own stethoscope to check myself, but I haven't bought one yet. I want a good one so I can hear it.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
Thank you Lymetoo.
I really should have gone to the ER when it first happened, so they could have checked for an A-fib.
Good luck finding a decent stethoscope. At least that's easier to ask for at the store than a sphygmomanometer, huh? I used to sit in doctor's offices and read that aloud to myself every time.
posted
I had this many years ago. Almost any exertion would trigger it, and once it started it would take hours for my heart to reregulate. For a time I had to do everything with exaggerated slowness, for fear of triggering an event. It got to where I would get up out of a chair in stages, pushing myself up slowly, using my arms as well as my legs, all in tiny incremental movements. People looked at me like I was nuts.
I had a very physical job then, and had to find tricks to avoid exertion in just about every action. The heart stuff did go away. Though, now I am intolerant to any exertion due to muscle weakness. How 'bout that.
Posts: 845 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2006
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quote:Originally posted by nenet: Thank you Lymetoo.
I really should have gone to the ER when it first happened, so they could have checked for an A-fib.
Good luck finding a decent stethoscope. At least that's easier to ask for at the store than a sphygmomanometer, huh? I used to sit in doctor's offices and read that aloud to myself every time.
OK, who am I kidding, I still do.
heehee! Had to learn how to pronounce that while in college. Got it down finally!
Your post made me chuckle!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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quote:Originally posted by aiden424: [ Both my parents are in a-fib all the time.
That must feel terrible! I had one person tell me they got used to it. But when I had it happen to me it felt horrible, just horrible.
Distracting, to say the least!!!
My mother had A-fib and it was pretty constant I think. She had a pacemaker too.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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lymielauren28
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13742
posted
Wow, a LOT of responses here!
Keebler, I don't supplement mag or calcium but I do eat tons of fresh, organic, leafy green veggies daily.
I also take a high quality multi-vitamin and fish oil and B-12.
TuTu, I will go get a full workup on my heart. The interesting thing is that I remember clearly the first time I had one of these "episodes".
I was 18 years old, hanging out at a friends house. It scared the you-know-what out of me and I called my mom.
The next day it happened again and I went to the ER - they did an EKG, said I was fine and sent me home. This was loong before Lyme came into play for me, but looking back I know that's what it was.
I continued to have these episodes now and again and went to the ER one more time b/c they got so bad. They ran more tests, said I was fine and sent me home again. I've had the heart palps for ten years now and miraculously with Lyme treatment they've gone away (till yesterday!).
Even though I didn't get "sick" until the age of 26, I'm realizing that I've been infected for a very long time.
I do get the regular heart palps too, and sometimes tachyardia, but the ones I'm worried about are the ones that are very forceful and take my breath. Like ticksuck said - it feels like my heart is angry.
Sorry that others have to deal with this too - it is really scary.
TuTu, what do they do for Atrial Fibrillation? Are you on meds for it??
Lauren
-------------------- "The only way out is through" Posts: 1434 | From mississippi | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
Tachycardia is making my nights miserable lately. I have had heart palps the whole ten years, but even with beta blocker, plenty of mg, fish oil, etc. it is making me a basket case.
Went to ER once about five years ago, with a heart herx. Got treated like I was a hypochondriac, never went back. Holter monitor showed tachycardia and assorted other events.
I have no idea what to do about this. If I don't get some uninterrupted sleep soon......
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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lymielauren28
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13742
posted
Lou, I'm so sorry that you're STILL having sleep problems.
Perhaps we should both take TuTu's advice and rather than go to the ER, go to a cardiologist and have a full workup done.
But, since you're already on a beta blocker sounds like you may have already done this.
Are you treating Lyme now? Have you treated babs?
Lauren
-------------------- "The only way out is through" Posts: 1434 | From mississippi | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
Lauren, I'm taking Verapamil for it.. which is a calcium channel blocker, I think. There are stronger arrthymia drugs too. I'm on one that has fewer side effects. Seems to be working well.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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