heart palpatations question/concern

I'm scheduled for a TAH/LSO end of march and I have already done the EKG/Urine/X-ray/Blood work pre op stuff... My question has to do with: back in November/December I was experiencing some heart palpatations and tension - **pressure** on the chest - the short of it was I did a complete stress test and my heart is fine. I think that alone helped the **pressure** symptoms and those went away. (I have had a lot stress in my life) I still experience the occasional palpation/flutter and in January went on Wellbutrin to a) quit smoking and b) decrease any anxiety. Unfortunately - two weeks into that med I began itching like crazy due to an allergic reaction and discontinued use immediately. I still get those darn flutters and I have been VERY vocal to my primary care dr as well as my obs/gyn dr about them. I was even wondering if the palpations could be another symptom like hot flashes - I want to advocate for myself especially going under - should I be concern and who should I advocate the loudest to regarding these palpatations????

Any advice would be GREAAT
Colette

Did you ever have an echocardiogram? You may want to ask about mitral valve prolapse. I have that, was diagnosed 10yrs ago with it after many years of dr's and tests. Same symptoms and very common in women. I am on meds for it and need antibiotic before any procedure. I also take Zoloft for anxiety which brings on episodes as I call it. Echocardiogram showed and diagnosed it. EKG didn't show it. Talk to your DR.

Unfortunately the only people that can give you an answer are your docs.I understand the frustration of having them sidestep concerns.I have had elevated B/P since my surgery for D/C earlier this month and can't get any answers.Have an appt tomorrow with my GYN and I'm not leaving her office until I get one! Be tough you must be your own advocate.

I have them right before my cycle starts. They always signal the final 24 or 36 hours before the worst of the cycle: the beginning!

But of course, I have MVP so it might related to that.

yes, when you have mirtal valve prolapse it happens right before your cycle every month. I can't wait to see if that stops now because I won't get a period or if because my ovaries are still with me that will cause it to happen.

I was having heart palpatations pre surgery that actually got worse after surgery. I was sent home with a holte monator and diagnosed with PVC's preventricular contractions. The dr. told me that they are benign and harmless and that about 80% of the poplulation will get them at some point in their life. Along with these palps I was also experiencing anxiety attacks. I was worried about my heart, which would trigger an anxiety attack, which would trigger more palps, which would triger another anxiety attack.... and so on. My dr. prescribed Xanax for the anxiety which worked really well for me for a couple of weeks. Then, just hearing the dr. tell me that my palps were benign made me feel better. Slowly my palps and anxiety level have settled down. I do continue to have palps ocassionally. Maybe once or twice a month and the same with the anxiety. I am feeling much better. I really think that all the worry from pre-surgery jitters did me in.

Thump thump.........yup, have PVC's (mitral valve prolapse) so bad that I have to take medication everyday to control them....unlike others - I dont have anxiety related to them....they are just there....all the time. I did however go through the motions just to rule out any underlying problem. Once you realize what they are and that they cant hurt you....all is well. There are meds (besides antidepressants) that control the rhythm. Hope this eases your mind some.

I think talking to your doctor about an echocardiogram is a good idea. It IS good that the stress test was ok though. But also make sure you talk to the anesthesiologist preop about it and your concerns. If no one else seems to respond he may insist on your being checked out further before he will do anesthesia on you. At the very least having him aware of it will mean he will monitor you extra carefully during surgery and there are many drugs they can give to control whatever may show up on the monitor.

One more thought about heart palpitations. I was hospita;ized in July with heart palpitations and a rapid heartbeat. After every cardaic test was performed, my bloodwork came back showing an overactive thyroid. Might be worth checking.
Good Luck and I hope you feel better.
Laurie

Hi,

I've had palpitations for years, usually three or four a day. At one point, I went through a lot of work-up tests, including a Holter monitor, chemical stress test, and echocardiogram, and nothing was ever found. The cardiologist told me that most people, especially women, have palpitations and that they're normal and can be associated with your monthly cycle and fluctuating hormones. I figured out a long time ago that he must be right, or I'd be dead by now.

I've noticed that mine are worse after drinking caffeine or eating sweets. I take Toprol XL for my blood pressure, it also controls the palpitations, though during certain times of the month, I'll still have them frequently. (I'm 41 and kept both ovaries, but I think they're starting to shut down.)

If the palpitations concern you, definitely have a talk with your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry.

s,

Lisa