Heart palpitations?

Question

I have mitral valve prolapse,and occasionally suffer from palpitations,ectopic beats and tachycardia.My symptoms have been pretty benign,but for the past month or so,the palpitations have been bothering me,so my doctor put me on Lopressor.It seems to help some,but I still have skipped beats,which are quite bothersome and unnerving.Does anyone here have this,and what,besides medication,do you find that helps? Thank you.

I have had cardiac evaluations in the padt,when the tachycardia was very bad,and nothing serious was found,just the MVP.I do notice that caffeine and stress make them worse.

Answer 1

I have had mitral valve prolapse for over 15 yrs . Have studied it extensively. The books to read are
Confronting Mitral Valve Prolapse by Lyn Fredrickson
Taking Control by Kristine Scordo
Natural Therapies for MVP by Ronald Hoffman MD(very good)
For skipped beats and palpiatations I take Fish Oil, I do take Tenormin (beta blocker), and Magnesium.

Answer 2

If the palpitations are too bothersome, or get out of control, then it is probably time to replace your mitral valve. The only other option that I can think of to possibly delay surgery would be to implant a pacemaker to regulate your heart beat. But if you are really feeling the palpitations, then that tells me your mitral valve is getting weaker, and more blood is regurgitating back into the atria. I would definately keep a close eye on it, and if you notice lightheadedness, dizziness, or chest pain, go to the Dr. or ER ASAP.

Answer 3

Yes, I've had the palpitations, especially when I am stressed. I wore a heart monitor and everything turned out okay. I take medication for tachycardia, actually been taking it since I was 22 and I am 40 now. My doctor considers me healthy, although I do suffer from the racing heart and occassional palpitations.

Now to answer your question. Aside from the medicine for the tachycardia (Tenormin/beta blocker), the best thing for me was a mild nerve pill called Klonopin. My doctor prescribed that for me and I am calm and have no palpitations or racing heart since. It's a highly addictive drug, but you have to use common sense and take it exactly how the doctor prescribes, if he prescribes it for you.

Answer 4

Try to cut back on caffeine and relax. Caffeine tends to stimulate the autonomic nervous system and worsen symptoms.It is very important that MVP patients eat a nutritionally complete, well balanced diet.
MVP patients should work toward the reduction of sugar in the diet.Adequate fluid intake is also very important for MVP patients. Regular exercise is necessary to improve fitness and reduce MVP symptoms. Also try getting some rest.
Hope this helps :)

Answer 5

The American Heart Association's guidelines do not mention target heart rates, that is something that the various diet and exercise sellers came up with. If you are experiencing discomfort, ie shortness of breath, then something is wrong, I suspect that you are approaching a heart rate that is clinically identified as SVT, super ventricular tachycardia. This means that the heart is beating too fast to deliver a full stroke that completely empties the chambers of the heart with each beat. This, in turn, means that enough oxygen is not being transported to your major organs, especially the brain. Continuing to push past this point WILL result in organ damage, especially to the heart and brain.

Answer 6

No doctor took my heart palpitations seriously. After five years.....I figured out what caused mine...on my own. It was a food allergy!!!! To milk!

A doc tried to put me on a heart med to stop them but they made me have suicidal thoughts for a month and I decided I'd rather have the heart issues, thank you very much.

I wish you luck and know you will find something to help you!

Answer 7

i dont have mvp
however i get fast rate sometimes and skipped beats.If the rate it very high for very long to to the ER.also if you skipping comes in runs.like like 2 or 3 after another.not like skip then okay then skip.You need to see the the doctor asap if the come in runs.I been on alot of things for it.I hate the rate and skipping very scary.I dont have high blood preasure so i hate the blood presure pills they give for it.You might try a cardi doctor.however im no doctor so please ask him to know for sure.prayer helps me.feel free to email me.

Answer 8

Limit your caffeine and sugar intake. You'd be surprised at how these affect the rhythm of your heart.

Answer 9

YEA, UM ii REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU SHOULD DO...MAYBE HAVE A DOCTOR CHECK THAT OUT OR SOMETHiING LiiKE THAT.=)