Sinus tachycardia and premature ventricular contractions...

[Juliette]

Hi Everyone,

This pregnancy has been so different to the other two. I had terrible morning sickness (throwing up 5/6 times a day) which has now (thankfully resolved itself). Then I started having these "panic attacks" which were preceded by continuous sinus tachycardia (fast heart rate). I figured the panic was more of a physiological response to the tachycardia than a straightforward panic disorder. Now, after some ECG's I am told I am having occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVC's). After doing some reading it seems that this is not uncommon in pregnancy, and can be caused by an increase in progesterone and the subsequent changes to the cardiovascular system that happen to everyone in pregnancy. I have a holter monitor on at the moment, so hopefully that will pick up any major dramas.

I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this in pregnancy? I am told it is likely to resolve itself after birth. It is terribly disturbing - it feels like my heart is going to jump out of my chest at times and skips beats and flutters and does all kinds of weird things. If anyone has had this before, how was it treated? Did you take beta-blocker medication? I'm not keen on taking anything in pregnancy, but this condition is pretty scary!

Cheers,
Juliette

[*Twinkle*]

Geez Jules you have had a tough time this pregnancy. I hope someone posts that has had it before and can give you some advice.......xoxo

[Juliette]

Hey Twinkle!! Haven't seen you 'round these parts for ages! Thanks for your reply. I ended up at the ER again last night...they did an ECG again and found this erratic heart rhythm again (it's always great when they nurse says "oh it is erratic isn't it?" NO KIDDING!!!!!). They are still telling me it's all okay (doesn't feel okay!!!). They say it's not uncommon in pregnancy, but I have never heard of it, and it doesn't seem that anyone on BB has experienced it either! Total wierdness...

[murraysmum]

i have an irregular heartbeat but they never told me what i can do to help it

hope u get answers soon

[Juliette]

Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone murraysmum. It is such a disturbing feeling. They were talking about possibly treating it with beta-blocker medication - but I'm really not keen because of possible effects on bub. I think I'd rather learn to live with it (as long as it isn't life-threatening)... Has yours just started in pregnancy too? I read somewhere that high levels of progesterone are thought to play a part... I hope you are well

[Krikkit]

Hi Juliette, I suffer from SVT - Supraventricular Tachycardia. (have for 12 years now)

Usually I can deal with it -as my cardiologist has taught me some manouvers to stop it, or reduce it usually it only happens once a month or so. But since being pregnant and moving well into the second trimester, mine was happening every night/day.

I quickly saw my cardiologist we discussed beta blockers (which I have never had) and surgery (which I have always wanted - but he never let me have it ) and have had a holter monitor fitted for 24 hrs and an echocardiogram.

The risks as far as I know are

fainting
sweating
claminess
tiredness
dizzy

The worst things

severe low blood pressure - this affects the fetus, lack of oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Especially when it is ongoing not just sporadic.

IMO - I don't want medication - all meds that I can find are C & D category. None of which are safe for bubs, even in low doses

Surgery - as much as I have wanted it for years and he decides he wants to do it now, I dont want either. Its too risky - as I will be under fluroscope (x-ray) for 25min to 3hrs again not good for bubs.

My OB - is sitting on the fence, and has said to me in all his years of practice he has never had a patient under go surgery whilst pregnant for this condition. In the end its my decision, but quite politely said when we are doing your C-section I would like your cardiologist number incase you have an "attack" whilst on the bed - in other words don't do it.

As much as I can trust my cardiologist, I also worry that the cowboy/guinea pig rule applies in my situation. I am pregnant with this and he wants to operate, he could only tell me of ONE case where he has operated on a pregnant lady. ONE. Therefore I would be somewhat of an experiment. Something I am not willing to risk, considering my bubs was ICSI/IVF.

I don't have a review with him till Tuesday, but my mind is made up - and I would rather have extensive monitoring, rather than be sliced and diced or fed a pile of drugs to "help".