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Suggest Treatment For Benign Premature Atrial Contractions

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Posted on Fri, 10 Apr 2015
Question: I suffer from benign PACS. I also get the rare PVC. I had several cardiac tests done and everything has shown a structurally normal heart with some trace regurgitation and the etopic beats which my cardiologist says is from anxiety. I am now just starting CBT therapy with a counselor. I have a resting heart rate around 54 BPM. Throughout the day sometimes my pulse will go higher in the 8's especially when I finish eating. Don't know if this is normal. Today after I was done cooking I felt a little nervous. During a bowel movements I pushed hard and I could feel the blood rush to my head and my pulse slowed down quite a bit. Is this normal? It lasted approximately 6-7 seconds. I'm not sure if I got anxious because of this or it was from an etopic beat but my heart began racing at about 155-160 bpm and lasted approximately 2 minutes. I did some deep breathing and it slowed down. What could have caused this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Don't worry everything it's normal...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

It's very common to have a resting heart around 55 BPM at rest, which may be increased to 80's after eating. You shouldn't worry about that.

It's also normal to have bradycardia after Valsalva maneuver (pushing hard during a bowel movement) and you shouldn't worry about that to.

The bradycardia is followed by reflexive tachycardia which last around 1-5 minutes. It's exacerbated by stress and anxiety and is relieved by deep breath techniques.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you good luck with CBT therapy!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (4 minutes later)
Doctor thank you for your response. I felt like I did get anxious because of the bradycardia. What worries me is can these PACs turn into Afib or SVT. When my heart races it feels regular just fast. Im just worried that PAcs can lead to a worse arythmia.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Following answer to your query...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

You are over thinking about PACs and the possibility of turning into AFib or SVT. you shouldn't worry about that, most of people with PAcs never turn into a worse arrhythmia. Even when it turn it can be treated and turn back to sinusal rhythm.

My advice is avoid thinking about this because it will increase your anxiety.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Benard Shehu

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Benign Premature Atrial Contractions

Brief Answer: Don't worry everything it's normal... Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you for asking! I read your query and understood your concerns. It's very common to have a resting heart around 55 BPM at rest, which may be increased to 80's after eating. You shouldn't worry about that. It's also normal to have bradycardia after Valsalva maneuver (pushing hard during a bowel movement) and you shouldn't worry about that to. The bradycardia is followed by reflexive tachycardia which last around 1-5 minutes. It's exacerbated by stress and anxiety and is relieved by deep breath techniques. Hope this was of help! Wish you good luck with CBT therapy! Dr. Shehu