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What Causes Frequent Heart Palpitations During Pregnancy?
Question: Hi,
I am 29 years old and with in the past year started experiencing palpitations. I had an abnormal ekg (showed depressed ST), so my doctor had me do a Echo and a Stress test (both normal). I now have a loop recorder, and although my doctor has caught my PACs and PVCs on it, insists that they are benign. However, the frequency of these palpitations is increasing. I also believe that I am now having small bouts of bigeminy, which is happening on a daily basis now. Not completely sure that is what it is, but definitely feeling a bout of heartbeats with alternating long and short pauses. To top it off I am seven weeks pregnant, which I understand makes palpitations worse. I just want to make sure that the increasing frequency of these palpitations/bigeminy is not indicative of something worse to come. Thank you.
I am 29 years old and with in the past year started experiencing palpitations. I had an abnormal ekg (showed depressed ST), so my doctor had me do a Echo and a Stress test (both normal). I now have a loop recorder, and although my doctor has caught my PACs and PVCs on it, insists that they are benign. However, the frequency of these palpitations is increasing. I also believe that I am now having small bouts of bigeminy, which is happening on a daily basis now. Not completely sure that is what it is, but definitely feeling a bout of heartbeats with alternating long and short pauses. To top it off I am seven weeks pregnant, which I understand makes palpitations worse. I just want to make sure that the increasing frequency of these palpitations/bigeminy is not indicative of something worse to come. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Don't worry, these are most due to hormonal changes
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
PAC and PVC have multiple reasons and most of the time they are benign and in your age probability of they being benign are more.
Get one thyroid tested if not done. Also hemoglobin. In your case probable reason is hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. They should decrease as pregnancy progresses. Also avoid caffeine containing products .
Discuss with your doctor regarding beta blockers class of drugs which will suppress these complexes. Try some relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing. Avoid anxiety, stress. Don't worry about these vpc.
I guess you don't snore at night, no sleep related problems, get your drugs reviewed once by your cardiologist.
Don't worry, these are most due to hormonal changes
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
PAC and PVC have multiple reasons and most of the time they are benign and in your age probability of they being benign are more.
Get one thyroid tested if not done. Also hemoglobin. In your case probable reason is hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. They should decrease as pregnancy progresses. Also avoid caffeine containing products .
Discuss with your doctor regarding beta blockers class of drugs which will suppress these complexes. Try some relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing. Avoid anxiety, stress. Don't worry about these vpc.
I guess you don't snore at night, no sleep related problems, get your drugs reviewed once by your cardiologist.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Ok I will try not to worry, but easier said than done. Is there any time that I should start to worry. These bigeminal episodes, "boom boom pause, boom boom pause" seem to be coming several times a day and lasting longer and longer. I have a pulse oximeter, and when I have these episodes my pulse drops from the seventies into the low forties (maybe it just doesn't count the pvcs). Anyhow, I do get a little dizzy/weak when I feel these episodes, but not sure if its related to the episode or the anxiety that feeling your heart flopping around in your chest causes. I really have been getting better at controlling my anxiety, but it just seems that every time I feel ok with the way my heart works, something new happens (huge increase in pvc frequency, and now the newest, bigeminy). Also, my dad has a history of CHF and WBW (which my cardiologist said I didn't have). Is that something that can develop later in life? Thanks for the advice.
Brief Answer:
You will need beta blockers.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Is your tsh, T3 and T4 levels are normal, even if it was normal earlier you should repeat it as these complexes are a new findings. Discuss your gynaecologist regarding other hormonal profile like hcg, fsh, LH, like is she suspecting any abnormality in these.
You need to be started on beta blockers class of drugs like metoprolol xr 25mg(first Choice) or labetolol so visit your gynaecologist and get clearance for these drugs and get it prescribed. Repeat the ecg to confirm these are bigeminy only.
WPW is a congenital problem and It will not develop late in the life but sometimes can be quiet and present later. if ecg is not showing any changes then there are less chances of it presenting in you.
You will need beta blockers.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Is your tsh, T3 and T4 levels are normal, even if it was normal earlier you should repeat it as these complexes are a new findings. Discuss your gynaecologist regarding other hormonal profile like hcg, fsh, LH, like is she suspecting any abnormality in these.
You need to be started on beta blockers class of drugs like metoprolol xr 25mg(first Choice) or labetolol so visit your gynaecologist and get clearance for these drugs and get it prescribed. Repeat the ecg to confirm these are bigeminy only.
WPW is a congenital problem and It will not develop late in the life but sometimes can be quiet and present later. if ecg is not showing any changes then there are less chances of it presenting in you.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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