Q: I just wanted to share some information that I have found helpful. A few months ago (after a bad viral infection) I began to have frightening episodes of heart palpitations. It felt like I had several shots of adrenaline all throughout the day. I also had shortness-of-breath and severe muscle aches. I was referred to a cardiologist, wore a Holter monitor and was diagnosed with premature ventricular contractions. The doctor suggested a magnesium supplement. He also wanted to do a thallium stress test but so far the magnesium seems to be helping with all my symptoms. I have found that too much magnesium can cause side effects, but it has helped me tremendously when taken appropriately.
A: Premature ventricular contractions, also known as PVCs, is a cardiac condition that causes abnormal, extra heart beats. It is similar to atrial fibrillation, but instead of originating in the atria (upper heart chambers), PVCs originate in the ventricles (the lower two chambers). Those with occasional episodes but who are otherwise healthy generally don’t have a reason for concern and the condition doesn’t require treatment. For severe symptoms, frequent episodes or those with an underlying heart condition need treatment for both the underlying problem and the PVCs.
Most sufferers don’t experience noticeable symptoms. Those that do may experience a flip-flopping, pounding or jumping sensation, skipped or missed heartbeats, and an increased awareness of their heartbeats.
Treatment begins with eliminating possible triggers such as caffeine or tobacco. Medication includes beta-blockers and more severe symptoms may benefit from calcium-channel blockers or other anti-arrhythmic drugs. Both medications are most commonly used as prescription anti-hypertensive drugs.
As for your cardiologist’s recommendation of magnesium, this is possibly due to the fact that the mineral is essential to normal heart functioning and has been shown to reduce the chance of developing atrial fibrillation and irregular heartbeat, especially in those with congestive heart failure (CHF).
Interestingly, magnesium deficiency can cause the same symptoms that supplementation can eliminate. Symptoms of deficiency include abnormal heartbeat, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, personality changes and more.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order Dr. Gott’s Health Reports “Vitamins and Minerals” and “Coronary Artery Disease” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 (for each report) US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Reports, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
