Questions posted in the Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Subject: Re: PVC's
Forum: The Heart Forum
Topic Area: Arrhythmia
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on March 27, 1999 at 18:51:53:
In Reply to: PVC's posted by Debbie on March 26, 1999 at 15:07:26:



I am a 34 yo female who has recently been diagnosed with PVC'S. I began
having them about 3 weeks ago after a 2 week cold and cough. I noticed
them first after resuming my aerobic workouts. My question is did having
a illness (perhaps taking decongestants) have anything to do with starting
this?? Also, I get my PVC's very frequently, sonetime up to 70 or 80
times in a row with no noticeable normal rhythm in between. This occurs
mostly at night while laying down. Then I will go a few days without
noticing any at all. Does having so many in a row make them more serious?
Thanks for your response in advance.



Dear Debbie

Both illness and decongestants can contribute to PVCs, but this should resolve in a few days. Having 70 PVCs in a row is not normal and could represent a dangerous arrhythmia. I strongly recommend seeing a cardiologist. I would perform an EKG, a Holter monitor, and an echocardiogram (to make sure the "cold" did not represent inflammation of the heart and lead to a cardiomyopathy). Based on what you have written, I think it is important that you have this further evaluation in a timely fashion (soon).

I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.

Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.

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