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

Question Title: A follow-up question about PVC's

Forum: The Heart Forum
Topic: Palpitation


I posted a question about 5-6 weeks ago about experiencing palpitations
while riding my bike and was given valuable information by Doctor MTR -
Thanks a million. I received my Holter monitor results back and was told
that everything was normal - no structural damage or disease.

I am a 29 year old male in very good shape and am kind of a worrier.
so, knowing that these palpitations might recur has kept me from resuming
my normal workout level. I have been working out moderately with no
recurrences. I guess my question is if I experience these heart flutters
while exercising should I be alarmed? The doctor tells me to let him know
if they happen again. But if they are benign is there anything that he can
do about them? I have an idea what psychological factors cause PVC's or
palpitations. What physiologically happens when these fluttering
sensations are occurring?

My ultimate worry is that these will escalate into something more serious.
Do I ahve anything to worry about?

Thanks very much for your advice and help!


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Dear Brian:

You are looking for reassurance for what is probably a benign condition. That is, however, a bit difficult to do without actually obtaining a detailed medical history and examining you. The vast majority of people with PVCs [if this is in fact what you have] have no underlying heart disease. There are some people in whom PVCs do signal underlying heart disease. You state that your Holter monitor results did not show any abnormality; that is reassuring. But, the real question is whether you have any dangerous heart rates or rhythms while exercising; a treadmill exercise stress test would answer this question easily. Your heart rate could be monitored during peak exercise and any problems would become evident while you were in a monitored setting.

I hope this is useful. 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 who specializes in heart rate problems at Desk F15.


-Brian



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