Question Title: 21 Year Old with PVCs, Need Answers

Doctor(s),
Ever since the age of thirteen, I have had what I beleive to be PVCs.
Despite countless heart tests (Holter, stress, blood, EKG), no doctor has
given me a satisfactory explanation of my problem. I experience a flip-flop
of my heart beat. The duration is short, 1-2 skipped beats at most. I have
been logging my occurances and it seems that they arise due to potentially
stressful situations (pressured to ride rollercoaters, particularly stressful
work day, etc.). But on other occasions, they are completely random. What
I really need to know if they are damaging in any way, short or long term.
I have COMPLETELY eliminated caffeine from my diet and I am eating healthier.
These changes have decreased the severity and frequency of the events. But
they never seem to just go away. I admit that I am an fairly anxious individual
with alot of responsibility at this time of my life. I have a professional
job and am a senior in college. I am very concerned that this is happening
this early in my life. Should I fear anything as I get older? Please help
with your advice. Physical exertion is not a problem. I am fit and athletic.
Before school began this semester, I had one event every two weeks or so. Now
That I am in school I have had about 6 in three days. They have only been
about one beat in duration. Hope to hear from you. Thank you so much.
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Dear Fred

Rarely, PVCs can be caused by serious underlying heart disease. Appropriate testing can eliminate this possibility. When PVCs are benign in origin, the PVCs themselves do not damage the heart. PVCs that are benign do not degenerate into anything more serious as one ages. In addition to caffeine and stress, other possible culprits that can cause PVCs are alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

I hope this is useful. Feel free to write back. I wish you the best of luck.

If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our cardiologists here at the Cleveland Clinic please feel free to call 1-800-CCF-CARE.

Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your physician(s).

Fred

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