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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Is there a connection between a sore throat and PVCs?
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Is there a connection between a sore throat and PVCs?
by fleneer, Jul 28, 2002 12:00AM
I am a 54 year old healthy male recently diagnosed with PVCs. About 18 days ago I awoke one morning with a sore throat and a feeling of malaise which lasted for about 10 days. On day three or four I began to notice "skipped beats" with a sensation of mild electric shock in the area of my breastbone and "heartburn." I went to my ER where the PVCs was the diagnosis. My ER examination showed normal 12 lead EKG, normal blood work, and normal heart size on a chest X-Ray. The next day my family physician reviewed the ER reports and concurred. He prescribed a 24 hour Holter Monitor (also suggested by the ER staff) and subsequently told me a review of that by a cardiologist indicated nothing more than PVCs. My “events” are not related to exercise, but only noticed while I am resting. So long as I am active I feel fine. I do have a family history of heart disease with cholesterol around 280, which is lowered by medication to around 180, hence my concern for cardiovascular problems. At this time the sore throat is gone for a week or so and the PVCs are diminished in frequency and intensity. My "heartburn" is proportionally diminished as well. A friend has had PVCs for 20 years and said they first began at the time of having a sore throat and mild illness. I am soon to see the cardiologist who read the Holter strip and wonder what I should ask him.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-KE, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
PVCs:
PVCs are premature ventricular contractions which are quite common in the general population. In the evaluation of PVCs one must ask whether or not there is a structurally normal heart and whether or not there are symptoms. PVCs in the presence of a structurally normal heart are virtually benign. There is currently no treatment of PVCs in any situation which improves survival. However, beta blockers may improve symptoms.
I am not aware of any direct association between PVCs and a sore throat. However, any situation which triggers an increased adrenaline level may cause an increase in PVCs. Your sore throat likely resulted in an increase in adrenaline which may have played a role in your PVCs. One may also avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and stimulants such as those found in decongestants to reduce PVCs.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
PVCs are premature ventricular contractions which are quite common in the general population. In the evaluation of PVCs one must ask whether or not there is a structurally normal heart and whether or not there are symptoms. PVCs in the presence of a structurally normal heart are virtually benign. There is currently no treatment of PVCs in any situation which improves survival. However, beta blockers may improve symptoms.
I am not aware of any direct association between PVCs and a sore throat. However, any situation which triggers an increased adrenaline level may cause an increase in PVCs. Your sore throat likely resulted in an increase in adrenaline which may have played a role in your PVCs. One may also avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and stimulants such as those found in decongestants to reduce PVCs.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
Member Comments (2)
by fleneer, Aug 22, 2002 12:00AM
Postscript: It is now six weeks since I awoke with the sore throat. I was examined by the cardiologist shortly after my original post and he scheduled an Echo and Stress test. The stress test went very well with everything normal. The Echo showed "slight" MV leakage which he said is of no real concern absent any symptoms like shortness of breath. My PVCs are for all practical consideration gone, as I have felt only a few since my original post, with the last ones about 10 days ago. I do hope they stay away, but if not at least I now know what they are. The cardiologist will follow me on an annual checkup to monitor the MV leakage. Hope this helps some else to understand their own episode of PVCs.
