Dear Doctor,
I have 2 questions.
Recently, I started having erractic heart beats that can last up to 3-4 hours per day. They are scary and can cause light headness. I have no idea what is causing these. I tore cartilages in my right knee and need surgery and the orthopod Surgeon wanted my heart checked out before surgery. I also mentioned to this doctor that periodically, I have severe chest pains that do not come with exercise and can last up to an hour.
On his advice i saw a Cardiologist. He did a 24H Holter Monitor which came back as showing several PAC's in the upper chamber which the doctor said were benign and for me to live with these.
The second test was on Wednesday. it was a Stress Echo with Dobutermine. (may be spelling this wrong) This test lasted about an hour and a half. There were 3 cardio doctors in the room plus the technician. (teaching Hospital) Other than the side effects of the DOB, it is a fairly easy test.
Questions: How common are PAC's and what is the upper chamber and what caused these? Can they go away on their own? The doctor said, "No meds for these".
Does this type of Stress echo (DOB) show if there could be a blockage or a heart problem that would cause these PAC's or the Intermittant severe chest pains? The technician said they took great pictures.
I thank you for your comments and wish you a Happy Holiday.