Extrasystole

Hi!

I'm 45 year old and Feb 26th, 2002, I had a triple Bypass Surgery. Everything went well but two weeks ago (around April 25th), I have consistent extrasystole. I don't smoke, I don't drink alc. or coffee. I went to the hospital and my heart beat was 43 bpm, the saturation (oxygen) was 98% and my bood pressure was 96/60. The doctor change the Alti-diltazem CD 120mg to Monocor 2.5mg. Also,I'm taking Lipitor 10mg and Novasen 325mg. I don't have any chest pain. Recently,I have joint pain. I'm on Monocor for more than a week and I feel no change. Those extrasystoles are very uncomfortable, specially at night.

Is it possible that Monocor or Alti-di...responsible for the extrasystole knowing the fact that I have low heart rate and low blood pressure?

Thanks

Pat Marion

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear desp,
It is possible with a lower heart rate that an underlying extrasystole is more pronounced but the medications do not cause extrasystoles.  In general extrasystoles (PACs and PVCs) are benign and do not require treatment.  You can find many postings on this topic in this forum with individuals experience as to what makes their PVCs/PACs better or worse.

[Scott]

Pat,

Why is your pulse so low?  Did you engage in endurance sports, yet still managed to develop clogged arteries?

[No Bypass / No Stents]

I also have a low heart rate and had problems with beta blockers.  Even though the doctor told me that Atenolol couldn't be causing my episodes of near syncope, when I quit it, I never had another problem.

Why not just dump everything except the Lipitor for a few weeks?  If your rythym problem goes away and you don't have high blood pressure, whey take them.  Perhaps a low dose of an Ace inhibitor like Altace would work better.