Frequent PVCs

[mreber]

I am a 50 year old male, normal BP, no family history of heart disease. I am experiencing PVCs (diagnosed by my MD and recorded on ECG) primarily at rest, at least that's when I recognize them. They commonly occur during work. I work in marketing and sit in front of a computer screen most of the day when I am not in meetings. I have casually recorded these PVCs to determine their frequency. Casually in that I do it by hand and I certainly don't do it all day long. I have recorded between 20-30 per hour. While I have experienced PVCs before the recent onset (past three weeks), they have never lasted this long or been this frequent. Is there a certain frequency that is considering unusual? Is there a frequency that one should be concerned about underlying pathology or potential for greater problems? My doctor's advice is to "take care of yourself" meaning adequate rest, good nutrition, etc. My work is stressful at times and I travel cross-country at least once each month. Doctor recommended F/U in two weeks and Holter monitor if the PVCs continue.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Your doctors plan sounds reasonable.  If your frequent this board long enough, you will read posts from people with thousands of PVCs per day or 5-10 per minute, sometimes more.

There is not magic number to worry about.  The standard work up includes a holter monitor, EKG, sometimes an echo or a stress test depending on individual circumstances.

They are certainly increased by stress, fatigue, coffee, chocolate, tea or anything else with caffine or theophylline like tea.

Odds are in a few weeks they will calm down again, but in the mean time, stay in touch with your doctor about your concerns.

I hope this helps

[hankstar]

Hello Doctor,

     Just wandering if you found out anymore information regarding the success rate and complication rate of a ablation for PVCs. Ref: my question posted on 11/15/2004, if you haven't had to time to find out stats at CCF, I'll understand.


     Once again thanks for your valuable time and patience.

             Hank.

[SouthJ]

I have a problem with PVCs also and have had them for 6 years. One thing that is odd about my PVCs is they always seem to flair up when I travel to higher elevations. I travel quite a bit with my business also and when I get to cities out west like Denver or higher, my heart "flips out" and it takes about a month for the PVCs to fade out even after I get back home to my very low altitude living environment on the Gulf Coast. Does anyone else have this problem??

I've always worried about my PVCs and had every test you can think of and the doctors are not concerned. I used to think I had everything from clogged arteries to heart failure because the PVCs would bring on a feeling of weakness and pain in my chest after a bad episode but yet I can run or do intense exercise for 45 minutes to an hour and feel great. I guess my doctor is right and I shouldn't worry but the PVCs still freak me out. Hope yours get better.

[uptowngirl]

Yes, I have encountered similar symptoms worsening a bit when I get near higher elevations. I live in SC (central)and if we travel or visit friends in Asheville, NC in the Smokey Mountains I notice an increase in PVC's.  I assume it has something to do with the oxygen level.  I have moderate MVP, but am managed quite well with meds.
All the Best,
Uptown

[cookie2]

Hi
I too have very freqrent pvcs (sometimes 20 a min or more) Have had all the test too. also have mvp which in my understanding can cause palpatations. Hang in there and try not to overly worry about them. I have had them for 20 yrs. Just some encoragement from a pvc queen lol. they really are the pits but I know it can be a lot worse.
                                  Hugs
                                     Darlene

[Guss]

I too have frequent PVC's, sometimes 20 upward per minute during what I call an "episode."  The episode can last 5 to 20 minutes. I first noticed my PVC's about 4 - 5 weeks ago.  After all kinds of tests, the Doctors confirmed that they are benign.

I must mention that I recently increased my cardiovascular exercises as I historically been a power lifter (I do not have an athlete's heart pursuant to echocardiogram).  My blood pressure went down few points and I noticed a decrease in the intensity of the uncomfortable "thump" feeling.  So, I feel that there is an inverse relationship between BP and the intensity of the PVC's, at least for me.  

[uptowngirl]

I believe Hankstar was just getting follow-up information and graciously requesting from the Dr.  He wasn't posting another question.  It appears that the somewhat bitter email against him was not warranted.  I personally think we can always learn more about PVC's and how to treat them.  Hank, I think your questions and comments are always relevant, knowledgable, and sincere. And you don't overpost questions before the alotted time which I really respect.  I derive alot of encouragement and information from this forum.
Uptown

[suki1724]

I agree with uptown girl's post 100%.  Hankstar has been a wonderful source of information and support, and he always has something interesting to say.

[hankstar]

Dear Doctor,

     First I would like to sincerely apologise to you or any of the other doctors at CCF if my questions or comments to you have been rude or out line.

     I asked the the question on the success and complication rates of a PVC ablation, because PVCs same to the bane of most persons existent that visit the forum and I thought for very symptomatic persons with PVCs that are given the option of ablation to weigh the percentages of success against the risks or complications. I suspect that one day ablation for PVCs will be offered as much of option as those that suffers with SVTs.

    I know that ablation for PVCs has been going on for a few years , but compared to other ablations it is still in its infancy as so to speak and techniques on the procedure are being improved on everyday so I know the statistics might be difficult gather or give out with the accuracy compared to other ablations.  I understand that quotes of 60-80% in success has been quoted in some institutions, 80% for unifocal PVCs on the first ablation, for multifocal usually 60% on the first ablation and 70-80% with the second or follow ablation. I am interested in knowing if these percentages are consistent with those at CCF. I think questions like this benefit alot of persons that suffer with PVCs, not only myself.

   Reagarding the atenolol question , being on atenolol and reading of the recent studies regarding atenolol, it is only natural for one to be curious , if not concerned , as atenolol is probably one more popular beta blockers prescrobed for PVCs and palpitation in general.

   Once again if I have been rude or offended any of the doctors at CCF, I sincerely apologise, I only asked the question again because you said you would speak with other doctors and give me an answer when possible, if I seemed a little impatient that was not my intentions as I know you all have alot on your plate to deal with.

Kindest regards,
      Hank.

[jennifer79]

Reading these posts about pvc's sometimes I often wonder is that what I really have?? I am 25 yrs. old,female. Have been having them for 9 years. They come out of nowhere,when im relaxed,eating,etc... mine feel like flutters. They last only a sec or two and then it is gone. I get them about once,maybe twice a week.I read that alot of you say yours last minutes to hours. and you can have 5-10 a minute..mine never last that long. Is that a good thing or is what im experiencing possibly something else?? Ive been to 2 dr.s, a cardiologist just a month ago..he ordered a echo,did a ekg,bloodwork..and 24 hr. holter monitor.everything came back perfectly normal except the 24 hr. holter showed a few extra beats. but while wearing the holter I didnt feel one single flutter! the cardiologist said that was fine and nothing to worry about.I have read on here that if you dont feel the flutter while wearing it then they can not properly diagnose you? he said thats true but since i am on toprol,young,and they happen rarely not to worry???? someone please help i need answers...Thanks

[Abeybaby]

I think we should all learn from one another regarding PVC's because they seem to be the biggest nuisance on the forum. I can tell you that most of us including myself take refuge in this forum because from time to time we all feel vulnerable with regards to PVC's and sometimes we need to hear it again that they are safe and wont kill you. I would like to thank Hankstar for challenging the doctors and conventional wisdom and asking the correct questions regarding PVC's.  I personally have a cousin who is a top cardiac surgeon in Canada in one of the most prestigious hospitals not to mention having contact to any top notch cardiologist here but I will say this, none of them are able to provide any additional information nor do they truly understand what one is going through unless they get them themselves. So what's my point ? Its great to see deliberation on this top and again thanks to Hanstar for the questions- keep them coming and maybe we can find ways to alleviate ourselves from them and find better coping mechanisms to live unfettered by these demons. I have gone through two days of absolute hell with these PVC's and its nice to know I am not alone in this ...We need to better cooperate amongst ourselves and not just from the doctors on the forum. They have said it 1000 times it wont kill us but they too do not know how to stop them or what really causes them. So we, the patients and sufferers need to do more to exchange information hoping to learn from one another to better cope. Crapping all over people here is no way to conduct ourselves and I am shocked by some of the postings frankly. And yes, if Hankstar decides to create his own forum I would gladly be apart of it!!!

[mrbh]

Sheesh...I hope another flame war doesn't erupt here. We all share heart related concerns ranging from PVC's to God only knows what...how about a little more sense of community and a lot less angry, undignified personal attacks.

FWIW, Hankstar gets my vote as a knowledgeable, thoughtful participant in this forum.

[Guss]

I too want to thank Hank as he has been kind and his knowledge has been illuminating.  I was truly disturbed by the unwarranted remarks posted here.  I am not sure what the purpose of that post has been.  But I am glad to see others who were as surprised and disgusted by that post.

Keep up the good work and don't let this nonsense bother you.  

Warmest Regards,

Guss

[pms_barbie]

Applause applause to hankstar.  I have noticed Marilyn always has something rude to say to someone.  Not that long ago she was rude to ericwithoutthedoctor.  Then this and several other times.  Marilyn not to be rude but if you have all the problems you say you do you need to realize others want to try and fix theirs before they get to that stage. Also if you want to point out others double ids.  look at your own some under marilyn and some under kanopoka or whatever the name is.  Also dont tell me that Dottycece and Kristin are not one in the same look at the question by lidshoe on 11-1  and read all the post its a dead give away.  You want to tell hankstar to be considerate how about you take your own advice dont take up a half dozen names just so you can post all the time.  These drs do this for free and some of you people take advantage of it.
  It says 2 post in 6 months.  So what if its about pvc"s.  Its of concern to who is asking the question. If you cant say something encouraging then just shut up and say nothing at all.

[knicks30]

wow this is worse than the pistons and pacers fight!!

See what happens when someone just keeps making threads on PVC's all the time?


To all the new people, just go to search, yes the search button that is on the top of your screen, then type in PVC or go to the lettter P. You can find there Premature Ventricular Contractions then you click on it and find out numerous information and others who have suffered.

Everytime there is a PVC thread there is always someone arguing. So lets avoid it by just using your search engine to all you newbies.

[pms_barbie]

I agree people can use the search for pvcs.  However each person may have something other than pvcs going on.  Why cant you people that are fortunate not to have them be a little more understanding of us that do.  No they may not kill you but they can make you wish they would.  Trust me in the last 2 years my life hell.  Call me crazy or whatever I dont care.  My pvcs could have become worse from stress or what ever but they are scary.  My sister was found dead last year at the age of 33 she had epilepsy but other than that she was healthy.  No dr ever told her that could kill her.  Yeah maybe sure if you had a spell while driving but to be found dead in your home.  Not from a blow to your head no obvious cause of death.  You tell me I dont have the right to be scared and worried.  Not to want to stop these things or learn as much as I can about them.  This is a great board and I dont mean to be a pain in the *** by bothering anyone with my stupid pvc questions.  None of you understand how these things have affected my life or how many times I just prayed to go to sleep and not wake up.  So someone tell me to see a shrink or whatever. You all dont know how they make people feel unless you have them.  Give the newbies a break they may think there case is different or something.  This board doesnt just restrict questions to what you think is important.  I dont think I can post a web site addy here so I want but anyone suffering with pvcs can email me at pms_barbie41096***@**** and I can send you a link for a pvc  support board.  That way knicks Marilyn can be happy and shut up once and for all.  Or they can pick on someone elses stupid question.  I dont understand why you people cant let the people that post ask their question and get their answer and leave it at that.  To med help I apologize for my outburst.  I am just so upset that a few come here and bash people over anything not just pvcs but a fib or what have you.  This would be a great sight if people would stop picking on people for asking the dr the questions that seem so important to them.

[pms_barbie]

oh yeah and marilyn about hankstar having a heart I dont seem to recall him hogging up 2 spots within two weeks to ask a question.  You should practice what you preach.

[cookie2]

I agree with all here about hankstar giving good advice and being very supportive to all. Pvcs wont kill you but they sure are very hard to deal with at times.

Marilyns post dont surprise me, because I have seen how rude she has been. I say if she dont like what hankstar or anyone else has to stay keep her nose out of the forum.
                                           have a good day
                                                 Darlene

[NBCT]

One thought to all.....do not judge someone, until you walk a mile in their shoes.....or in these cases....skip a beat in their chest......life is way too short.....wishing all happy and healthy holidays to come.......and most important, if you have nothing nice to type, then don't type anything at all.

[knicks30]

Listen i never said anything about you been worried and scared about your PVC's. I know people do suffer from them. Your taking this wayyyy out of the picture by saying something i didnt say? I know what PVC's can do i do have them also and they suck!

All i stated was that you just go to your search engine and hear other's opinions i mean everytime there is a new PVC thread even the doctor just says the same ol' thing "oh i know its a annoying, but YOULL FIND OTHERS ON THIS BOARD WITH THE SAME PROBLEM."

You catching my drift? It sounds like a broken record all of the time.

Upon me just using the search engine i learned soooooo much. My health knowledge has increased so much. Last year i didn't even know what a coronary arterty was no i know everything about the heart and every other organ in the body.

You know what you people, all you people care about yourself. We have Marylin who has a serious problem with her heart and im talking about it could kill her and you people just bash her? WHy? So you can get your PVC questions in? PVCs wont kill you!! I have no doubt in my mind that Marylin is the real sufferer here so i suggest you PVC people lay off of her. Care about others for once in your life.

[pms_barbie]

Are you totaly blind?  Have you not seen any of Marilyns comments to any of the people on this board?  Go read some of her responses to people then come back and tell us what you think.  Yes Marilyn has heart problems and yes they are serious however that doesnt give her any right to belittle other peoples problems or to be just flat out nasty.  Why dont you people that get tired of reading about pvcs not click on the link when you clearly see what the topic is about.  Problem solved instead of bashing people in the comment section simply dont read it.  No you read it then go on and on for days about it man grow up I dont know how old you are but get a life.  If you dont want to read about pvcs dont click the link just to raise trouble.  Personally I read all of them but it irratates me to no end that some of you come in here and just raise hell about what people ask.    You see the topic if you dont like the subject mossey on and dont worry about it.

[pms_barbie]

Please dont let all this fuss discourage you from parrticipating in the forum.  Hun I have had pvcs for the last 2 years.  I know how scary and annoying they are.    Try and hang in there hun I know its hard but I have had them in the form of bigeminy and they havnt killed me yet....lol  I apologize for some much commotion going on on this thread.  Its a good idea to search the other pvc questions but if you feel your question warrants a different answer or your problems were not covered under any of the questions by all means ask what you need to.  I hope your pvcs lessen and you feel better.

[hankstar]

I must say I am happy to see that those 2 comments by both Marilyn and myself were deleted from this. There is no room on this wonderful forum for such comments, both hers and mine, but I must say sometimes one must be able to take what one can dish out.

  I don't hold malice against anyone and everyone is entitled to their personal opinions, but lines should be drawn.

Life is too short for hard feelings against anyone, just a little over 2 months ago I survived the fury of Hurricane Ivan, that left our beautiful island totally devastated, I thought for over 16 hours it would be my last day on earth, fighting and using my survival skills to save my wife, my 2 sons, my nephew and a cousin that stayed with us during the storm, one stupid move and you were dead, gone in the twinkling of an eye but not from pvcs, from a phenomenon of nature that is very dangerous.

Let's all here be kind here to one another and offer support no matter how insignificant one's questions or comments might seem, they all are truly valid concerns to those posting them.

Life is too short , live it to fullest , because you can be gone or taken out in the twinkling of eye from what you least expect to die from.

Best wishes and kindest regards to all.

[caramich]

Hi all, I've been reading along and lurking.  Typical board, typical infighting,lol.

I have a ....gasp....PVC issue. But I'm a bit atypical, so after doing some reading I have questions for you all since I can't get a post in to the docs.

Have any of you had a PE or blood clot?  Taken Vioxx?  

I have constant PVC's, I've had them for years now and of course my doctors have pretty much ignored them. No tests or anything.  But I have a very complicated medical history including a PE 2 years ago.  I'm realizing just now that I was on a 'high' dose of Vioxx at the time of the PE and the PVC's began around that time.

The PE happened 2 months after brain surgery.  The hospital did all the preventative stuff for clots to the letter. The PE was blamed on the surgery plus the fact that I'm a smoker (I was 35 at the time) and was on the pill(not any more ha ha).  But of course, Vioxx was never considered.  I'd had at least 5 surgeries prior to that, none as serious, but all under the same ciggy and hormone circumstances and without the preventatives that the hospital took this time for clotting.  Oh and I was checked after the PE and have no genetic issues related to clotting, I'm off blood thinners, no worries unless I have major surgery again.  

Post op I was up on my feet VERY quickly and didn't spent extended periods of time laying down...... I was up and out to smoke(eek!). Good in some ways, bad in others but my blood wasn't hanging out pooling and clotting, I was on the 6th floor of the hospital dragging myself and my fat swollen head up and down to ground level every couple hours. IV pole and all.

Does anyone know if PVC's can be a result of heart DAMAGE??  

There are other issues.  I have ongoing health problems and am taking medications that very likely could be causing or contributing to the PVCs.  One of which I did see mentioned in an earlier thread but it was one I was taking long before the PVC's started.  Not that that means much........ but it's one that I don't want to give up since it can't be replaced for my needs.  

I guess what I'm worried about now is whether I've had some kind of damage done to my heart from the PE or Vioxx and that it's causing or contributing to the PVC's.  Yes, I'm reading that they're benign but is that always 100% true ?  Why are some of you getting moniters and tests if that's the case?

[Momto3]

"In my experience with Holter testing of about 200 pts, I found that normal healthy adults dont have a single VPC on the Holter during entire 24hrs of study."

Not true.  Define "normal, healthy adult."

"PVCs do signify disease"

Again, not a realistic statement. Absent any underlying cardiac anomaly, this is an overstatement, at best.  LVH and/or cardiomyopathy can exist without a single PVC, and vice versa. The two are not mutually dependent.  

"Regarding therapy, beware of the CAST trial findings. The trial casted aspersions on anti arrhythmic agents."

Be careful to read the test hypothesis, methods and conclusions in their entirety.  As I recall, the CAST trial suggested that antiarrythmics could have negative results in people with existing heart disease.  

If V Tach or couplets occur, it is time to be on Amio!!

WOW!!  Again, not necessarily true.  I had thousands of pvcs everyday, including LOTS of couplets and NSVT....I never took amio in my life!!  

I am NOT a doctor, but have seen and read enough about pvcs to know that these remarks are overstatements.  To those of you who live with pvcs, if you are concerned, ask your doctor to perform the standard tests to rule out structural defects, and if necessary, to prescribe something to treat the symptoms.

[hankstar]

I agree with momto3 totally. Sure you can find 200 pts(all healthy adults) that never had one VPC or PVC in a 24 hour holter, but it estimated that everyone has PVCs at one time or another. I would say that if you put an holter on 100 persons for 24 hours( all apparently healthy adults) 25% would present with complex ventricular in ectopy in that time period and about 60-80% would have a few to several hundred pvcs in that time period. While PVCs can be a predictors of some cardiac abnormalities and occur as result of them this quite frankly in my personal opinion is an "alarmist" statement and should be taken with a grain of salt and not cause any unncessary anxiety.

Amiodarone though a very effective in controlling arrhythmias is quite a toxic drug and its benefits should be carefully weighed against its potential risks before treating " benign" arrhythmias.

I also think that Fred has a true problem with PVCs as a results of myocarditis, but that does not mean that his PVCs are a malignant arrhythmia and is going kill him, but I can understand his frustration with this "benign" label of PVCs., because there is a significant of persons that PVCs can be a forerunner of serious problems and I am not sure if he would fall into the category the PVCs could be a forerunner of serious problems, usually chronic myocarditis or scars from it could trigger a more dangerous arrhythmia, in this case his doctor should be able to evaluate his case and advise him accordingly.

  But bear mind the vast majority of persons with PVCs regardless of their frequency have nothing to fear such as SCD or poor prognosis despite their uncomfirtable and alarming symptoms.

[pms_barbie]

Wow thats refereshing to come in here and undermind whtat the dr says.  Is there any wonder why people keep asking the same questions about pvcs?  My ep dr said he wore a holter monitor himself and had 10 pvcs the day he had it on.  Being he is a dr and works at CCf I assume that he knows more than you do about pvcs.......unless you yoourself are a dr.  I have had couplets short runs of vtach and they said absoluty no amio.    No dr that I ever talked to said they would give me that drug.  I am talking bigeminy for hours on end.  Unless you have proof to back up what your saying its kind of best not to say it.  Because it only sets alarm and panic off in us that have the pvcs and when the dr says no amio what are you suppose to do then?

[hankstar]

Hi,

  No offence intended by my referring to the" alarmist" statement. It is very obvious that you are a person with a lot of medical knowledge, if not a cardiologist yourself.

  You are correct in stating that in alot cases PVCs to signify a problem, for example I have a connective disease disease (ankylosing spodylitis) that predisposes me to arrhythmias such as PVCs and even tachycardia at times. The PVCs in themselves are merely only a symptom of some other disorder that can stem from indirect causes and not the heart in itself , such as in thyroid disease, even though in my case the aorta can be inflammed and in 3% of all cases of ankylosing spondylitis it affects the aortic valve though the consequences rarely if ever require surgery, in this case I would not qualify as totally healthy adult so I understand your comment in that respect.Maybe 60% of the population has some blemish or mild health disorder in which PVCs could be a symptom. I still stand by my statement in agreeing with momto3, but I also understand where you are coming from.

   I know alot doctors/cardiologist that put persons on amiodarone to treat PVCs and NSVT and its quite effective in suppressing them, but does the benefits really outweigh the risks is the big question, most EPs have completely swayed away from any kind of drug treatment for even highly symptomatic PVCs besides beta blockers.

   I realise that you probably didn't intend to panic anyone with your comments as even alot well respected doctors are in disagreement with their approach in treating ventricular arrhythmias and "palpiations' in general.

   I know by your comments that you have extensive medical knowledge and that even some of the most respected cardiologist and EPs have controversy and disagreement in their approach and treatment of such common complaints.

   Once again no offence intended to you!!!

[pms_barbie]

Please dont assume I havnt read everything I can about pvcs.  However your dr tells you not to worry and then you come here for some reassurance.  Just to get alarmed all over again.  What am I suppose to do sit and worry over this things day in and day out like I dont already.  I requested amio and was told no so now what do I do be afraid that each skips is my last beat.  This is way to much for me and my pvcs.  Good luck to all on this board but this drama is just way to much.

[hankstar]

Hi,

Don't let these sometimes heated discussions get you down, please don't leave you contribute alot. Thanks for all your support and believe your doc when he tells your PVCs are "harmless" they are in the vast majority of cases, in your case they are!!

Trust me I have been slammed to the max on this board, but you know what I don't let it get me down, no storm can last forever, things will calm down. Sometimes a little debate can be healthy and productive without being nasty.

Thanks for all your support, reassuring post and kinds words, I am sure you have made a great contribution in your comments on the forum.Keep posting.. Take care and keep the comments coming.

[caramich]

Guys........ having been around the medical BLOCK from brain surgery all the way down to plantars warts......  if the doc says not to worry :

a. You must trust your doc and if you don't it's time to find a new doc. For the ladies in particular this can be tough. Healthcare is very sexist.
b. If you're still uncomfortable after seeing your trusted doc or the person that he/she recommends then get a 2nd opinion
c. Still uneasy? Get a 3rd opinion.
d. If all the docs agree that your PVC's are benign then get off the net, off the healthboards, quit worrying yourself and go have fun with friends and loved ones. Life is way too short. You could get hit by a bus tomorrow - then you won't have to worry about yesterdays PVC's or tomorrow's PVC's either.
e. If the 2nd opinions differ from the first, then educate yourself, find a GREAT doctor and look for what else might be causing because YES there are triggers obviously for these.  Can't complain too much till you give up the caffeine, cigs, de-stress, check your meds, etc.  Rule in or out any causes for the PVC's, correct any medical issues, and then.......  start back with #1 again.   ;0)

Common sense should tell you that cardiologists are going to take their jobs very seriously.  A screw up and OOPS- dead patient.  So if they are any good at all they aren't going to write you off if you have anything suspicious going on.  But there's a trust factor and frankly depending on where you're at with the medical community you might want to take your education and health into your own hands.  Not arguing here and getting more irritated(and going nowhere) but going out and getting a 2nd opinion.  

[caramich]

Doc appts - health issues - These are some easy suggestions that I make to anyone with ongoing health problems.  

WRITE DOWN questions or concerns before your doctors appts.  Once you're there you are stressed, tired, the doctors sometimes come and go in a flash...  if you plan ahead you will leave your appointment with clear answers to your questions.

Have a basic health and medical history written out and take it with you to new doctors. Take updates to regular docs/specialists every year or so. Don't leave things out even if they don't seem related to the current issue. This is especially helpful for those of us with complicated medical histories.  Saves time, forgetting and the doc might pick up on something important that you thought was unrelated.

Along with the above, if you're having current problems/symptoms, have a list of those too.  Sit down quietly a day or so before your appt and do a head to toe body scan and write down any health problems.....again write them down even if they seem unrelated - the doctor can scan the list and tick off anything that is applicable to your appointment and she'll ignore the things that aren't.

These days, you HAVE to take charge of your healthcare. No one will do it for you and the industry has changed, the doctors are overburdened and rushed and being prepared can mean the difference between getting somewhere and getting nowhere.  

Again, I hate to say it but this is EXTRA important/helpful for women for the additional reason that having things written down takes the emotion out of things. Often we don't get the reactions we want if we're emotional at a doctors appointment. (and I can say it because....BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!!!)    ;0)

[Momto3]

I agree with caramich. If you don,t trust your doctor, find one you do trust.  Or, at the very least get second and third opinions.  

Fred, Hank - We would be remiss to believe that in some cases pvcs manifest themselves as part of a bigger health issue.  However, I have done extensive research and have had enough tests and experts review my own records that I am convinced that in the vast majority of cases, pvcs pose no significant health risk.

Perhaps the single most predominant correlation to pvcs/pacs is their relationship to anxiety.  It may behoove some of the posters to focus on treating the anxiety as opposed to relentlessly seeking a cardiac cause.  Of course, this is once a [erson has been subjected to the standard tests to rule out true cardiac disease.  Isn't the whole idea here to be healthy?  Don't you want to hearthat you do NOt have heart disease?  

Fred, it appears that you may be an exception to the rule.  Is your EP a member of NASPE?  Are you near Cleveland?  My EP is considered an expert in long QT and SCD.  She is extremely thorough, taking as much time as necessary to address the fine details of each individual case. She is, in my opinion, a perfectionist, leaving no stone unturned.  Have you been seen at a teaching hospital?  I find the constant, ongoing research to be incredibly beneficial.