VT?

[PAT65]

Hi! Thank you for all your previous answers and suggestions. I have another concern about PVCs. It seems like over time my heart has become more and more sensitive to these arrythmias. The question is, Occasionally the PVCs come fast, I mean I have a PVC but hardly no pause before the next regular beat. I am concerned about the R on T phenomenom. Last night after a PVC I had a run of someting. It felt like VT and I had around 7-9 beats before it stopped. I also had a "hot flash" with it. After that I had just a few PVCs but nothing concerning. SHould I have this evaluated? I am now trying toprol xl and have tried Atenolol. Anybody else ever had this happen? Thank- you for your input.

[wmac]

I too have the same thing sometimes. I just so happen to be wearing a holter monitor, I had three pvcs in a row so now my cardi. says I have vt. A run of three or more pvcs in a row is considered vt. But I have nothing to worry because I have a normal heart, although its very very scarey. Good luck and God Bless you

[Squims]

Hi Pat

I think I experienced something very similar to this last night.  I was led on the couch, playing my gameboy when my heart seemed to 'speed up' for three or four beats, pause and return normal for three or four before speeding up again.  This cycle happened four times.  After this no problems at all... very strange.  Palpitions? VT? A-FIB? Anxiety? who knows........  

All I've had by way of tests is an ECG which I was told traced excellently.  I'm certain that if my GP thought there was anything that could be gained from further tests or treatment he would do it.  The question that I ask myself is what options are out there to treat these conditions that are believed to be benign, but that 'may' develop into something more serious?  From what I understand anti-arrythmic drugs can be more harmful to the heart than the origional problem. I don't think so.  Do I want to be opened up for an ablation that 'might' rid myself of these heart hiccups that apparently most people have but don't notice?  Thanks but no thanks.

So for my money all I can do is have faith and learn to accept these when they come.  I can do all the right things by way of exercise, diet, plenty of rest, but at the end of the day Life always has an eliment of risk.  Nobody on this planet can be told with one hundred percent certainty that they'll wake up tomorrow.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Pat,

I do not recall whether or not you have had a holter monitor study. If not, I would recommend having one to characterize your rhythm disturbance. The holter monitor is a device worn for 24 to 48 hours which monitors the heart's electrical activity.

If you have a structurally normal heart, the PVCs are not suggestive of any significant long term implications. I would recommend seeing your doctor and discussing your symptoms with him or her. Your doctor may consider increasing your toprol xl dose to twice a day. Hope this helps.


Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE