PAC/PVC

Several weeks ago I began experiencing an almost continuous feeling of my heart skipping a beat (ie all day and maybe twice a minute). My general practitioner did a electro cardiogram which recorded the arrhythmia and also ran blood tests (which were all normal). I am 43 year old woman, exercise regularly, am slightly overweight (15 lbs. perhaps),normal blood pressure, and the only medication I take is low dose birth control pills (to control endometriosis). My gp said that they were harmless and to just give up cofee (which I did) and avoid decongestants.  She recommended no additional tests.  My question is:  should I see a specialist since these are continuous and have not let up or lessened in any way? I have no other symptoms. Thanks.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

slpm,

PACs and PVCs by themselves are harmless, although they can be quite distressing to some people.  One way to think of them is like an allergy to dog hair -- the allergy won't kill you, but it sure can be annoying.

If someone with your background and new symptoms presented to my clinic, I would have done the same things as your gp.  However, given that they have continued and are new, the palpitations probably deserve some further minimal workup.

The additional workup is to ensure that the palpitations are being caused by PAC/PVC and not by another arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation.  The next basic steps might include a holter or event monitor (non-invasive monitors that you wear and that record your heart rate and rhythm), an echocardiogram, and perhaps some blood work to include a check of your thyroid function.

If you have a good relationship with your gp, approach her by saying that you have continued symptoms and would like to see a cardiologist. She should be understanding of this request.  Alternatively, your gp may have a good understanding of the appropriate workup and order it herself -- either way is satisfactory.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

[karie]

I have had an increase in pvc's and after an ekg and blood work found out my Potassium is low and given K-Lyte to help level it out. I too live a healthy lifestyle and when pvc's are under 50 a day is one thing but hundreds and they are much more punding a nd painful when you are very thin. The doctor explained to me in Urgent  CAre. He too is thin and has mvp.
I am wondering if malabsorbtion is an issue in that I can't seem to keep my levels up with a good diet. They liquid forms distribute the vits better then the time release tabs of K- Dur.
Thanks for sharing

[Research28]

Hello I am a 30 old male that has PVC"S everyday sometimes all day .  I get them 4-5 in a row sometimes and the anxiety i get from these damn things sucks.  I have had all the test including a heart cath which was clear.  They tell me not to worry about them but i feel that i am going to die at some point from them.  I mean i am 30 years old and these PVC's have taken over my life.  I am on ToprolXl 25mg twice a day and i still get them a lot.  I need some help i can not live like this scared and worried when the next one will come i have lost my job from missing work because of them and i need my life back.  Can anyone help me??????????  Am i going to be ok or what.  I mean we can send people to the moon and build hearts and transplant them but we can not give someone their life back from PVC's?  Someone please talk to me ***@**** I need the support and help.  The only thing i found that will help for awhile is xanax.  Thanks Billy

[norm1]

A related discussion, pacs & pvcs was started.