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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
PVCs and Acid reflux
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PVCs and Acid reflux
by Charles-Shiflet, May 11, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Charles Shiflett on May 11, 1999 at 16:54:54
I have been experiencing PVCs when lying down and seated improperly (slouching, reclining). I also suffer from occassional acid reflux, but am not on consistent medication for it currently (although I have been in the past).
What is the relationship between the two conditions? I have been researching PVCs and found some mention of a relationship, but nothing in detail.
I have not discussed this new information with my family practice doctor yet, but prior to this he told me PVCs should be more pronounced with activity, not with rest, and therefore he is attributing it to stress (which I feel is incorrect - I'm one of the least stressed people you will ever meet). As I become more active (and consequently am usually upright) the PVC go away.
I am a 30 year old male, who is othewise is in excellent condition (ok, maybe a little overweight..). All of my blood tests have been fine. EKGs have been fine and I have been on a holster monitor which has detected PVCs (at most about 3 in a minute) but they are usually for short durations (20 minutes or less).
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on May 11, 1999 at 20:00:34
Dear Charles
1. There is no known connection between PVCs and acid reflux, though both conditions can be worsened by stress. Many people write into this forum convinced that there is a link, but most likely, these are just two common conditions that can coexist.
2. PVCs do not necessarily get better or worse with activity.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
Posted by Rich on May 13, 1999 at 13:13:02
I'm surprised at your response. Please see the other physician's response to Kelsey's question a few days ago. I really don't mean to be argumentative, and I certainly respect your opinion, however:
1. if PVC's are caused by stress, why do they occur with people when they lie on their left sides? PVC occurrence while lying on the left side is a very common, if not almost universal, complaint. (By the way, it isn't just that the PVC's "feel" worse on the left side - with a holter monitor I was able to demonstrate to my doctor that PVCs can indeed be produced by simply lying on my left side). Certainly, lying on one's left side does not enhance stress.
2. so many people seem to have dramatic reductions in PVCs after taking ZANTAC - it seems more than coincidence.
Is there specific research or study that has been done to show that "stress" is the casue of most PVCs? Or is it just an assumption that the medical community makes? It's my belief that someday we'll know that most PVC's are caused by organic issues like reflux.
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on May 20, 1999 at 15:17:10
Dear Rich
I have heard patients describe all sorts of positions and situations that they are convinced cause their PVCs. I can neither prove nor disprove whether their PVCs are really caused by what they link them to, or whether it is just a coincidence. I therefore advise patients with PVCs to avoid whatever they think will precipitate them. Regarding PVCs and acid reflux, there is no scientific evidence of a link, just anecdotes. It is conceivable that acid reflux could trigger PVCs (and usually no harm in seeing if an antiacid helps), but I am aware of no scientific evidence yet that this is the case.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
