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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
PVC's and Aortic stenosis
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
PVC's and Aortic stenosis
by A_Orta, Jun 19, 2001 12:00AM
I've had PVC's/PAC's for a considerable period of time. My cardiologist tells me that they are related to my "moderate aortic stenosis." I've worn 24 hour Holters a couple of times and my cardiologist felt that although I have many PVC's/PAC's there was nothing of great concern in the results. What causes these disturbing heart beats ? Is it the calcium in my heart ? Before the Holter monitor my cardiologist suggested that I could use a low dosage Beta blocker if the PVC's are intolerable. I'm a very active 52 year old male and I don't want to take any drugs that will make me lethargic etc. but these PVC's are very bothersome. Do you need to stay on Beta blockers or can you just take one now and then ?
Thanks
Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-CRC, Jun 19, 2001 12:00AM
Dear A,
The mechanism of PVCs and PACs is varied but ultimately relates to the electrical stability of the heart. This is turn is regulated by a variety of different factors including electrolytes (Magnesium and potassium in particular), mechanical stretch factors and underlying heart function. The treatment will depend on the cause but beta-blockers are a good approach if the person is having a great deal of symptoms from the PVCs/PACs. There are side effects to all medications so this approach should be used only if the symptoms are severe. Beta-blockers can be used on a sporatic basis.
The mechanism of PVCs and PACs is varied but ultimately relates to the electrical stability of the heart. This is turn is regulated by a variety of different factors including electrolytes (Magnesium and potassium in particular), mechanical stretch factors and underlying heart function. The treatment will depend on the cause but beta-blockers are a good approach if the person is having a great deal of symptoms from the PVCs/PACs. There are side effects to all medications so this approach should be used only if the symptoms are severe. Beta-blockers can be used on a sporatic basis.
