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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
PVC's that got worse
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PVC's that got worse
by lightx, Mar 26, 2007 12:00AM
Hi,
My daughter was found to have PVC's 5 years ago, when she was 11. We went to the cardiologist and he did an echo, ekg, holter, stress test and concluded they were benign. There was no structural abnormality and they completely disappeared with exercise. Also, there were no couples or triplets, which he told me would have perhaps called for treatment. She had an extra beat every four beats or so, constantly. She told us to forget about the whole thing.
Now, in her regular doctor appointment, he told me that her arrhythmia is "complex" and he described it in such a way that makes me think the PVC's are in groups now. They still disappear with exercise and are constant. In any case, we have appointment with the cardiologist but I just want to get an idea of what to expect. I know you are not a pediatric dr. but, in general, what can this mean? A deterioration of an arrhythmia that seemed to be completely benign? What are the chances that she will need ablation? Is she in danger of V-Fib? I live in Miami, if she needs ablation or something similar, how do I find the best people for this? Thanks so much for your help.
My daughter was found to have PVC's 5 years ago, when she was 11. We went to the cardiologist and he did an echo, ekg, holter, stress test and concluded they were benign. There was no structural abnormality and they completely disappeared with exercise. Also, there were no couples or triplets, which he told me would have perhaps called for treatment. She had an extra beat every four beats or so, constantly. She told us to forget about the whole thing.
Now, in her regular doctor appointment, he told me that her arrhythmia is "complex" and he described it in such a way that makes me think the PVC's are in groups now. They still disappear with exercise and are constant. In any case, we have appointment with the cardiologist but I just want to get an idea of what to expect. I know you are not a pediatric dr. but, in general, what can this mean? A deterioration of an arrhythmia that seemed to be completely benign? What are the chances that she will need ablation? Is she in danger of V-Fib? I live in Miami, if she needs ablation or something similar, how do I find the best people for this? Thanks so much for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-M.D.-MJM, Mar 26, 2007 12:00AM
Hello,
what can this mean?
We don't have a great answer for the causes for PVCs. In general, with a structurally normal heart PVCs are a long term medical concern. The biggest problem is that they cause significant symptoms in some people while other people don't even notice them. I am not sure how to interpret 'complex' as a description because it could mean several PVCs of the same shape (morphology) or it could mean there are several different morphologies. This is usually not a concern but I would need to review the strips and tests to make an educated assessment.
A deterioration of an arrhythmia that seemed to be completely benign?
Again, without seeing the strip, I am not sure what to make of it.
What are the chances that she will need ablation?
Very low. Very few people with PVCs end up getting an ablation. It depends on the frequency, the symptoms, if they are of a single shape or morphology. A single morphology implies they come from the same location making it more amendable to ablation.
Is she in danger of V-Fib?
As a physician, when I see normal heart PVCs, V-fib is not something that even crosses my mind. The PVCs that cause V-Fib are almost never structurally normal hearts.
I live in Miami, if she needs ablation or something similar, how do I find the best people for this?
That is a tough question. Ask them how many PVC ablations they have done and get an idea what their experience is. Get a second opinion before the procedure from another doctor that does the procedure and decide who you are comfortable with.
I hope this helps. Thanks for posting.
what can this mean?
We don't have a great answer for the causes for PVCs. In general, with a structurally normal heart PVCs are a long term medical concern. The biggest problem is that they cause significant symptoms in some people while other people don't even notice them. I am not sure how to interpret 'complex' as a description because it could mean several PVCs of the same shape (morphology) or it could mean there are several different morphologies. This is usually not a concern but I would need to review the strips and tests to make an educated assessment.
A deterioration of an arrhythmia that seemed to be completely benign?
Again, without seeing the strip, I am not sure what to make of it.
What are the chances that she will need ablation?
Very low. Very few people with PVCs end up getting an ablation. It depends on the frequency, the symptoms, if they are of a single shape or morphology. A single morphology implies they come from the same location making it more amendable to ablation.
Is she in danger of V-Fib?
As a physician, when I see normal heart PVCs, V-fib is not something that even crosses my mind. The PVCs that cause V-Fib are almost never structurally normal hearts.
I live in Miami, if she needs ablation or something similar, how do I find the best people for this?
That is a tough question. Ask them how many PVC ablations they have done and get an idea what their experience is. Get a second opinion before the procedure from another doctor that does the procedure and decide who you are comfortable with.
I hope this helps. Thanks for posting.
Member Comments (2)
by lightx, Mar 26, 2007 12:00AM
I forgot to mention that she has no symptoms whatsoever, she never even feels the arrhythmia. I have read that there is 'complex ventricular arrhythmia' that is benign and requires no treatment but what really worries me is that her arrhythmia changed, even though it was not expected to change. Also, I'd like to emphasize on asking advice for the best evaluation / treatment I can find. Thanks so much.
