PVCs they are destroying my life

[omega67]

I have had PVCs for about 5 years now on and off somedays there are none and some days I think I will expire because of them I take toporol xl 50mg I have taken as much as 200 it does nothing to them I might as well be eating life savers.  I just lost my Job a couple of weeks ago because of them you see the only way to get them to stop is to lie down and my boss did not like that idea I could not help it thats what makes them slowly go away after about 45 min to 1 hr.  So now they have gotten to the point that I cant even take care of my family and I dont know what to do.  should I change meds? I have no idea.  I know things cant go on like this anymore.  I have been thinking about maybe trying to get disability for them but I dont know if you can  I am just at a loss. thank you so much for your time and god bless you all.    John

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi John,

You will probably see overwhelming support from the forum on this.  People will agree that PVCs can control your life at times and I am sorry they are affecting you this way.

You have a few choices if beta blockers don't work:
1. you can try a calcium channel blocker.  Again this is unlikely to suppress them, more likely to decrease their intensity.
2. If you are young, you may be a candidate for an antiarrhythmic medication like flecainide or propafenone.  These medications can sometimes suppress PVCs.
3. If these don't work and they are truly debilitating, some electrophysiologist are willing to try PVC ablations.  This is a tricky procedure because we have to be able to see the PVCs in order to map them.  You may show up the day of the procedure and not have any -- then they are difficult to localize.

These are the best options I see for now.  I hope you find relief soon.

[twitch25]

hi jon, ive just posted a question that i think is possibly similar (twitch25) im not sure what PVCs are? is it like a fast heart beat because if so then i totally understand. In England you can go on the sick for these type of problems but to be honest i wouldnt because i left univercity to "get better" but simply got worse, as you can see from me searching the internet for other sufferers its easy to become fixated with it and soon you focus more on your heart than anything else. i think if the doctor has told you that you wont die from it then you should try to drown out the feeling and sound in your head because the lieing down doesnt really make it go away, you just think it does. i totally understand mate, it sucks but we cant keep allowing these things to distroy our life. do you take any medication? i used to but found it caused other problems like a constant feeling of impending doom! great. At least you dont have the hidiously perpetual crappy English weather! hope you feel better soon x

[tickertock]

John are they really that incapacitating to you. I have had them last as long 5-6 months at a times in the 1000s daily, usually when they first start I'll get a incapacitated by them but then I try and function with them(admittedly thats hard to do) even though sometimes when i got them real frequent a rest would help relieve them also, its funny that the beta blocker doesn't help if they are relieved by rest, has your doctor thought about trying a different beta blocker or maybe even a calcium channel blocker, I understand some pvcs respond well to calcium channel blockers like verapamil or even cardizem but it apparently depends on where the pvcs arise within the heart.

It is my understanding that most EPs try to avoid all powerful antiarrhythmics now ie. flecainide(not to single that particular drug) just an example for benign PVCs.

  Maybe if you're that incapacitated by them , an ablation might be worth looking into, I am not a doctor just a fellow off and on again sufferer myself thank goodness mostly off, hoping you get some relief soon. Good luck.

[Momto3]

Hi John,

There are many of us here who understand your frustration.  I had significant pvcs for many years.  Today, I have occasional episodes, but totally manageable with rest, hydration and an occasional dose of Inderal (propanolol).  When my pvcs were at the worst (22,000/day) they were absolutely incessant. Honestly, I cannot recall a single day in years when I didn't have them. They drove me a little crazy, but never ruled my entire life (thank God).  Have you tried other beta blockers?  I was on a number of different beta blockers, but Inderal worked best for me.  I can still take it "as needed" and it works within 20 minutes.  

Have you had a holter monitor to determine the frequency, origin and significance of your pvcs?  

I agree with others who have said to avoid antiarrythmic meds unless they became essential to your health.  When my pvcs became medically significant, I ended up taking flecaide, but not until they were very unmanageable and causing other medical problems.  

If you have not asked your doctor about other beta blockers, that might be a good start.  Also, I'm all for the holter monitor to try and definitevly diagnose what's going on.  Please don't let the pvcs rule your life....Once your doctor confirms they are benign, try and move forward and manage the symptoms.

Good luck John.

[Richard_W]

I had this problem in 1999 and 2000.  Had an event monitor installed over a 30 day period.  During one night I had some 5,000 PVCs that I didn't even know I had.  Eventually my cardiologist prescribed sotolol and this essentially corrected the problem in addition to occasional bouts of afib.  I occasionally have my heart do a "tap dance" but it clears up and then beats as regularly as one could possibly want.

What I would want to do is to find out exactly what the condition of your heart is; such as the ejection fraction, etc.  I would want to know what your physical conditioning is and your blood work-up says.  Perhaps your potassium or some other blood chemical is a little low.  You need to know that.  And I would find myself a competent cardiologist who will get to the bottom of this and don't rest until you do. Don't let anyone tell you that you have to "get used to it."  That's nonsense.  Otherwise you will be indeed miserable with this occurring all the time.  I've been there; done that.  Now I have an essentially normal life at age 62.

[Abeybaby]

Very sorry to hear about your ordeal with them- i know how you feel because I too have them although not in the thousands enough to make you crazy and very vulnerable to life.  What can I say but you must find a way to live with them- cope better, accept not necessarily ignore but accept them- there is a difference. At some point you must accept them.

Take care and start with some counselling it helped me alot and stick to it you will gain enough strength that you will start to feel better and less bothersome. I dont know how many you are getting per day. I would try another BB before I would try anti-arrythmics for sure.

stay well god bless and keep your chin up. Life is worth living even with these PVC's at their worst.

[htowncliff]

Would just like to say a general thank you to the docs and hospital for hosting this site and to the posters...I'm a PVC person and have been having a difficult time adjusting psychologically.

My awareness of my PVCs is recent.  In August, I noticed frequent skips while driving (I thought my heart was STOPPING and then RESTARTING) so I motored on over to the ER.  I had no pain, no dizziness, however.  My resting heart rate was 110 or so (though I think now this was due to the PANIC brought on by the PVC episode, as I don't normally have a rapid heartbeat normally and haven't since).

EKG was "abnormal."  Due to this (though I never received an explanation of what "abnormal" entailed), I was admitted overnight.  The cardiologist looked at the EKG the next morning and described it as "angry."  Due to some family history (paternal grandfather had heart disease) he recommended a heart catheterization to be sure (they debated about whether to just do a stress test, but recommended catheterization for certainty.)

The catheterization was completely negative; my heart is, by all appearances, in excellent condition.  I was instructed not to concern myself with the PVCs. My BP was a little high, so I've been on 50 mg of Atenolol, since; this is also supposed to help with the PVCs, according to my understanding (although it does not.)  

Since August, I've had approx., on average, 2 PVC episodes per week.  Onset is during the morning or early afternoon; the PVC episodes subside in late evening or at bedtime.  GENERALLY, I observe about 2-3 PVCs per minute during these episodes--sometimes it's worse, sometimes better.

I exercised regularly before this, even more regularly now.

I'd just like to say that I appreciate this site and the comments.  This August event took place in such a "whirlwind" fashion for me--the onset of the incident and the fear, the decision to do the catheterization the next morning, then the relief over the results--that I failed to gather many details after the catheterization.  I thought at the time it was probably a "one-off" event and with the medication, that I would no longer experience issues.

These things can be scary, and I'm grateful for the reassuring resource....  Thanks, all.

[omega67]

Thank you to all for the support,  I have had all the tests for my heart and blood tests they are all normal.  I dont drink, I dont use Caffine,  I dont smoke.  When they start it is a gradual increase the get to the point that I cant stand up.  The make me so dizzy and light headed that I feel like I am going to pass out laying down does make them go away I monitor my heart rate when I lye down and they do go away.  I was at work several months ago and i had to have one of my fellow employees call an ambulance for me I thought it was it.  They put a monitor on me and confirmed that they get better and go away when I lay down and rest.  But my boss did not understand that tho I live in a right to work state ya it sucks.  I have not tried any other BBs tho maybe I will do that.  But to me this is not living not being able to takecare of my family!  That means the world to me Thanks again for the support John

[jasmemphis]

Hello.  I found this when I was looking for any information about irregular heartbeats and I am so grateful to all those who have posted here.  I started having PVCs the last couple of days  -  or have had them all my life off and on but only now and then  -  you know, like once in a blue moon.  Well, they started steady seems like yesterday and scared the heck out of me.   ( that didn't help . . . )  So I made an appt. with a cardiologist, notified my co-workers that I'm having odd heartbeats, looked up the closest minor medical facility  -  you know the drill.   Then I found y'all and that helps a lot.  My symptoms matched what I've read here  -  a couple of regular heart beats, then a pause, then a few regular and then a pause, etc.   I have been working a lot - from home where work can start at dawn and go into the evening simply because it's 'easy' to log on to work and just keep working.   So I am stressed.   Go figure.   I don't like the PVCs - I do get a bit lightheaded and I find the PVCs distracting - I'm so busy trying to a.) figure out what it is  and b.) counting the "skipped beats"  and c.) thinking of ways to make them stop!  I want to thank you all for taking the time to post here.  You will never know what it has done to help ease my mind - and even cheer me up !   Bless you all.    -  jasmemphis

[joe1974]

I began getting pvc/palpatations 2 months ago, had labs drawn and stress test, and was told to ignore them.  I went through the archives on this site and read all the entries related to this and found a lot of good info.  I noticed that my doc did not check my magnesium level, only the potassium.  One entry in the archives reccomended magnesium suppliments for pvc's so i bought some at cvs last week.  I dont know if it was coincidence, or the "power of suggestion", but the past 6 days have been wonderfull.  I have jogged 3 times without feeling any "chest thumpers (pvc's)" (I usualy get them pretty bad during exercise) and I have only had one night where i felt them at rest (actualy while wieght lifting) and they only lasted about 1 hour.  I hope this lasts!!  I also stopped all caffine and alcohol which helped before but not during exercise.  I am going for an echo next month followed by cardiologist consult a week after.  Hopefully all will be well and i can start to accept these damn things as just an irritating part of my life.
When i think of all the horrible illnesses out there that affect others, its hard to feel too bad about myself. I try to keep reminding myself that people younger than me (31) have died from random and tragic causes and i should consider myself lucky to be here,  I'm sure there are cancer victoms that would trade places with a pvc sufferer any day of the week!  Anyway, getting longwinded here,  i hope to here from someone else who found some relief from magnesium tablets, or is it all in my head?

[andrews]

I started experiencing PVC's in April of this year.  As a 32 old with no history of any heart problems, I became really concerned and after experiencing some pain in my chest too, went to the emergency room.  I was given an ekg, echo, holter and told everything was normal.  I felt rather relieved but when the pvc's and occasional chest pain continued I was referred to a cardiologist for a stress test (again normal).  Recently I had an episode of lightheadedness and again had it checked out and was told another ekg and cat scan was fine.  I also had a nuclear stress test last week and will have a consultation with the cardiologist this week.  I don't have any shortness of breath.  I have noticed the pvc's are non existent when I have a little chest discomfort and some days there are few if any pvc's (at least that I notice).  I don't smoke but recently gave up chewing tobacco because I heard that can cause irregular heartbeats.  I understand how frightening this can be and how you can spend hours having this dominate your thoughts.  I feel somewhat comforted that all my tests are normal but I really want to get this corrected.  Has anyone else with pvc's experienced any other symptoms?  Also what other tests has anyone had that might be helpful.  Thanks for the input!!!

[joe1974]

i also was a tobacco chewer until i started getting these pvc's.  I read a few entries in the archives of others that chewed tobacco also.  Must be a connection with the nicotine or other additives.  I started after i quit smoking 5 years ago, maybe should have stayed with the cigg's,...just kidding, i should have quit nicotine alltogether!  I dont know about the tests except that at some point we have to just accept the fact that we have this condition and just work on limiting the amount of "triggers" we expose ourselves to...i.e. caffine, alcohol, nicotine, emotional stress, anxiety and meds that contain stimulants like sudafed or afrin nasal spray.
    I complained of chest pain also when i first started feeling these things, but it was only my anxiety.  I think that chest pain with physical activity can be serious, but at your age, chest pain at rest without other symptoms  is problably not cardiac related. But like you , i want to get every test that Fallon will pay for.  good luck!

[JCfans]

I also was having debilitating PVC's and PAC's. I was having trouble learning to cope with them until I read through archvies and found a article by mikeb. He controled his PVC's with antacids. It seems that some peoples PVC's are caused by esophageal irritation. I tried a regimine of Prilosec OTC 1 daily and a swig of Gaviscon after every meal and before going to bed at night. After 1 month my PVC's were almost completely under control. I now no longer take the gavison but chew gum after meals. Here is a link to the thread with his article. http://209.51.172.19/forums/cardio/messages/33711.html

Hope this helps. Best of luck.

[vf15hammer]

Omega,

I have PVC's in the range of 5000/day.  So far I am taking nothing for them.  They do tend to get on your nerves though.  I am wondering if your light-headedness was from panic though.  For people who are not used to these conditions that can be the case.

A week ago I called the paramedics because I felt like I was going to pass out from PVC's.  At the time I was wearing a holter monitor and later upon examination, the doctor said I showed nothing other than my standard pvc's I have had for years.  I just panicked this time.  Hopefully you will find something that will work for you whether it be BB's or ablation.

Have courage and good luck to you.

Hammer

[fearfactor]

I have noticed the connection between PACs/PVCs and indigestion.  Whenever I eat "gassy" foods and get indigestion, I always have the skips.  It is especially bad with pizza for me.  I have started avoiding all foods that cause this, and the skips are better.  I am going to try the Maalox after every meal and see how that works.  Case in point - I had been doing really well with my skips (thank God!) and last night I ate a big meal as a "reward" to myself for eating so healthy lately.  Well, I immediately got the skips afterward!  Skips and indigestion are related somehow, I really believe it.  Thanks for posting the info about indigestion and PVCs!

[andrews]

I definately notice less pvc's when I'm moving around or occupied with something.  That leads me to believe some of this is mental or stress related.  I probably have anywhere from 10-50 on most days so it's nowhere as many as some on this forum.  I would recommend that you try to keep yourself active as much as possible (don't sit on the couch watching TV because your mind tends to wander).  I've found I notice a lot fewer when I'm out with other people, at work, etc.

[evangeline1029]

I've had a hard time with PVC's as well, but have found a "cure" of sorts, so that now I only have them a few times a week--and I mean one or two as opposed to every third beat for weeks.

I started taking calcium and magnesium supplements, and over the past three months or so on the supplements, I feel remarkably better.  I'm an RN, and I started doing research on electrolyte deficiencies that could possibly cause cardiac issues.  The research that I did on magnesium showed that a deficiency can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, and that many people are deficient and don't realize it.

I started taking calcium supplements when my PVC's were bad, and the calcium (and vitamin d) seemed to slow them down over a period of about 20 - 30 mins.  I still had the PVC's while taking just calcium, but not as severely as when I didn't take the supplement.  I added a 200 mg tablet of magnesium (magnesium oxide)about a month later and felt a little better, but the PVC's didn't stop until I started taking a different form of magnesium called Slo-Mag, which is better absorbed (magnesium chloride). I take calcium with vit d two to three times a day, and slo-mag in the mornings (and sometimes in the evenings before bed if i have any PVC's).  I also have cut out all sugar and refined carbs, but before I changed my diet the supplements seemed to calm down the number of PVC episodes.

This seems to be working wonderfully for me, and it has helped with the leg cramps that I was having.  I recently had bloodwork done, and calcium and magnesium levels were normal.  Only take calcium and magnesium supplements if you have normal kidney function, your kidneys will eliminate excess calcium and magnesium (although you have to be careful with calcium because of possible kidney stone formation).

I know how hard it is to live with PVC's.  I've been fortunate to find a "treatment" that works for me.  I hope this info might help someone else in the same situation.

[dquenzer]

I fully understnd your dismay and how it can affect your life.  I was a severe sufferer of PAC's.  They turned into AFIB.  

I had an ablation done about 2 years ago that helped tremendously.  At present no AFIB.

My EP did look for PVC's during ablation.  But said I didn't have any real hot spots.  The point is that it is possible to have an EP ablate PVC's.  

I would encourage you in that direction if it is debilitating.

I know the doctors at Mayo do it.

[madgeOwens]

I also suffer from the dreaded PVC's. With mine I get chest pain , shot of breath amd light headedness. The Inderol had been helping but the past week it is less effective.  I get them at rest or activity.  If it were not fot the symptoms I would ley it go, but it makes me feel so ill  I have no choice.  I had electrolytes checked out too, so I cannot say it is involcing magnesium or potasium. Its a bugger John, but hang in there and find a doctor that will listen and help you with your symptoms. Good luck.

[joe1974]

I also have found relief with slo-mag also.  I dont take calcium though.  I have been takeing chromium picolinate to control sugar/insulin balance and fish oil tabs just for the heck of it.
I have now had my fourth pvc-free exercise session (2 mi run) since i started the "slow-mag" last friday. I will try the calcium with vit d also.  I sure hope this keeps up!

[fearfactor]

Hi - Is the brand name of the magnesium you take Slo-Mag? Where did you buy it?  I found some on the internet and it already has calcium in it - is that what you take?

[joe1974]

yes, the brand name is "SLO-MAG"  magnesium chloride. It does have some calcium in it also.  I got mine at cvs pharmacy. the other magnesium suppliments were magnesium oxide, so i guess this one is a little different. Good luck!

[hallbunch]

Hi guys,  Man am I glad I found this site.  I have had pvc's for about 17 years.  I have found doctors that told me they were not deadly but none that have shared the info I have found here. I have suspected for a long time the link between the digestive system and the pvc's.  I also have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.  When it acts up and my stomach is upset, the pvc's start rollin.  I have experienced some of the dizziness and weakness but I also have a fast heart rate.  I also have taken several meds.  I started with Inderal, later switched to atenolol and 4 weeks ago switched to coreg.  I have had a difficult time getting used to the coreg but from what I read am willing to give it a try for other benefits it offers.  Let me share with you the most important factor in helping me live with the pvc's.  It has helped me to not stress out when the pvc's happen and also to not be afraid of dieing from them.  I know it sounds corny but I finally came to a point in my faith in God that I just one day told Him that I couldn't live the way I had been and if I was going to die that would be up to Him but I wasn't going to worry about it any more.  I didn't want to keep missing out on life, family, friends etc. because of the pvc's.  I had enough faith to truly mean what I said because I had come to know God through Jesus Christ in such a real way that I know I can trust that if I do die I will go to be with Him.  Don't think that I am some kind of religious fanatic.  I make plenty of mistakes and have had a hard time living up to the chrisitan ideal.  But I have learned that God just expects us to do our best and have faith in Him for the rest.  Once in a while I still get nervous when the pvc's hit especially when it's one every two or three beats but they don't stop me from living life any more. I really understand the true freedom to live life to the fullest when you know God is in control and only wants the best for you.  any way enough preaching, I am going to try the antacid regiment to see how it works.  It sounds like a real solution to me.  Thanks every body for all you have shared it's fantastic to finally understand I am not the only one.  PS my mother and grandmother had the same problem so I know some of it at least is inherited.

[fearfactor]

Hi - just wanted you to know what you wrote really encouraged me.  I'm Christian, too and I've struggled with just saying "Ok, God, if you want me dead then so be it, I am just going to try to go on with life."  I know that is what I have to do for my peace of mind, but it's hard.  I'm glad you have found peace doing this.  I'm trying to let this PVC thing go and just live life, it's SO hard to do.  My aunt has had PVCs her whole life and anxiety problems just like me, so I definitely think there is a hereditary piece to this puzzle at least for some people!