PVCs

Posted By Therese on March 08, 1999 at 19:56:42:







I am a 36 yo female with a dx of PVCs.  More than 20% of my heartbeats are irregular 24 hours a day.  I have had an echocardiogram and stress test with no abnormal findings.  I do not want to use beta blockers.  I experience the common symptoms including palpitations (some strong), light chest pain, and infrequent lightheadedness.  My PVCs stop during vigorous exercise.  I have no familial history of heart disease.  
I have been on birth control pills for 12 years due to ovarian cysts.  What are the hormonal effects on the heart? (ie why do birth control pills increase the risk of heart disease?)
Do PVCs need special consideration during pregnancy?
If I use caffiene and the PVCs increase am I more at risk for a cardiac incident?                                
Thank you very much.