Re: PAC's

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on March 26, 1998 at 17:05:21:

In Reply to: PAC's posted by Doug on March 24, 1998 at 14:21:22:






I've been suffering from PAC's for about 3 years, when suddenly last week they basically disappeared except for a few once in awhile.  They were basically gone for about a week.  Then last night I had a bad dream.  I woke up and the PAC's came back.  Today I'm having them constantly.
I don't get it.  What is wrong with my body?  I quit my high stress job, and about two weeks after that they quit.  The day before was a pretty good day.  It was just that bad dream.
I know they aren't going to kill me, but when I didn't have them it was like a breathe of fresh air.  I know there isn't much that can be done, but is there any encouragement that these things will go away and then just stay away.






________
Dear Doug, thank you for your question.  I understand your frustration with the recurrent
PAC's and I'll first refer you to a similar question I answered on 3/19/98 entitled
"Arrhythymias" which you might find helpful.  PAC's are premature contractions of the
atria or top chambers of the heart and can be disconcerting to patients but are rarely
threatening.  I wonder how you figured out you have PAC's because you don't mention
an ECG or a Holter Monitor.  PAC's are usually caused by something other
than the heart like stress, caffeine, smoking, hyperthyroidism, or some prescription drugs.
In your case, it would be good to avoid those things and possibly have a blood test to
rule out hyperthyroidism if your doctor feels that's necessary.  First and foremost though,
this diagnosis of PAC's needs confirmation if there hasn't been any yet.  I would suggest
that you see your physician about this problem and try to cut out caffeine, stress, etc.
from your life.  I hope you find this information useful.
Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses
and therapies can only be provided by your physician.