Re: PVC or PAC

Posted By Janice on April 16, 1999 at 15:15:16
I know that you can't diagnose here, but maybe you can help. I've finally caught a palpitation on the continuous heart monitor I was given. When I sent the report, the palpitation sounded like a short beat or missed beat, followed by two quick beats. Can you tell me if this is a PAC or PVC?
I had an echocardiogram about two years ago that showed a slight heart murmur. At the time, I was having the palps infrequently. Now they are occurring more frequently. Should I be worried?

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD-APS on April 22, 1999 at 22:00:45
Dear Janice,
Without seeing the beat, can not say PVC or PAC.
As for whether or not to worry- I would always worry when I hear "slight heart murmur" since that has no meaning to me- it could be nothing and it could be something that needs regular follow-up; my advice, go see a cardiologist (DIFFERENT FROM THE DOCTOR THAT TOLD YOU YOU HAVE A SLIGHT MURMUR) that will evaluate you fully (may or may not repeat an echo) and give you a diagnosis or tell you that your heart is normal.
Also keep in mind that whenever your symptoms change, that is always a good time to go see the doctor to have it checked out.
I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for
general purposes only.  Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies.
Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please
call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at
www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the
cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your
cardiac problem.

[Janice__0]

Posted By Janice on April 22, 1999 at 23:36:01
I saw my cardiologist today. The monitor showed irregular heartbeats both atrial and ventricular in origin. He did not use the terms PAC or PVC. He said they were benign and that he wouldn't put someone so young on medication since I'm not fainting. He cited my normal echo (which was one year ago) and my normal stress test.
He also said that if anything changes I can always go back to him. Meanwhile, I should exercise and reduce stress.
Would it be wise to seek a second opinion? I was clear that he's comfortable saying that I have nothing to worry about, but he didn't give me the technical terms. He did say that it wasn't caused by a structural abnormality with my heart.











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