Re: PVC'S/Atenolol vs. Sectral

Posted By Roxanne on January 26, 1999 at 20:28:57:

In Reply to: Re: PVC'S/Atenolol vs. Sectral posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on January 26, 1999 at 17:13:26:






Thanks so much for your help in the past with questions.  I have three
questions.  1) Which medication, Sectral or Atenolol, would be best for
problematic PVC's? I want the least side-effects possible. My Cardiologist
prescribed Sectral; my Internist prescribed Atenolol.
2)Lately, I have had hundreds of PVC's a day.  Is it common to have
numerous PVC's in a row (I do)?
3)I have not started any beta-blocking agent yet, but my cardiologist
says it is ok to take Sectral if I am having a "bad day" with PVC's and
to stop taking the next day.  Is that ok?
My background is that I am 33yrs. old, non-smoker/non-drinker, in
relatively good health other than these annoying palpitations. I do
take Paxil (10mg.) for anxiety.  



  
Dear John, thank you for your question.  I don't think there would be much difference between Atenolol and Sectral in terms of side effects.  Try one, and if you don't tolerate it, then try the other.  PVC's can be isolated or can occur in salvos or bursts, but if your cardiologist says not to worry, then don't.  Some people with PVC's are much more aware of their PVC's than others so I suspect that you just "feel" your PVC's more than most people.  Personally, I don't think that sporadic beta-blocker use helps to suppress PVC's, but you need to heed the advice of your own cardiologist.  

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional 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.