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Should I be worried?
I started having about 12-15 palpitations an hours about 2 months ago. It came out of nothing. I am 24 yead old male, Non
drinker, Non Smoker and otherwise healthy. I workout moderately about 3-4 hours in a week.
About a month ago I went to my doctor and he had my blood checked for thyroid, and had me wear holter monitor for 24 hours.
Blood test was normal and holter monitor showed some PVCs. The holter monitor read as follows:
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Indication - 24 year old male with palps.
Interpretation: (1)Underlying rhythm during this tracing is normal sinus rhythm. (2) Occassional ventricular ectopic events are noted, totalling 400 isolated PVC's and 4 ventricular couplets. (3) Rare supraventricular ectopic events were noted totalling 3 isolated PAC's. (4) No interventricular or atrial ventricular conduction abnormalities were noted. (5) Over 100 diary entris of the symptom of "One thump" are noted in four pages of diary entries which were attached. During these multiple symptoms of "One thump or two thumps:, the patient has underlying isolated monomorphic PVC.
Impression: Occasional isolated PVC's which are associated with patient's recorder symptoms as described above.
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Accroding to my Doctor, my PVCs are benign and I don't need to worry about this. He also mentioned that the palps may or may not disappear over the time. So far the palps still exist. I fill much better at my house, about 3-4 palps per hour, but at work from 10-4, the palps are much higher 12-15 per hour.
I don't know what's going on. So far I haven't had any other signs of heart disease such as short-breadth or chest pain.
My question is how can I get rid of this? I am really worried about this, and belive that the worries also contributing the palps. Please give me some advise. Should I change my life style? It is true that for the last 4-5 months, I have been worried about little things unnecessarily. Also I have seen that I have lost concentration, watch a lot og TV, etc.
Thank you for your earliest attention.
Maran
drinker, Non Smoker and otherwise healthy. I workout moderately about 3-4 hours in a week.
About a month ago I went to my doctor and he had my blood checked for thyroid, and had me wear holter monitor for 24 hours.
Blood test was normal and holter monitor showed some PVCs. The holter monitor read as follows:
----------------------------------------
Indication - 24 year old male with palps.
Interpretation: (1)Underlying rhythm during this tracing is normal sinus rhythm. (2) Occassional ventricular ectopic events are noted, totalling 400 isolated PVC's and 4 ventricular couplets. (3) Rare supraventricular ectopic events were noted totalling 3 isolated PAC's. (4) No interventricular or atrial ventricular conduction abnormalities were noted. (5) Over 100 diary entris of the symptom of "One thump" are noted in four pages of diary entries which were attached. During these multiple symptoms of "One thump or two thumps:, the patient has underlying isolated monomorphic PVC.
Impression: Occasional isolated PVC's which are associated with patient's recorder symptoms as described above.
------------------------------------------
Accroding to my Doctor, my PVCs are benign and I don't need to worry about this. He also mentioned that the palps may or may not disappear over the time. So far the palps still exist. I fill much better at my house, about 3-4 palps per hour, but at work from 10-4, the palps are much higher 12-15 per hour.
I don't know what's going on. So far I haven't had any other signs of heart disease such as short-breadth or chest pain.
My question is how can I get rid of this? I am really worried about this, and belive that the worries also contributing the palps. Please give me some advise. Should I change my life style? It is true that for the last 4-5 months, I have been worried about little things unnecessarily. Also I have seen that I have lost concentration, watch a lot og TV, etc.
Thank you for your earliest attention.
Maran
Most likely, your doctor is correct and you have benign PVCs. Stress almost always makes these worse, so relaxation techniques can be useful. Caffeine is another common precipitating factor, so you should eliminate caffeine from your diet. If these measures do not work, there are medications that can decrease the frequency of PVCs.
It the PVC is benign, will it lead to some serious heart diseas over time? Thanks.
Maran,
I was recently diagnosed with both pac's and pvc's. They are benign and aggravating but do not lead to other heart problems. First though you would have to rule out any underlying problems. An strtess echocardigram is a good test to rule out structual problens with the heart.
Good luck and when in doubt always consult with a physician.
I was recently diagnosed with both pac's and pvc's. They are benign and aggravating but do not lead to other heart problems. First though you would have to rule out any underlying problems. An strtess echocardigram is a good test to rule out structual problens with the heart.
Good luck and when in doubt always consult with a physician.
I suffered from the same symptoms, although they didn't seem any more affected by stress than routine activities. They were and still are most noticable at night when lying quiet before falling asleep. My Holter reading was even worse, with multiple pauses in addition to the PVC's. My physician started Inderal which helps quite a bit, although I still have PVC's. They are not as worrisome, and are much less in frequency. I know it's scary when you feel like your heart is stopping. The Inderal has helped a lot, and in surfing for information, they usually are benign. Try to relax. Hope this helps.
Check in this forum re: "PVCs and exercise" for more reassurance that you are not alone and that you are not in danger. It took me a while to "learn to live with" PVCs and I can tell you are in the very early stages of dealing with it. Believe it or not, they are harmless and you can (sort of) get used to them. If you want to be pro-active, try the following supplements: CoenzymeQ10, magnesium, and omega3s. I've had lots of luck with them (and the placebo effect alone is an excellent reason to try them-- in addition to their other benefits). If you are really being affected (remember, PVCs are LIFESTYLE threatening, NOT LIFE THREATENING) you can get a beta-blocker on an as-needed basis (such as atenolol). It is no fun, but of all the glitches to have, this one is pretty minor. It just doesn't feel that way. I hope others will weigh in on this too.
Dear Doc,
I was wondering if a stress echo is better than just a regular echo of the heart? I've had an echo and a stress test..separate from each other, but never an echo/stress test. Should I ask for one of these? I have PVC's that also occur with exercise.
Thanks
Marie
I was wondering if a stress echo is better than just a regular echo of the heart? I've had an echo and a stress test..separate from each other, but never an echo/stress test. Should I ask for one of these? I have PVC's that also occur with exercise.
Thanks
Marie
Maran:
I have had similar symptoms and tests done recently (although, with completely negative results -- no PVCs). I was quite worried about these symptoms for sometime. The best advice I can give you is this: For someone your age, who has been thoroughly checked out by an MD, the chances of something catastrophic happening to your heart are almost zero. Definitely, look to have the Heart Forum MD comment on your holter results...I am not a doctor. However, my guess is that he/she will agree that you have absolutely nothing to be concerned about. Anyway, that is what your MD has already told you -- right? Take care.
I have had similar symptoms and tests done recently (although, with completely negative results -- no PVCs). I was quite worried about these symptoms for sometime. The best advice I can give you is this: For someone your age, who has been thoroughly checked out by an MD, the chances of something catastrophic happening to your heart are almost zero. Definitely, look to have the Heart Forum MD comment on your holter results...I am not a doctor. However, my guess is that he/she will agree that you have absolutely nothing to be concerned about. Anyway, that is what your MD has already told you -- right? Take care.
Benign PVCs do not damage the heart.
While I often do a stress echocardiogram in patients with PVCs who are referred to me, the utility of this test in a young healthy person is probably extremely low.
I have dealt with PVC's and PAC's for 26 years. I am a 46 year old professional in a high stress occupation. Only over the last year have I finally come to grips with this "problem." I have come to accept that they will not harm me. (It takes some of us longer to learn these things.} I have reduced the number of them I was having via these things:
1. Avoid stimulants - caffiene, smoking and the like.
2. Avoid stress (not possible for me but maybe you).
3. Relax!!! I'm serious here, consider calling a local mental health office and ask if they do biofeedback for relaxation. I did this - it was worth double what little I paid! Don't hype yourself up, sit in quiet solitude and relax. You must learn relaxation techniques.
4. Take multi-vitamins - including magnesium - EVERY DAY!
I have taken Atenelol etc. and I feel that they made my life more miserable than it was. Side effects were not worth what little they did for me. I think any good doctor worth his/her salt and who tells you they won't hurt you shouldn't be giving you these pills.
I strongly suggest you speak with your doctor about taking something that might help you deal with the anxiety you might be suffering from when you have these skips. Take a look at Paxil - www.paxil.com.
There are no current studies being conducted on PVC's according to the American Heart Association. Since the condition is considered "benign" - resources will not be wasted. Good luck.
1. Avoid stimulants - caffiene, smoking and the like.
2. Avoid stress (not possible for me but maybe you).
3. Relax!!! I'm serious here, consider calling a local mental health office and ask if they do biofeedback for relaxation. I did this - it was worth double what little I paid! Don't hype yourself up, sit in quiet solitude and relax. You must learn relaxation techniques.
4. Take multi-vitamins - including magnesium - EVERY DAY!
I have taken Atenelol etc. and I feel that they made my life more miserable than it was. Side effects were not worth what little they did for me. I think any good doctor worth his/her salt and who tells you they won't hurt you shouldn't be giving you these pills.
I strongly suggest you speak with your doctor about taking something that might help you deal with the anxiety you might be suffering from when you have these skips. Take a look at Paxil - www.paxil.com.
There are no current studies being conducted on PVC's according to the American Heart Association. Since the condition is considered "benign" - resources will not be wasted. Good luck.
Frankly, I think the supplements you mention have no real affect on PVCs other than serving as an expensive placebo.
I really would recommend leaving it to the discretion of your doctor. No amount of testing is likely to find anything wrong in young healthy people with PVCs. On the other hand, in an older patient with chest pain or other serious symptoms, further testing, including stress testing (either with or without an echo) is often indicated.
Solid advice. If you are young, active and healthy, PVCs are a nuisance, but rarely anything more significant.
I like to thank everybody including the doc for your inputs. It was helpful. I have some more questions:
1. How many palps per hour considered normal?
2. I was never a coffie drinker, but for the last 6-7 months I had about a cup a day, which I stopped for about a month ago. No difference. If stress is the cause, the palps should occur at the time of stress, not while I am relaxing, watching TV, etc. Isn't it?
3. A little bit funny story. I remember exactly how the palps occured. One afternoon I was having a banana at work and somehow, a small chunk got stuck in my throat. Quickly I sipped some water to swallow it. Right after that I felt couple of thumps in my chest. It was the first time I have felt something like that in my chest. It could be just coincidence, but I was that moment. I thought it would stop after that, but didn't.
Please let me know what you think of it. I really appreciate your answeres. Keep up the good work.
Maran
1. How many palps per hour considered normal?
2. I was never a coffie drinker, but for the last 6-7 months I had about a cup a day, which I stopped for about a month ago. No difference. If stress is the cause, the palps should occur at the time of stress, not while I am relaxing, watching TV, etc. Isn't it?
3. A little bit funny story. I remember exactly how the palps occured. One afternoon I was having a banana at work and somehow, a small chunk got stuck in my throat. Quickly I sipped some water to swallow it. Right after that I felt couple of thumps in my chest. It was the first time I have felt something like that in my chest. It could be just coincidence, but I was that moment. I thought it would stop after that, but didn't.
Please let me know what you think of it. I really appreciate your answeres. Keep up the good work.
Maran
Maran,
I don't think there is any guidelines as to how many palps are considered normal. My own have flucuated from 1 to 2 a day to I don't know how many.They have occurred while at work, rest and even while asleep(Which can be really scary but not harmful).
I do believe that stress contributes to pac's and pvc's. But stress is a funny creature for there is stress in every day life. You can perceive stress but there is alot that goes unnoticed.
Learning that my "problems" were not life threatening gave me more peace of mind which in turn has led to less occurrances. My cardiologist told me that the two forms of treatment for benign pvcs/pacs where; Learn to life with it or Beta-blockers. Not being the type who likes to take meds, I chose to life with it.
:-)Good Luck To You
I don't think there is any guidelines as to how many palps are considered normal. My own have flucuated from 1 to 2 a day to I don't know how many.They have occurred while at work, rest and even while asleep(Which can be really scary but not harmful).
I do believe that stress contributes to pac's and pvc's. But stress is a funny creature for there is stress in every day life. You can perceive stress but there is alot that goes unnoticed.
Learning that my "problems" were not life threatening gave me more peace of mind which in turn has led to less occurrances. My cardiologist told me that the two forms of treatment for benign pvcs/pacs where; Learn to life with it or Beta-blockers. Not being the type who likes to take meds, I chose to life with it.
:-)Good Luck To You
1. There is no set number. Your PVCs sound benign - this is the only differentiating point that matters.
2. Stay off the caffeine. Stress aggravates PVCs at the time of stress, though you may be stressed out even when you are trying to relax. Furthermore, stress reduction usually reduces PVCs, but does not usually eliminate them altogether.
3. Just a coincidence. PVCs can start up (and go away) for no particular reason.
2. Stay off the caffeine. Stress aggravates PVCs at the time of stress, though you may be stressed out even when you are trying to relax. Furthermore, stress reduction usually reduces PVCs, but does not usually eliminate them altogether.
3. Just a coincidence. PVCs can start up (and go away) for no particular reason.
I too favor an approach that avoids medicines if possible.
Dr Dlb I have been following the heart forum for about a year now and I have always stated that the subject that gets the most feedback is anything on "Arrythmias". I have had pvc, pacs and extra beats for more years than I could remember. I have also had a homograft put in May 99 to correct a leaky aortic valve. The pvcs. pacs and ex beats are still present but believe me with a perfectly functioning aortic valve the difference is like night and day. Today I notice the pvcs and pacs ect...but they
are just that present but not debilitating, funny what a leaky valve could do. With the old valve because of the leak the pvcs and pacs were very bothersome. The pvc or pac itself was not the problem but the next contraction following the missed or premature beat would really feel like a "BOOM" or "THROB" all the way to my brain.This was because of the leak , the ventricle would have that extra second to fill up with all the extra blood in addition to the leak,creating a real boomer of a contraction. One or two would not be a problem but 10 to 15 per minute would really be debilitating. Dr DlB not to take too much of your time I have experienced these beats from both sides of the fence and I found that the biggest stress before was from the fact that most DRS will not attempt to treat them leaving us feeling very desperate. For a healthy person who has not experienced pvcs you could not imagine what a damper it puts on your life. Maybe a few encouraging words to the patient or maybe a little attempt to treat them rather than "learn to live with them" would ease alot of patients. Thanks for listening and keep up the good work>>>Mario
are just that present but not debilitating, funny what a leaky valve could do. With the old valve because of the leak the pvcs and pacs were very bothersome. The pvc or pac itself was not the problem but the next contraction following the missed or premature beat would really feel like a "BOOM" or "THROB" all the way to my brain.This was because of the leak , the ventricle would have that extra second to fill up with all the extra blood in addition to the leak,creating a real boomer of a contraction. One or two would not be a problem but 10 to 15 per minute would really be debilitating. Dr DlB not to take too much of your time I have experienced these beats from both sides of the fence and I found that the biggest stress before was from the fact that most DRS will not attempt to treat them leaving us feeling very desperate. For a healthy person who has not experienced pvcs you could not imagine what a damper it puts on your life. Maybe a few encouraging words to the patient or maybe a little attempt to treat them rather than "learn to live with them" would ease alot of patients. Thanks for listening and keep up the good work>>>Mario
Atenolol works for me..What side effects?
Maran --
Please do not take this the wrong way. I offer this advice only because I've been through it myself...
There is a fine line between healthy search for answers/information about your condition, and unnecessary anticipatory anxiety about your heart. Focusing in on cardiac dangers can become quite embedded in your everyday activities. Once you are given a complete clean bill of health (it sounds like you have), it is IMPERATIVE that you let this go and get on with life. Do not let this consume you as I have. It does not seem likely now, but a couple more weeks of this focusing and you will not be able to get it out of your mind. Exercise regularly and follow your doctors advice -- other than that get busy with something else. Forget about this! I hope this info is helpful. If it does not apply than forgive me for going on...
Please do not take this the wrong way. I offer this advice only because I've been through it myself...
There is a fine line between healthy search for answers/information about your condition, and unnecessary anticipatory anxiety about your heart. Focusing in on cardiac dangers can become quite embedded in your everyday activities. Once you are given a complete clean bill of health (it sounds like you have), it is IMPERATIVE that you let this go and get on with life. Do not let this consume you as I have. It does not seem likely now, but a couple more weeks of this focusing and you will not be able to get it out of your mind. Exercise regularly and follow your doctors advice -- other than that get busy with something else. Forget about this! I hope this info is helpful. If it does not apply than forgive me for going on...
What are the chances that the benign PVCS turn into Arrythmia?
How can you tell if the PVC are benign. My PVS's are almost constant and during they stress test they didn't become any more frequent. How can you just learn to live with a pain in the chest all the time?
Your common sense approach would be appropriate for the vast majority of young, healthy people with PVCs. It is unfortunate that people who are otherwise healthy can be so demoralized by PVCs. While information can be useful, I agree with you, that beyond a certain point, seeking information just contributes to a vicious cycle of worrying and more PVCs and more worrying.
The chances depend on whether you have underlying heart disease or not. In someone who just had a large heart attack, frequent PVCs are a marker for an increased risk of dangerous arrhythmia. In a young, active, healthy person there is not much of an increased risk at all.
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