Sudden increase in PVCs

[pandora9048]

Hi,
   Thank you for taking my question.
HX:  30 y/o old female.  I have history of heart palps, mainly tachycardia, in the past occasional PVCs, except for one episode of PVCs lasting for hours soon after giving birth.  
     Recently for the past couple of weeks I've noticed an increase in PVCs.  I've been getting them every day now, sometimes 2 in a row.  the worst was 4 missed beats one after the other last Saturday.  In the past I would get them occasionally, maybe once every few weeks approx.  My cardio workup has been labs done a year ago, normal resting echo and 21 day event monitor done in August of '03 (this was for tachycardia). Doctor blamed the rapid heartbeat on anxiety.  I've had ekg's, the last being in July of '04, & a stress echo done August '04, which were interpreted as normal.  These were for chest pain.
   My questions are:  (1)  What could be causing this sudden increase in PVCs and should I be concerned?
(2)  Should I have any other tests done?  
(3) Is having 4 PVC's in a row dangerous?  I don't get dizzy when I get the PVCs but sometimes my arms feel numb for a second or two right after getting one.
There have been no changes in my lifestyle.  I smoke about 5-7 ciagarettes a day a maybe a half cup of coffee.  I know this can cause heart palps but it hasn't increased them in the past.  I take .5 mg xanax 2x a day for anxiety.  I haven't been on any other meds and I don't drink.  I do have thalassemia which makes me slightly anemic.  My mom & sister have history of PVCs, but mine have increased suddenly.
Please help:(  
Sincerely,
Pan

[Cleveland Clinic]

pandora,

thanks for the post.

(1) What could be causing this sudden increase in PVCs and should I be concerned?

With a normal cardiac workup, you should no tbe concerned beyond what you suffer from the palpitations.  If they do not bother you that much symptomatically, then ignore them. Often, people that suffer PVCs have flares. The causes of these are unclear, over time you may begin to associate certain things like poor sleep, caffeine, etx with their occurence and be able to modify those factors.

(2) Should I have any other tests done?

With a negative workup, probably not too much is order other than a visit to your internist for a history and physical.  If something were detected there then other testing could be done.

(3) Is having 4 PVC's in a row dangerous? I don't get dizzy when I get the PVCs but sometimes my arms feel numb for a second or two right after getting one.

No, its not dangerous.


There have been no changes in my lifestyle. I smoke about 5-7 ciagarettes a day a maybe a half cup of coffee. I know this can cause heart palps but it hasn't increased them in the past. I take .5 mg xanax 2x a day for anxiety. I haven't been on any other meds and I don't drink. I do have thalassemia which makes me slightly anemic. My mom & sister have history of PVCs, but mine have increased suddenly


I can't emphasize enough how important tobacco cessation is to your overall health. If you are having anxiety about the effects of a few PVCs, you need to focus this anxiety on the impact that quitting smoking will have on your health. There is no comparison on that impact.


good luck

[LynnSB]

I KNOW how aggravating it is to have a "flare" of these aggravating things... I am having skipped beats around the clock -- feels like beat, beat, pause beat.  I have had every test in the book and no one thinks there is anything wrong with my heart so trying to do self talk but this is just TOO MUCH... this stuff started up the day I started zithromax ( antibiotic) for a possible sinus infection/earache... my internist AND EP doc said the drug couldn't be causing the palps but the drug company that MAKES Zithromax, pfizer, lists ventricular arrhythmias as  a possible side effect.
wondered if anyone else has experienced this..

Lynn

[cookie2]

I too have pvcs that are off and on. somedays I get them really bad all day. like dub dub pause THUD. it drives me crazy. I get them more around my cycle. Same here doc says dont worry. very easy for folks to say that dont suffer from these things. Does anyone here get them bad before your cycle? I am told by the doctor that cycles, and hormones have nothing to do with pvcs. This is very hard to believe because that is the bad time I get them. There should be a pvc support group. well take care and hope you all have a pvc free day

[Eileen2345]

Hi everyone, I'm new here. I am a 40 year old mom of 2 children. I have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with an bi-ventricular ICD implant.

I wanted to comment on Zithromax. After taking Zithromax for strep throat, I experienced pretty fast tachycardia and arrhythmias. I was told by the General practice doctor that it would not effect my heart. But I knew something was up.

Thank you LynnSB for the information.

[LynnSB]

Here's the link to zithromax info... have to scroll down to side effects to find the heart stuff: http://www.cipro-zithromax-antibiotics.com/zithromax.htm

I am soooooooo miserable.. every couple of beats skipping but my internist and ep doc say i've been checked out thoroughly, nothing to worry about.. i feel like i'm going nuts the pauses are so frequent

[mrbh]

I can definitely relate to your miseries. I have had bouts of PVC's (anywhere from 2 or 3 to 20 or more per day that I am AWARE of) along with stubborn sinus tacycardia, LAFB and poor R wave progression...all dismissed by a cardiologist. These problems are miserable and mess with our lives.

Like you, I get a few flares every year (days when I'm convinced that my PVC's will outnumber normal beats and go off in to some fatal abnormality) and I'm a man, so it is not hormonal. My docs put me on Inderal for the heart and Xanax for my overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks. Nothing helps much and my life is ruined to the point where I have given up most activities.

I do not believe the doctors who say these problems are benign. After all of the terrible episodes and expensive tests in my life, I suspect the doctor business is more about sending bills than dispensing diagnosis and treatment.

Best wishes.

[jojojc]

I am interested in how did you symptoms start? I am having symptoms that my ep cardiologist say, probably just pvc's nothing to worry about.  I am wearing a 30 day king of heart monitor to try and capture these events i am having.  I get pains in the chest, rapid beats on and off and those miserable skips along with stomach issues.
Thanks
Joanne

[Cashiers]

Hi to all,

Just mailed event monitor back couple hours ago.  Am anxious to see what the next move is.  Had an ablation in april for svt and it did stop that. (runaway rate 250 to 300 bpm) but the pvcs are outrageous, and the tach is back at a off and on thing in 160 bpm or so. Having rate jump & up down extremely.   He says ablation again but wonder if he should do another EP study before ablation.  

44 yr female with history of tach for over 20yrs.  Off and on toprol and of course anti depressants.  On nothing now, don't want it makes me feel bad.  

Really has limited me in my life, when it comes on I get Dazed and confused and can't manage.  Is there anyone that the ablation has helped?

[CINBK]

hi! can someone please help me...
im 21/f/somewhat out of shape/ no health insurance
this past week ive been having chest pain that goes into my right soulder/arm/back. I think im having a heart attack but everyone thinks im crazy cuz im only 21. my father is 45 and has already had 2 operations to put stems in his heart (clogged arterys) and at 21 my brother was diagnosed with a heart condition that when he gets stressed the muscles contract blocking blood flow to the heart. the doctor gave him some meds for when hes stressed and his chest hurts to take them. I've been under severe stress these past few weeks because my fiance is in the process of finding out if hes getting deployed to iraq (hes leaving monday). Im thinking maybe its heriditary? i have no pain whatsoever on my left side. just my right. someone told me it was athritis .. i dont think thats it. someone also told me you know its a heart attack when you have shortness of breath .. but then when i start checking my breathing patterns i have shortness of breath (but i think its in my head). can someone PLEASE help me

[Eileen2345]

Did you have an echocardiogram done? If you did then the doctors and you would know if you had something as serious as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. My brother died from this condition when he was 34 years old. I have a family history of this. My parents never had me tested for it when I was a child so I did not know I had this until I was pregnant. When I was pregnant, I became very dizzy while lying down, I went to the ER and they ran tests.

Please try not to worry, if you were checked out by doctors and had tests done, then you don't have this. They can easily diagnose this condition with an echocardiogram. Plus there is usually a loud heart murmur associated with this. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a pretty rare condition that is usually congential (I was born with this).

I hope that the doctors can find out what is causing your PCVs and rapid heart beats. I wish you the best :)
Eileen

[Eileen2345]

Thank you for the link regarding Zithromax. I really apprecitate it. I will read it. That is very important for me to know.

Thanks again :)
Eileen

[Momto3]

Hi!!

I also battled with pvcs and nsvt for many years. They became very troublesome in my early to mid 40's and were driving me nuts.  I had two ablations last year (RVOT and LVOT) and that helped tremendously!!

Recently, I started back on Inderal because of some recurring pvcs. They are not nearly as frequent as in the past, but they can be so uncomfortable.  I would prefer to be RX-free, but for now I'm using the Inderal to lower my slightly elevated BP (new since ablations) and reduct the number of pvcs. UGH!!

Hope you continue to be free of the svt!!

Connie

[Konopka1955]

Dear mrbh:  I would 'never' mention if I had ever had any stress or panic attacks in my life when I visit my caridologist. Suggestion (Never) mention 'stress' or anxiety' that is probably the worse topic you can discuss on your visit.  Bring a list of questions - your pulse - and know the AHA guidelines for care for this symptom.  I can't tell you how important it is to do your research prior to your visit.  From proper tests to proper drugs - study it all as much as you can.  Go into the appt. with all the knowledge and facts you can. Bring backup paperwork if you need to.  I think you'd be surprised how most docs would take you seriously and are more than willing to give you proper tests.  If your still not satisfied - seek a second opinion.  Get copies of all your records and all your test results.  Bring them to your 'expert' docs visit and 'ask' them to explain your medical reports.  This is your medical visit and you pay them well for their 'time' - so make sure you get the most for your buck.. This is serious business and believe me - you'll need to take the 'personal' aspect out of it.  

If your having irregular heart beats - take your pulse and record the day and 'time' and 'lengnth' of the 'event' and have another person take your pulse as well.  That way its not just 'you' saying this.  Try getting a holter monitor to 'record' your 'events'.  You need to 'show' what your 'really' having on the heart monitor.  Then you'll need an 'expert' electrician of the heart to diagnose. There are plumbers and there are electricians - get yourself a good electrician - if your having electrical problems.  Make sure you get someone who is 'qualified' to diagnose your heart problems.  Whether its electrical or plumbing.  I've learned over the years if you want to be taken seriously - then you have to speak about 'facts' and not the "I think" - I'm sorry to say this but I don't think a doc works on what you 'think' - he doesn't think your a qualified expert - what matters is what you can prove on a holter monitor or a particula cardiac test.  

You need proper testing and results that back up your instinct.  I can't imagine having a doc go on what I 'think' my problem is..  Most cardiac patients are 'wrong' on their personal opinions.  Thank god - docs don't treat what we 'think'..

Another personal Suggestion:  Bring a friend along to your appointment next time and see if you don't get more 'respect' and medical 'attention' to address your concerns..

I would go on the web of the American Heart Association and look at their Guidelines to symptoms your having and the proper testing for those symptoms.  Please, don't talk about panic attacks and anxiety.  They'll just categorize you in a way you don't want to be categorized.. (probably as a hypocondriac) Sorry, to say :-(  Then you'll be lucky if you can get the medical tests and treatments.  Chances are 'then' you'll really have panic attacks.  

I hate to say it but Heart disease isn't for 'sissys'.. its awful and its definently a disease I would rather not have as millions of other people.  Once you get it - its a very progressive disease - once your diagnosed with it - you try to rationalize that you don't 'really' have it.  The docs are all wrong !!!  Either way "You" can't win and neither can they. :-(

Best wishes.
Konopka1955

[mrbh]

Thanks for your response.

First of all, you should know that I have sought the advice of TWELVE different doctors over the years, including a gentleman who is arguably the most distinguished cardiologist in this state.

I have had the tests and lab work...described my symptoms in concise, easy to grasp terms and still have come up essentially empty in terms of results. The Panic and Anxiety details came from the doctors, not me. Based on the way I feel, I tend to believe those conditions are a factor to be reckoned with.

I'm sure that the hypochondriac label is thrown around far too easily because it it is a cop out for a doctor who really isn't interested in what is happening.

I'm NOT in denial or rationalizing this in any way. Throwing good money at bad doctors (incompetent, disinterested, greedy, etc) makes for a very bad situation. You know it. I know it.

Enough said. Thanks again.

[smr012]

I would be interested in just how many on this board are women.  Not to say that there are not plenty of men who experience palpitations.  I am only speaking for myself, but I have been experiencing heart palpitations for the past 1 1/2 years and coming to terms with them until I experienced a bout of PVC's that scared me practically to death this past July.  I am talking about bouts that lasted for 2 or more hours at a time literally every other beat was flip flopping.  I could not even sleep for 3 nights.  My internest had me put on a holter which recorded Bradycardia and tachycardia and premature beats all said to be benign.  I am 39 years old and this literally shook me to the core.  After about 3 weeks and being medicated with Toprol 100mg's a day and Klonopin, I was a zombie but getting some sleep and feeling some relief from PVC's.  Come to find out I was in menopause, which after they put me on hormones settled the PVC's down to a great extent.  Still have them but I can deal with a few a day rather than continuous.  Through all of this I am consulting with a cardio who has helped me understand a little more of the dynamics of PVC's.  I truly believe at least in my case that hormones play a vital role in these PVC's.  My cardio also told me most of his patient's with PVC's are women, and have had similar complaints of PVC's more so around their cycles are stress or Premenopause.  It has definitly given me more piece of mind in dealing with them.  I did ask the Cardio " is there not a way of measuring what hormone is lacking to try to regulate the PVC's'.  I was told that PVC's are not considered life threatning, and therefore not a high priority with all of the other trajic illnesses that they are trying to take care of.

[cookie2]

Thank you for posting, I feel like I am the only one that thinks pvcs are hormone related. doctors look at me like I am crazy when I mention this to them. You are lucky to have good doctors that can help you understand. I know I am pre menapaulse but I was never told these symtoms of pvcs can be because of pre men.I have also had all the test throuhout the years. I do have mvp but symptoms were never as bad as when I hit 40. (now 46) again thanks for your post at least now I know it is not only me.

[LynnSB]

Just for the record, I'm a woman. Through my work as a journalist ( science/medical) I know a whole lot about a medicine.. but let me tell you, it took me TWENTY YEARS to be taken seriously. When I first had PSVT, out of the blue, I suffered from almost daily bouts of an hour or so of my pulse being 200 - 220. I was told it was ANXIETY! I KNEW it wasn't -- it "turned on" and off like a switch. I was too weak during an attack to drive myself to the er. My THEN ( now EX thank God) husband , if he was around, would unplug the phone and scream at me that i was a hypochondriac and that my doctor had told him it was all ANXIETY.  Finally, the chairman of the dept. of medicine at a major med center where i eventually ended up working, he's also a cardiologist, believed me.. it took numerous holters ( in later years having more arrhythmia and bursts of fast beats, not the hour long tachy) to document but had an ablation last year for re-entry node tachycardia -- and guess what, like i said ALL ALONG FOR 20 years!, my heart raced on the table at 220. i was much better for a while. still having episodes like NOW with many skipped beats.i do finally have an EP who listens and believes me and is conservative and caring. but, YES,  i was dubbed " neurotic" and "anxious" and blown off by MANY DOCS including cardiologists for 20 years.. this thing wrecked my life.

[Momto3]

Count me in among the women who truly believe hormones can wreak havoc on the heart's rhythm.  I am very fortunate in that I have a doctor who has conducted studies related to the hormone theories. I definitely notice a correlation in the frequency of pvcs and hormonal fluctations. Peri-menopause seems to be a major trigger for me. I'm in my mid 40's and just keep hoping I'll round the bend and "change" already : )

I have come to grips with the fact that in nearly all cases, pvcs are clinically beningn. However, it seems that compassionate doctors are more than willing to delve deeper into the causes as well as symptomatic relief.  I kinda compare it to when someone has migraine headaches. No, there is no tumor; no, it will not kill you; no, there is not clinical significance...BUT, it can ruin your life.

I'm curious why the Klonopin?  Did that help at all?  I know that toprol is a beta blocker and can be used for relief, but not familiar with Klonopin for symptomatic relief of pvcs...

I wonder if our grandmothers had pvcs???  Since there was no real discussion of peri-M, I just wonder....hmmmm

connie

[smr012]

No, the Klonopin did not help with the PVC's.  I think my Internist at the time when he saw me (a wreck to say the least) was trying to help me calm down and get some sleep, which I had not had for 3 nights with the intense PVC's.  After a week of being on the Klonopin & Toprol I weaned myself off both because I could not handle being a Zombie.  The Toprol 50mg twice a day did help the PVC's, but still had a constant flutter in my throat, as well as my pulse had dropped down to 42 bpm.  My PVC's had calmed down to a few a day which I have been acustomed to since the PVC's originally begin in 2003.  My Internist was retiring during all of this, so I thught I was going to a new Internist and would start fresh.  As long as I was not having the constant PVC's I could wait till I had new doctor.  The new doctor is the one that had me consult with a Cardiologist who explained alot.  He also truly believes that hormones due in fact have a profound effect on the electrical current to the heart.  He also told me that I would most likely have more bouts that I experienced in July, but I hope that I will be able to handle them better without freaking out.  For anyone who has never had them they have no clue what it can do to your very existance.  I would not wish these things on anyone.  I feel if we can educate ourselves as much as possible & know that other people experience these for many many years and are still living, maybe then we can somehow go on with our lives as best as we can and be able to control the fear that comes along with PVC's.

[motley]

Just a comment about drugs and arrythmias.  3 years ago I was put on a birth control pill that was "new and wonderful" It had a component that was like a diuretic and supposedly prevented the fluid retention of other birth control pills.  Shortly after beginning the pills I started have numerous pvc's.  That was new for me as in the past I had only had sinus tach.  The first treatment for the pvc's was stopping the bcp.  The pvc's persisted but gradually diminished. To this day I still feel them but they are now rare instead of frequent.  I have never found research to indicate anyone else had that reaction to the pill but I also have rare connective tissue disorder so my reaction may have been isolated. My point is that drugs affect each of us differently and I believe it is possible that some people are more likely to experience pvc's with certain medications than others.  Really, when they test drugs there is no way they can pinpoint all the possible reactions.  Apparently they(manufacturer) knew zithromax could cause arrythmias but the cardiologist did not know it.

[Momto3]

Here is a link to a summary of a recent study about menopause and pvcs.  http://www.metrohealth.org/clinical/GCRC/Abstracts/99-10.htm.  As I recall, the funding was pulled and the study was incomplete.  I'm going to try and remember to ask my doctor about it when I see her.

[kellebelle]

Yes, I woman hear me roar PVC's are the pits !! I know too these are just as bothersome for the males who deal with these on a daily basis.My dad has had afib since he was 38 years old and it is not fun.

My pvc's started last fall, my mom was undergoing chemo for breast cancer and my dad had a heart attack. So I know stress must have been a factor too. I have had panic attacks since 1995 and this feels much different.My internist has run me through all the testing and all is normal just having pac's and pvc's.Uggh, frustrating to say the least.He did not refer me to to a cardio just said go home relax and have a nice day.

Question do any of you gals, get headaches as well?? This has been my experience this past week. I am 43 and my hormone panel came back normal. Yet I too get an increase of palps the week of my cycle.I would eat dirt to relieve pvc's and anxiety.  I have been takeing magnesuium and omega(fish oil) supplements this past summer and that seem to help me. I also take a beta blocker and Klonopin. Take care and thank you for posting.Blessings, kel in Washington

[Ling]

I have had an increase in my PVC's and they hospitalized me over night to watch.  They said I was in bigeminy, and trigeminy they switched, that the pvc's were unifocal which was good.  The problem is I am still having the abnormal rhythm and I go see and ep dr. on Monday, the cardio said it is nothing to worry about and I need to calm down.  I am scared.  I take toprol XL and it really hasn't done anything.  He called me today and said we need to get a diffinitive diagnosis from an ep dr. since I am having so much difficulty.  Anyone able to comment would be appreciated.  I am scared about this and I don't know what to think, I mean they discharged me from the hospital in bigeminy.  When I walk around it is terrible, everything increases.  Just not sure.


Michelle

[Mel22]

Well, I was feeling "hunky-dory" about my long history of PVCs until the response post on 9/8  from Dr. bjk where he stated that the most common reason for PVCs is structural damage to the heart by high blood pressure. I was always under the impression that PVCs were fairly common and normal and benign.

[Mel22]

I forgot to add that a few days ago in the Washington Post there was an article linking Zithromax with heart attacks in some patients. Do your research!

[Cleveland Clinic]

The most common cause of all arryhthmias is hypertension, only because hypertenion is so common. If you do not have hypertension then dont worry. If you do, then it only means that strict blood pressure control is very imortant.

good luck

[LynnSB]

Could you post a link to the story about zithromax and heart attacks? thanks so much!

[hankstar]

  Zithromax(Azithromycin) has been associated with drug induced long qt syndrome which can cause life threatening ventricular arrhythmias known as torsades de pointes, but lacks substantial evidence for causing torsades de pointes.

REF: http://www.arizonacert.org/medical-pros/drug-lists/list-02.cfm

[chezzle]

Thanks to all.Everyone on this board has been a great help.I too get pvc's.At least 20,000 a day,everyday...for months on end.Usually in the form of bigeminy.I feel each and every one in my throat and chest.EP doc may be able to help.I was wondering if any of you have had pvc's that feel different?I have been having something that feels like 2 quadrants of my heart flutter...while at the same time my heart beats regular but somewhat fast.Usually about 10-20 beats.If I cough or sit up it immediatly goes back to a normal rhythm.No dizziness or such.This is hard to catch on monitor.Although a month-long one would pick it up.I was wondering if this sounded like unsustained v-tach.My daughter was recently ablated for v-tach.Coughing or sitting up sometimes helped her.any insight would be appreciated.

[cookie2]

Hi
I think I know what you mean. I get one regular beat then a really fast one and they feel like they are together, not like the paulse with pvcs. is that what your feeling?. I think v tech is over three pvcs in a row. also pacs could be 3 or more in a row and it wouldnt be v tech. I am not a doctor so I am just telling you what I heard from others.
                                         Take care

[Mel22]

Thank you for responding, doctor.

I *do* have hypertension, but it's controlled by meds. That's why I was worried. I understand what you are saying now.

[Mel22]

oops, "bkj". Please excuse the typos.

[Mel22]

"Could you post a link to the story about zithromax and heart attacks? thanks so much!"

I read it "hard copy". There is a webiste, but you have to be registered to use it. It's free though. You could do a search on Zithromax.

www.washingtonpost.com

Good luck!

[LynnSB]

Thanks Mel! I looked up the story and actually it was NOT Zithromax ( Azithromycin) that was linked to heart attacks. Here is some info from the news article:
>>Thursday, September 9, 2004; Page A12


Antibiotic Poses Heart Risk

A widely used antibiotic long considered safe dramatically increases the risk of cardiac arrest, particularly when taken with some popular drugs for infections and high blood pressure, a huge study found.

The drug, erythromycin, has been on the market for 50 years and is prescribed for a wide range of infections. <<

Erythromycin is in another category of antibiotics than azithromycin. In fact, there have been a couple of studies in recent years using Zithromax to PREVENT heart attacks ( not successful but used in people at high risk of more heart attacks and didn't make them drop dead).
All the same VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS and PALPITATIONS are listed as side effects for this drug by the manufacturer yet my internist and EP doc acting like it couldn't be causing my problems. I've been off it 2 days ( stays in your system 6 days) and still having these skipped beats. I usually have brief rapid heartbeats when i have palps but there are like beat, beat ......beat.   I recently had a new test ( MICROVOLT ALTERNANS) because they needed a "normal" volunteer to train a resident EP doc.. anyway, it is non-invasive and is supposed to be highly sensitive at determining who is at risk of a deadly arrhythmia. i passed with flying colors and felt SO REASSURED until this beat, beat, pause sh*t .. i'm so down.. trying to do self talk and not be scared.

[Mel22]

Sorry for the error.

[LynnSB]

I guess you can measure how well I WAS doing by how long it has been since I've frequented this board. I feel like i'm going CRAZY with the palps.. beat, beat, skip.... all day, all night.
I have had literally every test from EP study to microvolt to echo to stress to holters.. I KNOW intellectually I'm not in any danger. But I am soooo uncomfortable and , yes, scared. I feel like a coward and a failure right now but that's the truth. Why oh WHY do these things have to come out of the blue like this and LAST FOR SO LONG!???

[pandora9048]

Hey everyone,
   I know there are a lot of people on this forum who have worse problems w/ pvcs, etc.  When I say I had 6 today so far, that may seem like nothing to some people, but it's scaring the s**t out me.  It seems to happen if I'm lying down for a while, get up quickly and then sit down again.  It's just rather sudden I guess, so naturally I'm thinking something is wrong that they missed.
I have 2 questions, if anyone can answer:
    what is bigemy and trigemy?
Also, I know it's said that pvcs in a structurally normal heart are considered benign, etc., but what about in time (if I live God willing,) I get heart disease as millions of people do as they age, then what?  They won't be benign anymore and they'll kill me?
This is such a terrible way to live, first the tachy nonsense and now these !@#!@# pvcs.  
Thanks to everyone who posted.
P.S.  to LynnSB, a while back u gave me info about dunking my face in cold water when my heart decides it wants to race, and it worked, so I thank you!
God bless to all
Pan

[cookie2]

I think bigemy is every other beat and trigemy is every 2 beats. I have had them both and I cant tell you in words how scarey it is. Doc still says in a normal heart all is ok. hope i answered your question. take care

[David G]

Anyone who has scanned this forum must realize that PVC's while scary and annoying are no more life threatening that a bad case of flatulence.  However, as a fellow sufferer I can't help but notice that so many of us also suffer from anxiety.  By the way, I went on a beta blocker called pindolol which cured me in two days.  I'm still dealing with my anxiety.

[LynnSB]

Thanks, David!