Wide heart beats

[Greg]

I am a 37 year old male who noticed that my heart seemed to skip at times. A holter monitor was run and it indicated that I was getting "wide beats" 9.5% of the time. Is this the same as a pvc?

My internist said to ignor the skips as they sound like pvc's and my cardiologist wanted to start me on Toprol xl. I am not sure which way to go???? I have no other cardiac problems and I have limited my caffiene and alcohol use. Please help!!

Thanks.

[Joanne]

Greg & Heather...I am 31 and have noticed a "flutter" or extra beat sporatically for a few years and they seem to be increasing in frequency lately.  I, too, feel them more at night while lying down, and they really scare me.  I have seen a cardiologist and had tests run (EKG, blood tests, ecocardiogram) which have all come back normal.  On Thursday I will begin to wear a holter monitor.  Do you have any advice for me?  I am getting so depressed over this...I am so afraid of having a heart attack!

[Greg]

Heather,

Thanks for your note on the Toprol!! Did you have any side effects from the medicine? I have not started the medicine yet but I plan to soon.

Also, my PVC's are much more frequent at night when I am lying down. What about you?

[heather]

I am currently on Toprol xl for the same thing.  It has helped very much to decrease the symptoms and the PVC's.  I am very happy with the medication.  I do however still get the symptoms some, but the medicine has helped greatly! I would try the medication if I were you, it is worth a try-trust me!
Heather

[CCF-M.D.-DLB]

It does sound like PVCs. No specific treatment is usually necessary for medical reasons, but if symptoms are bothering you, Toprol Xl would be a good medication to try.