atenolol and pvc's

  Dear Doctors,
       I was 24 yrs. old when I had an episode of atrial fib. After being converted with verapimil in the E.R., I had several tests in the next few days. Echo was normal, stress test normal, blood work normal, ekg resting-normal. I then had an e.p. study done at Indiana University Med. Center. They were able to reproduce the arrythmia but concluded it was "atypical" and that ablation was not an option. I was put on 50 mg. of Atenolol taken once daily. 6 months later I had a 24 holtor test done with the results being normal. 6 months after that I had a stress test done again with that also being normal. After 5 yrs of feeling great and having no recurrences of the a.fib I have started feeling strange beats again. These are not what I felt 5yrs. ago. These new beats seem to fit the description of PVC's. My questions are: can the Atenolol be causing these beats after 5 yrs. of use?  What are my options if it is or isn't? These weird beats only occur 6-12 times per day sometimes and as little as 1 time a day other times. I don't notice anything when I'm active working or exercising. I only notice them when I'm resting in the chair after dinner or when I first lay down in bed. I also notice them when I "think" about my condition. (Maybe stress induced). Your thoughts on this is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Dear Kent
Atenolol does not cause PVCs; it can be used to treat PVCs.
I would suggest a repeat Holter monitor to see what is going on now. You can't make a diagnosis of PVCs without an EKG or Holter.
I hope this is useful. Feel free to write back. I wish you the best of luck.
If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our cardiologists here at the Cleveland Clinic please feel free to call 1-800-CCF-CARE.
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