Aa
Ablation for PVCs?
My doctors suggest I receive an ablation for "PVCs" so that I can get on with my life. They told me that is the only thing that will cure my PVC's once and for all and then at the same time, they tell me that this procedure can make it worse, better or no change; but, they highly recommend it.
From what I've read thus far, ablations for PVC's is not the norm and usually not helpful for PVCs. Is there anyone with insight regarding an ablation procedure for PVC's.
From what I've read thus far, ablations for PVC's is not the norm and usually not helpful for PVCs. Is there anyone with insight regarding an ablation procedure for PVC's.
I think you will be better off starting a new thread because ablation back in 2008 for PVC's were seldom done and the mapping/ablation tools have since improved to the point that it is a lot safer. Still, procedure is limited to tertiary centers that do a lot of complex procedures, not something to do at your typical community hospital lab.
Does EP stand for Electrophysiologist? If so, then my answer would be "no", I haven't seen an Electrophysiologist. According to my knowledge, both doctors I was referred to were called "Cardiologist".
Yes, PVCs highly bothersome.
A. I saw a family physician who sent me to an emergency room - wore 24 hr. heart monitor. Results indicated Bilateral Enlargement, PVCs and Tachycardia and referred me to a highly referred to Cardiologist in our area.
B. The first Cardiologist provided Tread Mill Testing with the Ulta Sound Images of heart under stress and told me the 24 hr. monitor results made it appear that my heart was enlarged; but, in fact, it is not enlarged and he was not concerned. He said that it is my body build and that if I wanted to be referred to another Cardiologist which he referred to as a "specialist" that would likely provide more extensive testing that would be fine; but, did he not feel that would be necessary. I chose the referral, nonetheless.
C. But the second Cardiologist did not see any need to provide further / extensive testing; instead, he did a short EKG and confirmed PVC's. Without doing futher testing, this Cardio smiled at me and said, "Of course your heart is enlarged, all smokers have enlarged hearts." He also, rightly suggested, I stop smoking; but, did not seem concerned about the enlargement which he feels that I do have. He suggested I take meds for the rest of my life; or, when you get tired of it, set up an appointment to have the Ablation; futher saying, you may still need to take meds the rest of your life - it depends on the success of the ablation - but more than likely you would still need to take meds. even after the ablation.
So, my friends, I very much thank you for your suggestions. Thank you for hearing me out. This is the first time I've shared most of my story and that helps. I am with you on this. I will continue to do the reseach not only for myself but to hopefully help us all. Many thanks! I may also look into the positive help that Inderal may provide me, along with possibly posting my question to the doctor on the heart rythem expert forum.
Yes, PVCs highly bothersome.
A. I saw a family physician who sent me to an emergency room - wore 24 hr. heart monitor. Results indicated Bilateral Enlargement, PVCs and Tachycardia and referred me to a highly referred to Cardiologist in our area.
B. The first Cardiologist provided Tread Mill Testing with the Ulta Sound Images of heart under stress and told me the 24 hr. monitor results made it appear that my heart was enlarged; but, in fact, it is not enlarged and he was not concerned. He said that it is my body build and that if I wanted to be referred to another Cardiologist which he referred to as a "specialist" that would likely provide more extensive testing that would be fine; but, did he not feel that would be necessary. I chose the referral, nonetheless.
C. But the second Cardiologist did not see any need to provide further / extensive testing; instead, he did a short EKG and confirmed PVC's. Without doing futher testing, this Cardio smiled at me and said, "Of course your heart is enlarged, all smokers have enlarged hearts." He also, rightly suggested, I stop smoking; but, did not seem concerned about the enlargement which he feels that I do have. He suggested I take meds for the rest of my life; or, when you get tired of it, set up an appointment to have the Ablation; futher saying, you may still need to take meds the rest of your life - it depends on the success of the ablation - but more than likely you would still need to take meds. even after the ablation.
So, my friends, I very much thank you for your suggestions. Thank you for hearing me out. This is the first time I've shared most of my story and that helps. I am with you on this. I will continue to do the reseach not only for myself but to hopefully help us all. Many thanks! I may also look into the positive help that Inderal may provide me, along with possibly posting my question to the doctor on the heart rythem expert forum.
Hi again : )
An "enlarged" heart is definitely something I'd want to know more about....If it truly is enlarged and not just unique to your body type, etc, you may be well served from the ablation. However, I appreciate your hesitancy big time!!
Do the PVCs bother you? Hey, I RARELY have them on the treadmill tests....As soon as my heart rate normalizes....they're back!!
Atenolol did not work at all for me (affected my central nervous system---UGH)
Inderal worked best, and actually I was eventually able to take it as needed...much nicer than having to remember daily.
I also have 1/2 of a .25 Xanax "just in case." I generally have them with me, and it does take the edge off on those rare occasions that I can't relax (dentist, flying, moving, weddings, the biggies...lol)
Please keep us posted....Oh, are you seeing an EP at a large medical center? That is probably best. You might also want to try posting your question (have it ready) to Dr. McWilliams on the heart rhythm expert form. The site only takes about 2 questions per day, but it might be worth trying to post (while you're still researching).
connie
An "enlarged" heart is definitely something I'd want to know more about....If it truly is enlarged and not just unique to your body type, etc, you may be well served from the ablation. However, I appreciate your hesitancy big time!!
Do the PVCs bother you? Hey, I RARELY have them on the treadmill tests....As soon as my heart rate normalizes....they're back!!
Atenolol did not work at all for me (affected my central nervous system---UGH)
Inderal worked best, and actually I was eventually able to take it as needed...much nicer than having to remember daily.
I also have 1/2 of a .25 Xanax "just in case." I generally have them with me, and it does take the edge off on those rare occasions that I can't relax (dentist, flying, moving, weddings, the biggies...lol)
Please keep us posted....Oh, are you seeing an EP at a large medical center? That is probably best. You might also want to try posting your question (have it ready) to Dr. McWilliams on the heart rhythm expert form. The site only takes about 2 questions per day, but it might be worth trying to post (while you're still researching).
connie
I am greatful and thankful to you both and to anyone else that considers taking the time to answer my post. You are helpful to me.
Momto3 .....Having had a successful procedure for your PVC's.....I am very happy to know that it has helped you. That is a real blessing.
upbeat633....I am glad to know you found a beta blocker has stopped the multiples and reduced the frequency. That is also a real blessing.
One of the doctors said I do have an enlarged heart; but, the other said I don't....its just the way I'm built, the way my heart sets, etc. Three doctors I've seen, are conflicting in some of the areas concerining my care regarding suggested medication. They all agree on the ablation procedure; although, two of doctors say the PVCs I'm having are benign.
But one of the doctors told me I could fall over dead at any minute after reading my 24 hr. monitor results. When I asked him how many I had, he just shook his head and said, "Alot!" Afterwards he put me on the treadmill and told me that my heart was healthy, no abnormalities, and I had rare PVCs during the actual treadmill testing. After the tests were over, he took me back to the room and said, "Did I scare you?" But this time, his voice and attitude was nice and calm, nothing like it was before he ran the test.
Therefore, it leaves me feeling reluctant in making a choice either way. So, like the rest of my friends here, I am also searching for knowledge to the best of my ability before making a decision in what to do. I feel that if I continue to seek out other doctors, I'll continue to add on to even more conflicting opions. All test confirm healthy heart, with the exception of the disagreement in whether it is enlarged or not.
I've refused the meds such as: Atenolol and Flecainide; mostly due to all three doctors having conflicting opinions regarding the medication of choice. Nonetheless, I tried the Atenolol with negative results, refused to try Flecainide due to such dangerous side affects. When I can't take it anymore, I take 1/2 of a .25 Alprazolam at night in order to get to sleep. Its not much I know, but it drastically reduces the PVC's. It is extremely rare that I take Alprazolam; so family physician said, at that rate, he isn't concerned about addition, etc.
Momto3 .....Having had a successful procedure for your PVC's.....I am very happy to know that it has helped you. That is a real blessing.
upbeat633....I am glad to know you found a beta blocker has stopped the multiples and reduced the frequency. That is also a real blessing.
One of the doctors said I do have an enlarged heart; but, the other said I don't....its just the way I'm built, the way my heart sets, etc. Three doctors I've seen, are conflicting in some of the areas concerining my care regarding suggested medication. They all agree on the ablation procedure; although, two of doctors say the PVCs I'm having are benign.
But one of the doctors told me I could fall over dead at any minute after reading my 24 hr. monitor results. When I asked him how many I had, he just shook his head and said, "Alot!" Afterwards he put me on the treadmill and told me that my heart was healthy, no abnormalities, and I had rare PVCs during the actual treadmill testing. After the tests were over, he took me back to the room and said, "Did I scare you?" But this time, his voice and attitude was nice and calm, nothing like it was before he ran the test.
Therefore, it leaves me feeling reluctant in making a choice either way. So, like the rest of my friends here, I am also searching for knowledge to the best of my ability before making a decision in what to do. I feel that if I continue to seek out other doctors, I'll continue to add on to even more conflicting opions. All test confirm healthy heart, with the exception of the disagreement in whether it is enlarged or not.
I've refused the meds such as: Atenolol and Flecainide; mostly due to all three doctors having conflicting opinions regarding the medication of choice. Nonetheless, I tried the Atenolol with negative results, refused to try Flecainide due to such dangerous side affects. When I can't take it anymore, I take 1/2 of a .25 Alprazolam at night in order to get to sleep. Its not much I know, but it drastically reduces the PVC's. It is extremely rare that I take Alprazolam; so family physician said, at that rate, he isn't concerned about addition, etc.
Upbeat, that is a perfect explanation!
Actually I'd probably run from an EP who wanted to ablate for benign PVCs.
The benefits must clearly outweigh the risks!! I agree with Upbeat, ask lots of questions, and research this well.
Why is your doctor suggesting an ablation?
Actually I'd probably run from an EP who wanted to ablate for benign PVCs.
The benefits must clearly outweigh the risks!! I agree with Upbeat, ask lots of questions, and research this well.
Why is your doctor suggesting an ablation?
I feel I should add my story also, it's similar to momto3, but it's different too.
I have high frequency pvcs, like she once did. I think at some point we both have experienced 10,000, 20,000 and sometimes 30,000 pvcs per day and more.
In my 27 year history I have not found a cardiologist, and even this year an electrophysiologist, who would consider ablation for pvcs.
I was finally, and fully accepting of an ablation when I went to see the electrophysiologist this year, I was so sick of the pvcs.
But......nope. Natta. He said he couldn't ethically recommend an ablation because that comes with risk, and remember your own doctors advice "worse, better or no change. He said: pvcs, no matter the number, no matter the pattern, are benign. He offered yet one more beta-blocker, to which I did not hold out much hope, having had tried three before. But it seems to have stopped the multiples and reduced the frequency by half or more. ((I have some pretty high numbers on occassion still, and while they feel worse, they are not)).
In momto3's case, she developed an enlarged heart from the pvcs, which, while rare, can happen. That is when the ablation was thought to be of more benefit than risk.
I hope you continue to ask questions, seek advice, get opinions, and do research before you make your decision.
I have high frequency pvcs, like she once did. I think at some point we both have experienced 10,000, 20,000 and sometimes 30,000 pvcs per day and more.
In my 27 year history I have not found a cardiologist, and even this year an electrophysiologist, who would consider ablation for pvcs.
I was finally, and fully accepting of an ablation when I went to see the electrophysiologist this year, I was so sick of the pvcs.
But......nope. Natta. He said he couldn't ethically recommend an ablation because that comes with risk, and remember your own doctors advice "worse, better or no change. He said: pvcs, no matter the number, no matter the pattern, are benign. He offered yet one more beta-blocker, to which I did not hold out much hope, having had tried three before. But it seems to have stopped the multiples and reduced the frequency by half or more. ((I have some pretty high numbers on occassion still, and while they feel worse, they are not)).
In momto3's case, she developed an enlarged heart from the pvcs, which, while rare, can happen. That is when the ablation was thought to be of more benefit than risk.
I hope you continue to ask questions, seek advice, get opinions, and do research before you make your decision.
Hi Bon-Bon,
Yep, I have had 2 successful ablations for frequent PVCs. Are you highly symptomatic? Despite the high frequency of my PVCs, I was pretty used to them. I hadn't met one EP who would even consider ablation(s) until I ended up with PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. I tried medications for several months, figuring I could eventually stop taking them. WRONG! I would be on them for life. At that point, the doctor was absolutely willing to schedule me for ablation(s). I new it would probably take more than one since I was multi-focal. Ended up with 1 for RVOT and 1 for LVOT. That was in 2003 and I only have a handful of PVCs now.
Yep, I have had 2 successful ablations for frequent PVCs. Are you highly symptomatic? Despite the high frequency of my PVCs, I was pretty used to them. I hadn't met one EP who would even consider ablation(s) until I ended up with PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. I tried medications for several months, figuring I could eventually stop taking them. WRONG! I would be on them for life. At that point, the doctor was absolutely willing to schedule me for ablation(s). I new it would probably take more than one since I was multi-focal. Ended up with 1 for RVOT and 1 for LVOT. That was in 2003 and I only have a handful of PVCs now.
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