Do Beta Blockers cause more pvc's

I'm starting to think that the increase of my pvc's literally from 10 a day to 300 could be the beta blockers I'm on, as anyone every heard of this happening?  If so why?

[itdood]

I've had the same experience.  Others have reported this too.

First, using Beta Blockers for PVCs is an off-label use.  The reason I think doctors have gotten into the habit of trying them is because they reduce the contractive force of the heart.  This is supposed to lessen one's awareness of them.

However I think Beta Blockers create an environment that favors more PVCs.

PVCs are caused by ventricular pacers which are the heart's backup in case the ventricles do not receive a normal impulse to contract.  If they trigger when they are required it's called an "escape beat".  If they trigger inappropriately they're called premature ventricular contractions or ectopic beats.  Escape beats can be triggered by a lenghtened time between normal beats, low oxygen levels, etc..

Knowing this, it follows that beta blockers create an environment favorable to ectopics because they slow the heart down.  They also might create "rebound" efffects when the med is on its way out of your system, as cells that have had andreneline blocked for a while are now exposed to it.

Just my humble opinion, there are no clinical trials or studies on the use of beta blockers to treat benign PVCs that I can find.

[is_something_wrong]

I've heard they can both increase and decrease PVCs.

On my beta blockers (which I've never used) the indications are: Hypertension, Angina Pectoris, Supraventricular Arrhythmias, migraines and PVCs (I'm sure they can decrease/increase PACs too but this is rarely treated with medications).

Beta blockers decrease the hearts reactions on adrenaline, and we know adrenaline can cause PVCs, but in my opinion, I get most ectopic beats when my heart rate is low. Beta blockers decrease your heart rate and I assume this can cause more ectopics.

I agree with the rebound effect mentioned above.

I can't use beta blockers (according to my GP) due to nocturnal bradycardia (38-40 BPM). My cardiologist disagree, saying I can use beta blockers, this bradycardia is normal, but there is no need to.

[JonsHeart]

I never had PVCs until I took Atenolol, a beta blocker, ten years ago for blood pressure. Within several months I was getting PVCs so intensely I thought I was having a heart attack. The cardiologist that prescribed the Atenolol said he did not know what could be causing the arrythmia. When I looked it up myself, it said quite clearly that as a known side effect it can cause arrythmias. I stopped taking the Atenolol right away, but by that time the PVCs were so severe that I was even judged to not be a candidate for catheter ablation because the source of the malfunction was so multi-source.  Now ten years later the PVCs are so severe that my heart can stop for as many as 3 or 4 beats and then suddenly let go with a high pressure blast. I now have an occluded retina and cannot take any blood pressure meds because it makes the PVCs worse. So it seems the PVCs will be the death of me unless I can get some means of eliminating or reducing them. I had hoped that stem cell therapy might arrive in time to help, but due to political controversy on the subject the progress in that has been put off at least a decade.

[yarrow]

As several here have noted, beta blockers slow the heart rate, and in doing so, may make it more possible for autonomous heart cells to trigger ectopic beats.  But in reading about side effects, I have never read anything indicating that Atenolol 'causes' PVCs, and there is no indication whatsoever in the standard literature that this drug could be responsible for causing *multifocal* or multi-source PVCs.

But uncontrolled hypertension is separate, important factor to consider regarding PVCs, and here is a interesting link:

http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/8/1/45.abstract

Regarding hypertension, there are many, many meds other than beta blockers which can be used.

[joshuamom]

I noticed a tremendous improvement in my PVC's when I started a beta blocker.  I resisted for a long time, and was actually put on it for my AVNRT, but I immediately noticed a drastic reduction in my PVC's, and mine were always at rest, so go figure!!  I guess I am an exception!  I don't think I would have gone on the beta blocker just for my PVC's though, but it was a bonus effect.  I have had my AVNRT ablated, but I am still on my Bisoprolol (beta blocker), not quite willing to give it up yet.  Anyway, this was just my experience, and I realize it kind of bucks the trend.  My resting heart rate is about 60-70 (when not having bouts of IST) off beta blockers and 54 on. I think everyone is different when it comes to medications, I trust my doctors, and I trust my ability to figure out what works for me, not necessarily the same as what works for most!  I would rather not be on anything, that is for sure!!  
I wish they could figure out something that would work for everyone, it is very frustrating, that is for sure.

All the best to everyone!

[tom_h]

SOME beta blockers MAY be risky.  To label all of them as such serves only to frighten those who are on them.  I've taken Metoprolol for 5 years and continue to do so even after my recent catheter ablation. My dosage has ranged from 25 to 200mg daily.  I'm presently taking 50mg daily.  It was fantastic in reducing the number of PVCs prior to ablation, and made SVT conversion much easier than befiore I was on it.  Additionally, it has lowered my blood pressure, and my cardiologist says it helps greatly in heart attack survival should one occur.  Working closely with your physician, you made to experiment with different type and dosages to find the one that works for you.

[joshuamom]

Well said,  I would not have resisted trying them for so long where it not for all the sweeping negative comments about them, and they really did improve my life, and that is what it is all about!  I have now been on Bisoprolol for 2 years..I tried Metoprolol first, but for me, I had too many side effects, I really have none on the Bisoprolol, so as you said, it is just a question of finding the right medication and the right dose.  I am glad I did.

[Krissycarr123]

Hi there..I just literally started my dosage of Bisoprolol today and was wondering if it will really help my AVNRT, palps and attacks of racing heart.  My symptoms are a direct result of an adrenaline rush...and this med is supposed to help.  Did this med take away all of your symptoms? Have you ever considered the ablation? Did you experience any side affects? What dosage do you take?