General Question on PAC

I have been dx with PAC's. My recent stress test had me up to 200 bpm, without problem, it was when I was cooling down around 120-130 bpm that I started to show many many early beats, once they got below that range, they disappeared. Personal HX, 36 y/o male, 140 lbs, 65.5", don't smoke, occassional drink (beer-no distilled spirits), work out-- mostly moderate wieght training, some cardio (when these PAC's don't bother me to the point of "running scared"...wasn't that a movie btw?) Anyway my question is this, does a PAC constitute a "full beat" and would it be considered part of your overall bpm...for example, I have a pulse of 120 bpm but have a run of 20 PAC's, is my rate now 140 bpm? Also is there a risk of throwing a blood clot with these things? This is completely new to me, I've never had PAC's (noticeable) while exercising, usually I'd get them at rest or when I had a ton of coffee--now they hit at a time when I actually try to get away from them and relieve stress by exercising...can't win with these things...although I'm not beat by any stretch, i'm sure sooner or later, it'll change up and hit at higher work load,,,who knows.
Thanks for your time

Jason

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Anyway my question is this, does a PAC constitute a "full beat" and would it be considered part of your overall bpm

It depends.  If a PAC is very early in the cardiac cycle, it will block and not conduct to your lower chamber. When you count your pulse, you are counting lower chamber (ventricular) beats  If the PACs are early in the cardiac cycle, they will not count, if they are later in the cardiac cycle they will.  My guess is that most of your are counted in your pulse.

Also is there a risk of throwing a blood clot with these things?

Essentially, no.  PACs are not considered a risk for stroke.  If you keep reading stuff on the internet about PACs (which I encourage you not to do because it will drive you crazy if you focus on them), you will eventually come accross the question of whether, PACs cause atrial fibrillation.  Your risk of atrial fibrillation with PACs is very very low, especially as a young person.

I hope this helps.  Thanks for posting.