recovery pvcs

[jkfrench]

Hey guys,
I hope someone can help me understand this.
What is considered the recovery phase  of exercise?   Is it after running on a treadmill for 30 minutes, then walking for 10 minutes or so to cool down?  Is that 10 minutes considered the recovery phase?  I have had stress tests every year for the last 10 years.  Always normal.  Not one skip during or after.  (Plenty before).
I sometimes now feel a few skips (not many, perhaps 10 in 20 mintues) AFTER I get off the treadmill and start going about my other activities.  Is that still the recovery phase?    I'm also trying to understand that IF people do get pvc's during the recovery phase what exactly does that mean and why do they matter.  Is it because there is a potential of heart disease or future heart disease or does it mean sudden cardiac death from the pvc's because they are in the recovery phase.    And, is there a specific number that the pvc's have to reach before they are considered dangerous in recovery.  Meaning 6/minute or so.  That is not what I am experiencing.  I'm just feeling a few after I'm done cooling down from my run and am off the treadmill.   - Thanks in advance for any help.  I'm so confused here.  Everything I'm reading just confuses me more.  

[jkfrench]

Wow.  I just got off the phone with my doctor and he said the same thing you just said.
I have benign PVC's and to stop worrying and keep exercising (oh and stop googling recovery pvcs).  Thank you so much for taking the time to answer.  That helps a lot.  My doctor told me to break my .025mg xanax in half and take 1/2 in am and 1/2 in pm for a few months to see if I can't settle my mind down.  He said that low of a dose won't hurt me.  So I think I will try that too.  
I will definately stay hydrated.   These did just start recently during recover and I guess that is why I got so worried thinking now I have heart disease.   Take care! Jodie

[IMFletcher]

Hi Jodie - I have been exercising daily for years, and recently I have been increasing my distance running to between 7-10 km per day. I have the exact same issues you described, and my worst episode of trigeminy took place immediately following a hard workout with my personal trainer. I ended up going straight to the ER, and fortunately the doctors caught the trigeminy on the ECG. The recovery phase after exercise, when your heart rate is decreasing, is obviously a more likely time for PVCs and PACs to flare up, as the pulse is starting to slow...I also get the odd PVC/PAC during a run (skip sensation, flip flop or a hard thud). I think the adrenaline from the workout lingers in our system, and the opportunity for a PVC attack presents itself as we cool down. My cardiologist told me that PVCs are common before after and during exercise, and adrenaline levels in the body can play a huge roll in this. In fact, he told me that several professional athletes, who are his patients, have complained of similar issues. He also assured me that in my case, I should not be concerned, and not stop exercising. I agree with you, and I have posted before that the "new sensations" always generate elevated stress levels, and my mind starts to go into overdrive. I just have to keep reminding myself that every doctor has given me the same diagnosis - benign PVC/PACs. I am confident that you have nothing to worry about, and that your body is probably just more vulnerable to an attack during the recovery phase. Keep up the exercise, and make sure you stay hydrated...I have been drinking lots during my workouts, and the PVCs haven't been as frequent lately. Best of luck!!

[jkfrench]

Thanks!
Lisa - My last exercise stress test was about 9 months ago.  I get them every year and they have always been normal.  I wore my last holter 3 months ago and worked out while wearing it.  
These skips that start about 15 or 20 minutes after I'm done with my cardio are new so of course I worry.  I never get pvc's during my workout.  I get plenty throughout the day.
I am scheduled for my next stress test in July.  
Just doesn't make sense as to why recovery pvc's matter.  Why would that be a sign of heart disease.  Good luck with your new doctor.
Erijon - so transitional pvc's are different than recovery pvc's?
Thanks bbxx and pooyan01.  I know I shouldn't worry.  After having pvc's for over 30 years(since high school) you would think I wouldn't.  But, with every year, there seems to be new sensations, and an increase in skips and it just starts the worrying process all over agian.  Jodie

[Mom2four85]

Jodie I can't remember have you had a exercise stress test lately? I do know dr's put some weight into the results of it. If you're still having problems my dr suggested a stress test every few years to check things out since our bodies change as we age.

I've read recovery pvc's are a sign of something but also also read as long as your heart is structurally normal everything is fine...I still don't know what to think after 2 years there's so much mixed information and doctors disagree alot about this.

Dr. George Lundberg reported some on recovery pvc's do matter, but I found the research he reported on to be a bit biased - the subjects were older men in the VA; which might have some bearing on the test results.  He used to be the Editor (I think) of the AMA, but don't quote my mushy brain lol

google recovery pvc's or Recovery PVCs During Treadmill Testing Tied to Heart Disease; recovery pvc's do matter - for quite alot of info...again take it with a grain of salt because of the age/gender etc of the subjects  such as the Dewey study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18227372

I still haven't found an unbiased across the board study for pvc's; subjects seem to be handpicked for the most part geared towards a particular study.

if it makes you feel any better, even with all of my problems and health issues my cardiologist  told me there is NO reason why i shouldn't exercise daily for at least 30 minutes....ummm yeah tell that to my body; i've tried so many times and once I get past the 3-5 minute mark or up my pace I'm on the floor dizzy or passing out; in VT and can't breathe.

soooo I'm off to yet another new cardio this month...going to a large university to see if they understand pvc's and autonomic dysfunction; one of my questions will be about exercise and arrhythmia's and if they tell me anything I'll make sure I post it.

[erijon]

The recovery period after exercise is the amount of time it takes for your heart rate and BP to return to normal levels. It can be different for each individual and is based on the level of exercise achieved. For me, if I work out at 10 - 11 mets it will take me about 30 mins to fully recover, yet only about 15 mins if I work out at 7 mets. PVCs can continue after exercise due to the level of adrenalin in your system after working out. For me, my PVCs go away with exercise and normally do not return for 3 or  4 hours so for everyone it is different.

What you are feeling are most likely transitional PVCs that come on as your body transition from one heart rate or exertion level to another, either up or down. It is very common.

Hope this helps,

Jon

[Pooyan01]

Having PVCs is common, doctors will tell you they're nothing to worry about and lots of people get them. This is true but doesn't really help when you suddenly have a heart rate of 30 or start feeling thuds in your chest every other heartbeat!

I've looked into this a lot and have questioned my doctor and cardiologist. PVCs are benign if there is no other underlying heart disease. You have normal stress tests which while not a 100% guarantee is still a very strong indication all is well. Don't let worrying about suddenly dying ruin your life, I did for too long. To be honest I still do worry quite a bit, but things on the whole are getting better. I'm still alive, so are you! Enjoy it! My PVCs were caused by exercising too much to lose weight, seek medical advice in what the correct level of exercise for you should be. My cardiologist said I could have constant bigeminy for many hours with no dangerous consequences, I just get runs of a minute or so and that feels bad enough!

[itdood]

recovery PVCs are right when you stop peak load exercise and start to cool down.  They happen in the first minute or 2 while you heart rate is starts to come down.   I ued to get them when I was younger.  I don't anymore.  odd.

[bbxx]

If it makes you feel better, for the past year and half I have had them pre, during, as soon as I stop, 10 min. later, 30 min. later etc.. It does not seem to matter. Its not always. Its all no rhyme or reason.