Idiopathic VT

[mlt1996]

Hi.  I recently received a diagnosis over email (and cannot reach my doctor!).  On a recent holter monitor, they discovered PVCs and a run of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia.  Apparently the tachycardia was described as having 4 PVCs in a row.  What does this mean?  And what are the general implications for living with this and treating it?

Thank you,
Mary

[mlt1996]

Thanks so much for your comments.  I've never received a medical diagnosis over email before and my doctor is away for the holidays. I was definitely stressing out, having heard before that ventricular tachy is deadly.  Thanks so much!

Mary

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Hi Mary,

A PVC is a beat from your ventricle that was not caused by a previous atrial beat and comes at a time when it would not have been predicted.

If you have a normal EKG and echocardiogram (structurally normal heart) and sometimes a stress test, this does not significantly affect your long term prognosis.  The treatment for symptomatic PVCs or NSVTs is a beta blocker, while some people do not take any additional medication at all.  I agree with tickertock's comments as well.  Don't fret, talk to your doctor when they are back in the office from the holidays.

Thanks for posting.

[tickertock]

I had a holter in 1987 that showed a run of 5 PVCs in row and I was reassured back then that with a normal cardiac evaluation it wasn't of any more significance than isolated PVCs, this is often referred to as a "salvo" of PVCs or technically NSVT ( non sustained ventricular tachycardia) if the rate is over 100-120 bpm depending, rates less than a 100 bpm is often referred to as AIVR( accelerated idioventricular rhythm). It is common in the general population with a 4 to15% finding depending on the length of the holter recording. I fretted about this for a long time it's been over 20 years and i rarely have  a PVC anymore. If your cardiac workup is normal don't let this cause you unncessary worry. Happy Holidays.