PVCS MALIGNANT OR NOT.

[jennbates38]

I have pvcs and tachycardia. just recently found out that i have multiform and multifocal. i am currently seeing a ep thats says that they are benign. i have seen 2 cardiologist, had 3 echos, one echo stress test, one regular stress test, 8 holter monitors and two event monitors. all of the tests have been normal. i hav e had this condition for 5 years and its progressivley getting worse. I have been to the er too many times to count,and sent home with the same thing, its benign. even when the monitor said multifocal and multiform. my pvcs started out as unifocal just recently they have been documented, as couplets, frequent more than 15/min, multifocal and multiform. but still they say benign. even my last cardiologist said that from a heart stand point i am fine. But how can these be benign when everything i have read says they are dangerous pvcs?

[jennbates38]

Thanks michellepetkus..... Your words are very inspiring, exspecially when people look at you like your crazy. To answer your question the tachy has never exceeded 120 that I know of. And im going to ask the dr to do a cardiac mri just to rule out arvd. Im so scared of havibg that.

[MichelleP_3811]

How fast is your heart rate when you are in your tachycardia?  It does sound like you are dealing with a high load of pvcs but unfortunately the multifocal nature makes it real difficult to treat.  The best advice I can offer is to do whatever you can to get yourself in the the best health possible, exercise to improve heart function, eat a low sodium low fat diet,l make sure your electrolytes are in balance and do whatever you need to do to address any stress or anxiety in your life.  Pvcs can be very annoying and distracting and it is unfortunate that there isn't much to offer in regards to relief so it is up to us to learn to walk through the condition and fight in our own ways to not let the condition rule our lives.  At one point I had a really bad case of pvcs.  My doctor asked that I take a wait and see approach to see if they would calm down and they did but he said if they come back or do not resolve he would prescribe beta blockers.  They may help you feel a bit better.  The bottom line is your heart appears to be healthy at the moment despite the pvcs.  You have had a lot of tests to confirm this.  The only test I don't see listed is a cardiac MRI but it is possible according to your doctors and the results of the previous tests it isn't a test you need.  I really don't think the doctors would steer you wrong so really just do what you need to do to gain some peace of mind for yourself to power through having the condition.  If you need to vent with us feel free.  There are many here who completely get where you are at.  Stay strong.

[jennbates38]

They arent really addressing the tachy. They say I have sinus tachy, but the ep says that he doesnt kniw whats causing it and they just blow me off. When I asked him about arvd he said chances are slim.

[jennbates38]

Progressively worseis my statement. Dr says my pvcs are benign. No high blood pressure. No diabetes.

[thekuzmo427]

Hello: I was explained that bengin,was the best to have of the 2 types.         When you say your condition is getting "progressivley worse" is this your statement or the specialist statement? Did your Dr. also state your pvcs are dangerous?Do you also have High BP.? Are you a Type one personality? Do you also have many insulin reactions? I think I can give an educated guess if you can answer my ?'s. thekuzmo427

[itdood]

With that sort of history and progression I'd think that perhaps there might be some sort of condition that is degrading the muscle.  Something like ARVD, or a viral cardiomyopathy, or other disease of the muscle that is progressive.  If all that sort of worry has been ruled out you aren't left with much.

I've been around PVCs myself for a long time, and I've learned a lot about them.   If you've exhausted all that modern medical science has to offer, which to be honest isn't much, you're on your own.

Other options I can think of for you

Escalate your issue to a top heart institution like Cleveland clinic, Penn, or John's Hopkins.

If that doesn't get you anywhere and you heart muscle is checking out OK,
I would focus on

Endocrine (hormones, thyroid, adreneline, etc)
Auto immune issues
Central Nervous system issues (ie, Dysautonomia)
Lifestyle changes, all natural diet, drink nothing but water and lots of it, and supplement electrolytes.

[MichelleP_3811]

In a healthy heart they aren't deemed dangerous unless you are having more than 20,000 a day or they are causing you to pass out or they are turning into sustained ventricular tachycardia.  Your level is likely in an elevated state compared to those who have isolated unifocal ectopics but the chances of you falling into ventricular fibrillation are still slim.  You however, mention you also have tachycardia, what type do you have?  Is that being addressed?  In any event, do what you can to learn to deal with having them.  Any stress you are under because of them is only making them worse.  PVCs thrive off of stress and anxiety.  Take care, I hope you can get a handle on these and feel better.