PVC's & Beta Blocker

[Mandy55]

I’m a 45 yo female with frequent pvc’s that started about mid-August.  I’ve worn a holter monitor which picked up 5 or 6 that day – one being 4 in a row and the others just one.  Since then, they have increased in frequency and the thud that follows the skip is very strong.  I’m having upwards of 40 a day now.   I also have mitral valve prolapse (my whole life) but otherwise am told I have a healthy heart.  

I also have been having stomach problems that started around the same time.  My symptoms were severe morning nausea with diarrhea and shakiness that was relieved temporarily by eating.  I felt as if I might have low blood sugar so at this time I changed my diet dramatically, cutting out caffeine, sugar, alcohol, refined carbs, and artificial sweeteners, and added small frequent meals.  As I understand it, these adjustments should make heart palpitations better but mine have gotten much worse.  All of my blood tests have come back normal – thyroid, electrolytes, blood glucose, iron level.  The doctor put me on nexium as he suspected an ulcer.  I’ve lost 18 pounds but was about 60 pounds overweight.  

The stomach problems are better but the heart palpitations continued to increase so the doctor put me on metoprolol.  I’m taking 25 mg (three days so far) and can tell no difference in the palpitations.

Here are my questions – 1) should the beta blocker already be working?  2) is this the best beta blocker for my problem (and strength), 3) any connection to my stomach problems and heart palpitations starting at around the same time? 4) are there any other changes in diet or supplements that could be helpful?  The palpitations are on my mind constantly and are really disrupting my life.  I’m trying to learn to live with them but it’s very difficult.  

Thank you in advance for your response

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

1) should the beta blocker already be working?  

Beta blockers don't help everyone.  The intention of beta blockers is to decrease the sensation of PVC, but it sometimes decreases the frequency too.  There is often no magical cure for them.  They tend to come and go as they please -- several months on and then disappear for months.

2) is this the best beta blocker for my problem (and strength),

If it helps, then yes.  If it doesn't help after a few weeks, it might not help.  You can try another beta blocker or calcium channel blocker, but there is a chance that neither one will help.


3) any connection to my stomach problems and heart palpitations starting at around the same time?

It depends on what is wrong with your stomach.  If your stomach is bothering you because you are overly stressed or having problems with anxiety, depression, it is possible that the same hormones active in these stresses are contributing to your PVCs.  PVCs are somewhat of mystery.  It is hard to tell what causes them.

4) are there any other changes in diet or supplements that could be helpful?

Some people have PVCs caused by sleep deprivation, stress, caffeine, tea, anxiety, hormonal changes, etc.  Some have no identifiable trigger.  If you find one that helps you, use it.  If you change your diet and it doesn't help, don't drive yourself crazy -- if it doesn't help it doesn't help.  Sometimes the only solution is to learn to live with them and move on.  This might be difficult, but do your best to not let this consume your life.  It is not in your control.

I hope this helps. Thanks for posting.

[timmay1220]

i been taking street drugs like. perks. ocs because i have back probl i took them for about 4yrs and i just stop taking them about 20days ago withtrew are over with but i have a doubleheart beat it dose it pretty offen my dr put me on metoprolol25mg it sims to work but it still does it sometimes i fill lightheaded i felt that way before i stared taking metoprolol what can i do to feel better ill never take a drug again could this still be withtralle simthems i heard something about a pach thay put on you to put the vitamin and nutrients back in the body can someone ansure my question thank you alot

[2 Sensitive]

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[drlz]

i did not have pvc until i stopped smoking and drinking .They get worse by not eating or purging myself
which i just learned is bad for me as well .that might contribute to them i think so ,also very over weight i know that don't help but every time i go to a doctor about them the first thing they tell me  I'm to fat!..but really Ive Ben heavy my entire life and always active and started having thees PVC with tack in the 120 to 160 b.p.m and have had high troponin and a heart cath to follow up,and it was normal and the cardiologist gave me no answer to the troponin being high.I think i messed my digestive track up bad i dont think my body takes food very well after purging allot, just found out you can be over weight and bulimic !! ive seen other peoples comments and questions, and the answers by doctors on different websites they all say there is no cure for pvc and i think that is bull!!  it is a proven fact that that their is more money in treating illness then curing it so any way what do you think doc? iwant to live and get my life back Ive become disable now cause of thees heart skips and pvc and tacky hrt rate I'm only 29 yrs old and feel shooting my self can u help or point me in a good direction? I'm willing to make any changes for my self

[kolina]

A related discussion, Heart Palpitations was started.