PVCs during running

     I have been getting PVCs for the past 4 years.  I notice them maybe 1-3 a day.  I went to the doctor.  He did an EKG and an echo.  I was told I had the PVCs but everything else was normal.  Here recently I have noticed I get them during exercise.  I have been a runner for 17 years.  As soon as I get one I stop running. Now I don't run because I am afraid. My questions are is it normal to have PVCs during exercise?  If my EKG and echo were normal is it ok to continue running?  Is there another test that could be done?  Could there be something serious that would not show on an EKG and echo?
     This has been very depressing for me because running is such a passion of mine.  

[is_something_wrong]

There are a couple of reasons for PVCs (and PACs) during exercise.

It's completely possible you have PVCs at rest, and PACs during exercise, by the way. It's close to impossible to feel the difference.

In healthy hearts, the most likely reason for premature beats during exercise is the level of adrenaline you get when you do physical activities. And if you first get one, you get afraid, and you will get more. And you will get them next time. Really annoying, and something I'm extremely familiar with :(

You should know, PVCs during exercise is not by any means dangerous. What is possibly dangerous, is their cause, if it's NOT adrenaline. It can be caused by cardiac ischemia (like angina pectoris, but then you probably would have other symptoms as well). And if you're a runner, this is extremely unlikely.

Other causes would have been seen on echo. (hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, valve failures).

You should probably ask your doctor for a stress test, that is indicated in this setting. It's most likely normal though. And I think you'll find PACs and not PVCs on this one, but I'm not a doctor or a wizard :) Probably best to ask your doctor. Do not worry about this, though.

[jondsam]

PVC's during exercise can give a slight increased risk for exercise induced ventricular tachycardia.  However, almost always the people that get this phenomenon suffer from some form of heart disease, arterial disease,  or structural abnormalities. The most famous case of exercised induced tachy was Reggie Lewis who collapsed on the basketball court and died suddenly.  It was later found that he suffered from the infamous hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  This is why all young athletes are now screened for heart defects before playing their sports.  All in all, if you have no serious heart issues and an otherwise healthy heart, exercise away.

[cindy707]

I guess i'll weigh in on this one too.  I think you have it when you said that you went to the doctor...just make sure rachel that it was a heart doctor that you saw.  Hopefully it was ....the second thing is that the post from is something wrong is correct adrenaline can set them off like crazy and as well all know running and exercise increases it within our bodies.  You did not say what the doc has plans for you to do with this.  Are they going to put you on a low dose beta blocker that blocks out a good percentage of the adrenaline? You will still have all of the benefits of running with your body it just means that your heart won't have to work as hard.  I would not be too concerned either...unless of course you doc advises otherwise to you. The only person that can really give you great advice on this one is your doc.  None of us know what your complete work up showed and unless he/she told you that you are at risk i wouldn't change my life.  PVC's are common in alot of humans and many don't even know that they are having them and something simple like it being your time of the month or hormones raging can definately effect your heart. I would take the time to call the doc tomorrow for a little moral support and ask them if its okay for you to continue your daily activities.  Don't scare yourself w. PVC's it is not a cause and effect situation...you sound like you are in great physical shape....now for the mental reassurance Rachel.........................