Time for beta blockers to work?

I recently had a frequent onset of PVCs (no history of heart problems), so for the last 4 weeks, literally nonstop >10,000 PVC's/day, which is obviously impacting my life and sleep pattern. All tests checked out OK (other than the abnormally small heart, the leaky mitral valve, the left to right PFO, Left Bundle Branch Block, fusion beats, and prolonged QT interval) in that there was no direct cause for the sudden onset of PVCs. The cardio recommended 1. do nothing, 2. fleccainide (with a 3 day hospital stay), 3. ablation.  He said my PVCs would not respond to beta blockers but we can try it (that was not one of his options).  I'm getting a second opinion on Monday.

Well, it has been 2 days on beta-blocker and my normally low bp and hr are now really low (as in 80/40 with a hr of low 40s), so numerous episodes of dizziness, etc. but with no change in PVCs. The cardio and I had a bit of a "falling out" last visit (apparently my appt. was interrupting him making his dinner plans and if I had any more questions, I'd have to schedule another appt. because he had another patient), so contacting him isn't an option.  Thus my question: How quickly do PVCs respond to beta blockers, if they do (couple hours, couple days, couple weeks?)? Should I stick this out at least until Monday when I get my second opinion?  

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Jerry_NJ]

I'm not how long it will take to reduce the PVC, if ever, but if your HR and BP don't get better in a few days I'd look to getting off the BB.  Some, on the other hand, seem to do well with low BP and HR, but given you other heart complications (I consider a leaky mitral valve problematic, needs to be watched at least) I think you'll not get over the dizzy problem.

I take between 100 and 200 mg of Metroprolol (BB) and when in the upper range I have trouble with dizziness.  I talk it specifically to slow my HR down, so I don't have a problem with low HR, but my BP can tend toward too low.

[Amethyst1974]

Hi,

My PVC's didn't respond to BB. What the BB did for me was reducing my HBP and the tachycardia that I was getting. On the contrary, I was getting more PVC' since strarting with the med. The cardiologist told me that I was more aware of the PVC's because my heart is beating more slowly. But I am happy that I am not getting the tachycardia anymore.

My holter showed 187 PVC's a day, 22 couplets (2 PVC's in a row), 2 episodes of VT, 31 PAC's.

After 2 month of taking the med I noticed that my PVC's are less frequent maybe once a week but that is thanks to the magnesium and the fish oil that I am taking.

I wish u look for mondays app,

Amethyst

[bsdtector]

I have pvc's (bigeminy) 3+ months.  I'm on lowest dose of Bisoprolol and it took about 5 days to get any relief.  I was dizzy for a week or so, but it went away and now I'm fine.  I mean REALLY fine.  I was getting a bit cold and retained a bit of water, but all that seems to have subsided as well.
Good luck.

[Mom2four85]

you sound like me - lots of frequent pvc's (54,000) continually - and I stepped on my 1st ep's toes by asking for a 2nd opinion :P

I got my 2nd opinion and the dr sounded great had actually cured a patient with 39,000 pvcs 2 weeks before I went in and prescribed me 25mg of Toprol. I was so impressed with this dr & staff; they took almost 3 hours with me; going over tests, history etc. that my 1st ep didn't, so I took the script and filled it.

Within an hour after that dose I got alot of symptoms you did and my pvc's worsened along with what they thought was a heart attack.  I called the 2nd ep's office and got the dr on call and his response was - WHY were you prescribed this? I told him and he sent me to the ER - called my pvc's some name I had never heard of. At the ER they  stablilized my BP at 70/40 & HR 41.

They finally sent me home after 7 hours with no raise in them even with iv stuff they gave me.  I was told something in my body didn't react the normal way it should have and not to take the meds again - OR it could be something else going on.

I really wish I had just gone with my first EP's opinion and gotten the ablation done and trusted him, but I was rushed from my PCP, to cardiologist to EP and into surgery so fast it was confusing. (it's still confusing)

I have Frequent Complex Pvc's; (LVH) Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, trace MVP, Mild Tricuspid Regurg.; suspected rbbb, and a couple of other things I can't remember right now.

Have you seen an EP? sorry if I missed that part I see you said you saw a cardiologist.  Getting a 2nd opinion is always a great thing to do, even if it's only for your own peace of mind, as I did.  

Btw...after the "miracle"meds the 2nd ep gave me I decided my 1st ep may not have such great bedside "manners" but he's got a great reputation & track record.

Good luck and I hope you find the answers.