What is it?

Great forum! Priceless, and I love it!


Had PVC's for 10 years, and it recently turned ugly. Had an endless bout of it, with weakness and cold sweats. Went to emgy room, transferred to heart hospital. They did an angiogram, which was OK, then gave me a pacemaker the next day.

The doctors said I have "sick sinus syndrome", or brady-tachy, and occasional V-fib... or maybe it's V-tachy. (his words).

It sounds like the doc is a bit conflicted as to what to call it, or maybe it doesn't matter becuse the treatment is identical. Is that possibly true?

Watching the monitor, it showed a peculiar pattern, and here is the precise sequence that would take place in each episode:

Rate normal, 60's. Then PVC's would occur, and heart rate would immediately shoot up to around 90. Heart would then immediately crash down to 30's for a minute or so. Then stabilize again in the 60's for a while, then the whole episode would would start over. The timing on the sequence varied from 2-3 minutes at worst to an hour at best.

Well, the pacemaker put the kibosh the slow rate, and beta blockers have helped with the high rate, but the blasted PVC's are still there. :(

Has anyone had a similar sequence, and did you get the precise name for it?

Many thanks,,,

[Momto3]

Sorry about the ugly turn of events with the PVCs.  

SSS can be difficult, but it sounds like you've got a great handle on things!  How's it going with the pacemaker?

Occasional Vfib???  YIKES!!  Any talk of an ICD?

Your episodes sound exhausting?  Glad to hear the PM is helping with the bradycardia and the BB's with the tachy : )   It is entirely possible that you will continue to have the PVCs on/off.  Since you've had them for 10 years, you know they come and go...GRRRR

Hopefully, some members with SSS will stop by with some ideas or suggestions.

Take Care and WELCOME to the community
connie

[bobad]

Thanks for the reply and encouragement.

The PVC's, which I have always been told are harmless, are the worst part. Years ago they started with an occasional bump. They became more frequent and longer duration, and finally developed into a real problem. Knowing what I know, PVC's should not be taken lightly. I suspect the docs know that they can evolve into a serious condition, but can't do anything about it. That's  probably why the doc's advise their patients not to worry about PVC's.

The pacemaker is causing a little pain, like a "sticking" feeling in the heart area at times. I may be feeling the current when it paces. It's not real painful, more of an annoyance.

Thanks again Connie, and best of health to you.