is arrythmia affected by pregnancy?

[heather79]

I have been diagnosed with mitro-valve prolapse and I take motoprol daily.  But now I am 2 months pregnant and I am having alot more palpations and heart racing even though I am taking my medication.  My cardiologist suggest that I stop taking medicine while I am pregnant, but I can't stand the constant palpatations.Do you have any suggestions?

[deedle1976]

Hi heather, I feel for you. I got terrible palps during pregnancy. Thousands per day on holter. It was almost unbearable. I managed not to take a beta blocker as mine only really started around 6 months. I was given the option but I'd read that they may decrease birth weight. However a friend who had constant PVCs brought on by pregnancy took a very low dose of atenolol on the advice of her cardiologist. This greatly relieved her symptoms and she gave birth to a very large and healthy boy.
I have to say I don't think I could go through all that a second time so if there is a next time I will seriously consider taking the betablockers in the later stages of preg (and at low dose). Personally I think the constant distress I felt can't have been doing my baby much good.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Hi Heather,
That is a tough position to be in.  I am sure you know this, but PVC are not dangerous with structurally normal hearts.  They can cause significant symptoms.  I agree with your cardiologist that it is best to be on as few or no medications during pregnancy.  I would also try to wean the metoprolol off.  There is not a big increase in risk by staying on the metoprolol, but any risk is risk and it is always best to minimize it.
I hope this helps, thanks for posting and congratulations.