how 2 find the diff between PAC ,PVC

[malik185]

hi im 31 years old a i would concider myself to be fairly physicaly fit . i started to get this weird sensation like  a thug or like a skipped beat as i now know its a extra beat, i been told by many people and my doc thats its not harmful, i just wanted to know if i have PAC OR PVC and how can u tell the diffence , ive already mention it to my doc but he says that the only thing he can do is put me on a 24 hr monitor again, the problem with tat is that i usally ave the extra beats once a week or maybe more. so i was wondering if anyone can tell the diffence between pvc and pac and which is more serious than the two . thanx you

[greendave]

learning yet again. I didn't know that and was curious.
dave

[dolfnlvr]

Well, telling the difference is nearly impossible, and as for which is more serious than the other....neither nor...

I'm sorry there isn't a better answer, because I know how very frustrating it is.  Your doctor was correct, an EKG that shows the premature beat would indicate where the errant electrical impulse is originating (atria or ventricles) and would therefore determine whether you were experiencing a PAC or a PVC.  However, at one or two "skips" per week, catching the things would be difficult without an event monitor.  And, since both rhythms are benign in a structurally normal heart, determining which you are experiencing will not serve any medical purpose (though it would certainly assuage your curiosity).  

Again, neither arrhythmia is at all serious in a structurally normal heart.

I'm sorry I don't have a more satisfying answer for you.  Take care and let us know if we can be of further support as you learn to deal with these frustrating tic tocs!!!